Hi ~ I had a three level fusion C4-7 almost 8 weeks ago, and I too was horribly scared. I think the most important preparation you can do is to make sure you have the best Dr you can find, and be confident in his skills. I got a couple of opinions and they were all the same, so I went with the Dr I was most comfortable with.
Next most important thing is to prepare your home. I put all my most used items on the counters so I could reach them, and bought a grabber. Lots of pillows, in a few sizes to get comfortable in my recliner. It took a few nights before I could sleep lying flat. Apple sauce and yoghurt were a big help with taking pills. I couldn't swallow them with water for a few weeks. There's a list of handy things at the top of the page, it was a great help to me.
I won't fib, it's been a difficult 8 wks, but I feel so much better compared to how I felt before the surgery. If you'd like to ask me any questions send me a pm and I'll give you my email addy. (((Hugs)))
The following user gives a hug of support to Nittany168: elayne1129 (11-07-2012)
Hi there,
I had a 3 level acdf done four years ago. It's going to be okay.
Things I learned...
Don't be a hero, take the pain meds.
If pain meds or muscle relaxers aren't working call the doctor, sometimes meds just need a Little tweaking in the beginning.
Yes....plan for constipation. Miralax was my friend.
Proper nutrition equals proper healing. Remember to eat even if your not hungry. Or at the very least try some protein shakes or smoothies.
Bendy straws are a blessing.
Chewable vitamins/calcium, get some cause trying to choke down a huge vitamin is a scary thing.
Don't be surprised if your sense of taste is off for a couple of weeks, general anesthesia can muck up your taste buds for a while.
Don't be surprised if you find that you notice hair loss, anesthesia will do that too. But hair will grow back.
Follow your doctors instructions to the letter.
Positive thoughts will yield positive outcomes. It takes time to heal so please be patient with yourself.
The following user gives a hug of support to elayne1129: Sunsine (12-02-2012)
Good luck to those having surgery. I'm 8wks past my 3 level ACDF, I'm having a few complications, but would do it again in a heart beat. Please like said before don't over do it. I was guilty of that and paid for it later. I still get tired easily and need to rest, again good luck!!
Good luck to those having surgery. I'm 8wks past my 3 level ACDF, I'm having a few complications, but would do it again in a heart beat. Please like said before don't over do it. I was guilty of that and paid for it later. I still get tired easily and need to rest, again good luck!!
Thanks for the advice!! Good luck with the rest of your recovery!
well I won't be having surgery on Monday. EKG was abnormal and doctor won't give clearance until I have a stress test done. They can't get me in until Wed *sigh* Anyway this really sucks especially since I'm an athlete bradycardia can be absolutely normal for someone like me (resting HR is 38)
The exact same thing happened to me, but I'm no athlete...lol. Since I'm over 50 (just barely) and my father has heart trouble, I needed cardiac clearance. My EKG also had an abnormality, that I was never told what that was, so the aug 28th surgery date became sept 18th. It all worked out in the end, but it did cause a lot of unnecessary stress. Good luck, I'm sure it will all work out.
Last edited by Nittany168; 11-17-2012 at 07:45 AM.
The exact same thing happened to me, but I'm no athlete...lol. Since I'm over 50 (just barely) and my father has heart trouble, I needed cardiac clearance. My EKG also had an abnormality, that I was never told what that was, so the aug 28th surgery date became sept 18th. It all worked out in the end, but it did cause a lot of unnecessary stress. Good luck, I'm sure it will all work out.
Thanks!
It just frustrates me since I have previous EKG's showing the same issue and have had a stress test as well (was told I have an "athletic" heart), though the stress test was done in 2006. I'm in my early 40's and since both parents have had heart problems I've been keeping on top of my heart health since I was in my 30's. The doctor was all apologetic saying that he knows how my EKG's are never "normal" and that more than likely everything is still the same as before but since I'm going to be having general anastethia (sp?) they can't take chances. I think they just want to get some procedure's in since another hospital will be doing my surgery
Well no surgery anytime soon. My stress test was positive for ischemia so I have an appointment with a cardiologist Monday. This TOTALLY took me by surprise since my cholesterol is good, I'm no where near obese, I don't smoke, and until recently have been VERY active.
I am having a 2 level fusion in January 
Just remember to follow your doctor's post op instructions and don't over do it.
