SpineAZ

I had a C5-C7 ACDF in 05/2006 at age 39. Just as you've stated, my primary symptom was not true 'neck pain'...it was the pain radiating down my left arm and causing numbness in my hand and fingers. My symptoms have greatly improved and I'm very glad I did the surgery. I didn't really loose much in terms of neck range of motion but immediately upon waking from the surgery I had significant relief of the radiating pain and numbness.

My doctor requires an aspen collar be worn for 6 weeks and that I use a bone stimulator for 4 hours per day in the first few months after surgery.

My ONE big piece of advice I give everyone having this surgery.....once you are home and able to do so - keep yourself as ative as you can. I basically sat on my but for 6 weeks and didn't do much besides walk from my bedroom to the family room. I found when I returned to work at 6 weeks post-op that I was exhausted just from walking from my car to the office plaza. I wish I had made an effort to have my husband walk me down the block and back in the first few weeks after the surgery (or since it's so hot here in AZ in the summer - even if I would have walked 5 min a day on the treadmill we have).

Best Wishes,
Karin

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RIGHT TKR 9/28/11
Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Surg '11
L3-S1 fusion '10; L4-S1 fusion '93; L5-S1 fusion '87
C5-C7 PCIF & foraminotomy '08; C5-C7 ACDF '06
LT/RT knee surg '82 to present