Hi Dave. I had ACDF with instrumentation at C5/6 and C6/7 in 11/05. I too was in a lot of pain with numbness in my upper back/shoulder, numbness and tingling down my left arm, muscle wasting in my L hand, I dropped things constantly, etc.

I was in ICU for four days after my surgery and was then brought to a regular room and discharged the next day. I was fortunate to only have a soft cervical collar, which was more for my own comfort and to make others around me aware that I had had surgery and to be careful.

My surgery lasted almost 9 hours, 2 of which was the "prep" time after I was asleep where they attached the device to my head that held it steady during the surgery, the arterial line, all the monitors, etc. I woke up with a drain in my neck, a catheter in my bladder and a Morphine pump. I was given more than enough pain meds to keep me comfortable. I slept a lot while in the hospital. If a nurse, doctor or visitor wasn't in my room, I was asleep. I did notice an incredible improvement in my grip strength immediately after surgery.

I did have difficulty swallowing due to my incision, but I don't recall that being awful by any means, as I had no appetite for a few weeks anyhow. Once home my pain was very manageable and by five days later I was on minimal doses of meds, but always took them at night. About 3 weeks post op I started driving here and there. Little things exhausted me. It wasn't until three months after the surgery that I started physical therapy.

I wish I could say mine was a "happy ending" but I have had issues since about six months after surgery. I in NO way regret my surgery, and there are some extenuating circumstances. I don't want to get into anything and freak you or anyone else out that is going to have surgery soon.

I have only the utmost faith and confidence in my surgeon, and when the time comes for my next surgery (and it will) I would have no one but this guy do it. The issues I have now are in no way a reflection of his medical skills.

If you have any questions... anything at all... please feel free to send me a personal message and I would be more than happy to answer your questions.

Best of luck to you!!!

Jill ~