ACDF Post-op success..

[BrokeDaddy]

I've been suffering with both lumbar and cervical pain. I had an erector set installed to keep my *** together, but 25 years later, my back and legs are bothering me again. On the other hand, my neck MRI's report problems from c3 to c7, with probable surgery needed in the C5/6 & C6/7 with spacers. I worry about my post-op condition/pain levels. I've been on Fentanyl patches & Vicodin 10's for years, but the only peace from pain is when I sleep-if only for a short time. I know that I'll still be using patches/pills after neck surgery, but the hope is that the neck pain that makes me want to blow my brains out now, will subside dramatically later. The back pain- I can deal with!

I would like to hear about the ACDF success, and less than successful stories, and if they include doctors in the Orlando FL area.

[Kalvin]

The surgery is great for electric type nerve pain, from pinched nerves.In the neck, shoulder or down the arm. Noticed improvement right away. General neck mobility is somewhat limited afterwards, but at least you won't be in excruciating pain every time you move it.

Does seem to create havoc with with the upper back muscles and the scapular area in general. Lot of people that have had ACDF's complain of pain and spasms in that area.

[BrokeDaddy]

I appreciate the reply. With my neck, the lack of mobility is my prime concern-drugs can handle the pain. My doctor and I both agree that I'll probably continue at least the Vicodin for the combined pain. I used to be able to crack my neck when it got stiff, but no more- it's been years. After the lumbar surgery, I could at least still touch the floor with my palms, even now(getting back up is another thing).

A lot of calcification has built-up in those crevices, limiting movement. The kinks, stiffness, and radiating pain in my neck is what really drives me toward wanting to walk across the turnpike at night.

After they scraped out all the crud in your neck, what improvement did you see?

[Kalvin]

Its funny I have had back and neck surgery, and the neck surgery always scared me more. Not really sure why? Back surgery isn't exactly a walk in the park either.

I've had 2 single level ACDFs but nothing quite as complex as what you're contemplating. I did get some pain relief from them, but not as much as I had hoped.And you're right about post-op pain, at least in my experience. It was bad, pain was much worse than before surgery, I lived in a recliner for the 1st 2 weeks. Slowly though, I did begin to feel better, but it took awhile. But unlike you, I had no idea I was going to feel this bad, at least the 1st time.

If you go into this realizing that you're probably not going to achieve 100% pain reduction, but are willing to accept that the amount you do receive may make your life a little more tolerable, the whole thing will be a lot easier to get through. I really wish I had known this before I had mine.