I finally consented to surgery due to the right arm impairment. But the surgeon is MAD. He said because I had this surgery so long ago, he now has to track down the manufacturer of the plate that’s in my neck so that he knows what type of screwdriver to use. He said the surgery was not ideal because in order to fix my neck, he has to remove the plate just to reposition it and then do another surgery above and below the previous one. Anyway, would I need PT or OT or both? And what kind of recovery as far as driving, lifting, etc? If I need therapy, would I have to stay in the hospital for that? What’s the length of hspital stay with or without therapy. I am getting conflicting feedback from a few folks that have had this type of surgery done. Probably an insurance thing I suppose. I am a vet so I am having this done at the VA in Portland Oregon (the surgeon gave rave reviews about you by the way). I want the best recovery possible. So candid answers would be appreciated. I have not had great luck in getting answers to my questions from the surgeon. Staff have hinted that many returning vets from Iraq and Afghanistan could be part of it as this surgeon only sees vets once weekly. Thanks so much Dr. C. Your intellect has had a bearing on whether or not to forgo surgery!!
