ACDF recovery process

[nosuchlogic]

I just had acdf surgery in june 2014. My MRI results were;1- there are severe degenerative changes within the cervical spine,most prominent at c4-c5.There is a 3 to 4 mm diffuse disc bulge/osteophyte complex.There is severe narrowing of the central canal with AP diameter of the thecal sac measuring 5 to 6 mm, with flattening of the ventral aspect of the cord.There is focus of increased T2/STIR signal which may represent edema/and or myelomalcia changes.Facet arthropathy and uncovertebral  hypertrophy contributes to moderate to severe foraminal narrowing bilaterally w mild encroachment on exiting nerves.c6-c7There is a broad based disc bulge/osteophyte complex meas up to 3mm extending into the foraminal regions bilaterally.Mild to moderate narrowing of central canal.There is moderate to severe foraminal stenosis bilaterally with encroachment on exiting nerves.Now since my surgery,I can now look up and turn my head from left to right fairly well.However my legs have remained severely weak.And my legs have begun hurting at night again.Is this part of the recovery?My dr told me I would have arm pain(didn't before)I also know it may take a year,but wonder do it get worse before better?Most days I can barely walk.Also on the left side of my mid back,I get these really weird movements under my skin.It feel like a wound does after you put peroxide and it has stopped burning,but you can feel the nerves moving around still.I have this feeling on my back all day long.

[nosuchlogic]

Thank you. I got a question...is there a community here that talks about the the positive things such as the things we can do (newly discovered) and not about the things we can no longer do?I know I have sad days and ugh depressed days, but I want to feel positive. I have recently discovered that I have a natural ability to paint flowers and such.My weakness has slowed me down to a crawl,and well, I am seeing there is a whole lot more to look along the way.Anyways,hope your days are the best they can be for you.Take Care

[philnoir]

I experienced "nosuch" offense from your post. No need to apologize.

You should hear me on days when I'm fighting with the medical establishment -- or maybe you shouldn't!

:#)

[nosuchlogic]

Accept my apology if I came across  angry and or uppidty.Feb 12 2013 I went to get up that morning and both legs just went out under me.I was unable to stand or walk for over 45 mins.There was no pain,they just would not work.After that I went through more than a few doctor's who did not believe me until Dec 2013 I had the MRI for my neck done and that changed things to a point.I was told I needed emergency surgery in March 2014 but was put on the back burner until June 2014.It was not my spine doctor's fault.But my medical coverage.The memory is still stuck in my throat.And each day,I try to get it to go down...I am indeed actually a very nice person. Take Care

[philnoir]

How I feel is in pain, but I know what you mean.

I've lived with chronic pain for long enough to come to terms with my fate. I've been fortunate to have found good compassionate doctors, but my journey has been a long one.

I am determined to get the best possible care. If this means opiates analgesia, so be it, social stigma be damned.

I am a dogged pain warrior who fights for all in chronic pain -- there are 100 million of us in America alone. I believe that every patient in pain deserves compassionate adequate pain treatment.

I believe that the best educated patient -- one who knows as much about his condition, treatment options, complications, and risks -- gets the best available treatment. I know this to be true from personal experience.

Best wishes in your journey with chronic pain.

[nosuchlogic]

Again,Thank you for your response.And your comments.If I may ask,how do you feel about your prognosis? I am very interested in knowing...I have always been a believer of (it is what it is) person.And as strong as I may think I am, I know a time will come when I will be beyond freaked out over this,but today is not that day.Yet.You may think I love pain,as I have norcos with 4 refills left.I have taken only 2 pills since my surgery.But I hate pills and how they make my mind feel.I do however have a high pain threshold.So when I have to hide my hands when walking under a cooler,well lets just say it angers me more than it hurts.for now anyways.I dread putting them in water too.P.S. I am not sure about the timing,but I quit a 42 year plus smoking habit the day of my surgery and have not smoked since. I am still (YAY) for me! Best Wishes to you also

[philnoir]

I understand and it sounds like there is severe cord disease.

I am sorry there is nothing to be done (I'm in the same boat --- different diagnoses, but I must find ways to live with the pain.)

Study myelolamacia and syrinx, chronic pain, breakthrough pain, and other related topics, follow research and new treatment options on pubmed, and seek pain management relief. Remember, the pills have to last your whole life.

Pubmed is available here. You work it like a search engine.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16885015

Best wishes.

[nosuchlogic]

Thank you for your response. I am sorry I should have been more specific about my back.There is no scar tissue,large areas of muscle under the skin moves constantly.It drives me crazy.It is without pain.As for ACDF surgery I have an update.I saw my spine dr. last week.He told me then I have myelolamacia.That my nerve damage is permanent.The condition is irreversable. That surgery was done to try to slow the degenerative process down.I wish I could post an xray of what was done.

[philnoir]

Trauma from a cervical fusion can exacerbate pain. I imagine that the scar tissue on your neck and in your throat is still uncomfortable, but what scar tissue are you speaking of in your mid-back?

The MRI report you have copied above -- this was before surgery?

Then data is now irrelevant after surgery.

How many levels were fused? It sounds like the surgeon did address the foraminal stenosis since you can move your head from side to side. What is the condition of your central stenosis after surgery?

Also, you report weakness in your lower legs. This is not part of the recovery for a cervical anterior fusion. Do you have lumbar spine disease? Your MRI refers to the cervical spine, but makes no reference to the lumbar spine.

Consult with your doctor on these symptoms. Often lumbar symptoms appear after pain in the cervical region has been reduced due to previously undiagnosed lumbar spine disease.