Anterior Cervical Disectomy W/Fusion Recovery

[camerd]

I have never posted anything to a forum, but I have to agree with Ronin, there must be success stories out there. My doctor told me that I needed anterior cervical discestomy w/fusion C5-C7. I reseached the internet and decided I should go for the surgery. If I read these forums before surgery, I would have chickened out. I was scared because my brother-in-law had the surgery three years ago which resulted in his being confined to a wheelchair. After three years he is still undergoing surgery. I had a right to be scared but I didn't want to lose the use of my right arm. My surgery was October 17, 2006. On October 19th I went home. I am recovering and except for taking 2 hydrocodone and the scar on my neck, you can not tell that I had surgery. By the 20th of Oct. I was helping my wife with dishes, I drove my pick-up, and feel very well. Today is October 30th and I was raking leaves. I still take it easy, but I was blessed by having an excellent doctor. Since the surgery I don't have the daily headaches, my arm pain comes and goes but is not as bad as before the surgery. Bottom line is that I feel my surgery was very successful and recovery will be quick. I know there are others out there that have had success. Yes it was scary deciding on the surgery, but I'm glad I did.

[Kikko]

it is wonderful to hear you are healing so well in such a short time.  However, I do have a question for you.  Did your doctor say it is OK for you to be raking leaves just a few weeks post-op?  Please follow the doctor's orders so that you will continue to heal well and be pain free.

[Stiffneck]

Finally somebody has something good to say about ACDF surgery!  I am scheduled to be fused tomorrow at the UCLA Spine Center.

Wish me luck.

Tim

[mcbeth's wife]

Hi, scheduled for surgery 11/30/06.
Have spoken with several people who say this surgery was a great success.  However, they all had arm, neck, hand pain, etc.
Mine is in my legs.  Anyone else out there with this type of problem??    After reading some of the 2005 postings it seems there can be really nasty side effects, I hope there are more of you that have had positive experiences.  Guess Christmas shopping will not happen this year!

[vidge]

Hi all,for those contemplating Anterior Cervical Disectomy W/Fusion Recovery I,ve had it and 12 months later I'm fine.
I had a C5 & C6 fusion back in january 2006 and while it was a bit umncofortable at first the end result is fantastic.The muscles/ligaments are weak and sore for a while but if you maintain your exercises a couple of times a day you'll be fine.I'm only talking about my own experience and everyone is different.I was 41 and half at the time of surgery.My discs had prolapsed and had calcified and were pressing on my spinal nerve so I really didn't have an option.Only a slight reduction of movement exists.good luck ps get a good surgeon as you dont want to mess around

[vidge]

Hi all,for those contemplating Anterior Cervical Disectomy W/Fusion Recovery I,ve had it and 12 months later I'm fine.
I had a C5 & C6 fusion back in january 2006 and while it was a bit umncofortable at first the end result is fantastic.The muscles/ligaments are weak and sore for a while but if you maintain your exercises a couple of times a day you'll be fine.I'm only talking about my own experience and everyone is different.I was 41 and half at the time of surgery.My discs had prolapsed and had calcified and were pressing on my spinal nerve so I really didn't have an option.Only a slight reduction of movement exists.good luck ps get a good surgeon as you dont want to mess around

[DevilDogwife]

Hi Everyone,
I had a ADCF in April 2006 on C6&C7. I suffered for a couple of months with neck pains and slight numbness, then in March the pain worsened and I began loosing feeling in my left arm, shoulder and finger numbness. My elbow even hurt. I had an MRI done and was refered to see a Neurosurgeon and he did the surgery a week later. It said that if I didn't have the surgery I would probably go paralyzed because my nerve root was pretty damaged.  

If you are contemplating having this surgery done, it is well worth. I know there are a lot of scary things about it, and trust me I was scared to death. I had the best surgeon! To this day I have not pain any longer and I had instant relief the day of the surgery. I was hospitalized overnight and was also up walking the halls the night of my surgery.  The recoery time is quick. My scar is getting smaller and is beginning to fade.  I would recommend this to anyone who needs it.

[jadestonedoll]

Just another message to anyone considering this surgery.  It's so true that reading boards like this is enough to scare anyone away.  People are more likely to comment on something negative.

I am one-month post op from a c6-7 acdf using a trabecular cage for the fusion instead of bone.  The doc said the cage was a good option for me because I'm young (he called me YOUNG!)at 38.  I'd been having the usual arm pain and numbness for about three years, but was able to stave it off with exercise until October of 2006.

My surgery was done by an orthopaedic surgeon, not a neuro as I see most posters have used.  I, too, was up and around a few hours after I woke up and only spent one night in the hospital.  BUT, the doc would only let me go home if the pain could be controlled by pills and not the lovely dilauded pump they gave me.  By late the first night, I had stopped hitting the pump and was getting relief with percocet pills.

The first week of recovery was kinda rough.  My main advice is to make sure you have some help and let people spoil you!  Don't try to do ANYTHING you don't have to.  Your doc should be VERY generous with the pain pills so, if you're like me, you'll spend alot of time sleeping in the first week.

At this point, one month later, I've stopped using the percs completely.  I still get a little pain in my arm but only after being at work all day (a desk job).  Regular tylenol does the trick if I need it.  I have pain-free days and I don't have any residual stiffness in my neck.  The doc says it's not unusual to have the arm pain for a few months, as the spinal cord and nerves are waking up and repairing themselves.  It was so worth it!

[Miranda1]

Hi! I have been reserching the possibitly to this surgery since a few weeks ago when I found out from my MRI that I have the discs between my C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6, protruding and compressing my spinal cord. For the past month I have endure the numbness of my hand and arm and I barely can use the computer or hand write. The arm is weak and I am terrified of what can happen. How do I find out if the neurosurgeon I have is a good one....I have not even seen him yet. I have an appointment this week. Please wish me luch and e-mail me back, I would like to know more...

