maw maw
09-20-2005, 10:14 AM
I am having a ACDF on C5,C6,C7 on Sept 29. Doctor told me that i would have 6 screws and metal plate. they told me to take the pain meds even if i thought i did not need them. Said i would be in a collar. I was told i would be out of work for a couple of weeks. But i can't drive for 6 weeks. Then how do they expect me to get to work and that i could work while wearing the collar. I am wondering what kind of pain i will be having. What is the recovery time for this
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dennisgb
09-20-2005, 11:13 AM
I am having a ACDF on C5,C6,C7 on Sept 29. Doctor told me that i would have 6 screws and metal plate. they told me to take the pain meds even if i thought i did not need them. Said i would be in a collar. I was told i would be out of work for a couple of weeks. But i can't drive for 6 weeks. Then how do they expect me to get to work and that i could work while wearing the collar. I am wondering what kind of pain i will be having. What is the recovery time for this
Hi Maw Maw,
I had ACDF on C5-6 and C6-7 last June. I was out of work for 8 weeks and in the collar for 4 months.
The total time for fusion to complete is about a year. From 6 months on it is just weight lifting restriction (I was on 25lbs at 6 months). You will feel better in about 2-3 weeks, but about 6 weeks is when you feel about normal.
The first week or two is a little rough, as you will have a sore throat and not be able to eat anything but soft food and liquids. There is generally some swelling from the surgery.
It is tough to sleep and do normal stuff, because your in the collar 24/7. You will get used to it after a while, but it is difficult. I hated the collar. The first few days I wanted to rip it off...bad!
I was in such pain from the problems, that I felt much better after the surgery.
Today I feel great! I am glad I had the surgery.
Dennis
Hi Maw Maw,
I had ACDF on C5-6 and C6-7 last June. I was out of work for 8 weeks and in the collar for 4 months.
The total time for fusion to complete is about a year. From 6 months on it is just weight lifting restriction (I was on 25lbs at 6 months). You will feel better in about 2-3 weeks, but about 6 weeks is when you feel about normal.
The first week or two is a little rough, as you will have a sore throat and not be able to eat anything but soft food and liquids. There is generally some swelling from the surgery.
It is tough to sleep and do normal stuff, because your in the collar 24/7. You will get used to it after a while, but it is difficult. I hated the collar. The first few days I wanted to rip it off...bad!
I was in such pain from the problems, that I felt much better after the surgery.
Today I feel great! I am glad I had the surgery.
Dennis
hugo eve
09-20-2005, 08:04 PM
I am having a ACDF on C5,C6,C7 on Sept 29. Doctor told me that i would have 6 screws and metal plate. they told me to take the pain meds even if i thought i did not need them. Said i would be in a collar. I was told i would be out of work for a couple of weeks. But i can't drive for 6 weeks. Then how do they expect me to get to work and that i could work while wearing the collar. I am wondering what kind of pain i will be having. What is the recovery time for this
Yo Maw maw
I'm two weeks outa the operation this time around. I only had a single fusion (C6/7). I have plate and 4 screws. Had bone graft taken from hip. Told that I can take collar off today. Still getting pain across shoulder blades etc if I move head too extravagantly. I drove a couple of days ago without too many problems tho wouldn't drive too far. Have had very little problem with swallowing and voice. I'm not up too working yet... still feeling whoosy and weak. Had sex in week one but had to be the one under... all went well but hip a bit sore. Previous op was for fusion of C4/5/6... that seemed to take longer to recover tho there was far more cord damage. Been told to take pain relief so that I move more and get muscles readjusted etc. Walking slow from hip being chainsawed.
Greetings from DownUnder! Can hear those crocs in the back creek carrying on so will have to go and deal with them soon. Might wait a few more days as they are about 14foot long and I might find them a bit hard to throw over me shoulder yet. They sound as tho they are getting closer. Had one on the back verandah not so long ago so hope my recovery doesn't take too long otherwise I might have to shoot the cheeky buggers.
