Hello

I also had ACDF on level C5-6, on September 12th. Unfortunately, I have to wear my collar for 6 weeks. My surgeon did tell me that I could take it off for a little while when sitting down only.

Since my surgery, I have slight pain in back of neck and sometimes pain on the right or the left. But this pain is manageable compared to the pain that I had prior to surgery. I did tell my neuro surgeon about the pain in the back of my neck at my last visit to him, and he told me that most of his patients complain of the same pain during recovery. At that visit I didn't have any pain on either side of my neck.

Prior to me having surgery, I had such severe pain in both arms, triceps & biceps and numb hands very often. The pain had gotten so severe that I could only sleep on my bad back. In time I developed bilateral frozen shoulder and had to go see an orthopedic, and he did surgery on both shoulders to break up scar tissue. I then had to do therapy to keep my range of motion in both arms. I still had pain in both arms but it did diminish a bit. I also have many problems with my legs and balance and use a cane for both my legs and back. My last neuro surgeon had wanted me to go in the chair, but I declined. Like you I also had a couple of falls. I do suffer with Neuropathy as well.

When my surgeon had told me that I really needed surgery at C5-6, I asked if I agreed to this surgery if it would help to improve some of the pain and balance in my legs. He told me that he didn't' think it would help my legs. Well, guess what, it has just a little bit. But I am grateful for any help that I can get. It seems as if my balance has greatly improved. I just pray that it is not temporary, and that they continue to improve. I no longer have pain in my shoulder's or arms which is great. As for your question about having pain where the plate is, I am not exactly sure where the plate is in my neck, so I can't answer that one. I do have a very uncomfortable feeling in the front of my neck and it feels as it their is pressure on my throat. It also hurts a bit at the incision area and still is very swollen. I do have an appointment on Wednesday with my surgeon and will ask if this is normal.

I also wanted to ask you if your surgeon is aware of the fact that you are still taking Celebrex. I also took this medication for my arthritis but had to discontinue it a week prior to my surgery. I had to do the same when I had my lumbar fusion. They say that these NSAID's can interfere with the fusion. I am suffering without taking this med, but I sure don't want to take any chances on having this surgery redone.

My surgeon also stated that my surgery was to stabilize and get the compression off of my cord. My last neuro surgeon had said the same thing with my lumbar fusion. No Guarantee's. I do pray that your recovery comes along well.

Jeanne