New Symptoms 14mos past ACDF - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

987mom · 08-17-2008, 12:13 AM

Any thoughts for me??

I am having symptoms consistent with level C7 compression, though my ACDF surgery was at C5-C6 14mos ago. I had heard that the surgery could put stress on the discs above and below the hardware, but I also thought the symptoms were to be expected many years in the future and this has caught me off guard. I am day 6 into this and the discomfort is getting worse. I have an appointment with my doctor next Friday. Would it be of any help to slip into my old Philadelphia collar for a while?

Many thanks for anyone's ideas. God Bless!

Dianne

skych · 08-17-2008, 08:45 AM

Hello Dianne,

I have not had the ACDF surgery yet but will be soon. I am so sorry to hear of your discomfort again!
It is my personal opinion that there is not set time limit after and ACDF that another level above or below will start to have issues. Someone else may be better informed on this issue, but I personally feel it has to do basically with the individual.
Since I am scheduled for the ACDF surgery it is a concern for me as to how long it might be before another level starts to show signs of further deterioration.

I am glad to hear you have got right on the ball and scheduled and appointment with your Doctor concerning this issue. I am not for sure what the Phiidelphia collar os, but I do not see any reson for it to do any harm. I think if you have a soft callar that may be more comfortable as I am asuming that the Phili is a hard collar. You could also call the Docs office and see if they think you should wear a colloar untill your next visit.

Please take care and I will send out some prayers for you .

.

Chrissy

Lilacs&Lillies · 08-22-2008, 06:09 PM

Hi Diane,

I'm 2 years post-op from my ACDF & whenever I start getting those familiar pains, I put my soft collar on to sleep in and it feels good. Pray never to have to use my hard collar again, but my soft one is wonderful for those 'hope this isn't the start of something' weeks.

Good luck at your appt. Hope you get good news and feel better soon.