[paulatb]

Hi, I need help. I have been told that I need ACDF. I am scared to death and can't stop crying.Is there anyone out there that can tell me ANYTHING that might help me calm down? Thanks , paulatb[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Twinkletoes]

First of all, Welcome to NeuroTalk, Paula!

Now then, calm down. Maybe having this surgery will be a really good thing for you. But it is important that you do your homework first, so you can make an informed decision.

I don't know anything about Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion, but here is what a Google search brought up: http://search.live.com/results.aspx?...c=IE-SearchBox

One site said this: You will normally be up and walking in the hospital by the end of the first day after the surgery.

Let us know what you find out, K?

[Twinkletoes]

Here, try this link: http://www.necksurgery.com/patient.html

[Kathi49]

paulatb,

I have to make this quick so I apologize. I have had two ACDF's and speaking STRICTLY for myself, the surgery itself is nothing. All I ever felt was the incision across the front of my neck and that was MINOR. I had some hoareness but that's about it. But keep in mind once they do a fusion there is no going back and the spasms afterwards can be bad but they can also be controlled with medication. My NS prescribed Valium for the spasms. It is scary, I know so I am not making light of it at all. I am just trying to let you know it is NOT as horrible as you might THINK. The great thing was...gone were the headaches and gone was the pain in my thumbs. I still have some residual pain but you need to know my neck is a mess anyway. So, just read up on everything you can and if you have to, go back to the surgeon and ask question after question. I did that too since I kept coming up with more questions. And the other poster is right; after my first fusion I was up and walking that night..no problem! The second fusion was OUTPATIENT of all things and I went home in the afternoon. Again, no problem. But again, read up on everything you can and ask questions. I am just trying to allay your fears a bit. The surgery is serious yes, but I definitely made mountains out of molehills and I didn't need to; the surgery was nothing in my estimation.

[Junie]

My only advice is get as many opinions as possible and the best neuro surgion you can find! I went with the one that promised me the world and he made me worse then I can ever have been...be careful!