Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
10 weeks post 3 level ACDF
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Post a Question Back to Forum
MedHelp Member's Question

10 weeks post 3 level ACDF

by dbea10, Mar 29, 2007 12:00AM
10 weeks post 3 level ACDF

Hi All

I had a 3 level ACDF on January 17, 2007 and I am now in physiotherapy. My only question is when can I smoke again!!!!!!!!!!

I have been back for my post-op and everything looked good on the xray, the surgeon let me wean off of the Aspen collar I was wearing from day one. I also went back to work 12 days after surgery, keeping in mind all I do is sit at a desk all day with the opportunity to get up and move around at will.
I have zero pain, the only thing that is left is pins and needles in my finger tips.

Debbie
Doctor's Answer

by Forum-M.D.-SH, Apr 21, 2007 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.  
    It is good to hear that your are doing so well from your surgery.  I do have bad news for you (but good news for your health), you should never smoke again.  This is not a sermon, I have practical reasons for you.  Smoking causes vasocontriction and inhibits your bodies ability to heal (of the fusions that fail, many are due to smoking).  Thus it is very improtant in the post-operative period that you stop smoking.  There are a number of ways to help relive the stress of not smoking such as nicotine patches/gum/lozenges and medications such as Zyban.  Smoking involves both a chemical addiction to nicotine and the behavioral addiction to the practice of smoking (taking breaks with colleages/ the comforting feel of the routine,etc).  The chemical addiction is usually easier to overcome, but in time of stress people often relapse back into smoking.  Having the cervical fusion has forced you to quit at least temporarily, and it may be the thing that adds 10-20 years on your life.  Smoking is terrible for your general health and greatly increases your risk for heart disease, lung cancer and stroke to name a few.  I would view this as an oppertunity to improve your health and do what ever is needed to not restart smoking.
I hope this has been helpful.
Member Comments (20)

by JohnyH, Mar 29, 2007 12:00AM
Glad you are doing well!....  I had a single level around the same time and I am in still a great deal of pain.   Having basically serious range of motion issues as well.

I had no collar,  no plates or  screws,   There seems to be a many ways this whole ACDF thing is done.   Every doctor I had a consult with had a seperate treatment plan as well as revcovery instructions.     I choose a doctor who was the director of a university spine center so  I have to hope he knows his stuff!

My doc thought smoking had little impact in my case.   Now I only had a single level and I am a 35 y/o male.    I have yet to have xrays post op.   They will do mine around mid April.  

Hope all continues well for you!!  If your off smoking stay there!!!!!   I have been on and off since but if you can take it don't smoke!!!   They do know that smoking has an impact on the healthy discs you have.  It has been shown to dry them out.   After a 3 level ACDF I would really consider to never smoke again if you can!   Good luck and hope for your continued success!

by bev62, Mar 29, 2007 12:00AM
I agree with JohnyH, I am 5 months post-op of a two level ACDF and I'm still in terrible pain.  I've never smoked, but that can slow the healing process, so I wouldn't take any chances.  If you've gone 10 weeks I would try to hang in there.  It's great to hear that someone has had a successful ACDF.

by Annie62, Mar 29, 2007 12:00AM
To: dbea
dbea,

If you have managed to go 10 weeks without a cigarette, then you should pretty much have it kicked-forever.  Why not take advantage of that fact-you have already made it this far-and make the decision and committment never to smoke again?  Not sure how it affects your postsurgical healing, but I know you'd be doing your heart and lungs a huge favor.  Hope you can manage it.  I know when I quit I felt pretty confident after one week that I would continue to not smoke-it got easier every single day-, so after 10 weeks I would think you would have little trouble not going back to it if you would choose that route.  Good luck.  

by dbea10, Mar 29, 2007 12:00AM
To: Thank You JohnyH, Bev62, and Annie62
Thank you all for your comments it and will do my best to stay quit.

I am sorry to hear of your pain JohnyH and Bev62  I hope you are feeling better very soon.

Debbie

by JCmcc, Mar 31, 2007 12:00AM
To: smoking
The smoking thing hits home. When people tell me, "you should quit" or "Did you know that smoking kills?" I look them dead in the eye and say, "Thank you. I did not ascend to this position by being stupid."

