After trying and exhausting all of the non surgical options I have opted for surgery. My pain has primarily been controlled by Gabapentin and light dosages of Oxycodine as required.

The pain down my left arm has intensified over time and I'm now experiencing numbness in my right leg and foot at times. Although spinal traction and manipulations do help; I can't continue this way as I'm far too young to continue medication for the rest of my life
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My neck is always in pain increasing as the day progresses. I live in Alberta Canada and the Surgeon is very well respected. He seems very optimistic as I am. He will be completing a multi level C5-6 / C6-7 procedure. They will be acquiring the Bone from iliac crest for the fusion. I have heard mixed comments on this procedure regarding recovery and pain. Comments? The count down is on and I'm very nervous

Hello 6pack, I am from Ontario and had a 3 level ACDF(C4-C7) in 2009, my neurosurgeon offered to use donor bone instead of my own(hip) bone, as he stated it is a longer recovery period and painful, with the donor bone being so safe to use why deal with more pain then necessary, one way or another it is all bone and will eventually fuse, just my opinion, good luck! Bunz

I don't blame you for being nervous. I was too and found this site and received alot of information. I am Post 7 months. C3-7 was done, my first at C-6-7 failed, so the whole if it was done to fix all of it six years later. It was a difficult proceedure as I reversed the whole of my cervical spine until they were almost lying folded over on each other. For me the pain wasn't good after the surgery. I was in bed for two weeks and only really started feeling human after the second week. I came back to this site briefly at two weeks to say hello and that I survived it. Now 7 months later all is much much better. My pain meds are almost down to nothing, I have been weening off ms contin for all of the 7 months. Good luck to you. I hope the outcome is successful and that your pain is reduced. I was scared too, litterally shaking when I first got on line here, frantic. There were alot of people who coached me through all the highs and lows. Be good to yourself too, while you go through it. Insist on good pain management for after the operationtoo. ginnie

I am 1 week post op from ACDF surgery where I had C5-6 / C6-7 completed. Initially, my neurosurgeon convinced me to go with Iliac Crest bone graft as this provides best success rate for fusion. I was so glad when I awoke from my 5.5 hour operation to find my hip bone fully intact! Until they open you up they have no way of knowing if a bone graft will be necessary.

Just back from my 1 week check up with my family Dr. and he's very happy. Incision is almost healed. I did get some sleeping pills from him to help me get a better sleep. I'm feeling very well and the arm pain and finger numbness is gone. Most of my pain is in my upper back which is caused from muscle spasms. My throat is really quite good; just a little hard to swallow liquids. Eating is no problem. I've read so many negative posts I wanted to ensure everyone knows there are successes!! Most people who have a positive outcome don't bother posting! If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer as best as I can.

Dave
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

Hi Dave
I am so glad you are doing so well! The positive responses really, really help me right now as I wait another 30 days for my surgery. (My choice - I have to have thumb reconstruction surgery on April 11 - and then waiting 11 days until round 2 with the neck surgery - doing this to combine both operations into one absence from work). I am seeing a new NS on April 4th for a third and tie-breaking opinion on which procedure to do - an ACDF or a posterior foraminotomy. I am leaning toward the smaller procedure - the foraminotomy. Wow 5.5 hours is a long surgery time! They told me 1 hour.

I think the recovery time and outcome is based on some factors. The first and most important thing - a positive attitude, a great surgeon and a lot of support and a healthy body to start with! I'm taking a jump on things and walking 3 miles a day on the treadmill now (can't run anymore as the jarring hurts me worse), eating right and keeping busy.

Again, THANK YOU for your positive post. I needed to hear some positive things as I was ready to cancel my surgery based on some of the things I was reading on this and other forums.

Hugs to you too! I hope you have a painless day of recovery today!
Diane

My neuro told me to wean myself off gabapentin over a two week period. He did indicate that I may have to go back on them for a few months if nerve pain resurfaced (which it did) while the nerves healed. Interested in hearing from others on this. I was surprised (actually not very happy) when numbness to both of my lower legs appeared.

Dave
Calgary

Hi Dave,

I'm supposed to have the ACDF surgery for C5/C6 next week, and I'm so afraid of effects of the surgery. Please let me know how you feel two years after the surgery. It will really help me make up my mind about getting the surgery. I want to know if my body normal after recovery and if I can go back to doing my normal activities. Your answer will be very helpful.

Hope you're doing okay. Thank you in advance.

Best,
Daud, U.S.A

You will do just fine. Make sure you asked the doctor the condition of the verterbre above and below C5-6.
When I had C6-7 done, I didn't have alot of pain or trouble. Just take it easy. Sleeping on one of those elevated back rests helped me alot. I hope you have a real quick recovery. ginnie

Hi Daud,

The surgery definitely resolved my arm pain, however I still experience significant neck pain. My range of motion is excellent and overall I'm doing well. I was off work 3 months, during which time I wore my collar 7x24 with the exception of showering. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a note.

Good luck!!

Hi, I will be having ACDF at C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7 this coming Tuesday. I am terrified. I have no family and will be using this site as a support system, hopefully. The neurosurgeon said that he is going to use 'caging'...I have tried to research that but do not understand what it is. Does anyone know what this is? And can anyone tell me what items I should take to the hospital to make things a little easier?