ACDF Surgery (3 level)
 

Hi! I just recently had ACDF Surgery at C4,C5,C6,C7. It has been 3 1/2 weeks since my surgery. I am due back for my 2nd check the first week of July. However, I am having problems with some sharp pain in the back of my neck back neck in the center and right side area) ( Sleeping is becoming a problem as well as sitting to long (even in my recliner to). I have a hard and soft collar as well as my bone stim. device. My Neuro told me that I did not have to wear my collar at my 7 day check up, but only when I take a shower and when traveling in the car. (I still don't drive as of yet). I am not working and on a medical leave. I am getting depressed and starting to worry that I may have done something to my neck. Sometimes my right shoulder and elbow creating pain as well. I just got the X-Ray of my neck and WoW!!! 6 screws and a nice titanium plate. I did look at the x-ray and it looks like the screws are not in the "center of the bone" but more towards the bottom of the bone. Hmmmmm, could this be a problem and causing pain? I also noticed that it does not look "centered" along the spine, but more towards the right side of the spine (you know neck area/bone). Has anyone had any problems with the fusion not taking and causing problems? How did you feel? I don't know anymore and I am just worried. Please reply if anyone has an idea of my pain.

Someone will be on here with answers I just wanted to offer encouragement. Im sorry you are having so much pain.... Hope you begin to feel better soon. Praying for your recovery and peace of mind during this trying time.:hug:

Hello air force wife
 

I hope that your symptoms improve. I was still very sore after even 6 weeks. At 3 and a half still out right pain. I am fused C3-7, had the same as you did. My plate is off center too, as I had a curve to my spine. I think it is normal. Give yourself another week to two, before you think things arn't getting better. You are still very early in your recovery. I am post two years now, and OK. Still have some pain but very tolerable for the most part. Hope you continue to heal. Thank your husband for his service to our country. You too, I was a Navy mom. ginnie

I did
 

I did have a fusion back out. But it didn't show up for about 3 months. When they did the scan they showed me the "christmas tree" (shadow) where the screw was actually backing out.

Where did you get your surgery?

Back surgery isn't for sissies. I wish you pain free soon.

(is this a case of not enough pain meds?)

m

hi
sorry to hear of your pain
i too have almost identical
to your description
including it not being aligned
straight but off also
what caught my attention
was the pain in your elbows
something i experience after
second cervical surgery levels
5/6-6/7 failed to fuse first time (acdf)
second done posterior and a new
cadaver bone and added a cage
i do not want to speak of my
failure 2nd time around
have started a new journey
with a new doctor i have
already met with and am
looking to find out what is
wrong
it is confirmed
it is a number of things
going on
it has been 3 years now
i hope and pray
you get well
sooner than later
you are the first one
to speak of the pain in
ELBOW
feel free
to ask me anything

someone who cares