Cheers Hugo
Yo Maw maw
I'm two weeks outa the operation this time around. I only had a single fusion (C6/7). I have plate and 4 screws. Had bone graft taken from hip. Told that I can take collar off today. Still getting pain across shoulder blades etc if I move head too extravagantly. I drove a couple of days ago without too many problems tho wouldn't drive too far. Have had very little problem with swallowing and voice. I'm not up too working yet... still feeling whoosy and weak. Had sex in week one but had to be the one under... all went well but hip a bit sore. Previous op was for fusion of C4/5/6... that seemed to take longer to recover tho there was far more cord damage. Been told to take pain relief so that I move more and get muscles readjusted etc. Walking slow from hip being chainsawed.
Greetings from DownUnder! Can hear those crocs in the back creek carrying on so will have to go and deal with them soon. Might wait a few more days as they are about 14foot long and I might find them a bit hard to throw over me shoulder yet. They sound as tho they are getting closer. Had one on the back verandah not so long ago so hope my recovery doesn't take too long otherwise I might have to shoot the cheeky buggers.
Cheers Hugo
Cindee 2
09-20-2005, 08:31 PM
I had ACDF 5-6-7 on July 12th. Wore a collar for 2 weeks when up and about or riding in car. I was driving a little at 2 weeks. Slept in reciner for 3 weeks and at that time started feeling better,then even more improvement at 7 weeks. On my 8th week was a little achy for a few days. Yesterday I washed my car by hand,waxed it and vacummed.(Had someone carry the vac for me) I hadn't done this for a long time....much better.
I never slept in collar. Post op 12weeks on October 5.
GOOD LUCK
Cindee
I never slept in collar. Post op 12weeks on October 5.
GOOD LUCK
Cindee
wdmoor
09-21-2005, 10:28 PM
Hi Maw Maw,
I had surgery with plate, screws and donor bone this day last year.
I was driving after five weeks, but very cautiously, and back to work after 6 weeks. Don't rush going back to work...take every day your employer gives you.
I wore a soft collar for 3 weeks. It's not bad...in fact I found it comforting.
Slept upright on couch surrounded by pillows.
Pain. I had very little. After one prescription painkiller, I switched to ibuprofen. The first week after surgery your throat will be sore. Buy soup and canned pasta. Popcorn and pretzels are out for awhile.
Be good to yourself after. This is spinal surgery. Don't push yourself; let your body recover. The anesthesia will leave you stupid for a couple days after surgery, but that's ok. Don't rush going back to work. Don't believe anybody who says you'll be back to work in a week or two.
The worst part about the operation was the anticipation beforehand. I'd never had major surgery before and was terrified. But then I woke up in recovery room after surgery and thought, that's it? The second worst part was daytime TV.
After a week in your chair you'll be cursing the TV remote.
You'll do better than you think...this is the worst time, the pre-op anticipation. It's awful, and I feel for you. Good luck.
I had surgery with plate, screws and donor bone this day last year.
I was driving after five weeks, but very cautiously, and back to work after 6 weeks. Don't rush going back to work...take every day your employer gives you.
I wore a soft collar for 3 weeks. It's not bad...in fact I found it comforting.
Slept upright on couch surrounded by pillows.
Pain. I had very little. After one prescription painkiller, I switched to ibuprofen. The first week after surgery your throat will be sore. Buy soup and canned pasta. Popcorn and pretzels are out for awhile.
Be good to yourself after. This is spinal surgery. Don't push yourself; let your body recover. The anesthesia will leave you stupid for a couple days after surgery, but that's ok. Don't rush going back to work. Don't believe anybody who says you'll be back to work in a week or two.
The worst part about the operation was the anticipation beforehand. I'd never had major surgery before and was terrified. But then I woke up in recovery room after surgery and thought, that's it? The second worst part was daytime TV.
After a week in your chair you'll be cursing the TV remote.
You'll do better than you think...this is the worst time, the pre-op anticipation. It's awful, and I feel for you. Good luck.
hugo eve
09-21-2005, 11:22 PM
Hi
I concur with last message. Anticipation is by far the worse part. Frustration in recovery is annoying as keep having to tell myself to slow down. Went shopping yesterday (drove (60K's) and wandered around supermarket etc). Surgery on 7th Sept. Refuse to watch T.V. Crocodile took one of my heifers yesterday so feeling a bit guilty about that, but not yet ready to deal with them. Had snake in house but my dog got rid of that. Getting used to the quiet life. Got to go to Dentist soon.... terrified of that... much rather have spinal surgery. Took my stitches out on tuesday. Started laughing which made it a tad difficult. Glad I chopped a lot of firewood as a bit chilly dowwn under at moment.
