acdf single level c6/c7 question
 

Hello, does anyone know if acdf single level c6/c7 neurosurgery is typically, under normal circumstances meaning without complications, a surgery that needs to be redone after a certain amount of time-like 15 to 20 years? I know there can be complications and the discs above or below can go out, or that it can just not be successful in relieving the pain etc., but that is not what I am asking, I guess I am just trying to determine if it is a temporary surgery where the plate etc., needs to be updated or if done correctly, will it last the life of the patient? I hope this question is not confusing.

No takers?
 

No takers? Let me rephrase--Is acdf surgery meant to be a permanent fix? Any info would really help as I am scheduled for end of month. I am asking my doctor but not seeing him for a few days. Thanks

Initial surgery 1986. Revision and disc/lam on second level 1995. I have been good as gold in the cervical area since then. There have been a few arthritic changes but nothing that a little moist heat and some Thera Gesic rub won't fix quickly. I wish the lumbar had been as successful. Best wishes.

acdf revision/still debating whether to do surgery or not
 

Thank you, very encouraging. What level in 86 and what was the 2nd level in 95? I guess I wondered if there are statistics on revisions with respect to initial acdf. Do you feel the cervical surgeries put stress on the lumbar maybe causing those issues indirectly? Sorry, I am on a crash course here since I am looking at sept. 24th. I am c6 c7 and it is slowly getting better. My left hand has lost grip strength and arm shows atrophy and weakness. Pain has dropped from 9/10 to 7 at its worst now. It is also comes and goes in farily regular cycles to where it is 48 hours of very little pain and 10 to 12 hours of more pain. The no pain times are getting longer and my pt said strength is getting better in arm on last 3 visits. I am really not sure about this surgery so I am really researching it. Thank you!

Hi ajhidell
 

Hello and welcome to Neruo Talk. That is a loaded question. Be sure to get a second and even a third opinion, and READ your own report. I origionally had C6-7 fused, the same proceedure you are talking about. I was not told there were other problems regarding my neck. 6 years later, the ones above folded over on top, called the domino effect. In order for this to have real success, the verterbre above and below need to be in good shape. Mine were Not from the beginning. I didn't ask enough questions, or question my neuro surgeon enough. I was in so much pain, I just wanted to be done with it. I am now fused C3-7. I am very careful with my neck, so that the others do not deteriorate. I do wish you all the best. Hope you get those opinions. I am in good shape for the most part right now. ginnie

acdf surgery-any positive experiences with?
 

Thanks for the welcome and the info. I am really struggling with the pain but it is improving very slowly. I do not want to take pain meds as they tend to make me sick. This is my second bout with ruptured c6c7 since April. This one started in early July so you can imagine what I am going through with no meds other than nsaids. I was so desperate because of no sleep and constant pain that I called the surgeons office to see if they would prescribe something for pain and they said their policy is no pain meds until you do the surgery. Very odd in my opinion but maybe they all do that. I kind of wonder if they want me in pain so I choose surgery out of desperation. I do not know, anyhow, as stated, I hate pain meds and do not want to take them unless I am desperate as my system does not react well to them. I am getting further opinions and I am seeing someone this week. I wish I could find someone with a more positive experience with acdf but maybe there isn't anyone. I just hope I make the correct choice. Thanks again!

Hi ajhidell
 

Oh yes, I sure do remember the pain. I jumped right into the surgery to be rid of it. I DID get pain medication from a pain specialist before my surgery. I chose to take them for awhile and try. I gave up after I was unable to move my neck much at all. Just do all the research you can do, and ask all the questions you can. I advise strongly against any chiropractic intervention unless you get a DX and go ahead from a neruo surgeon. I know how hard this is for you. I turned out ok however, after the round two. In some cases, surgery can be the right answer. Herniated disks seldom cooperate, and you don't want them to get worse and impinge on the core of your spinal column. Do you have any shocksrunning up and down your arms? or hands? Any lack of being able to hold on to something, or dropping things? trouble driving, or turning your hear around? Those are some of the things the neurologist will ask you about. Bring someone with you if at all possible when you go to the doctor. That way if you miss something, you will have back up. I also wrote out all my questions to my second neruo, so I would not forget anything. I wish you the best possible outcome. ginnie

to acdf or not to acdf
 

I am curious about the shocks down the arm. I have occasional stabbing pain near elbow area. It comes out of no where and stops as quickly as it came. Is that what they mean by shocks? Regarding the other symptoms that lead to surgery, I did drop a heavy coupon book yesterday but that was the first time that happened. I can really feel the weakness in my left grip when holding a heavy pot or pan on the stove. My right hand grip is 125 pounds and left is only 60 which concerns me. I have never been that weak before. The neck has full motion, no pain really there, just occasional throbbing near where the disc is. Only trouble driving is when I am in extreme pain. It is really getting better. I am sure the doctor will encourage me to do surgery when I see him too, but I am leaning more the other way based more on the personal stories of patients who did acdf. I am going to get 1 more opinion from a specialist, but I really can't wait too long to decide. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me your info Ginnie. I usually do not get this way regarding surgery but I am really stressed about this. It is my spine which is some really serious sh@# and I could wake a sleeping giant in my neck if the surgery causes other issues, but then again, I could possibly have permanent nerve damage if I elect to not have surgery when I shouldn't have. I really just do not know what I am going to do yet. Hey, thanks again!

goodmorning ajhidell
 

Those symptoms of shocks coming out of no where, and lack of strength are part of the neruo work up. Helps determine the condition of C6-7. Yes shocks like that, that come and go, may be related to your neck. One of the things you can do, is when you get your MRI, go over it, and look up all words. Once you understand the language, you will be helping yourself to make a decision. If in the MRI it says MILD, or even MODERATE in the wording, putting off surgery can happen. If it says SEVERE nerve inpingnment, that is a different thing altogether. Many here will be able to help you with the language. I do know why you don't want to do the sugery. I sure didn't either, that is why I found Neruo Talk. I was freaking, it was my NECK! The second surgery, I was even worse, also angry at not being told the total truth about my neck. How dare he keep information from me, like I was some small child. OH.....then he wanted an EMG because he couldn't believe I had trouble right out of surgery. I left that practice on the run, and found the very best, compassionate doctor or Neruo I could find. His explainations, and desire to help me were so evidient, I did trust. I turned out ok after the C3-7. But what an ordeal to go through!!!! Nope none of it is fun. Those kinds of surgeries are scarry. as I said, I found NT in a state of panick facing my second. Leesa, and a number of others, sat with me, time and time again, to help me sort out my MRI, my oceans of emotions, and were so kind in helping me. Eased my fears, and got me to stop crying. They got me through that surgery, and stuck with me with support through the healing process. If ever you do have to face a surgery, you found the right place for the best in support. That is why I never left. Keep asking all your questions, and get all the answers so that you can be confident in any decision you make. ginnie:hug: