3 days post ACDF-what to expect

[MissyfromMN]

Hello, I am 3 days post ACDF of C5-6 with a severe spinal cord compression.  I still do not have feeling back in my hand yet but the doc said it might be even 2 years before I can feel that again.  I am doing pretty well with the pain, some here and there, mostly in the back of my head where the collar sits on my head.  Is this normal post op?  Or do you have highs and lows? somedays good somedays bad?  I was expecting to be in much more pain.  What has your experience been?

[condesa]

How long last ACDF with no complication? last 10or 20 yrs?

[Kalvin]

I can understand you nervousness, its normal. Exactly what type of procedure are you going to be having? I was a smoker prior to my surguries and I didn't have issues with suffocation.

One thing I will tell you, if you don't already know, you can't smoke after surgery, it's not a option. It can cause healing problems and it's just not worth the gamble. Actually, your supposed to stop a little before too, I didn't even know that, so I didn't. Fortunately, I didn't have any problem fusing on both of my surgeries.


Take Care

[peanut29288]

Having surgery next week 9/9/2010  really starting to get nervous.  I have done a lot of research.  Just wondering what percentage i will fall in in the pain catagory.  Also wondering if anyone had a hard time breathing when they first woke up.  I am a smoker wich i am working on.  And am worried about the possibility of feeling like i am suffocating when i wake up due to swelling in the throat.  Did anyone experience this?

[Kalvin]

Its great you don't have much pain, I was in a lot of pain afterwards. Many surgeons don't use collars anymore, it kind of their call. I didn't have to wear one. And yes you will have many ups and downs, it all part of the recovery. Hope it continues to go well for you.


Take Care

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. Usually, recovery from a ACDF procedure takes time (standard is six weeks) and as everyone is different it may vary as well.  Most of the times, one may experience back and leg pain during the recovery period. However, essentially you should avoid prolonged sitting, lifting heavy objects, bending, twisting and excessive exertion for the first three weeks. It is not like that you restrict all activities but you should gradually increase your physical activities over this period. Additionally, common complication of a ACDF is that there is a possibility that another fragment of disc will herniate and may cause similar symptoms. Therefore, endoscopic microdiscectomy is appropriate in some specific situations, and you may check this with your treating neurologist. Hope this helps.