Love Hugz.
I concur with last message. Anticipation is by far the worse part. Frustration in recovery is annoying as keep having to tell myself to slow down. Went shopping yesterday (drove (60K's) and wandered around supermarket etc). Surgery on 7th Sept. Refuse to watch T.V. Crocodile took one of my heifers yesterday so feeling a bit guilty about that, but not yet ready to deal with them. Had snake in house but my dog got rid of that. Getting used to the quiet life. Got to go to Dentist soon.... terrified of that... much rather have spinal surgery. Took my stitches out on tuesday. Started laughing which made it a tad difficult. Glad I chopped a lot of firewood as a bit chilly dowwn under at moment.
Love Hugz.
maw maw
09-22-2005, 11:15 AM
Thanks for the replies. They said the bone graph site would be more painful than the surgery. The waiting is starting to get to me! I feel the waiting is starting to get to hubby now.Been out of work since the end of july and you guys are right nothing on daytime t.v. Doctor told hubby that i would be up and cooking dinner in a couple of days after surgery. YEAH RIGHT!
thanks
maw maw
thanks
maw maw
dmaloy
09-23-2005, 06:44 AM
Hi. I'm new here also just found this site tonight. I'm thinking of having the surgery as I have put it off for a year and I really hurt. Hubby is getting tired of my pain also, I've been out of work because of this for a year also so that hurts. I'm very afraid of the surgery. I hope all goes well for you. I will be waiting to see how you do. I go monday to find out when mine will be. Pain doctor wants to do a cervical stariod shot on Wensday but I don't know will ask surgen what he thinks as before he told me no they don't work, Take care and good luck
rob_zzz
09-23-2005, 07:21 AM
hugo - where abouts are you from?
hugo eve
09-23-2005, 07:27 AM
Australia. Whoa... you not going to me banned for being off topic <grin>
Hugz
Hugz
feelbad
09-23-2005, 10:18 AM
I just wanted to mention that under no circumstances should you take any form of NSAID like ibu or aleeve or any Rx strentgh motrin at least not for the first few months post fusion surgery,as it does inhibit the bones from fusing.i was not told this unfortunetly until after i had been taking it off and on after my first surgery and the damn fusion failed.some docs do not always tell you everything you know,or at when you actually would need the info anyway.marcia
maw maw
09-23-2005, 10:21 AM
Since I have had this problem for over a year and I had the shots in my shoulder at first (was told it was rotar cuff stuff) and did not help. Even did pt for the shoulder. That went on for a couple of months. Started with everything hurting 7/2004. It finally eased up some around jan 2005. Quit doing pt in nov 2004 since it was not helping. Then it came back out of the blue july 2005. I have been out of work since the end of july 2005. Doctor gave me shot and it did not work. Hope if you get it it will work. My hubby was very tired of it also. Said if they need to do surgery do it now cause he was tired of seeing me in pain all the time. I was given 3 different pain meds in less than 30 days. Still have them. Can sit,sleep or ride in the car for very long. This time next week i will be waiting to come home from the hospital. Can not wait to get it over with. Seems like i can't remember when i have not been in pain with this. The closer surgery gets the more it plays on my mind. So now it is just the wait and see game.
maw maw
09-23-2005, 10:25 AM
marica,
Thanks for that info. I hope you are doing better at this time. I heard/read smoking does not help either. I do smoke and have cut back alot. I am really trying to quit but it is hard. I have even brought the patches to start wearing. Does anyone have any suggestions.
thanks
maw maw
Thanks for that info. I hope you are doing better at this time. I heard/read smoking does not help either. I do smoke and have cut back alot. I am really trying to quit but it is hard. I have even brought the patches to start wearing. Does anyone have any suggestions.
