New Member - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

DebbieMc · 06-06-2003, 10:21 PM

Hi! I was searching the internet for information on ACDF when I found this message board and I'm so glad I did. My doctor told me yesterday I needed ACDF and I was shocked. After all these years of pain and discomfort, I guess I kind of halfway expected it, but it was surreal sitting there in his office listening to him say it out loud! Reality is still setting in and I'm scared. I feel like I'm going through this alone but now I see I don't have to! I'm so happy I found you all.

My spinal cord is compressed at C4-C5 & C5-C6 5mm & 7mm respectively, as the result of arthritis in my neck. I've been suffering for many years but my doctors never seemed overly concerned about it. I took a turn for the worse a couple of months ago and finally my new MD sent me to get MRI's. When she got the results, she referred me to a neurosurgeon. I saw him yesterday and that's when I got the news. He offered me cervical epidurals as an option but said at some point, I would be having the surgery. It's just a matter of how much longer I want to put up with the pain. When he put it that way, I almost signed up on the spot, but then I decided I'd better get a second and third opinion ;-) He said my cervical spine had actually lost it's curve and was straight in a certain area. I think it was C3-C4 and above. He said that is the result of many years of chronic pain. He went on to say my MRI's revealed "compulsive evidence" that surgery is necessary. So anyways, I think he's right and I'm going to have this done after I get a second opinion (which he encouraged me to get.) I've had chronic headaches for years, I can barely turn my head from left to right and it's especially painful to tilt my head up and turn it. I can't lift my arm up and out and I hold it close because the swinging motion while walking is killer. I could go on and on...I have a tightness in my throat that won't quit and I'm not sure if that's a sympton or just fear!

I don't think anyone around me really understands what I'm going through and they don't really want to talk about it much. The internet says you're off work for a week or two but my doctor said minimum 5 weeks. Now I'm reading on the internet that if you have it done once, you'll probably need it again at the next level. I need it at 2 levels now. But it really sounds like my only option. I'm aware of the decreased mobility but even with that, it would be an improvement. I know I'll be glad I did it but I'm not thrilled about the idea of having my neck cut open...yikes! One slip of the knife...

So if anyone has had this done, please share your experience with me. I'd sure appreciate it ;-)

Many thanks!

Debbie

Catherine with a C · 06-06-2003, 11:03 PM

Debbie!

Oh, how I wish i could jump into the screen & give you a big ol' gentle hug!! I want to welcome you with open arms & an open heart!!

You have certainly found the place to be.
be prepared to call it your 2nd home!!

There are so many stories here.....so much info....
so many frinedships!!!!

I too was told by my NS. that surgery was my choice.
I could elect to do "all" the conservative methods, but I would, & I stress WOULD, one day end up having surgery!! I told him if he was free that afternoon, we had a date!!

I ended up having surgery a couple of weeks later.......I have no regrets!!!!!!!~~~~~` I do have residual post-op "schtuff" going on!! And this too, I hope shall pass.

I don't want to freak you out or even deter you from having surgery; but,,,,,,,,,,,I am rather shocked that you were told you could return to work so quickly.
I do not know what you do~~~~~~~none of my business really!~~~~~~~~`I am 2 months post -op & I hav a hard time getting through a day! I manage!! but, hey!!
I am a stay at home mom with 2 kids under 5! I have no other choice!

Hang in there.
Welcome again!
Feel free to ask away! get your Ya-Ya's out!
But most of all~~~~~~~be yourself~
you will certainly find like minded people here!

Until later,
don't be a stranger.

Catherine

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ACDF C6-7 with doner bone & hardware April 2/03
Laminectomy-Discectomy
L2-3-4-5 Dec. 1985 Complete Success!!!!

Memer · 06-06-2003, 11:30 PM

Hi Debbie M.,

Welcome. You've come to the right place.

I had the same surgery you are going to have. My NS told me he has had patients go back to work in the next one to three days after surgery. That's what I told my employer when I scheduled the surgery, so I had to go back to work (part-time) a few days after surgery. It was absolutely horrible. If I had it to do over again, I'd take off a minimum of two months.

On the other hand, there's a guy on the board who just had surgery two or three days ago. He posted the day after surgery, saying that he was feeling great and there was nothing for the newbies to worry about. He said something about getting himself all worked up over nothing. [all paraphrased here]

As you can see, each person is different. You'll find many stories here. There are some C4-C5 and C5-C6 problems/postops on this board. This place has been a great help for me, since even before I joined it. I was just following in the beginning.

If you can, go back and read some old threads. I know it takes a lot of time, but it's worth it.

Again, welcome.

[This message has been edited by Memer (edited 08-05-2003).]

RATHER BE FISHING · 06-07-2003, 12:39 AM

Hello and welcome aboard!
I just had my ACDF w plating weds nite and the surgery wasnt bad overall the first few days, but since Im into my 3rd and 4th day, things are extremely tender at this point. Ive had to call the docs office to have him give me some better pain meds also.
One thing you want to make sure to do is to research the procedure, research your options, and without a doubt research all of your Docs. There are all kinds of online info available on your docs training and screwups also.
Ask a few of your trustworthy drs that you already have who they would want to work on thier mother's and kids.
Also use your gut feeling when deciding on which doc to choose. I knew right off the bat! The staff is awesome and they will take some time with you to explain things to your satisfaction. Also you want to be able to get ahold of these people in a timely manner for a quick question or new meds.
I hope that this has helped you out some, and Ill be back (its freeze pop time!) Feel free to ask ANY questions, as there is an exceptional group of compassionate people here who have helped me tremendously! I'll be back posting as I start to feel more normal! Remember, Knowledge is power!!

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"I rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy" -Dr. Demento

magtize · 06-07-2003, 12:50 AM

A great big WELCOME Debbie

It was nice to hear from Dr right up front that you need surgery even though you scared.And that is normal.I have gone through the ropes Massages,6 wks PT
epidorals since Sept only to find out that they knew all along I needed surgery
I wish I would have found this board sooner like the rest. I would have then known what to ask and what to expect.
You will get information and support.This is a very understanding ,GREAT GROUP of people who have been there and done that
Wecome again will be looking to hear from you soon
Elaine

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car accident 72 S2 fused 76 Surgery 96 c5-6 fused
aug pains in neck started with pain meds. had X-rays MRI Mylagram
c2-3 c3-4 broadbase buldge c6-7 buldge.pinched nerve,arthritis,spinal stenosis.Meds.Celebrex200mg 1 a day Lexapro 10mg 1 day apap/codeine 300mg as needed oxycod/apap 500 mg as needed neurontin 300mg 2 xs a day Massages,PT,PM SO FAR NO RELIEFLost job as have been off work since Sept 02 3 good days since then