[jerry_m]

It is just 4 weeks since my Anterior Cervical Disectomy W/Fusion (C5-C7). I was misdiagnosed a year ago and had an unnecessary Ulnar Nerve (funny bone) relocation that did nothing for my arm pain / numbness / loss of muscle. Finally saw a neurosurgeon for a second opinion as the symptoms continued to get worse (1st doctor was an orthopaedic surgeon). When the neurosurgeon looked at my mri he proposed removing 3 vertebra as my spinal cord was really compressed. . . Lets just say that really got my attention. I went to a second neurosurgeon for another opinion. This surgeon had succesfully operated on several people I know and when he suggested the 2 discs be removed, fused & plate put in I went with it. He used a synthetic material not a bone graft for the fusion. Unfortunately the proceedure did not resolve my main symtom - arm pain but both neurosurgeons had told me the surgery in all probability would not help that. The numbness that was starting in my foot has gone away as well as much of the numbness in my hand. I managed the pain with Vicodin after surgery and after 2 weeks was addicted. I didn't realize it until the doctor at the 2 week followup suggested I stop using it. I quit using it that day and went thru 3 days of withdrawal - every muscle in my body ached and even my bones hurt. After 3 days all ok. The bad news is the valium he now prescribed doesn't get it done for the pain. I have what feels like VERY tight muscles between my shoulder blades and someone is sticking a knife in there :)
The bottom line I would do it again. I don't think I had a choice and I am hoping PT will help build up the muscles in my arm.

[bev62]

I had a two level ACDF(C5-C7) in Nov of 2006 due to herniated disk after a fall at work. It has been over 10 months now and I still have not returned to work.  My pain is worse than before surgery. The only thing it helped was the arm pain. My neck and right shoulder aches and burns all time time.  I have a terrible headache everyday.  I still don't drive because my range of motion is so bad. I am taking muscle relaxers and Demeral every 4 hours for the pain.

My doctor has done every test to be thought of and he says everything looks great.  He finally decided that I may have injuried the ulner nerve in my elbow when I fell and that my be causing my shoulder pain.  Even though the EMG was good he wanted to do surgery on my elbow.  During surgery he found a lot of scare tissue on the nerve and he thought that the surgery would really help me.

It has been 4 weeks since my surgery and my shoulder pain has not improved.  Now my ring finger, pinky and all the way up to my elbow is totally numb and I have a nine inch incision on my arm.   I know some of the feeling will come back as it heals, but I'm beginning to think that I'm stuck with the pain in my neck and shoulder for the rest of my life.  

I am 45 and husband and I waited late in life to have children, they are ages 7 and 4.  I feel like I have cheated them because it is very hard for me to care for them.  My doctor has really tried to find out what is causing my pain, but I don't know what his next step will be.

I hope PT helps you, have you tried Lidacane patches for the burning between your shoulder blades?  They seemed to help with that.  How long before the numbness went away in your arm and hand after the ulnar nerve surgery?

[stingersam]

hey guys me 2 !!! c5-6-7 removal & fusion withbone bank material on 28 dec im kinda nervous but my doc. is awesome she fixed my l4&5  in 04 was great till pain between shoulder blades and numbness in both arms(like thier asleep hands too)!! all this at once sent me to the er!! 38 male great shape (heartattack) how? er doc said no way ekg is good! she said u need an (adjustment) roll over,she climbed on my back, i said whats this,im going to pop ur back,no thanks i said my neurologist said never do that,er doc was mad but i told my doc about it and she said it could have paralized me!!! wow close call huh? well wish me a safe one and steady hands for my doc!!!thanks stinger

[desrtdivr]

I had a nasty mountain bike wreck on 9/12/07. I twisted my neck very hard, and I ending up "crashing" in the ER. During the resulting multiple scans, they discovered the need for fusion of C5-C7. The bike wreck did not cause the problems, but the resulting scans revealed it. I was extremely fortunate.

The surgeon treated this as an emergent condition, and I consented to immediate surgery. In reflection, I am grateful that I did not have the opportunity to agonize about the surgery, as I see some folks are. Prior to surgery, please get a second opinion from a bonafide Neurological Fellow. Those docs do not mess around.

If surgery is indicated, my advice for full recovery of ACF is this -

Pre-Op: prepare your mind and body; stop drinking alcohol and using tobacco right now; exercise as safely and effectively as you can; stop eating and drinking sugary or fatty foods; hydrate, hydrate, hydrate; fix your attitude toward success, not dread!..

Post-Op: start walking as early as you safely can (this was my only effective pain therapy); get plenty of sleep; eat small meals four to six times per day, with plenty of fiber (you'll see what I mean); hydrate, hydrate, hydrate; get off the pain meds as soon as you can (be brave).

Because of the neck trauma, my surgery was complicated and more risky. Because I was in good shape prior to surgery, I have blown away all of the recovery expectations. The surgeon declared my fusion complete just two days ago. I still have some manageable pain, easily handled by Tylenol. My voice is recovering well, as is my strength. I am 44, married with young kids, and relatively healthy. I was out of work for three months (software engineer). I have returned part-time for three weeks, going to full-time after the holiday.

As my Nurse Practitioner brother always says: "Push fluids and exercise!" It makes everything in life easier!

If your surgery is elective, you can expect about half the recovery time of my trauma-induced surgery. This surgery has dramatically improved an already very fulfilling life. I have a new lease on life, and I didn't even need one!

If anyone needs more advice, please contact me at ***@****

[golfer10]

I am 2 months out of cervical decompression & fusion surgery.  Feeling pretty good, however my neck and shoulder muscles are quite painful.  I'm not reading much about this type of pain so it's making me nervous that it should be gone by now.  Any comments are appreciated.