thanks
maw maw
Taimse
09-23-2005, 09:25 PM
Sorry about post to this list,
Marcia, I just wanted to tell you I finally located Dr. F------ at Lake Elmo
Am seeking another opinion from him as things look like they might be a coverup where I went this past week for a second opinion. When a friend who had same surgery a month before you did and her primary doc says "under the table' this problem is from the surgery, it makes you wonder when second opinon doc says nerve problem is old and not from recent surgery, even when symptoms are totally different. Medical centers are affiliates. Dr. F would be outside that system. Jeanne M
Marcia, I just wanted to tell you I finally located Dr. F------ at Lake Elmo
Am seeking another opinion from him as things look like they might be a coverup where I went this past week for a second opinion. When a friend who had same surgery a month before you did and her primary doc says "under the table' this problem is from the surgery, it makes you wonder when second opinon doc says nerve problem is old and not from recent surgery, even when symptoms are totally different. Medical centers are affiliates. Dr. F would be outside that system. Jeanne M
Taimse
09-23-2005, 09:32 PM
Sorry about post to this list,
Marcia, I just wanted to tell you I finally located Dr. F------ at Lake Elmo
Am seeking another opinion from him as things look like they might be a coverup where I went this past week for a second opinion. When a friend who had same surgery a month before you did and her primary doc says "under the table' this problem is from the surgery, it makes you wonder when second opinon doc says nerve problem is old and not from recent surgery, even when symptoms are totally different. Medical centers are affiliates. Dr. F would be outside that system.
I have a question...can I request just him, or would I get someone else from the group he is in? Jeanne M
Marcia, I just wanted to tell you I finally located Dr. F------ at Lake Elmo
Am seeking another opinion from him as things look like they might be a coverup where I went this past week for a second opinion. When a friend who had same surgery a month before you did and her primary doc says "under the table' this problem is from the surgery, it makes you wonder when second opinon doc says nerve problem is old and not from recent surgery, even when symptoms are totally different. Medical centers are affiliates. Dr. F would be outside that system.
I have a question...can I request just him, or would I get someone else from the group he is in? Jeanne M
Cindee 2
09-24-2005, 02:06 PM
Maw Maw,
Patches are just as bad or worse than the smokes. They keep a steady flow of nicotine going into your system. Nicotine is what inhibits the fusion. Keep cutting back and try to quit if you can.
Cindee
Patches are just as bad or worse than the smokes. They keep a steady flow of nicotine going into your system. Nicotine is what inhibits the fusion. Keep cutting back and try to quit if you can.
Cindee
wdmoor
09-26-2005, 09:01 PM
Hi Maw Maw,
I don't know anything about ibuprofen or nicotine inhibiting the fusion. The little discomfort I did experience I used ibuprofen for. The MD's painkiller just flattened me.
Before my operation Sept 2004 I had this savage, crushing pain radiating from the top of my head down my left arm and radiating across my chest. I would turn my head and want to throw up. I'm no radiologist but even I could look at my MRI and see the damage to my neck. My quality of life was dreadful.
When I woke up in recovery room after surgery the nurse gave me a plastic handpiece with a button on top attached to a tube. The nurse explained it was morphine, and to push the button any time I needed it. I never used it once. This surgery gets rid of pain. It was worth the agony and fear of waiting, and Maw Maw, I was scared.
Forget making the hubby dinner for awhile. You are not going to do anything for two weeks. I was a 52 yr old guy in good shape and I had trouble getting to the bathroom. Buy him a bunch of frozen dinners and show him how to turn the stove on. I don't know why doctors exaggerate the recovery period. Before my op the NS told me I'd be back at work in a week. When he saw me post-op in the hospital during his rounds he said do nothing for the next 5 weeks. Go figure.
Hang in there. This is the worst time when your imagination takes you to dark places.
I don't know anything about ibuprofen or nicotine inhibiting the fusion. The little discomfort I did experience I used ibuprofen for. The MD's painkiller just flattened me.
Before my operation Sept 2004 I had this savage, crushing pain radiating from the top of my head down my left arm and radiating across my chest. I would turn my head and want to throw up. I'm no radiologist but even I could look at my MRI and see the damage to my neck. My quality of life was dreadful.
When I woke up in recovery room after surgery the nurse gave me a plastic handpiece with a button on top attached to a tube. The nurse explained it was morphine, and to push the button any time I needed it. I never used it once. This surgery gets rid of pain. It was worth the agony and fear of waiting, and Maw Maw, I was scared.
