ACDF 4 weeks postop
 

I think I just need some assurance. I am 4 weeks out from a ACDF C4-5 and hardware removal from C6-7. I am sooo tired all the time. I could sleep all day if I let myself. I have driven short distances a few times, went t
Out to lunch once.I am not taking anymore meds than I was prior to surgery (I'm on long-term pain management) I have 4-6 weeks before I have to return to work.

Am I just expecting too much too soon?

Sounds reasonable given it was more involved than typical/simple (simple?) ACDF. The body often requires more rest/sleep during healing.

Not a story I like relating, but my grandmother once had a cat that went through a ringer washer (don't ask—it wasn't abuse/intentional). The cat somehow got itself on top of her refrigerator (one that got warm on top) and slept there for something like 3 weeks. After that, it was fine and led a long healthy (AFAIK) life.

Yeah, it's one of those family stories that begs credulity, but the point is that healing occurs during sleep because the energy isn't being expended on other bioligical activities, blood chemistry (e.g. hormone production) is different, etc.

Does Sleeping Help You Heal?

Doc