[JainMD]

Hi,
I think your pain is related to surgery or due to stiffness of Para spinal muscles.
Have you consulted a physiotherapist? If yes, what exercise has he advised?
Did you benefit from those exercises?
Any spinal surgery takes time to heal; sometimes the healing process extends from 6 months to 12 months also.
Do you smoke?
Are you on any pain medicines?
Smoking inhibits or retards the formation of new bone and delays the fusion.
Like wise analgesics continued for too long in higher doses causes delay in healing.
Keep me informed.
Bye.

[sctt29742]

ive had 2 surgerys first was nov of 2004, 2nd was seven days ago.
first one i was fused from c5-7. went back to work 3 months later an reinjured shortly there after.now im fused from c3-c7. postop pain getting little better.  went to emergency room jan 8,08  6days postop
because of soreness in throat an found out i have streep throat.


anyway guess what im saying is be careful because stress on adjacent levels is not good or you to will be going for second surgery too.

                                         good luck to all, scott

[rockinmomofthree]

I am 4 weeks postop a c-5-6-7 fusion. I have a 3 in plate and 6 screws in my neck and my doc was an orthopedic. I am a 35 yr old mother of a 7, 5, and 2 1/2 yr old and had been working out every day leading to this surgery. One disc was pressing on the spinal cord and I loss of use of my left arm and tingling in 3 fingers. Recovery has been rough for me.

I spent 6 days in the hospital and the first week home was horrific.
I still have tingling in the forefinger and thumb and middle finger tips, but the pain was gone as soon as I woke up from surgery. I stopped all medications when I came home. I did regain alot of the muscle use in the left arm, but still under alot of restrictions.

I have some pain/pressure on the back of the shoulders and on the collar bones, but it is very infrequent. Last night, I experienced a pain on my rt side of my back (below the blade) and when I inhale, it kills me! It feels muscular. Anyone have this??? Waiting on the doc to call bk.

[SueO1959]

I am 4 weeks out from a C6/C7 Anterior Cervical Discetomy and Fusion, and doing great!  I was pertrified to have it done, but it has been a piece of cake.  I had a donor bone graft, and a plate and screws.  I felt good from the minute I woke up in recovery - no pain, no sore throat, nothing.

I had trouble sleeping the 1st two weeks, as I was trying to sleep in a recliner.  Since I moved back to the bed two weeks ago, I have been sleeping great.

I took 1 Darvocet at night the 1st two weeks, just to help me sleep and not for pain.

Yesterday I got to remove my soft collar, and I have not had any pain yet.

I go for my 1st follow up this Thursday, and hope the X-Ray will show everything is fine.

I would highly recommend this surgery if you are having constant, chronic pain and numbness.

So glad I had it done!

[mal921]

My doc who is a neurosurgeon stated that I need a anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for C3/4 & C 5/6.  I am petrified of back/neck surgery and the thought of being dependent on someone for 2 mths scares the hack out of me.  I've been told that I will need to wear the collar for 2 mths, 24 hrs. a day, no lifting, no driving.  I haven't committed to this yet but I'm afraid that I'm just delaying the inevitable.  Can someone please tell me if this surgery will relieve the constant headaches that I now have?  To me, the headaches are worse than anything else, so far.
Someone please respond, I need to make a decision, fast!!!!  Thanks!!!

[John_MG]

Ensure you get a competant surgeon who specialises in this type of precedure.  I had my C5/C6 cervical fusion 4 weeks ago.  I am back at work.  Recovery is inconsistent. Some days are better than others but overall the pain is much reduced. I expect a good long term result. It is also nice know that the bone spur I had which was flattening my spinal cord has been removed and no longer poses a further threat. Everyone seems to recover at different rates so slow recovery is not something to panic about.

[Myers1971]

Hey everyone, I want to tell you all I have c4-5 and c5-6 done on Aug 28th 2008. The surgeon I had was supposed to be the best in the area. I had numbness in my hands and pain and headaches. Since the surgery the pain and numbness is gone. The challenge I am having now is finding a comfortable position to sleep!!! I read some people had problems with getting there bowels back in order that was a challenge also. Thank God I got that straightened out yesterday it only was 3 days but man is 3 days long when you haven't gone. They sent me home on vicoden and a muscle spasm reliever. NOW HERE IS WHAT I FOUND OUT!! My wife who is a nursing student found in her books that the medication react with eachother causing ALL kind of problems. So I went off of everything for 8 hours just to clear my system. I will live with the muscle spasms for now. I just want to get a good night sleep beside my honey. Anyone know a good position to get in? I had the donor bone with plating put in on 2 levels and sent home without a collar. I was told no need for one. All I want for christmas is a good nights sleep!!!

[bev62]

I had ACDF C5-C7 two years ago.  The same as you, no collar. I'm still in constant pain.  I have slept in a recliner since I had surgery.  I've tried to sleep in the bed but after about an hour both arms are totally numb.  I'd love to be able to sleep beside my honey to, but after two years I don't think it's going to happen.  I'm now looking at having another surgery on the disk above and below the fusion.  Good luck, I hope it turns out better for you than it did me.

[Myers1971]

Today I don't feel too bad. They put me on this electronic bone stimulator thing. Looks like the back half of a hard collar and goes down to a little electrical dohicky. I turn it on and supposed to wear it for 4 hours every day till I am told I don't have to. It is supposed to help with the fusion. Laying down doesn't cause any loss of feeling in my arms. My neck muscles are just soooooooo tight from the surgery. I am taking vicoden and it seems to help some. I don't feel the pain the the tension anyway. I still feel the tightness but it isn't painful. Sorry to hear about you discs above and below. Wow that would be a nightmare. I have to just be patient I guess. It is not even a week since I had my surgery so I guess I am not doing too bad considering. Good luck and keep in touch.

