anterior cervical fusion (cervical spine) aftermath

[punkin4u]

What are long term side effects of anterior cervical discectomy fusion surgery?

[theresaaj]

I had the same surgery about 6 years ago.  I went with the cadaver bone and a neurosurgeon.  The recovery was 6 to 8 weeks and would of been less painful if I took the pain pills every 4 hours instead of trying to be superwoman and not take them.  I was told if I didn;t have the surgery the slightest bump in the road could paralize me but since it was done I have not had any trouble with my neck

[Georgedc]

I spent years getting better and better. Lots of swimming and light exercise. The better posture and muscle structure you have, probably the less pain you might have.

[sharadale]

I think each surgery is individual and dependent on the extent of the fusion. I recently had ACDF at C5/6 and 6/7. I had cadaver bone and titanium plate and screws. I also had a neurosurgeon rather than an ortho. My surgeon was well recommended and has done this surgery many times. It was very successful. I no longer have the numbness in my arm or the pain in my shoulders.
All this being said I was surprised by some of what I experienced. First off, I never expected the recovery would take this long. It has been 7 weeks and I am just now out of the hard brace when I am home. I still have to wear it in the car and when I sleep. I cannot drive and will not be returning to work until next week. The pain that came from the surgery was different from the pain I experienced prior to the surgery and lasted longer than I expected. From what I learned later was that the result of releasing the stress on the nerves is an awakening of those nerves in the form of pain.
My pain has reduced in the last week but I am still taking meds at night. This was also unexpected. The nurse did tell me that total recovery of surgery like this can take 18 months.
I am glad that I had the surgery because my strength has improved in this short time, but I also had no choice. If I did not have it, I would have had permanent nerve damage and paralysis.
I am not telling you all this because I am trying to dissuade you. I just want to give you the full picture. Good luck