[Coloradogirl]

Hi Gene and Kelly,
Thanks for the warm welcome. I had to switch insurances to get this two-level mobi c surgery covered 100 percent. Anthem denied it but United approved it. It is nice to read about everybody's progress/experience here on this board. I am doing pretty well so far. I am on about half the pain medicine/muscle relaxers they prescribed me.

My surgeon is Dr. Vikas Patel. I picked him because of his experience in doing two-level ADRs for a long time. He did his residency under hyun bae. He is the chief spine ortho surgeon at University Hospital in Denver and has published a lot of studies and outcomes of his research. He is impeccable in his approach but a bit on the strict side for rehab. I read on here about one fella who was allowed to go back to the gym right away. Patel wants me walking two miles every day but he has me in a pretty stiff brace with full thoracic support that I have to wear 24/7 for six weeks. No lifting over 10 lbs, no laundry (I like that part), no driving for a few weeks etc...

Patel does say I can ski/climb 14ers and do all the stuff I love after 12 weeks. But he is strict for the 12 weeks.

How are both of you doing? I hope you are feeling well and hopeful for a healthy and active future.

Attaching one picture of my neck that was taken about one week after surgery. Don't know why it is upside down.