New Member- Question about ACDF
 

Hello,

I will start with a little backstory. In September of 2011 I was involved in a serious car accident where I suffered a moderate traumatic brain injury. The responding neurosurgeon serendipitously discovered an anomaly in my C3 vertebrae, and, long story short, determined it to be a giant cell bone tumor. Subsequently, I went through spinal fusion surgery in January 2012 to remove the tumor, with C2-C4 being fused.

The recovery was awful. I was in a hard collar for over two months, followed by another two months in a soft collar. I was on a heavy dose of narcotics until May, with continued prescription muscle relaxants and milder pain medication throughout the summer. I had 35 rounds of radiation ending in early September. Needless to say, I am very lucky the tumor was not malignant and I made it through such major trauma. However, my pain has not alleviated more than moderately since September. I went through physical therapy for 6 weeks, but still am dealing with daily neck/back/upper arm pain.

I saw my neurosurgeon for the one year follow-up in January with new CT scans and xrays. The surgeon told me after looking at my scans that my cervical spine is now curving downward which indicates potential damaged disc(s) and clearly atrophied muscles. He recommended either ACDF surgery to alleviate the pain from the disc damage, or even a further fusion down my spine.

I went to another doctor (spinal surgeon) for a second opinion and just had the appointment today. He told me from viewing my images that the movement in my spine is very concerning and he would recommend ACDF surgery ASAP. He indicated to me a much less invasive way of doing the surgery and a comparatively short recovery time (2-4 weeks).

Considering the pain I am in daily, and his sense of urgency, I am inclined to go with the second doctor and schedule the ACDF surgery for next month. I am just concerned of being in the same position I was in last year, with a long recovery and more pain. I am also concerned that once I am recovered the same issue will happen again and I will be looking at further surgery in the future.

Has anyone been through more than one fusion or this combination of surgeries? Or, can anyone who has had ACDF describe to me their recovery time (I know it varies), and pain/activity level. Do you still suffer from pain today? Any input is greatly appreciated. I apologize for the long-winded question.

Thank you.

Nice to meet you!!
 

Bless your heart. It sounds to me like you're a victim of the "Domino Effect" where the levels above/below the original surgery site fail because they have to take on more of the load. The doctors don't tell you this will happen. They just tell you that you need surgery, and don't really give you the option of physical therapy. Latest studies have shown that people who have had surgery get the same results as people who have had physical therapy. :eek: Of course if the spinal cord is being impinged or there is nerve damage, surgery IS indicated, but otherwise, physical therapy should be tried!

Why not post on the Spinal Disorders forum? There are MANY people there who have had the ACDF performed, and can give you good advice. I'm sure you'll get many replies.

Best of luck and God bless! Hugs, Lee :)