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On Aug 8, 2006, I had a fall that resulted in an incomplete (central core) C-4-7 SCI. An MRI was done within 12 hours, and the neurosurgeon recommended the laminoplasty procedure. This procedure has become more common and is normally done to address spinal stenosis. It is also being done more often for SCI, and I believe it was done on the Buffalo Bills football player last year (but I could be wrong on that).
Within 24 hours of my accident, I was in the operating room, the reasoning being that the sooner the pressure is relieved on the spinal cord the better chance of a positive outcome. The procedure involves exposing the spinal column, then slicing one side so that the spinal column hinges open.
(An video of the operation is available on You Tube, though might be a bit much for the squeamish.) A bit of cadaver bone is inserted to keep the spine open, and everything gets zipped back together. There is a variation of the operation where the surgeon also goes at it from the front (through the throat) which is a little riskier and has a longer recovery time.
The risks were explained to me. At the time I had almost no gross motor control, zero fine motor, no bowel or bladder. Recovery, I was told, would be around 6 months, during which I would have to wear a cervical collar 24 hrs a day. I figured I wasn't going anywhere, so what the hell....
The first week was spent in ICU, heavily sedated, mostly morphine. The also pumped me full of steroids, and my face puffed up. The morphine kept the pain down but resulted in a state of semi-conciousness with hallucinations. Recovery began week 2, different meds. I was still in constant pain, but began to regain some sensation and muscle control, in both my arms and legs. At week 3
I was able to stand with assistance, and a week later, was able to take a few steps. The doctors decided at that time to put me into a OT/PT program. I first underwent a drug induced heart stress test, because of my age (53), I suppose to make sure I could endure the fun of intensive therapy.
I was up to walking 50 some steps by week 6, and woke up one morning and moved my thumb. Working with OT, by week 7, I began getting more use of my hand, and actually could form an obscene gesture, though slowly. I had regained bowel control and against the advice of the staff, I insisted on removing my catheter. There were a few accidents, but relearned how to pee (which is somewhat complicated I found out). I asked for (insisted) and got released at week 8. 2 months in the hospital is enough to drive anyone insane, and had lost 40 lbs eating hospital 'food'.
EPILOGUE:
All SCI, are as we know different. Now, nearly 2 yrs later, I have regained enough use of my hands that I can open and hold a beer, type with 2 fingers, l sometimes walk without my walker a few little ways. (MEN ONLY: It was nearly a year before I had an erection, but now functions almost like before.) Like most SCI, i still experience pain and spasms, but deal with it. I wore that damn collar for 6 months and could only sleep on my back for another 6.
I don't know how much of this to attribute to the cervical laminoplasty, and how much might have just happened naturally. If post this for those who might be considering the procedure. At he time I was simply interested in ANYTHING that might improve my situation.
Am happy to hear from others who have experience with this subject, or have questions. (oh, and sometimes I hear funny noises in my neck...)
Edited by Gimpanzee, 26 May 2008 - 12:19 AM.
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