[alexsmom322]

Had C5-C6 spinal fusion surgery 3 weeks ago. Radicular pain in left arm completely gone, Recovery pain has been maageable with strecthing and occasional medication. I have noticed that sometimes my hands shake or tremor. Not sure if this is as a result of the Flexeril I am taking ( does it sometimes when I haven't taken it) Anybody have this symptom?

[edj]

Two and a half years ago, I had ACDF for C3-C7, and that surgery went great.  My only complication then was that everything I swallowed felt like a golf ball going down, but after a month it had gotten much better, and eventually went away completely.  I healed fully and was back to full function after about three or four months.

On Labor day this year, I ruptured the C7-T1 disc bending down in the shower, but I didn't know it at the time.  There was instant severe pain, and I went to the ER, but they didn't diagnose it (X-rays don't show it).  My left forearm and three fingers were numb.  I lived in pain for two weeks before I realized it wasn't getting better and I made an appointment to see my original surgeon who found the problem after examining an MRI.  

I had my second ACDF for C7-T1 four weeks after the rupture.   That was five weeks ago.  I still can't sleep well and get very uncomfortable if I don't take any muscle relaxer or Percocet.  It's hard to describe what I'm feeling any differently than "discomfort", as I don't have any specific pain.  The numbness in my forearm and one finger disappeared immediately after surgery, but I feel no improvement in the remaining finger numbness.  

Based on my previous fusion, I would have thought I'd be past the needs for pain pills, but I'm not.  For the first two weeks, I slept fine, but I was heavily medicated.  My discomfort kicked in as soon as I started cutting back on the meds.  At first I thought it was withdrawal, and I gave my body a few days to get used to the lesser amount of drugs, but it didn't make a difference.

I have a follow-up appointment in 3 days and I pray that the doctor can give me a positive prognosis.

Does anyone have an experience where numbness that remained after a month eventually went away?

[LeeJend]

edj see note at bottom

Had my surgery 9 days ago.  I was nervous going in and at the urging of co-workers and family switched from an orthopedic specialist to a neuro surgeon at the last minute.  It must have been the right choice.  I was up and walking 4 hours after surgery with no pain and complete relief of the incapacitating arm and shoulder pain.  I had been bedridden for 10 days prior to surgery and unable to move my head or neck at all.  More on this latter.  

Procedure was standard entry through the front of the neck, removal of two badly crushed disks and installation of metal plates with a synthetic spacer inserted instead of the cadaver/hip graft I'd been expecting. Will be wearing the cervical collar for at least a month while active (take it off when just sitting around the house).  Swallowing was unpleasant for about 5 days but is pretty much normal now.  My voice seems to be getting worse which may be my fault.  I'm probably trying to talk to people way too much because I'm feeling so great post surgery.  Driving is possible now though, I need to be really careful with visibility when trying to make sharp turns due to restricted mobility.

Problems - I seem to have had a bad reaction to the steristrips, bandages or glue in them.  Really unpleasant rash where the bandages were.  Burns like crazy when anything brushes against the area, like the cervical collar.  
The tip of my index finger on the arm that was numb has not gotten feeling back yet.  I.m afraid this may be permanent.  Similar issue on the other hand from a carpal tunnel surgery I put off too long. The nerves never recovered.

Warning -  I messed around with "giving it time to heal on it's own", "physical therapy", "epidural steroid shots", EMG testing way too long, 5 months total.  Suddenly, 3 weeks ago the pain and numbness went critical for no reason, essentially leaving me incapacitated.  It hit me at work right after I arrived and I could barely raise my head off my chest enough to drive home 4 hours latter after making I finished making all the calls to find a new, highly recommended surgeon, start sick leave, etc.  THIS WAS UNBELIEVABLY STUPID OF ME!  The delay in getting treatment was a major mistake and will likely cause me permanent nerve damage on that index finger I mentioned above.  The surgery is scary, the complications are scary, but what I went through because I delayed treatment was 10 times worse.  I knew the less invasive treatments weren't working, and looking back the problem was probably getting worse all along.  And the multiple epidural shots and PT ended up costing as much again as the surgery.

Advice
Don't wait too long before deciding on corrective surgery. Damage can accelerate rapidly.
Choose your doctor wisely.  I got widely decriptions of results and varying recommendations from people.  Ended up with the number 2 man on the list (number 1 was booked too far out and I could not have endured the drive to his office 40 miles away).
Get out of the surgery center as fast as possible - I was developing a repsiratory infection from the crappy air in the hospital,  There were 20 strangers a day tramping through my room to visit my room mate some of whom were sick.  Hospital are a place to go to get surgery and to die.  Hanging around one is bad news. (Based on experience with 10 major surgeries in 3 years.)  Each day inpatient seems to cost a week of extra recovery time.
On the drive home - have a pillow to support your head and a driver who is not a lead foot.  Acceleration feels like a lead weight on your throat.  Sharp acceleration uphill (the worst) felt like a hiking boot stomping on my throat!  If you get that feeling reach back and with your hand on the back of your head, gently pull it forward against the acceleration.  Same trick helps when getting up from a chair or off a bed when you have reclined too far.

Pain Control-
From my personal experience.  Nothing helped the nerve pain much if at all.  Neurontin with Soma might have helped a little.  Celebrex and Epidural Steroids were useles and may have made me feel enough better that I was progressively worsening the injury.  Vicoden and Hydrocodone were useless.  Narcotic pain killers just make you stupid and slow recovery.  Stick with Tylenol.  (Avoid aspirin, NSAIDs, etc. tehy prevent healing pre and post surgical.)

Hope some of this info from a very satisified patient helps you in your healing.  

edj - I had a persistent numbenss similar to what I have from my disk herniation after a carpal tunnel surgery.  It took months to fade from really numb to mild tingling, but is still with me a year latter. It may not go away completely.  Sometimes the nerve just does not come back all the way depending on how long you wait to fix it and how bad it is damaged.

