acdf 15 days post op

I had a acdf of c-5,6,7 with a strut graft from my iliac crest and an atlantis locking plate with two additional screw into the graft.  I came out of surgery with a soft collar and my neurosurgeon let me stop searing that yesterday.  I was also allowed to start driving and go back to work on light duty.  I trust my doctor and want a fast track recovery, but don't want to harm myself.  Does this seem like too much too soon?  Just looking for another opinion on recovery from this surgery.  Thanks  Jim.  Btw:  I'm a fit 47 y.o. male non-smoker

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Jim:

Sorry to hear that you had to have surgery. I would be alittle ginger with your neck.  Light duty means light duty and I would not try and do too much with anything heavy.  I would discuss about your daily activity with your rehab specialist and see what is right for you.  I would also see about the rehab schedule and what needs to be done by yourself for these days.  As far as traffic, if it is LA and rush hour, it would be okay as traffic doesn't move much more than 1 foot an hour.  But is the traffic is busy and the drivers are crazy, be careful because one good rear end job or a quick turn to visualize the traffic might do a number on your c-spine.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Annette]

Hi Jim,

This does sound fast to me. I had ACDF on C5-6 and C6-7 and I wore a hard collar for 5 weeks and did not drive or work during that time. I then wore a soft collar for another month or two. I didn't go back to work until my 7th week, and then only for half days the first week (I was 35 at the time of the operation). Of course every patient is different, but it does sound that the doctor has you on a fast track. I highly suggest postop rehab with a physical therapist if possible. Doing the postop recommended exercises is very important in the recovery process.

[Lois/Arthur]

Jim -  it's encouraging to know of your swift recovery.  My companion Arthur (who is not on the web) is about to have ACDF C4/5 and is trying to decide whether or not to have a plate.  I am interested in knowing - from you and others, including Annette, how much difference the plate makes in how long a hard collar must be worn, how soon you can drive, etc.  Arthur's NS is recommending no plate, but says he will do it if Arthur wants.  Arthur is 67, a retired art director/craftsman.  He is willing to take it slow and able to do so.  However, it is very hard for him to live where he does (in the country) and not drive.  

Thanks for any insights.  Lois

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for the comments.

CCF Neuro MD

[Annette]

I did not have a plate, so perhaps that is why I was on the slow recovery plan (5 weeks hard collar, around 6 weeks soft collar, 5 weeks no driving, 7 weeks before return to work).

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for your imput.

CCF Neuro MD

[Ra]

I had anterior fusion done at c6-7 1/3/00 and had a plate added.  This was the only way my surgeon does it.  I would recommend it.  I have to wear a soft collar for 6 weeks.  Went back to work after week and a half.  In general I feel good. Sounds like the rehab time is much less with a plate.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD,RPS]

thanks for the comment.

CCF Neuro MD

[peggy]

I had an anterior fusion, removal of C5 and bone spurs, got cadaver bone and a plate from C4-6. It went very well. I was in a Miami J brace for 4 months and then a soft cervical collar for one additional month. During that 5th month I could drive and I started very intensive PT and rehab. I am now 14 months post-op and doing great!

I think what has helped is to take it slow, and to do lots of PT and rehab. I am very appreciative of my neurosurgeon and my physical therapist.

The one activity that has helped the most is paddling around in a therapy (93 degree) pool which I do 6 days a week before attempting my other exercises. I wouldn't call what I do "swimming"! I have some ongoing symptoms due to the small lesion on my spinal cord at C5 but they are very minor.

Good luck to you!

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for your comments.

CCF Neuro MD