"Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion operation"

I had an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion operation at Orthopaedic Spine Specialist hospital in January 2018 to remove a bulging disc... After many years of neck and back pain I finally had an MRI scan in August 2016 which confirmed I had a bulging disc at c6 c7 level. I went on to the hospitals website and found that I could request to be referred to the hospital through my GP as an NHS patient which I thought was great as I had always thought that the hospital only treated private patients.

I met with the surgeon who was very pleasant and re assuring.It was decided that I would benefit from surgery as previous treatments had been unsuccessful.

On the morning of the operation I was greeted by the nurse who was lovely.I was taken to an individual room where I was fully informed of everything that was going to happen before,during and after my operation.I was visited by the anaesthetist who also informed me of everything that would happen.I was just made to feel at complete ease.

After the operation I was taken back to my room and was looked after so well.I had a drain in the front of my neck which meant I couldn't go anywhere without calling a nurse.I had to do this several times through the night and every time I was treated with the up most respect.

I was asked many times if I needed anything such as extra blankets,pillows,water and if I was comfortable enough.

It's now 7 months since I had the operation and the difference is amazing.Before I was in agony and I couldn't lift anything remotely heavy.I wasn't sleeping as the pain would wake me up.I also had pins and needles running down my arm into my fingers.Now I am doing a bit of physio and taking some medication to help with the slight ache I still have while the nerves are still healing and I am back at work full time.The pins and needles have gone.

I fully recommend anyone to use this hospital for the treatment they need as you are treated with respect.

The surgeon is a fantastic surgeon and man and all the staff that work alongside him are fantastic too.