Facing acdf surgery July 1
 

Hi
I was rear ended on the hwy in March and suffered knee and neck injuries. I have had PT epidural injection pain Meds muscle relaxers etc. to no avail. So my dr and I decided it was time for acdf of c3/4 c4/5 and c5/6 which are collapsed. I also have some canal stenosis causing pain. I trust my dr and he assures me that I will do well with relieve of the constant 100 lb like pressure on my neck and shoulders. He told me I would not be wearing hard collar 24/7 like they used to do. But I want some protection some of the time.

But I am really scared and have all sorts of questions. What to expect? What are limitations in first few weeks? How to feed my cats? Shower? Wash hair? When can I move around the kitchen and prepare meals? Drive? Ride my stationary bike? Because after I have this surgery I am scheduled for knee replacement surgery next prob in late August.

Thanks for any support advice help. I am scared about the whole thing. And I am no novice to surgery!!

Hi ~ Please post in the Spinal disorders forum where they can answer ALL the questions you have, okay?

I'm sure you'll get plenty of replies there. God bless and good luck. Hugs, Lee

Greetings!!
 

Hi there and Welcome!!

My name is Melody. You have been given the proper forums. I hope you get some answers. And I hope you have successful knee surgery. I myself have Degenerative Joint Disease. I always wear a knee brace. Thank god for knee braces. And I love it when it's 90. Can't move if it's lower than 60 but 90 degrees and I get around just fine. I wished I lived in the Nevada Desert. I would get around just fine all the time. lol

Anyhow!! Welcome.

Take care, nice meeting you

Melody

Hi Stacie
 

I sure will respond to you. I am fused C3-7. PM me tomorrow and I will tell you a few tips,. about food, showering and what to expect. Hope you got that second opinion even if you like you doctor. I am too tired tonight, but will help you tomorrow. Had a very full day. ginnie:hug:

I just read your reply and hope this reaches you. I would appreciate any advice you can offer!

Hi Stacie
 

Sorry I took a bit of time. I have been very busy these days. I adopted a 3 day old kitten, now 13 days old. My yard needs work each day.
OK, about your surgery. I always tell people no matter what they are told to get at least two other opinions. Even if it requires out of pocket expenses.
You need to ask your surgeon some really important questions too. The first is, " What is the condition of the verterbre above and below the surgical site"
This is so you know your verterbre are strong enough to handle any plates and screws that may be used. There is something called the domino effect, and you don't want that to happen.
Surgery, depending on how many are fused, is usually only a day or two in the hospital. Many have soft colars for a few weeks. I started PT at 4 weeks out and did very well. I am fused C3-7 and it was my second fusion. I had the domino effect, and I did not ask my surgeon that question. I learned the hard way.
I had alot of pain the first few weeks. Had good enough medicaiton to get me through it. My pain was not in control the first day after the surgery. I had been on medication before the surgery and they didn't take that into consideration, that I had tolerance with morphine. Ask your doctor about pain medications, both after the surgery, and for when you get home.
Do you have help at home? Pre- prepared meals help. Lots of juice, soup and gentle stuff if you have anterior surgery. Your throat may be a bit sore.
There are also some great products from walgreens, a no rinse shampoo, and adult wash cloths for the first few days when you won't shower.
I also used an incline pillow, gel, that conformed to my neck. This helped me to sleep.
Please ask me any quesitons you can think of. I will try to get back to you sooner. I do wish you all the best in what ever choices you make. ginnie:hug:

Same Surgery
 

I had the same surgery on 5/28/2013. I stayed in the hospital for 24 hours and then to my daughters for 2 weeks. I slept in a recliner the 2 weeks at my daughters. My neuro-surgeon does not do neck braces. The first few days I didn't move around a lot and when I did move around I did everything very slow,
I took a shower the 3rd day after surgery, however no stitches,,my incision
was closed with glue.
It has been 1 month since my surgery, at this time I do some light house work, take my dogs on short walks. I go grocery shopping but I do take my granddaughter with me to do all the lifting.
I know everyone is different and no recovery is going to be identical. I was very unsure about the surgery and up to the last minute I wanted to back out.
My pain level is very low, and everyday I feel a little better and as of right now I feel that the surgery was a success.
God Bless you !! Annie

How is your kitten? I have 6 indoor cats and one of my concerns is feeding them. Leaning over. Any thoughts ? My husband can do most of it but he will be gone during the day.
Thank you so much!!!
Stacie

Hi Stacy
 

Kitten is a loud mouth and demands food right on time! Using a syringe with a nipple on top.
You concern is to feed your kitties while husband is away?. Do they all eat twice a day? Kibble or wet food?
I would pre- package food, store if kibble in a sandwich bag. You will be able to move about Stacie, though not real comfortable those first few days. Just have the bowls ready and dump it in. You will be able to do this. If wet cat food, store in tupperwear, and just pull the lid off and put on the floor. Should work out OK.
Anything else you are worried about? I do hope all goes well for you. Really it did for me with my last fusion. I am holding up OK, and pain is minimal. So far the verterbre under, are holding up. Nothing more to fuse on top, so they better! There are successes with this fusion stuff Stacie. Many people do get better, so try not to be afraid. I hope your surgeon is gifted and can help you the right way. ginnie