1 Year Post op ACDF

04-09-2003, 04:46 AM

Hello Everyone,

I just went for my one year post op with my neurosurgeon. The X-rays showed the fusion was solid and the Dr released me with no restrictions. I still have a little numbness in my left index finger and I get a few tingles down the arm. The Dr said it could take years for the nerves to completely heal. The numbness is barely noticeable at times.

I'm back to doing all the things before the surgery. I've been biking, working in the yard, playing racquet ball twice week and working out at the gym. It feels good to have my life back.

The scar is barely noticeable, I have to look to find it.

My advice to all who have recently had the operation is to take it easy the first six months or so. You will be feeling good but its too easy to over do it. I did a lot of walking to get back into shape.

You can view my preview posts under the user name lmotivans. I wish everyone success.

Big Hugs,
Leo

ACDF C5-C6, C6-C7, donor bone, titanium plate with 6 screws. 4/23/2002, Florida Hospital, Orlando, Florida.

04-09-2003, 04:53 AM

That's great to know, Leo. In fact I'm on my way there right now for a three level fusion. Who was your doctor?

Welcome back. See ya in a few...

wr

04-09-2003, 05:02 AM

Hi WR,

My surgeon was Dr Paul Sawin. He was very good and I would recommend him to anyone.

I wish you all the best. See you soon.
Leo

04-09-2003, 05:36 AM

Hi Leo, so good to see you again. Like that name change

Congratulations, I'm so happy for you. Also, thanks for the good advice, it's sooo true.
Again, best wishes for your newly released self

Debbie

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Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.

04-09-2003, 06:39 AM

Leo!

So good of you to drop by and give us an upbeat update. With all the folk who just had or are soon having surgery on the list now, it is what they need to hear.

One of the major things those people also needed to hear was your "6 month warning". This is one surgery where I don't think they are kidding at all when they say it takes a year to heal.

04-09-2003, 05:24 PM

Hi Leo,

Thank you so much for your post. I needed a kick in the a-- and there you were.

Keep getting stronger and thanks again for sharing the future.

Bruce

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ACDF with plating and donor bone C6-7 (1/29/03)

04-09-2003, 06:49 PM

Hi Debbie,

Nice to hear from you. I just got back from an 1 1/2 hr of intense racquet ball. I'm exhausted.

Hi Nanner,

I'm sorry to hear you are still have some problems. I hope the injections help.

Hi Bruce,

Nice to meet you. Just take it easy and enjoy life. It will take some time to fully heal, be patient, the time will go by quickly. I did a lot of walking to build up my energy. I wish you well.

Hugs to all,
Leo

04-11-2003, 12:29 AM

Hi Leo,
Thanks for your post.

I've been putting off surgery for quite a while, looking for comments from patients who went thru the procedure a year or more ago.

Your note was encouraging. As you mentioned taking it easy for 6 months, can you tell me what physical limitations you had up to the 1st 6 months post-surgery, and if you have any now, a year later?

Range of motion?
Pain or other limitations you are living with?

By the way, I spent the last hour reading posts you made under the Imotivans name, found 78!

BJ

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1993 C5-C6 compression noted in Xray
1995 Forearm soreness observed, attribute to RSI
1997 Jammed finger in Sports Accident, numbness never goes away
1998 numbness and parathesia in middle finger attribute to carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel surgery ineffective
2000 Acupuncture, Acupressure, massage, PT, Yoga
2001 Neurologist orders MRI, diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy and spondylosis
2002 Conservative therapies continued, condition persists, 5 neurosurgeons consulted
2003 Artificial disc prosthesis considered and rejected, 2 level fusion scheduled

04-11-2003, 05:09 AM

Hi BJ,

I really didn't have any limitations the first six months, I actually felt pretty good. I had weakness in my left side and some muscle soreness in the neck and shoulders. Any time I over did it, my body would tell me. I would be in pain for weeks. I'm a very active person, I did most things but I made sure I didn't exert myself.

Now, one year later, I have full range of motion. My left side is getting stronger. I'm doing everything I was prior to surgery. I am very happy with my results. I still have a little bit of numbness in my left index finger.

Leo

04-11-2003, 07:58 PM

Hi Leo,
I have been meaning to thank you for your wonderful & inspirational words!! So, there is hope eh?! I was surprised to read that you were driving so soon after your procedure! I, personally, am rather hesitant to do any driving right now! Perhaps my fear is because I will have 2 wee one's in the back seat; which entails much head turning!! I remain frustrated at not thinking I can drive. Hopefully, I shall overcome!
Thanks again for letting us know about your grand success! Stay Blessed!
Catherine

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

04-13-2003, 01:53 PM

Hi Leo,
Small world isn't it? I've got Dr. Baker who is a partner of Sawin; I've also heard very good things about another partner, Dr. Lu.

Great to hear how you're coming along; I think we all have to keep the names and numbers of the good docs, 'cause I think we'll all be needing them again in the future, from what I'm hearing. It's also good to know how far long they have come with the technology of doing the surgery.
wr

1 Year Post op ACDF

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