Got my surgery date today -- February 7th @ 7:45 AM. I am in the study for the Medtronics 2 level artificial cervical disk, but was randomized to the control group -- so I will have the same C 4/5 and C 5/6 discectomy and fusion with plate that I would have had without the study. Somewhat disappointed, but at least ACDF is a tried and true operation, which my NS has performed thousands of times.

I have to admit to a mixture of anticipation (hopefully fix the pain and numbness) and trepidation (not looking forward to the surgery and recovery process)

Any tips out there for getting through this, both pre and post surgery?

Thanks.

Jeff

My acdf is coming on feb 28th.. I too am looking for answers. Have found some here as well as a new friend. This has all been helpful to me. Since yours is scheduled before mine, would you keep me posted? I would like to know how it goes for you!
Good Luck,
Dave

Jeff and Dave,

I had ACDF C5/6/7 back last June and many people had given me some great advice which I will try to pass along to you both. I'll do my best to remember everything...lol

Immediately after surgery you'll want to make sure you have enough pain meds to last you long enough until you are cleared to drive again (unless you have someone to go to the pharmacy for you).

Ice pops and other frozen treats are great for the sore lumpy feeling you'll have in your throat. It will hurt to swallow for at least a week or more. If you live alone or will be alone most of the days, stocking up on foods that are microwavable or ready-to-eat with little preparation is a great idea. Also, rearrange things in your kitchen prior to surgery so that all items can be reached without lifting your arms above chest level...you won't be able to raise your arms after the surgery and trust me, you won't want to ....lol. Buy milk and other beverages in smaller containers since they are much lighter and your lifting will be limited to just a few pounds. I was told to lift nothing that weighed more than my purse...lol...(I guess my OSS has never lifted a woman's purse before...LOL...it can get pretty heavy).

Sleeping lying down can be a (painful) challenge immediately after the surgery, so if you have a good recliner, it will become your best friend! Even a good swivel rocker will do since you can just prop it up in the leaning back position. I was unable to get in and out of bed for a few weeks since you can't (and won't want to) use your arms to push yourself in and out of bed. Another thing that I found to be wonderful was a good cervical pillow like the memory foam one...it gives great support while wearing that collar 24/7!

Also, if you are anything like me and have ants in your pants and get bored easily, make sure you stock up on video's, books, or any other hobby type things that you can do with little effort. I think Blockbuster made a mint off me this past summer...LOL

Another thing to consider is whether you are using donor bone or your own graft from your hip...when using your own bone, you will find that your hip is just as sore as your neck and shoulders, so you may want to move to a room that is on the ground floor for a couple weeks. My bedroom is upstairs and I managed, but it was uncomfortable, painful and slow going when using the stairs at first.

Well, that's all I can think of for now. If I remember anything else, I will come back and post it.

Best wishes & good luck to you both,

Kim

kim is so right. i had mine done sept. 06. i found ice cream was the best thing for me to swallow. i had to wait six weeks before i could drive and that just about drove me crazy. i joined blockbuster online and ordered movies delivered to my door. had to wear hard collar during the day and soft collar at night when lay down. like kim i slept sitting up for a long time. but it was well worth it. hope all goes well with both of you

Thanks guys!
I hope mine heals as quick as the doc says...i think he is over optimistic though. If I am off work more than 4 weeks, I will be in danger of losing my house...savings depleted and no sick leave left. Maybe I can sell my brain to medical science for extra bucks..Lord knows I don't use it much anyhow. Might bring in enough cash for a couple pizzas...
Dave

Guys-

Make sure that you can arrange for someone to stay with you for a few days in case you need help.

I enjoyed taking Yoplait Go-gurts and popping them in the freezer before I went in for surgery. They don't really freeze and are delicious.

One thing I did to help myself was to triple pay all the bills that I could. Basically, I took my electric, gas and other bills, tripled the amount I owed and shipped them out. That way, I didn't have to worry about sitting down to write checks other than the mortgage.

joe

I have my wife here to write the checks...so no concern there...just worried about not working a $22 per hour job to back the checks up!
thanks for the advice,
Dave

We pay all our bills online, so no worries there. With my surgery Wednesday, likely come home Friday, maybe Thursday, and wife will take a day off or two to help out. By Monday, as long as I can use the phone and a laptop, I'm in good shape.

Found out that my NS is using BMP for the fusion, which he has really good success with. Had my pre-op tests yesterday, and other than a little sinus bug, I am good to go. The flexion/extension X Rays were easy at the time, but I paid for them later.

All is in place -- 4 days to go. Very nervous, but also anxious to get this over with and hopefully get rid of much of this pain.

Jeff

Hope it works well for you! Please let me know how it goes, mine is feb 28th and i am nervous.
Thanks,
Dave
Hansmathias8@hotmail.com

Another subjective suggestion... When you are at home recovering in the first few weeks, and are beginning to feel better, cutting back on the pain meds, and decide to do a "bit more" than you did in the days before... DON'T! Trust me, you'll pay for it later.

Also, just to be on the safe side, when your doctor presribes the pain meds, and possibly some antibiotics to be safe, ask for something to help with possible muscle spasms, like Flexeril or Skelaxin.

joe