[pberkhousen]

I am a 61 yr old lady who plays golf and tennis at least 2x/wk.  I had a fusion at C5-6 by a neurosurgeon on 2/17/08 with an overnite stay.  I had no pain(except a sore throat for a few days) and my presenting symptoms are gone.  I picked up a soft collar on 2/24 to wear when I am busy as a "reminder" that I need to keep my chin elevated.  Of course, I can't play tennis or golf, or reach over my head or lift over 5 lbs.
I haven't needed any pain medication.  My problem is that on 2/28 I woke up with a "stiff neck".  Where I had previously had quite good range of motion side -to-side, it now feels very stiff and twinges when I move in that way. My 1st post-op appt. is 3/6.  What could this be?

[Disco11]

I had my C5-C7 ACD w fusion just over a week ago (03-26-09). Right up until the time I had the surgery my pain had been lessening which made me wonder if I still needed it. But because my left arm was weak and fingers numb, surgeon indicated that it was still necessary. He indicated that because of  serious nerve compression, delaying could result in permanent damage.  Post op, he confirmed that spine and nerve root were really pinched, so we did the right thing.
Now I'm just having trouble dealing with this cervical collar. I have been undoing it in my sleep which scares the **** out of me when I wake up and it's not on. I've got 7-11 weeks to go with the collar. Plus I quit smoking three days before the surgery, so thats been adding to my discomfort also. What a drag it is getting old!

[Cate2009]

I had my third surgery earlier in February of this year.  C5,6,7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion first in Nov 2005.  C5 and C6 fused, however, C6 and C7 never did.  The bone began to deteriorate around the screws and I needed an additional surgery in April 2007.  Was feeling great for about 6 months (the only period I was pain free in the last 4 1/2 years) and then severe neck pain came back.  Began physical therapy, pain medications, etc.  Finally went to see neurosurgeon in January.  Was going to send me for pain management until he discovered that I not only didn't fuse again, but 3 out of the 4 screws in my neck were broken (due to micromovement).  The surgery in February was about 8 1/2 hours long and I spent almost two weeks in the hospital.  My surgeon decided to use bone from my hip to hopefully get fusion this time, and during surgery had to remove one of my vertebrae (corpectomy)and then inserted my bone into a PEAK.  I wear a bone stimulator 4 hours a day, I have quit smoking, and have done everything I am supposed to do!   My hip pain is finally better and have started pysical therapy.  But my neck - I am in severe pain all the time.  I can't stay in one position for too long and sleeping is almost near impossible (unless drug induced)!  I just heard back from the doctor this morning and after reviewing my last three xrays and latest ct scan, he informed me that the graft is migrating into the inferior bone below.  Is there anyone out there that has gone through as many problems as me?  I'm beginning to think that all of this is hopeless!!    

[detposeidon]

hi,

Just had my C5-6 6-7 fusion done 5 days ago.. I am home now with  a collar. I feel great. I stopped taking all meds.. I rather just feel the pain than get addicted to meds...Being a military man I'm hard headed and hate pills.. Hardest part for me is sleeping, I hate this collar. I am bored out my mind... nothing on TV  i'm up all the time.. Not sure about depression cause I'm happy with surgery... I'm just very active and this sitting around kills me... any suggestion on killing time.. ??

I see my doc in a week for my first post surg review.. but right now i'm bored as all hell...

[bkcornell]

how long before the feeling comes back around the entry point front of the neck to the jaw line? How long before I can swallow properly again? (doesn't hurt anymore, but is difficult) is intense trap muscle spasming normal? Is it okay to use my tens unit on the muscles that close to the fusion site ? I am now 5 days post op from a c5-c6 fusion, and agree that the worst part ties between this uncomfortable neck brace and finding a comfortable sleeping position. For boredom I recommend NETFLIX what a great thing!! I am now watching Lost season 4 and movies I've never made time to see before.

[lz22]

My c5/c6/c7 fusion and 3 bone spur removal was June 17th 2009  by a Neurosurgeon.  I wore the hard collar for 1 month 24 hours a day and now have the soft collar for 24 hours a day for 2 months.  I am allowed to walk (no treadmill) but NO exercise/pt  for 6 months till the bone grafts are set. I have slept like a baby on and off the meds since I came home two days after surgery. I have not slept like that for the past 4 years even with sleeping pills.  I cannot lift more than 5 pounds for 6 months.  I am off all pain meds. I may take one at night once a week.  I suffered for 3 years prior enduring accupuncture, pt, dry needling, manual manipulation, trigger point injections, myofascial massages, etc. I did pain pills for 2 years and they quit helping so 2 weeks before surgery went off all meds and had fun with withdrawls.  Now c4 was and still is bulging a little but they did not want to touch it.  The pain is gone. now the muscles are a little weak and if I have pain it is muscle pain, no numbness or tingleing down by arms and shoulders neck and back. no headaches and the ringing in my ears is gone.

I am not pushing myself.  What does not get done around the house oh well.  I am not driving yet either,  I have the kids drive for me. I still feel weak, and tired a lot, my hands tremble a little when I am tired, and I stutter a little now when I am tense.   I really don't care to visit peopel and go out yet more than I have to.

As for the throat - see a speech therapist with a swallowing speciality.  My best friend is one.  Why they don't tell you this in the hospital I don't know.  NO CARBONATION.  NO DAIRY. Tea with lemon and honey. Take pills with applesause.  This really worked for me,  First 2 days I had trouble.  Once I followed this within 24 hours felt better,  Also make sure to keep yourself moving - prune juice worked great to flush all the bad meds out of your system,  

Hope this helps.

lz

[MiAngelfriend]

A little over 3 months ago, I had (ACDF) Surgery on C5-7 with a titanuim plate and screws as my hardware, as well, as removal of neck spurs and a dislodgement of a pinched nerve behind my spinal cord on C6 ...which yes! caused constant left shoulder to finger numbness, sharpness, soreness, swelling, and tingling .  I was doing great with following my Ortopaedic Spinal Surgereon 's orders with using the hard and soft collar, medications, and physical theraphy after 3 weeks post op for 7 weeks.

