Hi everyone. I'm Guy, 66 yrs old and just had neck surgery, C4C5C6C7 ACDF. This because of constant neck & shoulder pain. Surgery supposedly successfull but have lost the ability to lift my left arm from the shoulder. Can bend up at elbow but difficult. have been told PT and 3-6 months. Anyone that can give me some hope. I'm afraid I've lost the use permanently and very depressed at the thought.

Hello and Welcome to Neurotalk Flstrider - you will meet many great and supportive people here!!!

I am so very sorry to hear about everything that you are going through . Unfortunately I don't have any answers has I have never been through anything like this. I hope you get some answers soon!

If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask - I am more than happy to help you in anyway I possibly can!!

Take care and I look forward to seeing you around the Forum soon!!

Alison.

Hi and welcome to NeuroTalk! I see that you've already visited the Spinal Disorders and Back Pain Forum and have gotten some responses to your post there.....hopefully someone who has been through similar issues will be able to give you some answers. Just wanted to welcome you to the boards!!

Hello and Welcome Guy, to Neuro talk, sorry about the troubles you are facing hopefully its inflammation from the surgery that is impeding your movement and use of arm. again welcome to NT, Guy

Hi Guy and Welcome to NeuroTalk.

hello and welcome to neurotalk ... there are lots of friendly and supportive people here ... post where you feel comfortable ... someone is bound to have an answer for you ... and again ...

Hi Guy, I had cervical fusion involving C-3 thru T-1, my surgery was 2 years ago. I still go to PT. I can tell you that I am lifting my arms above my head. This was not always so. PT is important, and so are the home excercises that they give you to do. I too, am a new person to this forum. I'm Deb, in my mid 50's. I tell you this so that you don't have the mistaken notion that my body is somehow much younger, and therefore easier to heal. The process is long, hard, and at times very discouraging. I guess that's why I searched out a place of understanding. I by nature don't tell people my problems, and if someone asks me how I feel, I smile and say just fine. But the truth is this type of invasive surgery really does impact the remainder of our lives. I don't want to be to heavy here. You are looking for a place to see hope, I can do that by saying that I can lift my arms now, and I too could not, for about 9 months post surg. I hope that helps you.

Hi,
I had a c4-c6 with severe cord compression and had weakness of right arm and shoulder. It took a few months at pt to get my arm back to normal. Have hope!
nekie

hi,
i had c4-c6 acdf and i also had arm and shoulder weakness. It took a few months of pt to get it back to normal. Have hope!
nekie

Welcome to Neurotalk!!!!!