Have you gotten multiple opinions? Some surgeons specialize in one particular procedure; others don't. Depending on your individual case, there may be alternative procedures that would not put your vocal chords at as much risk.

Doc

See if you are or could be a candadate for orthoscopic correction. Your vocal cords won't be in danger. Get a few more opinions. I wouldn't want you to loose your voice. I never sang well, but after C3-7 I am a frog. ginnie

How bad was the revision surgery? How long was your recovery compared to the first two? Was the last one posterior? I've had two cervical surgeries, still recovering from the second one, 14 weeks post op. This one has been horrible, the first one was no big deal as far as the recovery went. Hoping you re weel now!

Hi there,

I'm scheduled for an ACDF next month, and I put it off for quite a while. Went through all the alternatives first, accupunture, PT, massage, etc. I progessively got worse over the last 8 months and now I can no longer even drive. I'm a very active 40 year old, love to scuba dive, kayak, hiking, running, so it's very disheartening to be unable to do these activities. i'm a graphic designer and can not do my job anymore either. I'm having a 2 -3 level fusion done (my neurosurgeon will decide whether to do the 3rd level after the results of last night's MRI come in). I was giving some very positive outcomes after surgery, although it is very very scary. I have herniated discs from C4 through C7, osteophytes pushing on the nerves that are running down both my hands, worse on the right, and spinal stenosis.

In my opinion, dealing with pain and inability to do things is far worse than going through the risks of surgery. I just want my life back, so I'm going for it.

The surgery will take approx. 2-3 hours I'm told, and a hard collar is to be worn for 6 weeks post op. Voice changes and problems swallowing after surgery are all expected, but they usually go away in time.

I hope this help you make a decision, good luck to you, it's not fun dealing with this sort of pain. I wish you all the best!
Cathie

[Good luck with the surgery. I felt the same way and was in almost the same situation. I'm a little older 49, but the pre surgery was similar. I am now 6 weeks post surgery. I only wore a hard collar for a few days and then a soft collar. Good luck with the wait. I was glad that once I made the decision I only waited 2 weeks, but that was my choice. Look at the site for what you would have prior to surgery and what to expect with recovery. They are very helpful.

How are you feeling after 6 weeks post surgery? Did you have a bone graft? If so, how long did it take to feel better

7 days and counting

Dave

New to the site and had some questions as does everyone so it seems.
I had my C5 and 6 done on the 28th of December. Prior to surgery I had noooo pain. On the 14th of December my legs stopped working, I could not get around and about 4 days later my hands went. I was admitted to the hospital on Christmas Eve and misdiagnosed with several different problems from MS to Cancer.
Finally my husband took me to a different hospital and I was looked at by my Neurosurgeon. I had the surgery the next day.
I now can walk and my hands are working but I am in terrible pain all the time. My shoulder on the right side and both my lower arms and hands feel as if there are pins being stuck in them all the time.
I am taking Gabupenten, Extra Strength Tylenol and once in a while 5mg of Oxy if I just cant stand it any more.
How long will this pain last? Im getting very irritated (just ask my poor husband) and just hope this pain is going to go away. Any advice would be great
Laur

Hi there! New here. I just had ACDF surgery C5-6 and 6-7 on November 13. They took bone from my hip. Doing pretty well. Still have pain and like a burning sensation behind my shoulders. My left leg is a little weak. ( Left hip was where they took the graft from). I feel like I have Icy HOt on my shoulders. Throat still feels swollen. It's hard to swallow solid food still. I also noticed I seemed to have developed sleep Apnea. Never had this before the surgery. I though the pain in the shoulders would go away with the surgery. Does it take more time? I know I am barely a week post op. Just frustrated.
They have me in a Miami J collar. I was told no lifting or bending for 6 weeks.
Has anyone else felt the way I do? Curious on how long the recovery process works.
Thanks for your help!

Glad you found Neuro Talk. Yep, one week in, and what you are experiencing is quite normal. Relax, sleep, take it easy. Wish they had given you donor bone, rather than from the hip. I was sore for the first 6 weeks, but did start therapy at 4 weeks. Hope you feel better real soon. ginnie

Hi winnie, I hope you are doing better. Sometimes those first weeks are just horrible. I had the same experience as the other person who replied. First surgery was OK, the second one is horrible. I have a 5 level fusion and it took a good 6 months before I felt OK. Keep resting. Post and let us know how you are doing. ginnie