Then, out of no where me left shoulder started hurting again all the way to my finger tips!!!  Now, my neck is starting to hurt probably due to all my pain. I had already stopped physical theraphy over 2 weeks. I forgot to mention that on my 3 week post op with my surgeon I mentioned that my left shoulder was hurting a lot. He said, that I had tendenitous there, and during surgery he had to press, pull, and push to insert the hardware. Then, he left and came back with a Cortazone shot right behind my left shoulder. Apparently, this only camoflauged the pain for awhile which has worn off, and also I've been aware that I have  carbal tunnel in my left hand. This worries me because a patient is out cold, limb, and unaware of what happens during surgery. Anyways, I've just had an MRI on my left shoulder which shows Mild inferior projectng left AC joint spur formation seen without indentation at musculotendinous junction region left spuraspinautus tendon (mild degenerative changes left AC joint seen) , 3 mm to 4mm simple cyst distal left clavicle seen probably due to subchondral cyst, grade ! SLAP labral tear. Now, I don't know what the heck this is but, only cyst and tear.  However, where?

The sad part about this is I'v e been in contact with my heaven sent primary doctor who ordered the shoulder MRI and just now called to schedule me for a NECK MRI. My surgeon is on vacation until the 19th of this month. In the past week I was in the ER no help except for the morphine for my high rate of pain, pulse, and blood pressure, next day I made a doctor appt. with primary DR> who gave me trigger injections which didn't help ordered shoulder MRI, and follow up with in one week.  I know he's trying to help with what I interrupt to him on my condition.  Well, I plan to ask for a second nerve test once I see him on follow up.  

I'm a very very athletic forty something year old female who has a very high tolerance for pain and plan to ask questions and have my facts for my Surgeon's return. Believe me my Faith is always strong, and I've learned a great deal since all this.  Especially when it comes to X-Rays verses MRI's, patients rights, insensitivity on healthcare reassurrance after surgery or as a patient.  Also, simple I was in extreme pain (I couldn't hold up my own head and worked like that fulltime) before surgery and tried trigger injectiions, medications of all kinds, Physical Theraphy, Epidural surgery, then (ACDF), and which relieved my pain. Then BAM! I've faced some down falls even a dozen times of numbness and tingling to both legs to toes.  FYI I've always documented in a journal about my experience since the beginning.

[mary653]

I had posterior surgery 6 yrs ago and am now facing 3 level anterior surgery. My question is what permanent damage can be done if you don't have the surgery?

[colly1212]

Hi i had anterior cervical discectomy and fusion c5-c6 in dec 2008 and opperation went well, xray's all show everything in place. Now most days im in constant pain in my nect and shooting down my spin and cracking within the neck, some days are worse than others, left arm is still numb and limited feeling in the arm and finger ends still. Returned back to work and was lucky to be given a desk job instead of my usual heavy lifting duties, i am finding it hard sitting constantly at a desk and having regular intervals of getting up and walking around, my employer does not like this action one bit. Ive purchased a new desk chair for more comfort and tried a neck colar but still no joy on helping with the pain. The pain killers im currently taking seem to be nopt helping at all, i find going to bed is a real nighrtmare even before i hit the pillow... Ive come to the conclusion to live with the pain and be greatful for Still being able to walk and not been wheelchair bound.  

[Linny545]

Hello. I had a anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to C5, 6/7.using a solis cage, eight weeks ago. From when i came round from the operation, i have had the  feeling that there is a 'lump' in my throat. This has made it uncomfortable when i swallow anything. Then three weeks ago the same 'lump' feeling was at the base of the eosophagus and i am feeling like i have indigestion. I have trouble bringing wind up too, as it feels like something is stopping it. When i bend forward the lump feels much more pronounced and i get a strange feeling as though there is pressure on the front of my neck. I have started having more neck and shoulder pain, also headaches, which i did not have too bad before the surgery. I have not been for my post operative check as yet. Does anyone have any idea if this lump feeling is normal? Thanks for your help. Bless you.

[PJ50]

I had a c2/c3 and c3 thru c6 done on August 18, 2009.  I am having all the above mentioned problems.  The swallowing, sleeping, numbness and a droopy eye lid.  I have a soft collar and they cut the side of my neck instead of the front or back so that they could do it all at once.  c2/c3 required going in from back of neck and others from front.  I am an avid hiker, rock scrambler and this is driving me insane to have to sit like this.  I know it is for the better and I must be patient but originally they thought they only needed to do c4 thru c6.  I do choke on some foods and diet soda, forget it.  I choke every time.  I drink mostly water and tea.  I got back to the doc on the 4th and will see when I can hike again.  I have a feeling it may be a few months.

[lecha]

I had my surgery on c-5 & c-6 w/fusion as I had some real bad herniated disc. I was rushed to  the ER as I had severe pain and was going numb all on my left side. I had some of the best neuro surgeons here in Houston, TX and I thank God that it all worked out for me. I am going on 2 months now since my procedure, and I have no pain. I have even stopped taking the muscle relaxers and pain pills, as I don't need them anymore..I was told that if I had not gone to the ER , I would have had a stroke or been paralyzed from the severity of the pain and the pulling of the nerves all on my left side. I am back at work full time, with minimal lifting , but other than that I am doing great.

