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Spinal Halo Anyone?

jasmine0523
jasmine0523
OMG. I just read up on what the surgeon said to me. He said that upper level cervical disc fusions require a halo vest. I read up on it and I originally thought he was talking about C1-2 but they also use a halo for C2-3. I am in shock. Has anyone ever been fitted with a halo vest. The thought is terrifying me. I know it's not definite yet but I do have that diagnosis from the CT scan. They attach pins to your skull. I am just not sure I can handle that. I thought I was being a baby with the hard collar- now this. If anyone out there had that experience please let me know. I feel like my nerves can't take anymore.
YvetteK
YvetteK
I do not have personal experience with a halo collar, but when I broke my back, I was an in-patient at my rehab center, and my floor was specifically for spinal injuries. Half of the people on my floor had halo collars. I can only tell you what a few of my friends from there told me. That it takes a little while to get used to, but it's not as bad as they thought it would be. Obviously it limits your movement, but you do learn to work around that for the time you have it on. So that is what I was told. And I was around them all day everyday for a month.

I know it seems horrible, but I think the reality of it is not as bad as the thoughts of it.
Aronia
Aronia
I never had it but from what the patients told me it is cumbersome and uncomfortable. As far as the pins in the head - they have not complained much about the pain from the pins. The collar/vest was more of a problem for them.
Hugs
billwfriend
billwfriend
I would not go against having one if it was what is needed....hugs
fayre
fayre
Jasmine,

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I'm so sorry. I've never had the halo, just the hard collars as you know. I don't think it hurys, but is uncomfortable. I've known a few people who had them in the past.

It's my understanding they use those so they get you more stabalized after surgery. That's a tough area to have done. Ive had C 3 - C5 fusion done last March and I had C 6/7 done years ago. Gor the C3-C5 fusion, I only had to wear a hard collar for 3 months.

I hope you can find out the info you're looking for. When is your surgery? Keep us posted please.

Love and hugs,

Xoxoxo

Mary Ellen
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