ACDF - C/5 thru C/7 surgery coming up - scared! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

golfngirl · 06-25-2007, 04:55 PM

Hi everyone. I'm a newbie who just came from the neurosurgeon's ofc. He wants to do a 2-level acdf with fusion and use metal plates. He said no collar, but no driving for 6 weeks. Other then that, he made it sound like a fairly easy recovery. After 2 yrs. + with this debilitating pain, plus not being able to work w/out pain, golf, or even do basic shopping and lifting, I'm going to go for it. Had anyone had this surgery with a fairly easy recovery? Were you able to resume your normal lifestyle again? Thanks for your help!

RayRay301 · 06-25-2007, 05:31 PM

I'm interested in responses to your post, because I too, have to have 2 level ACDF. I just wanna know what to expect. My Dr. doesn't seem to think it's a big deal, but I'm still more than a little nervous.

MargaretM123 · 06-25-2007, 07:37 PM

Hi. I had the surgery (ACDF on C4/5 and C5/6) on June 14th and return to my neurosurgeon in two days for my first check up and xrays. I suffered from herniated discs and cervical spinal stenosis for years. My symptoms were numerous and were getting worse, so I decided to finally go for the surgery.
Was it an easy surgery? No. The operation took a little over two hours and it took them almost two more hours to bring me out of the anesthesia. I am asthmatic so that complicated matters. They were not able to intubate me the first time they tried, so I had to return for the surgery three weeks later.
Is the recovery difficult? I believe its different for everyone, as you will probably see by the responses you get from others here on the message boards.
For me, the most difficult part has been with swallowing. After my neurosurgeon made the incision he separated/moved the muscles in my neck so he could reach the discs and bone spurs. Those muscles are still tender, but I would say that 10 days later I can once again swallow without difficulty.
I had no problem bathing or sleeping, but did have to prop myself up on two pillows and sleep on the unaffected side for about a week.
The incision is ugly, but I am told it will fade with time and will be hardly noticeable. I didn't have stitches, everything is held together with glue that is supposed to dissolve after two weeks.
Was it worth it? Only time will tell. I still have numbness in my left leg and foot, but I have not had problems with my balance or numbness in my arm or fingers since the surgery. I have not had any pain in my neck or shoulder since my surgery, unless you count the normal side effects from the trauma my body was just put through.
I can tell you that I have already mostly returned to my normal day to day activities (although I am a bit slow at the moment). I can walk my dogs, prepare meals, attempt some housecleaning, do laundry (including ironing) and have already been grocery shopping (my husband drove).
I am still in a soft collar, but don't have to wear it at night. I believe a positive attitude helps, and if you absolutely need to have this operation, then I wish you the best. Just make sure you have a neurosurgeon who you are comfortable with and who will take the time to answer all of your questions.

MargaretM123 · 06-25-2007, 07:45 PM

I forgot to mention that I was given a prescription medication for pain (Vicadin) but only had to take one tablet a few times a day for the first three days. I took extra strength Tylenol afterward, and am off all pain meds. now.
Also, I was told I would only have to wear the collar until I return for my two week checkup, and could return to driving and most normal activities after two weeks as well.

golfngirl · 06-26-2007, 09:14 AM

Thanks, Margaret. Minus the problem with the intubation you had, all and all, it doesn't sound too bad. Since I was up with my burning pain last night, my imagination ran wild and I was worried that something would go wrong and I would end up paralyzed! My dr. wants to use my own hip bone for the fusion. RayRay, is your dr. using your own or a donor bone?