[40tooyoungforthis]

I had an anterior cervical disk replacement (Prestige)  at c-5 c-6 on July 2.  I had a lot of exterior numbness post surgery- from chin to upper chest (feeling like after you've had a novocaine shot for a cavity).  As feeling started to return to these areas, I started to feel internally like something was pressing on the back of my throat. It eventually became so bad that it would make me gag spontaneously.   I have had a barium swallow which revealed a 25% decrease in the swallowing capacity at the level of the hardware.  Has anyone else experienced this?  My surgeon is still telling me that this feeling will probably go away.  It's very anxiety producing, like someone constantly pressing on your throat.  I'm also still having quite a bit of neck pain and pain between my shoulders.....I feel like my doc lead me to believe I'd be "normal" in about 3 weeks!   What is the REAL timeframe for this recovery?  When can I begin to really feel back to normal?  Anyone else have prolonged throat discomfort/pressure that did resolve???

[rpoyner67]

I had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion c5-c6 on September 10th. By the 13th I went out to dinner and a gallery opening and had stopped taking pain medication. I began driving by the 14th and was back at work on the 15th. I have been feeling great, and due to the hardware I did not get sent home with a collar. I am still feeling muscle pain in my back and sholders from what I am assuming is the sand bags that they used to weigh me down with during the surgery. My doctor said this will last for several weeks. Now after reading this I am freaking out that I may have pushed myself too quickly. I don't have my follow up until the 30th of this month.

[gemini64]

I had cervical disc replacement surgery on March 17, 2009, at levels c5-6 and c6-7.  Although in the beginning I had trouble swallowing, (I lost 20 pounds, but have since gained 10 of that back) there are only certain times when I feel like I'm choking.  My problem is the on-going pain, headaches, and muscle spasms.  I thought that once they replaced the herniated discs, I would feel 100% better.  That has not been the case.  A recent CT scan in August compared to one I had in March says disc displacement at the C5-6 level.  However, after my doctor looked at the films, he said it's fine.  I get terrible pinching from the left side of my neck down the top of my arm into my hands.  All my pain is also on the left side.  I'm wondering if a fusion would have been the way to go.  Anyone else with disc replacement having continuing problems?

[Rhonda58]

I also had an anterior fusion, but I was fortunate to have a Neurosurgeon that explained EVERYthing to me. I am hoping by now, the feeling you are having as if a lump is in your throat has gone away. My surgeon expained to me that while they are working on your neck, they are dangerously close to other nerves and muscles. Sometimes these nerves and muscles get irritated and react with symptoms like yours, or a tightness in the neck like it is pulling, and others, but they go away within a short period of time.
I am sorry you are having other problems. I would return to my surgeon for a follow-up and possibly further tests to see if something else has come up.
My concern is, more than 3 weeks has passed and you haven't been in for a post surgical appointment? My surgeon had me in the week following the surgery. I also wore a neck brace for 4 weeks. The most important thing anyone can do is listen to their surgeon and follow their post surgical instructions to the T. You may not think the neck brace is important, but remember he/she has been INSIDE your body cutting and moving this or that to attempt to fix your problem
I had a friend that had a global fusion after an oilfield accident. He was cut in the front of his abdomen and the back to clean up and fix the discs that were severely damaged and then fused them. Being a stubborn country fellow, he did not follow his doctor's instructions. He did not wear his brace as he should have. He started driving a week after he got out of the hospital, began working on his father's cattle ranch, and picking up heavy stuff. Needless to say, he ended up right back in the hospital because the fusion failed, and had to have it redone. He didn't listen the second time either, and came very close to ending up in a wheelchair.
Why am I sharing this with you? I feel it is important to baby your body while it is healing. It takes months for your body to completely heal from a surgery like you had on your neck.
I hope I was of some help.

[Ms_Federal]

It's good to know that I am in good company.  I had my surgery Oct 7, 2009 and was away from work for a week, then tele-worked for another and am now back on the job.

I, too, am suffering from the lump in the throat sensation.  Following my first Torture, I mean, Physical Therapy session, the Therapist gently moved the front of my throat from side to side and suggested that I do this twice a day.  It has helped; however I still that sensation from time to time.

The Threapist did do a lot of streching and minipulation of the incision site.  She explained that scar tissue inately pulls the top layers of skin down and bunches.  She said it is import to do this manipulation to help the layers of tissue grow evenly.  That's great!  But it hurt like heck.  The incision site was burning afterwards.  

I was wondering what other people experienced during their Therapy.

Also, during my follow-up with the surgeon, he explained that two more of my vertabrae are, on a scale of 1 to 10, a 2.  

I had C5-C7 fused and he removed 14 bone spurs.  I really never want to go through this again.  I'm nervous.

My best to you all.  And, thanks for sharing.

[biachi]

My brother had a C2, C3 anterior spinal fusion.  12 hours long for the entry in the front by having to cut his tongue in half and create a trache, then 8 days later doing an 8 hour surgery cutting the back of his head to fuse those vertebraes.  He had End Stage 4 Cirrhosis and Hep C.  He is STILL alive and has been in the hospital for  over 3 weeks.  Apparently he had no choice but to get this surgery since his C2 and C3 were completely destroyed.  He has had neck pain for over a year, more significantly in the past 3 months.  Ironically, he had a liver related episode when I rushed him to the hospital and only during that emergency visit did they realize that he was living with pretty close to a broken neck. He has been in ICU for 2 weeks and now going to TCU, nobody knows how long.  I make sure he gets foot rubs and always make sure his trache' is suctioned as much as he needs.  It is frustrating since he has no speech due to the surgery.  Does anybody that has had this kind of surgery?  I keep telling my brother to think about "THE GOAL"  The goal is that no more neck pain and how he can live the rest of his life with a better neck.  The doctors call his case A-Typical and said he is "interesting".  A challenge for all the teams of surgeons.

