limitations after surgery - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

agapebsn · 10-24-2003, 01:00 PM

I was wondering, for those of you who have had ACDF, how many of you still have limitations on your physical activity? My doctor has told me to restrict activity...I have ruptured disc C5-C6. I am wondering if I have surgery, which NS is recommending, will I still be limited. I go back to see him on 11/7, but wanted to know what some of you have experienced. I know that there will be restrictions immediately post op. I am wondering if there are lifetime restrictions. Will I be able to do all the things I did before? Thanks in advance. Just reading the previous posts have been very helpful. All of you are great and very supportive.
agapebsn

DariusTDog · 10-24-2003, 06:31 PM

I had an ACDF on 3/19. My surgeon said I could do whatever I want after 9/19, but recommended I stay away from straining myself to extremes for a while, for instance, lifting lighter weights but doing more reps versus lifting extreme weights.

Its been 7 months since surgery, and I don't feel like I have to be careful with what I do at all. I've been playing racquetball and golf. I still have some muscle spasm issues I'm dealing with, but they are getting better sloooooowly.

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ACDF C4-5 w/locking plate and allograft
3-18-2003

agapebsn · 10-30-2003, 04:14 PM

Darius,
Thanks for your reply. I am glad to hear that you seem to be doing well. That is encouraging. It is hard to think that it takes so long, but knowing that getting your life back is possible provides hope.
agapebsn

Icaaa · 10-30-2003, 07:34 PM

hi
I had surgery in July and am totally back to everything I did before. The limits are the ones I set for myself. My dr said I could do anything after about 4 weeks; basically the limitation was a limited lifting of 10 pounds.

As far as rupture goes. Mine was ruptured and the surgeon retrieved around 15 pieces that were floating around my spine. You do not want one of those to pinch off the spinal cord or get messed up to close to it. I was releaved to have those pieces out. Once mine ruptured the pressure was gone and so was the pain. I felt better than. But walking around with the rupture was like a time bomb. You never know where a piece might land.

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Ruptured retrieved 14 pieces ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7. (7/18/03)

[This message has been edited by Icaaa (edited 10-30-2003).]

agapebsn · 10-30-2003, 08:45 PM

Icaaa,
Thanks for responding. I have read some of your story. You situation was pretty frightening. It is very encouraging to hear that you are doing so well. I have started having more good days than bad days. I haven't worked since my MVA 7/21/03. I am a nurse. I am hoping to return to work. On a bad day, I cannot imagine trying to lift patients and do all the other stuff that I do while at work. Some days just moving brings me to tears. Fortunately, those days aren't very often. I miss going 4 wheeling, boating, riding the wave runner and many other activities that I used to enjoy with my family. Hearing that many of you are able to get back to these type activities lets me continue to hope for getting back to life as I knew it and possibly without pain. I see my NS 11/7. We are to make a decision about surgery at that time.
agapbsn