Day 52 Post Op ACDF C5-C7 - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

ThoreauFan · 04-28-2006, 12:55 PM

I feel just fine.

As I have indicated before, a plethora of symptoms disappeared post-op.

My surgery was performed because of injury to my spinal cord.

My issues were primarily related to motor function as opposed to the sensory.

This is brief account of a Neuro follow up:

The reflex at the inside left elbow hasn't returned. Dunno what significance it has. The pinky finger on the left hand, in particular, doesn't operate properly but it's not something I really use in functional terms. The surgery did not address a foraminal problem below the fused levels.

Neuro says that cord damage remains and it could take up to two years to come back, if it heals. The responses to stimuli in my legs are still exaggerated, he says. I guess this indicates damage because the signal going up the cord cannot elicit the correct response because it is blocked at the injured level. Although, a previous reflex tap below the knee would elicit a kick that would make a Rockette proud. The level of improvement has been significant.

I will need monitoring - a scan at least once every two years.

As I stated, I feel fine. Occasionally, some funky pain interrupts my life.

But it's not significant.

The NS will be checking the fusion again in a month.

If anybody has any insights, feel free to chime in.

That's the latest here...

BobM · 04-28-2006, 04:49 PM

Hello f4m
It's god to hear that your followup is good - seems like you are pretty much on track, with signficant improvements after surgery, and then slower, but hopefully stead progress, afterwards.

My 1st ACDF was motivated because of spinal cord issues, which sounds similar to yours. I also had radicular impacts, but the spinal cord was the compelling reason to move out on the surgery. I had a neurological exam last fall (1.5 years after 1st ACDF, and 6 months after 2nd). My nervous functions had improved significantly - there was still evidence of the original damage, but things looked good overall. So, at 52 days, I think you have reason to be optimistic, and the two year projection kind of tracks with my experience.

I have some residual symptoms and visit a pain management clinic each month, but I'm back to doing almost everything I was before, just not always at the same tempo or duration, and things seem to be steady vs. continuing to deteriorate.

Congrats on the good followup - your positive attitude has to be significant factor.

So, all you need to do now is 'hurry up and be patient'!

Best wishes
Bob

SpineAZ · 04-28-2006, 07:39 PM

F4M:

I am facing an ACDF C5-C7 on 05/18. Did your surgeon use a collar and how did you cope with that

. I think I am most stressed about being in the collar and trying to get, and remain, comfortable.

ThoreauFan · 04-29-2006, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kross426

F4M:

I am facing an ACDF C5-C7 on 05/18. Did your surgeon use a collar and how did you cope with that

. I think I am most stressed about being in the collar and trying to get, and remain, comfortable.

I wore a soft collar for 30 days, but my surgery included instrumentation. The opinions seem to vary widely among physicians. And, of course, everyone's situation is different.

I'm one of those hyper-anxious, easily-feel-suffocated-types. Surprisingly, the collar wasn't a big problem for me. I did want to rip the thing off at times, but it wasn't nearly as tough to get accustomed to as I thought it would be. And I didn't really have any neck pain/soreness until I started using those muscles again when the collar came off - then it was "HELLO!" the first morning after not sleeping in the collar.

MANY, many people get their collar prior to surgery to become used to it.

Getting comfortable after surgery is a toughie for everyone. Some people find sleeping in a recliner helps, etc. I wound up finding an odd but comfortable position - on my right side on the couch, packed in with a variety pillows.

I hope you find relief soon!