Weakness in arms and legs after ACDF
 

Hi all,

My sister had an ACDF with a 3 level fusion on Friday Oct 4th. The surgeon said everything went well but 4 days post op she's got so much weakness in her arms and legs that she can't stand. They say it's due to swelling and irritation and will improve with time. She has a very well respected surgeon (considered one of the best in the country) so I think she's in good hands but he just doesn't communicate well and the longer she's stuck in bed the more discouraged she becomes. I know it was a big surgery and she's only a few days post op. But I read all these stories of people hopping out of bed and going home the next day and I can't help but worry.

Anyone have a similar experience? How long did it take to get back on your feet? Is there anything else we should be doing?

Any input would be appreciated.

problems post acdf not unusual--but get to doctor
 

Hi, and welcome to the forum,

I also recently joined to get more information about pain and persisting problems that my husband was having after ACDF surgery. Unfortunately you will find many such stories in this forum, and most have the explanation that nerves have been disturbed during the surgery and that the neck must now learn to accomodate its new structure and work in different ways--especially with a 3 level procedure!.

But if your sister can't even get out of bed I would suggest enlisting the help of whomever necessary and getting her back to the surgeon's office asap. Alternately, if the surgeon puts you off then go to the emergency room where they have diagnostic equipment to find out what is going on.

I'm glad you found this forum. You have a right to be quite alarmed.

Don't stop until you have answers that satisfy you.

Caroline

She's in the hospital (they won't send her home until she's back on her feet again) and getting very good care. And as I said before, her doctor has an excellent reputation. So it's not that I think she's being neglected in any way.

It was a big surgery and she was worn down from weeks of feeling lousy. Plus she's quite heavy ... close to 300 pounds ... which just makes her recovery that much harder. The nurses and therapists insist they see some improvement every day. It just worries me to see her so helpless and afraid.

Sorry to hear your sister is having a rough time recovering from this surgery. I see this post was from two days ago. How is she doing now? Is she beginning to get more mobility and strength back? It's true about the nerves being very angry after surgery. It apparently doesn't take much to tick them off.

What I have found is that each person is so different. Some people have easy recoveries with pain resolution and others still struggle with pain after. I had a 3 level fusion (C4-C7) almost seven months ago. Recovery is up & down for me. I would say for the most part, I am doing well but still deal with flares of pain and numbness. I have a feeling that this is just how it is and how it will be (for me).

I hope to hear she is doing better. Stay upbeat & positive for her. That will help her a lot.

Hi pg
 

I know you are concerned for your sister. She is just a few days out of the surgery. I was in bed for the most part for two weeks. Got up to get moving a bit, walked in the garden a bit, but really did lay low for that two week period of time. The pain was severe for me. I also had arm pain, weakness, and eventually it did go away. I am fused C3-7. Have faith that in time she will recover fully. Depression can also happen cause you hurt and are stuck in bed. If she can read, or watch TV, any kind of distraction helps while you are healing. I will be here to listen. Ginnie:grouphug::hug:

Thanks for the kinds words, everyone! My sister still has a long way to go but its doing a wee bit better. She's still not able to stand on her own, but she moved to a rehab facility a couple days ago and they've got her working hard to get her strength back. So while I'm still very concerned, I'm a bit more hopeful.