ACDF surgery yesterdy (C6/7) - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Payton02 · 03-01-2007, 03:06 PM

I had surgery yesterday afternoon. I'm only having moderate pain. Mostly a soar throat which makes it difficult to eat. I was discharged early this morning due to blizzard warnings in our area. I didn't want to be stranded in a hotel all weekend. The ride home was a bit scary due to snow and ice.

I am to wear a soft collar at all times except when I sleep and shower. Doc said that I should plan on wearing it for three weeks. I was given meds for pain and muscle spasms. I currently do not have any spasms. Is that something that is in store for me? Should I take the medication even if I don't currently have them? Also, I've read alot of posts on this board that state that we should not take ibuprofen, however, I was given a prescription to take it three times per day.

I was pretty much pain-free before sugery. My symptoms were mostly pressure and weakness in the left arm and nubness in the fingers. I can already tell a difference there.

I also have a herniated disc at c5/6 but it was recommended that I only fuse the area that was causing the symptoms. She did state that there was a good chance that this area would require something in the future since more stress will be applied to that level now.

This forum has provided such insight into this procedure, and I was thankful to read all of your posts prior to having surgery. I felt like I knew what to expect. Thanks to you all for sharing your stories.

OhioGolfer · 03-01-2007, 03:34 PM

Glad you made it through OK. I found that the spasms really started about 48 - 72 hours after surgery, but everybody has a different experience, and some never have really bad spasms. Mine have subsided in the last few days, and I am 21 days post-op. However, I also had 2 levels done. I would be careful with the ibuprofen -- why risk it if you don't have to?

My NS took the opposite approach to yours. My C5-C6 disc was worse than my C4-C5, although I had more spurring at C4/5. He opted to fuse both, figuring that it would minimize my chances for needing further surgery.

There are tons of different approaches the doctors take with this procedure. Some use collars, some don't - some strictly limit driving and such for 6 weeks, others say OK after 2 or 3. GO figure!

Jeff

smiley94 · 03-01-2007, 05:40 PM

Good luck with your recovery! I am 7 wks post-op ACDF C5-C6. I was told no Ibuprofen because it delays bone healing. So it's amazing how all the doctors are all different. Do you see a neurosurgeon or ortho? Everyone's recovery also seems to be different. I am a nurse so it will be quite awhile until I can go back to work. So to me it seems like a slow recovery but I am doing well. It's just hard not being able to do what I am used to doing. Take care.

Payton02 · 03-01-2007, 07:11 PM

My doctor is a neurosurgeon. I assume the ibuprofen is for inflammation. If I don't take it, is there something else I can substitue for it? I was really expecting to feel much worse today than I feel. I am taking hydrocordone for pain and something else for spasms. I figure I may as well take the spasm meds just in case. My post-op appointment is set up for the end of March. I'm hoping to be released to go back to work then. I've been off since the 7th of February. I have a desk job, so I wouldn't think it would be an issue to be released at the time.

I am concerned about the c5/6 level herniation and having to go through this again soon. I also have some spurring at that level. However, I've had two doctors tell me that if it isn't causing any problems, we should leave it alone. Their opinion is to only fuse if absolutely necessary.

I actually got a look at the incision today after my shower. Not real attractive, but I'm hoping over time it will heal up nicely.

BobM · 03-01-2007, 09:52 PM

I think you are doing really well! There was no way I was doing computer work the day I came home.

I've had two ACDFs - for me day 2 & 3 were worse than the first day home, but not terrible - then it was steady improvement from then on. I took the pain meds for the first 3 or 4 days whether I thought I needed them or not, since the hospital staff told me it was easier to keep the pain at bay, then to let it get severe and then try to get it back down to reasonable levels. You will know when it's OK to taper off and start, so it's OK to give yourself some time.

My neurosurgeon had the same adivce about only doing the levels that were causing symptoms, even though I had 4 levels that didn't look so good. He did two the 1st operation, and another level a year later - but statistically it is not likely to need another so soon after the first. There seems to be a consensus about higher risk of having problems with adjacent discs after getting a fusion, but I don't know that there is a much better alternative. We are all learning to deal with a new 'normal', and many people here have good advice about exercise, diet, and the role of a positive mental attitude in dealing with this kind of problem.

But you are on the other side of your surgery, and have high expectations for continued improvement - and that is something to be happy about!
Bob