Hi my name is Dave, and I am waiting for ACDF surgery on c5-6 and 6-7 end of feb. I am curious what to expect after, as I do pretty heavy work. I am a printer, and move paper and run machines all day. My doc says he can have me back in 2 weeks, but I am skeptical. I was told to post here, so I hope someone can give me some clues!
Thanks
Dave

My DH is a pressman (newspaper) and I don't know about how different your job is from his, but I would tend to think that after an ACDF, 2 weeks is not going to be do-able. As far as I know, there's no "real" light duty work in his shop, from laying plates, loading paper, etc, its all full duty...the guys at his job that go on light duty end up just working the "buttons" on the presses, and the other men on the press have to pick up the slack.

Give yourself time to heal. Your muscles are going to be sore for a little while, just from the positioning during the surgery, as well as the insult they took during the surgery itself. Try to remember that surgery is just a very controlled injury to the body, and its going to take time for those muscles to heal and the bones to fuse.

I've got T-spine issues myself, but I hope this helps some, and some of the cervie's come along to answer your specific questions. Good luck.

Theresa

hi printerhead,
i have lumbar issues so i don't know about the cervical stuff. But, i don't think you can return to work that quickly with any major surgery.
Imho, you will need a lot more time than that. Hopefully someone who has had this type of surgery will come along soon.

I would have to agree that 2 weeks is nowhere near enough time to get back to work. I was stiff and sore for a good 6 weeks to 2 months after mine. I had ACDF at C5-6. Then even after that time it took months to get full range of motion which I still don't have. I have other issues with my spine causing problems though. I don't want to be negative about it but obviously I am still in pain or I wouldn't be here. I know there are people who have it and are fixed and their pain is gone so think postitive and hopefully it will be a positive experience for you. ...Sue

Hi printerhead ~

I am fused from C-5 through C-7 and I have to agree with everyone else that two weeks is a little soon to be going back to work.

I will say that as soon as I woke up in the Recovery Room that all the pain in my arm and neck was gone ~ but it took me longer than two weeks to totally recover.

I wasn't allowed to go back to work for eight weeks and I had a sedentary job ~

Good luck to you ~ I hope the surgery is a great success!

Love,
dadsgirl

Two weeks isn't nearly enough. Not only do you need time to heal, you might also need physical therapy. If you try to do PT while you are working, you won't have the stamina, painwise, to put in the time on the exercises which will help you get your life back. I can see PT and working at the same time down the road, but not right out of the gate.

You need to be very honest with your doctor about your fears and by all means, DO NOT go back to work to do manual labor until you KNOW you are ready. I know that is easier said than done since we all need an income, but if they push you and you go back to soon, you could end up with irreperable damage, even if you are one of the lucky ones that could have made a full recovery if given tiime to heal. I'm sorry that sounds negative. I just don't want you pushed into that situation.

Is this Worker's comp or is the doc tied to the place of employment by any chance??

I'm sure you can have a positive experience as long as you are in the driver's seat. After all, only you know exactly what your body feels and when it is ready to be pushed.

I wish you the best of luck,
Suzanne

No, this isn't workers comp...wish it was. My doc has no affiliation with my employer...he is just very confident. I really hope it goes as good as he says.. he told me i could take as much time as i want off, but that 2-3 weeks would be plenty.
thanks for your reply,
Dave

Hello,

I had fusion of the c/5, c/6 and c/6, c/7 on December 5, 2006. The pain was pretty intense the first couple of days. However, I felt pretty good after about a week. Although I do not have a physcial job, my commute is 50 miles one way. I also live on 3 acres and take care of horses, dogs and a variety of other animals, including teenagers. I didn't have much choice but to recover quickly. I was back to work in 3 weeks. I only wore my neck brace for a week. I do not recommend for anyone to do what I did. I believe my recovery will be delayed due to my activities right after surgery. Although it appears that the continuious pain in my arm and shoulder are gone, I am experiencing other pain in my neck and face that I never had before. The doctor advised me that I will not know if the surgery was a success until about a year. I had no choice but to return to work since I am the sole support for my family. I would recommend, if you can, to take it easy for as long as you are able and don't feel bad when others want to help you (this was another one of my downfalls!). I would chose to do the surgery again since I am a very active person and the pain was interfering with my daily life. I wish you all the best and please keep me updated on your success.

Thankyou so much!
that was the most encouraging post i have received to date. Will you contact me? I have other questions you may be able to answer! I would really appreciate it!
Dave
hansmathias8@hotmail.com