Forget making the hubby dinner for awhile. You are not going to do anything for two weeks. I was a 52 yr old guy in good shape and I had trouble getting to the bathroom. Buy him a bunch of frozen dinners and show him how to turn the stove on. I don't know why doctors exaggerate the recovery period. Before my op the NS told me I'd be back at work in a week. When he saw me post-op in the hospital during his rounds he said do nothing for the next 5 weeks. Go figure.
Hang in there. This is the worst time when your imagination takes you to dark places.
maw maw
09-27-2005, 09:57 PM
Thanks. Well one day left. It is getting closer. Thursday morning will ge here before I know it.the closer it gets the more i start to freak out. Hubby took me to get soup and puddings tonight. Told grandson that paw paw will be running the kitchen for a while. I got a kick out of that. Is it better to have button down shirt to come home in? Is there anything that I should not do when i come home? Don't know how long i can stand not doing anything
Cindee 2
10-06-2005, 12:44 PM
Was wondering if you had made it home and how things are going for you. Hope all is well.
Cindee
Cindee
maw maw
10-06-2005, 01:34 PM
Hi, Well i had the surgery and things are a little weird. Throat is really sore. Still swelling at the cut. Have my first doctor visit on the 17 of Oct. Having pain in the left shoulder but this is alot different from before. I also have strips on the bottom of the neck. I am thinking that is were they got the graph? Did not feel anything at hip when I finally woke up that night. Hubby said i had him check everywhere for the graph site. Came home on friday and had hubby drive me to store on Sunday. So I have been out and about. The collar is what is the worst. With neck still swollen it hurts to wear collar. Was told by family that surgery took longer than they thought. Finally drank some soup after 4th day. So now after 8 days finally able to go to bathroom. YES!!! I have been up doing somethings around the house like normal. What I thought was weird was them trying to give me a back brace. No one said anything about that. Son was in room and i was talking to the brace person and told him i did not have back surgery just neck. He went out and at that point i was still drugged up pretty good told son to also question everything they do. Man came back later and said the order was written wrong. I will be asking doctor when i see him, They also were trying to give me a walker or cane to walk with. Now i have a sinus infection to top it off with. So the coughing and sneezing is painful. Still get alittle tired. But other than that everything is fine.
dennisgb
10-06-2005, 05:20 PM
Hi Maw Maw,
Congratulations! You made it!
The throat pain is normal. Get some throat spray (clore****c(sp)). It will help a lot. Be very careful about doing stuff around the house. You should rest and try not to put any pressure on yourself or your neck. It is critical that you TAKE IT EASY!!!
The brace is the pits. I hated it. I was going to have a special bon fire with it once I got it off...never did tho. It's got to be nasty if you have a nasal infection. Call your doc on that, as you don't want coughing to jar the neck...seriously, you should call them. They may be able to give you something to get rid of it quick.
I would suspect, that if you can't find the graft site, that they changed and used donor bone. They would not have taken the graft from your neck.
Please take it easy...rest, rest, rest!!!
Dennis
Congratulations! You made it!
The throat pain is normal. Get some throat spray (clore****c(sp)). It will help a lot. Be very careful about doing stuff around the house. You should rest and try not to put any pressure on yourself or your neck. It is critical that you TAKE IT EASY!!!
The brace is the pits. I hated it. I was going to have a special bon fire with it once I got it off...never did tho. It's got to be nasty if you have a nasal infection. Call your doc on that, as you don't want coughing to jar the neck...seriously, you should call them. They may be able to give you something to get rid of it quick.
I would suspect, that if you can't find the graft site, that they changed and used donor bone. They would not have taken the graft from your neck.
Please take it easy...rest, rest, rest!!!
Dennis
Cindee 2
10-07-2005, 11:25 AM
Dennis is right they probably used donar bone. When I went in for surgery we went over the surgery order and it said graph from the hip. I told them no I wanted donar bone. If the bone was graphed from the hip you probably would need a cane or walker. I had a friend that bruised from the hip to the breast taking the graph from her hip. I didn't want to go there....
Glad to here you are home. Just take it easy now.....you will be feeling better in no time.
Cindee
Glad to here you are home. Just take it easy now.....you will be feeling better in no time.
Cindee
maw maw
10-07-2005, 12:08 PM
Must have used donor bone. I pulled the tape off the back of the neck yesterday and nothing. It must have been holding up some of all that wiring they hook up to you.