2 and 1/2 weeks post op.......Question - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Weeping Willow · 05-11-2004, 03:59 AM

I'm 2 1/2 weeks post op ACDF for C4-5 w/ a plate. I have some good days, which are becoming more frequent but when I have a "bad day" I have a really bad day. Yesterday the doc said that by June 15th I should be back to work.......the only problem is I do extensive lifting, pulling, tugging, etc.... at work and am worried that I won't be able to do my job once released. Has anyone else went back to a physically demanding job after 6weeks? If so, how did it go?
He gave me the okay to drive again. Which hurts really bad. Turning my head to the right is pretty easy if I do it slowly but I can only turn my head to the left slightly. Is this normal?
I'm still numb above the incision scar. How long should it take for me to regain feeling there?
Sorry so many q's.........I seen the PA instead of the MD yesterday and was so bumfuzzled I forgot 1/2 of the questions I meant to ask.

CTmom · 05-11-2004, 07:39 AM

Hi!

Your recovery at this point sounds completely normal to me. Your range of motion should gradually improve (I found physical therapy a help in this regard). At 3 months out I still have bad days too, but they are not as bad as they were in the beginning and only come about once a week.

As far as returning to a physical job, everyone is different but I can tell you there is no way I could have done it at six weeks. I returned to a desk job at six weeks and still could only work half days for awhile. Now, at three months, I'm could probably handle a physical job.

By the way, my doctor told me I'd be able to return to my desk job at two weeks and would be completely back to normal at six. I don't think he's ever had this surgery himself!

In any event, I found his prediction way too optimistic. But, the good news is I am getting better slowly and returning to normal life - just not as fast as he would have liked.

Best wishes!

secondfiddle · 05-11-2004, 10:13 PM

Willow - that's strange about turning your head to the right and not the left. Same here. It just feels like my head will only go so far to the left and then it stops. I guess it will improve with time, along with everything else.

I see my doctor at the end of May and can't drive until after that time. Not that I *could* right now anyway

Be very careful when you drive though - better yet, wait until you have full range of motion of your neck!!

I'm also having more good days now - had three in a row and then blew it today by overdoing! I won't even bother telling you what I did - very stupid. Tomorrow will probably be spent in bed as a result.

I wouldn't worry about the demands of your job just yet - if you get to the point of going back to work and are still concerned, maybe your doctor could put you on light duty for a while. I'm hoping to get back to nursing eventually, and I doubt very seriously that I'd be allowed back on full duty right away.

Take care.

grace2 · 05-12-2004, 09:01 AM

I went back to work at 2 weeks for about 3-4 hours per day. I am 7 weeks postop now and working my normal hours (about 6.5 per day). I run an office so it's mostly desk work but lots of moving around. I have carried groceries, mowed the lawn and lifted more than I should. I get more sore when I have done too much so I know to slow down.

The first two weeks are the hardest by far. I think you will heal much more quickly in the next four. If you are still worried, I agree with asking to be put on light duty.

br80 · 05-12-2004, 10:04 PM

I also have a hard time turning to the left. To the right is a little easier. I am fused from c3-6. I had surgery on 3-18 and just returned to school bus driving I have been coming home in tears because it hurts too bad. I have come to the conclusion I need a new career. 5 weeks of physical therapy has not helped my range of motion as i had hoped it would. Range of motion is critical in my profession. All I can say is listen to your body you know what is too much and good luck to you.