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1770926 tn?1316125417

post ACDF 08/08/2011

Hi,
   My name is Ellen and I had a ACDF on 08/08/2011.It is now the forth week. I have not yet been able to start sleeping comfortably. I also find that the pain is not from the surgical site as it is on the anterior side of my neck and in the middle of my back. I am also starting to have some left arm pain. I,m really not sure if it is normal to still be in pain an how long before I should be feeling normal again. I was told that there will be no therapy untill after the fusion take,s. Has anyone had therapy and how painful is it? I really feel like I will need it as I work in the Radiology dept and do a lot of heavy lifting and have to wonder if there should be weight restrictions when I go back.Now on a good note I do feel the surgery went well the numness was gone right after surgery and I still have weakness in my arm but am sure that will improve with time and excersice.
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Avatar universal
Glad everything is working out for you and you have gotten some answers.  

Hope you will stay with MH and keep us posted.

Bonjour!!!
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1770926 tn?1316125417
Hello,
   Saw surgeon today he assured me that I was right on track and exactly what everyone has said slow down I will be starting physical therapy in a week and was told the pain I am having is from the muscles healing and very much normal. I  still have a  restriction of no more then 10 lb. my xray showed that the fusing has begun and that all the hardware is intact and properly alined this made me very happy you were right patience is what I need being only six weeks into this. He told me it will take at least a year till I feel 100% so from now on one day at a time
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there. Since you are having symptoms post ACDF you could be suffering from preoperative nerve damage which can.not  corrected no matter the operative procedure get a nerve conduction velocity test and an EMG to rule out irreversible nerve damage. Consult a physiotherapist if he could chalk out exercises to ease your back and pain relief. Hope this helps. Take care.
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1770926 tn?1316125417
Thank you will do
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Avatar universal
Bett, could be folks didn't respond to this August post because they didn't know what ACDF was.  BUT your September post had three replies to you!  So, you did get some sort of response from this group, if you'll locate your more recent post.  If you have trouble finding it, just go to the menu item "My MedHelp" and your posts are listed there, that's how I found both of your posts.  GG
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1770926 tn?1316125417
Thank you for your reply an I agree I am going for my second visit today and have made a list of my concerns. To much time on my hands made me over think everything I hope to get some threapy cause I am so still and do a lot of heavy lifting
                                                           Best of luck to you
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Avatar universal
Sorry that you are leaving MH.  

In my opinion, you should have your surgeon address your questions, especially since you just had surgery.  He/she knows your medical problems and history better than anyone on the internet.  

I have cervical issues, but have never "gone under the knife."

Bonjour!!  
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