Having ACDF on C5,C6,C7 - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

maw maw · 09-20-2005, 07:14 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

dennisgb · 09-20-2005, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maw maw

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

hugo eve · 09-20-2005, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maw maw

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

Cindee 2 · 09-20-2005, 05:31 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

wdmoor · 09-21-2005, 07:28 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.