Just wanted to let everyone know that Gina's spinal fusion surgery went well and we are back home after spending one night at the hospital at Mayo Rochester.

Gina had an anterior cervical dissection and fusion surgery to repair a bulged disc that was putting pressure on a nerve causing pain and numbness in her left arm and hand.  

For this surgery, they accessed the disc from the front of the neck.  They go in from the front instead of the back because this gives them better access to the discs.  There is also less postoperative pain because there are fewer muscles that need to be cut or moved to access the discs and vertebrae. The bulged disc was removed and a bone graft was implanted in its place. The goal is to have the vertebrae fuse together and it is all held in place with a small titanium plate and screws.   

Recovery will take some time with Gina taking it easy for a while. Currently the main issue she is having is a sore throat and trouble swallowing.  She will be on a soft food diet for a while and but will gradually return to a normal diet. Gina will be in a soft neck brace for about 6 weeks and will not be able to drive.  However, she should be able to start working from home a few hours a day after about 3 weeks.  The main thing is making sure she does not overdo it and allow the bones to grow and fuse together.  

There will be follow up Xrays to check the bone growth progress at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.  

Thank you for your continued thoughts and support.

Nick