Well, 1 week ago I was under the knife for C4-5 & C5-6 ACDF with Atlantis plate. Thought an update was in order.

All in all, I think I am making pretty good progress, and if I am honest, any problems I am having are likely due more to my pushing myself too much than the surgery itself.

I am taking half of a Vicodin tablet every 6 hours, and 1 Robaxin for muscle relaxation every 6 hours as well. I am up, dressed, and working on computer 4- 6 hours per day, with frequent breaks. Sore throat is better, though still a little problematic, and swallowing is improving, though I also need to be careful there. All but one of the Steri Strips have dropped off, so incision is doing better.

Other than throat/swallowing, biggest issue is muscle pain/spasm at base of neck and across shoulders and mid back. Part of it I know is being up and around all day, and it just gets fatigued, and part due to not being able to move neck very much. I am not in a collar, though I tried using my soft collar in bed last night, as sleeping is still a challenge -- trying to find a position that allows me to not feel like I have been hit by a truck when I wake up.

So, I really have no reason to complain. No follow up with my NS until 3/15, so no driving until then, but otherwise things are equal or better than what I expected.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

Jeff

Jeff,

You sound as though you are doing very well with this surgery....Good for you! Keep up the good work....I hope you did not get snow...We were snowed and iced in...What a mess!

Gloria

Good to hear it went well for you. Don't do like me and jump the gun with activity!