SKZ
12-02-2006, 05:08 PM
Well today I was really on a roll on this board. Besides posting, I was reading people's previous posts. My compulsiveness is becoming very apparent! I have read on here that some people had trouble breathing in the hospital after their ACDF. A good friend of mine had the surgery and he had this too. NOW , I am starting to panic. I am even second guessing if its the right thing to do ACDF. I have 2 weeks before the surgeon appt., which is 2 weeks too long! I also keep reading that while the ACDF has helped their neurological symptoms, it has not particularly helped their pain. Well, I have numb hands (mostly when I sleep), but nothing horribly major like some I have read about. My biggest nightmare is not being able to sit for any decent length of time without wanting to scream. (or stand up for any lenth of time, like when I teach). I wouldnt want to have this surgery if it wont help my pain!:dizzy:
OK, time to take a ^%&*# Xanax,. LOL
OK, time to take a ^%&*# Xanax,. LOL
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SKZ
12-02-2006, 06:43 PM
I have seriously tried everything a person can try. In the last 4 1/2 years I have gone to Phys. Therapy at least 8 times. I lost count. My physiatrist has a P.T. in his office that I liked alot. She has me doing Pilates based stuff, which feels like the best so far of all I have tried. I have had every injection, (no kiddin on that one) gone to chiropractors, massage, acupuncture....you name it, I have had it. My physiatrist told me I am at the end of the line. The idea of living like this and feeling so disabled is such a bummer. I just would hate to get worse from the surgery...pain-wise.
Thanks for responding. I really appreciate it.
Thanks for responding. I really appreciate it.
SKZ
12-02-2006, 10:09 PM
Hysterectomy a Cake Walk ??? oy vey! I had a tummy tuck about 10 yrs ago and that was pretty intense. Makes me really look forward to the ACDF. NOT!
SpineAZ
12-02-2006, 11:00 PM
SKZ - I found the ACDF surgery MUCH MUCH easier and FAR less painful than most other surgery I've had (and I've had tons). It was much easier than my knee ACL repair, my ovary removal, my lumbar fusion, etc.
SKZ
12-03-2006, 11:09 AM
I am definitely glad you clarified that about the pain part. I will make sure and do the walking everyday. Its freezing here and icy, so my treadmill will come in handy.
NYD
12-03-2006, 06:29 PM
Well if it's any help to ya'll. I am 3.5 months post op ACDF 5-6 and I just went skiing. I had severe cord compression and numb hands/feet tons of pain. I have zero pain and my strength is coming back. If your hands go numb only at night you might want to have your nerves tested for damage ala carpel tunnel.
These surgeries do work, do not be fooled. Most folks that get better do not hang around on sites like this, as they no longer need support. When you have pain it's human nature to seek support such as this fine site.
My advise is take it easy after surgery. Just lay around. Don't do anything. Let people help you. Go for short walks, but thats it! You will be back to 90% before you know it.
Good luck and Happy Healing.
:)
These surgeries do work, do not be fooled. Most folks that get better do not hang around on sites like this, as they no longer need support. When you have pain it's human nature to seek support such as this fine site.
My advise is take it easy after surgery. Just lay around. Don't do anything. Let people help you. Go for short walks, but thats it! You will be back to 90% before you know it.
Good luck and Happy Healing.
:)
SKZ
12-03-2006, 08:13 PM
I had an EMG a year ago and nerve conduction study. They found one hand to be numb from carpal tunnel and the other from pinched nerve.
I am just wanting to get it overwith already!
I am just wanting to get it overwith already!
PearlDoves
12-04-2006, 12:21 AM
going for walks is important because after anything like surgery there are certain risks, one of them being a PE (pulmonary embolism), which is why you'll be probably wearing TED stockings - which is a tight stocking that goes up to your thigh, and while in recovery or the ICU that first day, they may put on SCD's, which is a thing that goes on your legs that pumps air which causes your legs to mimic what its like when walking. All of this helps prevent potential blood clots. Pre-op you may get a folder with information that shows you excersies you can do for your legs and such because you will be resting a lot - I was doing some of these while in bed. Its good to start getting up and taking your first walk the day after surgery if you can. Physical therapists should be in to see you and help you make your first walk, don't try to do it yourself without help until you know you have a good handle on your gait, and don't push yourself beyond your limits, LISTEN to your body. I'm a good example of trying to do too much I think, lol. But my discharge to home instructions were to try and walk a little further each day...