byoung6

well, I thought I would drop in and give a post acdf report. I have had 2 followups with my surgeon, and everything is in place and staying there, a good sign.
I have had no improvement in peripheral feeling or function. Sad to say. The surgeon told me before the surgery that he expected little improvement. I had my surgery to stop the deterioration, not to improve the condition I was already in.
I have even had some little extras show up, nerve pain extending up my left jaw and face, appears to be the trigeminal nerve. Way extra spasm in the neck,arms and shoulders.
I am going to have phys. therapy for my neck motion in another month, and will be glad for that.
I have read here a lot of people who have been sorry they had the surgery, my expectations were not to alleviate pain or regain lost sensation or use of anything. I was even warned that the surgery could actually increase my pain, but the alternative was a one way ticket to quadriplegia.
And from what my surgeon has told me, the goal of stopping the deterioration, and stabilizing my cervical spine has been pretty successful.
No fusion evidenced yet, but I am hopeful on that one, it takes a long time.
Anyway, to all who have gone through this, and all who are facing it in the future. I just wanted to offer my story.