Any advice on exercise/diet BEFORE cervical surgery?
 

I'm still not scheduled yet...trying to hold out as long as possible. I do a modest routine of exercise and traction that I learned from PT. The strengthening of my back and neck definitely helps. Does anyone have any advice on pre-op exercises and diet that can improve one's outcome in recovery from cervical surgery?

Good for you for even asking! Where are you "at" now in your diet? Are you eating lots of fruits and vegetables? Do you have good oral hygiene?

Also, see the other posts in this forum -- lots of good info on healthy eating there. :)

Workouts while waiting for ADR
 

Everyone in our family is triathletes. While waiting to find a doctor and get the surgery, does anyone know how much workout someone with a C5-6 and C6-7 can do? He's stopped swimming because it hurts too much, but wants to keep biking, running, weight lifting. The local PA said stationary bike and eliptical are fine, but doesn't want him lifting anything over 20#. Dang.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Trying my best with fruits and vegetables. Was told the greenest, most "living" veggies are best. What's the significance of oral hygiene?

Dee, sorry for the late reply about your question on oral hygiene. See this FAQ:

http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/f49...-surgery-9576/

And from our sister site, this forum (especially the first topic):

The DENT Connection

Keep on eating the good foods!

Clean up your piehole before surgery!
 

Also see one of my interviews with a leading researcher, the CEO of a company making anti-infection treatment technologies:

YouTube - ‪Dr. Nicolas G. Loebel, Ondine Biomedical‬‏

Some of their products have been used in Canada now for five years for periodontal treatments and cleanings. Really cool stuff.

Diet and excercises
 

Deemzee,
I'd keep to the diet that they recommend "after" cervical surgery. Lean protien at each meal (I found egg whites to be very good), along with fresh fruit and veggies and whole grains.

Kim H,
I'd have your husband heed what the TBI doctors said. Especially overhead lifting. I've been told never to do that again (I had a hybrid on the same levels that your husband is having issues with).
D'Ann

Waiting can have consequences too
 

Deemzee,

Congrat's on wanting to do all you can with healthy eating and exercise before you jump into surgery. If it's possible to achieve/maintain the functionality you want indefinitely without surgery by all means do so. If, on the other hand, surgery is inevitable, please be aware that waiting can compromise your chances for the best surgical outcome. Had I waited too long to address my cervical DDD and cord compression, I would have ended up with a double-level fusion instead of two ADR's. Worse yet, my pain and balance issues might not have resolved.

It's a bit of a balancing act. You don't want to "jump the gun" and get surgery prematurely, but you also don't want to "put it off as long as possible" for no reason other than delay.

I'm sure you're also aware of problems that come from prolonged cord compression, so, factor those into your decision too.

All that being said, even the remote possibility for surgery makes proper diet, sleep, oral hygiene, and other things to eliminate latent infections or systemic weakness super important.

Good Luck!
Laura