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kebsfroggy · Mar 18, 2012, 03:31 PM

Was broadsided by the results of an MRI that showed a large bone spur on one vertebra in my neck. The Dr. said I was in danger of becoming paralyzed from the neck down. So surgery was scheduled STAT.
Well I’m here to say I did survived having my throat slit. There were 3 spurs and they were much larger than they looked on the mri. Surgery was Friday a.m. Left hospital late yesterday afternoon.
I did receive an immediate (unexpected) response from hospital staff when I mistakenly removed my heart monitor while trying to get dressed to leave the hospital. Heaven only knows they never understood when I buzzed to go to restroom. Apologized to the staff as I never had worn a heart monitor before. Also now know what to do when you really need to go to the restroom and you are wearing a heart monitor.
A big thanks to Dr Steven Dutcher (a Neurosurgeon). Did a great job on the surgery and I’m feeling fine. The incision is about 2 ½ long with little stripes to keep it closed. (It kind of looks like a bar code across the middile of my neck). Could breathe, swallow, and talk with only slight discomfort as soon as I woke up. Not thrilled with the neck brace but realize it is a necessity. Complete recovery will take some time. Did discover that with a neck brace you cannot snore while sleeping and it’s been years since I slept with my mouth shut.
All my family now knows I can breathe, swallow and talk and are now probably wishing recovery had taken a little longer.

kebs