This is necessarily going to be short.
Regular readers may have noticed I’ve not been very active in my writing this past week. That’s because I’ve been extremely inactive physically.
It’s difficult to concentrate when you’re in a neck brace, fighting headaches, fatigue, and prohibited from driving for six weeks.
That’s what a C-3 through C-6 fusion will do to you. Demobilization, I call it. A pain in the neck.
Shoot, I’m not even able to talk much and those of you who know me are aware what a handicap that is for me.
I have a phobia about pain pills. Up until this procedure, I’ve always refused to use them. Not this time. When you get this kind of headache, you’ll do just about anything to make it go away.
I’ve been putting this off for some time but I finally had to face reality: my neck wasn’t going to heal itself.
My neurosurgeon, Dr. Luke Corsten, told me it was a “difficult” procedure. He has a flair for the understatement.
I was laid on my back, strapped to the operating table, my arms stretched outward and upward as far as they would go and my chin pushed upward, a position I remained in for the entire four-hour operation.
I wouldn’t be this sore after an extreme triathlon on a hot August day in Baton Rouge—without warming up.
They made a lengthy incision in the front of my throat, pushed the vocal cords out of their way and went to work doing what they do best—making people better.
And I’m here to tell you that the folks at The NeuroMedical Center and The Spine Hospital of Louisiana are the best. From Dr. Corsten down to the hospital orderlies, the personnel were magnificent. Ever been in a hospital and pressed the nurse “call” button? Did you have to press it two or three more times before finally getting someone to your room?
Not at The Spine Hospital. Push the button one time and before you could release it, someone’s in your room. And not with an attitude like you’re interrupting something important like, say, Facebook time. The staff there make you feel like you’re the most important person they’ve ever met.
Surgery isn’t pleasant, but they did their best to make it so. And I, for one, noticed and appreciated that.
Medical personnel these days want you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe.
If I had to rate their kindness and professionalism on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, I give them a 15.
And lest I get scolded for omitting the most important ones in my life, Betty, you and the girls have been absolutely splendid. It’s been 50 years since I walked you down that aisle and the only thing I’d do differently today is maybe walk a little slower. Seventy-five years tend to make the footsteps a bit more deliberate and a lot more cautious.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have two cuddly pals, chihuahuas Bella and Ellie, who are waiting to curl up in my lap for our nap.
Louisiana Voice 
I’m sorry that the procedure was necessary but so glad that the medical professionals, all of them, did their work so splendidly. Being that good and positive news about any skilled profession is rare these days, hearing of your experience is encouraging.
Speedy recovery, Tom!
Tom,
Get a lot of rest with the canine cohorts.
I know the doctors said walking is good for you. I’m sure it is, but cross-country hiking and training for the triathlon can wait a few days.
I share your phobia about pain medication, but you need to get past the pain to heal and get back on your feet.
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Get better soon, Tom.
Best wishes from Steve Monaghan a d his two chihuahuas, Daphne and Delilah (they’re curled up on my lap now watching the snow melt).
Tom,
You have my sympathy; I’ve been in the same situation. In 2013 C3-C7 became one massive lump. Work done at what is now called The Spine Hospital. Different surgeon, but they’re all very good. I share your opinion about the hospital and it’s staff.
I also had lumbar fusion although not at the same time. Given the choice between a back brace and a neck brace, I’ll take the former any day.
Speedy recovery! At least you’ll be free of the pain in your neck and arms.
Tom, I’m delighted to hear your surgery went so well. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. I had spine surgery at the same facility in December and I share your high opinion of the hospital and the amazing staff. It’s a wonderful place and I’m grateful I found it.
Glad you survived, hope your recovery is short and pain free-get well soon!
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Hi Tom! What a wonderful Friday surprise! This article circulated at The NeuroMedical Center and we are thrilled to hear about your recent experience. Thank you so much for sharing your story….
Please feel free to contact me if you need anything.. i.e. a Spine Hospital t-shirt you can lounge in when hanging with the pups!
Emily Turner Graham- Marketing Director, The NeuroMedical Center Clinic & The Spine Hospital of LA
emily.turner@spinehola.com
Dr. Luke Corsten is my Neurosurgeon and he is PHENOMENAL! I’ve had two cervical spine surgeries and now have 3 discs fused so I completely understand your pain Tom. It gets better with time, at least I hope it does for you.
Tom –
Praying for a complete and speedy recovery. Monday we sent you and your surgeons prayer for a good outcome. It appears Our Lord smiled upon you all. Now – let your caretakers – Betty, your daughters and those sweet doggies – do their job.
All the best –
Jerel G.
Best wishes on your recovery!
Hoping you have a great recovery (sorta selfishly so you can get back to writing) 😊
Geez, Mr. Tom, I didn’t know that you were hurting so badly. I did notice that you had stopped with the “good hit them across the nose” articles lately but I had no idea that you were hurting so bad. Take care of yourself and I will light a St. Jude candle for you on my fireplace. It is good to hear that there are still good doctors and hospitals willing to bend over backwards for their patients. You were very fortunate to find such a good staff. I sent in another donation because you hadn’t reached your goal yet. I hope you made it at the end. Don’t take your lovely wife dancing just yet, make her wait a while, all things get better with ageing, ex. wine, beer, fruit, husbands. lol.I know she will be sitting on the dance bench waiting for you when you are ready to dance the night away. You are such a lucky, lucky man! Barb
Tom Hoping for a speedy recovery for you.
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Best of luck for a speedy and complete recovery!
Hoping you’re soon feeling better. I’ve had two brain surgeries in the last three years, and I’m just as grateful for my wonderful neurosurgeon over here in Texas. I think sometimes of people who lived in a time when these surgeries were not available.
My wife and one of my daughters also had brain surgery—for identical benign brain tumors and both came through in flying colors. My wife was discharged from Ochsner in New Orleans the day before Katrina made landfall. It was a long, hard drive from New Orleans to Denham Springs but we were certainly glad to get out ahead of the hurricane.