[jackie1117]

I had back in Sept 2008 cervical fusion to C5-6 with plate and bone plug. I am still 24/ 7 dealing with the feeling of something stuck in my throat. My surgeon followed me for aprox 3 months, gave me a barrium swallow test ...which turned out ok ...I can swallow...it just ALWAYS feels as if there is something stuck and at times my throat tightens horribly, especially if i am doing something physical... Another strange thing is  if keep my head down too long I get gagging reflex.
My Surgeon told me he has never seen this problem, and I should just hope it goes away.He also said he did not need to see me any longer.... Well its been over a year , and it has not gone away. I have been seeing my family doctor,every month since the surgery... whom perscribes perocet 1 1/2 pills 2 times a day. well i take them but they only cover the feeling up for a short time. And I really dont want to be on pain meds forever...Has anyone else have this problem? or ideas....... thanks for your help in advance i hope ....Jackie

[Kjg76]

I woke up having total numbness from my shoulder blades-down to my fingers and my feet were numb too. I figured it was time for a visit to the Chiropractor since I've had this arm numbness before from time to time in the years past. After 2 weeks (3x a week) visits he from the beginning told me after these 6 visits if it's not better he's sending me to a neuro dr. for an MRI. I had an MRI done thinking it wouldn't show anything. Turns out I had a 9mm herniated disk at C5-C6. I can't recall and specific happenings to cause injury but my Chiro said when sleeping,if you pivot on your head when you toss and turn/roll over it could cause this. I do do that so I'm wondering if that was it. I had great strenght but my right arm has more 'dullness' or 'lack of feeling' than my left arm. Dr. said I did need surgery but because I was feeling great it was totally  my call. My thoughts were if I wait it could totally get worse and be irreversable. So I decided to go ahead and do it.

I'm 33 yrs old,a mom to 3 kids 10 yrs and younger. I had surgery on October 12th,2009 and spent the night in the hospital. I puked most of the time due to the anesthesia. I was put on nausea medicine,Valium and Hydrocodone. The first week totally sucked. My head felt like a bowling ball balanced on a toothpick. Dr. and his working partners do not recommend collars as it doesn't allow natural movement and healing and can cause stiffness and other problems. I used my hands to lift my head up off the pillow or rolled out of bed as recommened. I only took 1/2 the recommended dose of the muscle relaxer because I thought that was what was making me sleepy,but on day seven I woke up and just felt tightness so I decided to take a muscle relaxer w/out the hydrocodone. It relieved the pain. I realized I probably didn't need to take the hydrocodone that week prior because I never,even from the beginning,had pain it was just a bad tightness.

It's now 5 weeks later and I'm not sure how I feel about it,I'm not disappointed but I can't cheer that I'm glad I did it. The numbess I had for 2 months prior to surgery leaving me sleep deprived sucked,but I didn't have any pain or even numbness during the day-it was only at night. Now,I don't have numbness anymore (took until week 3-4 weeks to fully go away) but I have a burning/tabbing pain in my right shoulderblade/base of neck/shoulder. I am thankful I now don't have a herniated disk buldging into my spinal area though and my dr. was fantastic. I've had a very difficult time sleeping at night,no possition is comfortable but each night does seem to get a teeeeeeeeeeeee...eeeeeeny tiny bit better..I think. It's not even a pain though it's a tightness irritating feeling like it's twisting wrong. I did find that puting a little neck pillow behind my neck and one under my jaw at night while lying on my regular pillow helps support my whole head and not let it roll around. Before my surgery my Chiropractor did this maneuver where he had me scrunch up my shoulders (so my shoulders were trying to touch my ears) and then he squeezes my shoulders while I slowly drop my shoulders back down. He did a couple sets right after eachother. It relieved the tightness/muscles there so first thing tomorrow I'm going to call him to see if he'll see me..even 5 weeks post op. Hopefully it'll help some.

I'm trying to take it slow. Dr. said 1-3 months for healing. 5 weeks is just a fraction so I guess I must be patient.

[Kjg76]

Forgot to add...

First week I had the worse sore throat I've ever had in my entire life. Followed by 2 weeks of swollowing a golfball,then 1.5 weeks of still feeling like 'something's stuck in the front of my throat. Dr. said it's probably the desolveable stitches and that it will go away and that when they slice and open you up they move everything over ie: throat with the tube down it,vocal cords etc.. all to the side so it takes time for them to aclimate back to normal. I had a hoarse voice in the mornings for a couple weeks too.

I still have the numbness from the incision up to my jaw line,but none below. It is definately odd feeling but I have the same thing from having 3 C-Sections in the years past (belly is still numb) so I'm not too shocked. I'd imagine this neck/jaw line feeling will eventually come back. My first c-section sucked,but my 2nd & 3rd were awesome and I was up and doing things shortly after like I had never had the surgeries. I'd imagine this is the same type of thing..being first time neck surgery= sucky but if I had to have it done again I'd know what I was up against so it might not be as bad. So..this first time (however praying I never have to do it again) I'm trying to give it the upperhand and just wait,rest,document symptoms,look back and see the s.l.o.w progress and hope that in 6 months time I'll be healed.

I did read that the numbness in the arms/hands/legs are the last symptom to go away since the nerves are rebuilding themselves,so those of you still dealing with the numbness I hope that eventually will go away for you. Thank you all for your stories it helps validate what lots of us are going through and to know we're not alone. Sometimes we need that.

I found I can't wear hats (ball cap type) because it makes me tilt my head back to look at people = ouch at the end of the day! :) Also I found that the last 2 nights of sleep have gone rather well because instead of sleeping with my head in the middle,I've been sleeping on the very edge of my pillow and sleeping on my side. For some reason it supports my neck better and I don't have as much pinchy/achy pain?! Anything to sleep better right?

[saxton]

I have been told that i need c5/c6 fusion surgery and only found out this week. i am a keen footballer and also like running and lots of active avtivities. I am 28 years old and just wanted to know if anyone had recovered to do active sports again? I am seeing the surgeon monday but cant help thinking about what i am going to be able to do after my recovery. i understand that everyone is different  but am just after a little more information on peoples recovery.