Newbie: ACDF Surgery in 2 weeks
 

Hello, I am new to the forum. Hoping I can get some answers and fears put aside.
I will be going in for a level 2 discectomy and fusion on Oct. 19th. The pain I have been experiencing for the last 2 months has been excruciating. Finally had an MRI done and talked to a Neurosurgeon this week. Need surgery due to spinal cord being compromised. He said he would do a discectomy on c3,c4,c5,c6 and by next year I will need c2,c3 done as well. I asked why not do it now while he is in there, his response was my muscle spasm are so bad, that my neck would not handle a 3 level at this time. I am wondering what to expect during and after the surgery? I know everyone is different, but to know some experiences might help me feel less freaked out. Thanks and sorry for the long post.

Hi---hi had acdf in 7-2010 c5 thru c7 --prior to surgery was in severe pain and went paralyzed on right side ---after sugery i awoke to my right arm and hand moving again it was like someone plugged me back in. I was happy had minor sore throat pain wise was not bad at all pain prior to surgery was horrible. Pain was easily handled and I was very happy. I also have other disc with problems but since there not pressing spinal cord for now we will leave it alone. 18 months after surgery Im having a little neck and shoulder pain and Im now in process of finding out why think it may a pinched nerve but im still way better having the surgery and have no regrets. I wish you the best of luck and dont be afraid. Without this surgery my life would have been a nightmare. Suggestions for home I slept recliner first week and had neck brace soft for 6 weeks. Oh....buy alot of straws really helps when drinking .Please try not to fear...it I wasted so much time in fear and it was all for nothing recovery was a breese compared to pre-surgery pain!!:)

Thanks for the reply. I really can't stand the pain any longer and the numbness in my whole left arm is something to be desired as well. I am off of work for the next two weeks until my surgery. I will be in a hard brace for approx. 2-3 weeks, then not sure after that. Thanks for the straw idea and recliner also. I know the surgery will in the end make it betterl but still scary to think of someone messing with your neck. I hope you don't have a pinched nerve it sounds like you have been through enough. Keep me posted! :)

I know I was exeact same way scared to death. My recovery was great and I really didnt need pain medication afterwards. I was happy just to fianlly sleep. Before surgery little no sleep no life and extreme pain. I was very stressed before surgery Im single just built brand new home I have a very demanding job ---I feared I wouldnt be able to care for myself and loose everything I worked hard for 25 yrs. I was lucky. I was well aware not everyone has been this lucky. Your right its a picnched nerve on c5 but the problem is I havent been offered no treatment---its been going on for months. Dr said you might just have to live with it ...ughhhh. I just wonder if they opened up the forminal canal wide enough where the nerve passes thru ?? Before your surgery you will see your dr even if its for a sec....I would mention it to him that itss concern because nerves are painful. I went to one of the best hospital is Ohio---however its a teaching hospital not sure if your is? If it is-- insist the only one you want cutting on you is the surgeon you chose. I will keep you in my prayers that you have the best results possible. Please post afterwards as I would like to see how your feeling. I knows its hard but try to stay postive. Look forward to being pain free finally!!:hug:

Ii will definately keep you posted. I just wish they could have done it next week instead of pushing it out. I hate the anxiety I feel. thanks for your words of encouragement. I had expected more posts and especially the posts in the spine forum but nothing. I really appreciate you talking to me about this it seems to put my mind at ease a little. I can't wait to be pain free and able to feel my left arm again and no more headaches, I hope. Talk to you soon. ;)

I know I just signed up the other day and was hoping someone could give insight about new mri ----just ppl welcome to the site.:confused:

Dear Eeyore
 

Sorry to hear you have to have spinal fusion. I hope that you got a second opinion. I would question having to do two surgeries rather than one. I had to have two, and wound up having the first one re-done. fused C3-7. I would rather go through it once, and get it over with, just an opinion. Hopefully you will get some good medications, including a muscle relaxer like Soma. I am sorry you are in such pain. I hope that this turns out OK for you. I did very well have have alot less pain today. ginnie:hug:

Hi Ginnie. Thanks. This was my second opinion. I asked him why he wouldn't do the 3 level and he said the muscle spasms in my neck are so severe that he didn't think I would come through the surgery the way that he intended and it would be harder for him to fix with them like that. I have been on muscle relaxers (Flexoril) and prendisone for over 2 months now including methyldexasone (highest dose possible) and nothing is working. I may contact him again about doing the three level and just be done with it. I am really glad to hear that you have less pain now. It is good to hear a good story sometimes. Talk to you soon.:hug:

Hi eeyore
 

Glad you did go for that second opinion. regarding the muscle spasms, they can be quite difficult after the surgery. It was for me for a good two weeks after. first days, not so hot. Hopefully in what ever your surgeon does, he will provide good pain control for you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I am not pain free, but not bad like I use to be. I take one hydrocodone once in a while, primarily at nightime after a time using my neck. I am very careful with driving, and turn around gently. Just take it each for awhile after the surgery, and let yourself heal. Have food ready, and if you can, an incline pillow can help with the comfort to rest your head and neck. take care. ginnie:hug:

Let us know how your feeling what day is surgery? Will be keeping you in my thoughts---after u wake up next thing you will be home. You will be suprised how fast it will go and all your fears wil be gone. Remember when you home take it slow and friends and family take care of you!!:hug:

:hug:Thanks. Surgery is scheduled for this Friday. October 19th. I had some new symptoms with slight tingling and numbness on the left side of my face and both upper and lower lips. Do you think this could be from the neck c2,c3 that he will not be fixing this round?
I haven't told my NS yet, but will talk with him briefly before surgery. Thanks for the thoughts. I will keep you posted!

Hello eeyore
 

Hello. Just a word of advice....if you have developed new symptoms since your last visit with your NS, do contact his office and let him know ahead of the scheduled time for your surgery. Sometimes they do extra testing of some kind to make sure the surgery you are schedule for is exactly what he wants to do. I do think this is important. I also wish you the very best results, and a speedy healing. Be good to yourself while your heal. ginnie:hug:

I agree 100% with Ginnie----esp u have new symptoms. I inquired about herinations above level too. I know c2-c3 they usually leave alone if they can that level has higher risks. My c4 also has large herniation --he suggested leave it alone for now might need it down road. I never had any new symptoms before surgery---only my pain was getting worse--was actually looking forward to surgery. Please call them ASAP! !Lets us now outcome. You will be in my prayers all day 19th!!:hug:

Thinking of you please let us know how surgery went ?? :hug:

Hello, surgery went well. All I can say is it is the best thing I have ever done. I do not have any numbness in my left arm anymore. I have little to no pain in my neck. Doc said things went like a text book case. The first night home I didn't know if I was going to be able to handle it. I am glad I didn't put it off as my family members were trying to pursuade me. I have my follow-up on Oct. 27th, I will let you know what Doc says. The thing I hate most is the collar that I have to wear for 4-6 weeks and not being able to really eat solid food without choking yet. Talk to you soon. :hug: