Just thought I would let you all know, that I had my op on the fourth, and I am doing fine. The fixed and fused 3 disc in my neck and then used 3 titanium plates to secure them. I am in a neck brace for awhile, and will need some therapy later, but for now I am doing okay. I was a little worried, as my left arm and hand, which worked fine before the operation, were pretty useless when the operation was over. But, the doctor said it would get better each day and the use of it would get better. He said it was because the nerves to that arm were so compressed, and that they are re establishing themselves :) Anyho, just wanted to thank you all for all your well wishes before I went in, and for being such a great bunch of people to have as friends :) Sallie

Sounds like you are well on the road to recovery. My thoughts are with you. Rob

It's good to have you back.

Glad to hear that the surgery went well. :) Jay

I'm glad you'll be okay. I hope the arm gets better quickly.

We've been talking about you at TEG Sallie and hoping all went well. Sounds like you are coming along fine...it's gonna take awhile but you'll be doing 'the exorcist thing' soon :) Take care and thanks for the update! :) Irene

Glad to hear you are doing well! Here's to a healty 2002!

-poke-poke-pokeydots! Welcome back... glad you're doing well.

Glad to hear your doing well pokeydots! I didn't even know you were in surgery. I woulda sent you well-wishes if I had!

Always happy to hear from you Pokeydots and we are happy your are back on your way to recovery. Mike and Sharen

Thanks everyone, feels good to be back :)

Congratulations on pulling through. And you should pretty much think that your doctor knows what he is talking about in re "nerve reestablishment". Ten years ago I had major jaw surgery and for about 4 years my lower right jaw and right side of my lower lip were numb. Then out of the blue there started to be first minor prickling then tingling and after a while, about two and a half years, it was practicaly constant. I learned to live with it, but one day I noticed it was gone and now have for all practical purposes full feeling. My wife always has a joke - good too - about this but you'll have to figure that out for yourself. Godspeed. Larry F

Thanks Larry :)

Sigh, I was so worried. I didn't have enough details. Glad to know you're on your way to recovery.

Thanks Mab, I think all will be well now, I had one of the best surgeons, he is one of the head neurologist at Pittsbughs Presbyterian Hospital :) I was in good hands! sallie

Hi, Glad to hear you're OK. I remember when I traumatised my neck muscles, and it was deeply annoying :) Get well soon. later jb

Thanks JB :)

Hi, So glad to hear that you are doing well. I wish you a speedy recovery!

Thank You cw :)

You mean you have titanium plates in your neck? Cool! Always looking on the bright side. It's good to see you back.

lol yep, now I am bionic woman! lmao :)

sounds like quite an experience! you're very brave :) i hope the nerves sort themselves out quickly! :)

Thanks April :0 One good thing I told my hubby that wearing this neckbrace 24 hours a day, my double chin is going away! lmao

Glad you're back! I missed your posts.

They had to completely rebuild my left arm two and 1/2 years ago, including removing and replacing the ulnar nerve entirely. This left me with a huge strip that felt absolutely dead. Compression in your case is a lot less severe. Today ... well, let's just say that if I reach over a lit candle to get something, it HURTS! It didn't even take the full two years the doctor said it would take for the nerve area to entirely regenerate, so you shouldn't have any problems getting that arm back and cooperative. Great to hear that you came through it with flying colours. :)

Thanks Pookas :) I feel a lot better after hearing that yours turned out so well. Sallie

And Now She has more Pokey Dots then ever :)

lol Littlemouse :)