debmul

Hi! Here's a post that I did after my surgery in February...maybe it will help!
Tell your hubby to take it easy and not get in a hurry to 'get back to normal'!
Good luck and God Bless!

Some Suggestions Prior to ACDF

I had a 2-level ACDF done Feb 7th, and you all were a great source of information before and after my surgery! Thanks so much for the input supplied on this site. I hope that you're all doing well now. My doctor is one that seems to be cautious with recovery, which suits me, because I surely don't want to do this again! I'm doing great and am taking things slowly.

After my surgery, I compiled a list of things to give my doctor's office that are needed after this type of surgery so they could have on hand for pre-surgery patient visits. Some of these were things I read here and already had on hand, some were things that I found out after the surgery. Hope this helps someone!

Comfortable recliner or chair that you can sleep in for a while (mine lasted a week or more)

Button-front PJ's or loungewear for ease of dressing
Hand-held shower

Mild shampoo - be prepared to get it in your eyes!

Smaller-than-normal toothbrush (can't open as wide with the neck brace I had)

Mild toothpaste - mouth may be sore

Flexible straws!

(Next one isn't pretty, but was necessary) A spit cup for brushing your teeth - can't lean over to rinse without hitting the brace
Soft, easy to eat foods for a few days - and someone to prepare them and clean up

Juice, milk, etc. in small, easy to open containers. Some of the screw on lids are hard to open after surgery

Portable phone to keep nearby - make sure to place it on the charger at night

Tylenol - lots of them! I was off the pain meds in a few days, but still needed 'something'

Throat lozenges

Popsicles or something cold and soothing for your throat

Peroxide

Paper tape - for sensitive skin

Gauze pads


If you have a Philadelphia collar, there is a liner that can be purchased online that is GREAT! We used flannel/felt to line it with until the liner came in. Collar was hot and irritating.

I had surgery on Thursday, came home on Friday and my wonderful husband stayed with me until Monday. I was fine to be on my own after that, as long as meals were simple or easy to heat up and things were within reach. I'd been in pain for so long that the surgery pain was a breeze to get over. A little irritation of my throat and a slight problem swallowing for a few days, but other than that, I am doing great! Still no "BLT" (bending, lifting, twisting/turning) yet, according to my doctor's orders, but I'm following them to keep from having any problems in the future. I don't want to do this again

Good luck to you all and God bless!
Deb