Haha

I love to smoke. I know that it is bad, but, American Consumptionism allows no one to rant and rave. Obesity, drug addiction, alcoholism, food addiction-EVERYONE IS PRETTY MUCH ADDICTED TO SOME BAD FOR YOU SOURCE!

Live! When you, and only you are ready-you will quit.

It drives me nuts.


by Annie62, Apr 01, 2007 12:00AM
To: smoking
Of course everyone who smokes loves to smoke.  All addicts "love" what they do.  That's why they keep doing it year after year after year.  I loved it, too--and now I regret it greatly.  Some people love it so much that even when they go to the doctor with a cough and get diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer they *still* continue to smoke.  In my case, getting sick 13 years ago with an undiagnosed illness is what led me to quit.  I was too scared to keep smoking or to continue to take my health for granted as I had prior.

And women are even more susceptible than men to the effects of smoking-research proves that.  The problem with lung cancer is that it's almost always Stage IV/metastatic when it's dxd, and most people will die, and quickly at that.  It also kills those who do not choose to smoke but are exposed to second-hand smoke.  Where is the justice in that?

I think smoking should be outlawed.  Nicotine is a drug that kills and the big tobacco company whores are making billions off of selling disability and death to millions of addicted Americans.  How's that for "ranting and raving?"  

by JCmcc, Apr 01, 2007 12:00AM
To: RE: ANNIEEEEEEE
Actually: pretty damned good. :)

by patsy10, Apr 01, 2007 12:00AM
To: Annie62
You go girl!!

by pneeb419, Apr 01, 2007 12:00AM
To: JCmcc
JC - this time I have to agree with you.  I have been smoking probably longer than Annie's been alive.  I just had a physical and with the exception of my MS, am in perfect health.  For how long?  I don't know, but I am not going to worry about it. While I cannot say I LOVE smoking, I do enjoy it and as long as I am conscience about not exposing non-smokers to my second hand smoke (which I am) I get pretty tired of people telling me that I shouldn't because it kills.....duh!!  So does getting hit by a bus. So does jumping off a 10 story building.  But I don't hear anyone campaigning to stop making buses or 10 story buildings.  There may be some smokers who are stupid people who need to be told that smoking could kill them.  But then there are a lot stupid people out there who don't smoke too.  Maybe they should just be told to stop being stupid.  And while we're on the subject, does anyone have any idea just what kind of harmful chemical fumes they are exposing themselves to each time they put fuel into their vehicles?  But hey....I guess that's okay.  Leave us smokers alone and we'll do our best to keep your lungs free of our bad habit so that you can fill them up with the hundreds of other particles floating in the air.  Second hand smoke is NOT the only thing that causes lung cancer.....

Okay....off my soap box.....and dbea.....I think it's great that you quit and I encourage you to not start again but only if it's what YOU want.  If YOU want to light up again...go for it.

by Quixotic1, Apr 01, 2007 12:00AM
To: smoking
Ok, my 2 cents worth.  The data is IN on the effects of SMOKE (not nicotine) on the smoker and the innocents who may be forced to breathe it.  Rant all you want, smoke all you want, but KEEP IT AWAY from others!  As a retired pediatrician, 2nd hand smoke cripples and kills. I've seen premies in carbon monoxide coma from chain-smoking parents.  I've watched kids gasping (and dying) from asthma exacerbated by their mom's smoking.  I lost a colleague to the lung cancer his smoking wife didn't get.  Her grief then killed her.  I have hundred's of these examples from my own career alone. I spent 25 years watching it and treating the results.  I like to drink water, but I don't spit it in other's faces.  Having a "no-smoking" section in any place except outdoors is like having a "no-peeing zone" in a swimming pool.

If there is good data that smoking has played a role in your illness, why would you ever undergo the treatment if you intend to resume the behavior?  Whatever got you through the detox period, use it to find substitute for the wonderfully pleasurable habit you miss.  Yes, the habit is what you miss and that can be a very strong desire.  The nicotine is long out of your system.

Whatever you choose, be clear that you're choosing it for yourself because "you wanna", not deluding yourself with the excuses made by Big Tobacco.

That aside good luck to all of you who have faced these decisions.  I am amazed at the suffering and the strength I have seen on these boards.  

by AMO