I understand the concerns. I had the same when I had my surgery 12/9/2010 2 level ACDF. The surgery usually lasts about 2-3 hours. People are in the hospital anywhere from 1-5 days depending on your recovery, insurance and doctors. I was in for 5 days due to excessive swelling (uncommon). I had a pump with didulad the first 12 hours (don't remember). Then I had morphine shots because I could not swallow. The only IV I had was antibiotics and fluids (48 hours). Then I had the nurses crush the meds and place in applesauce, pudding or italian ice. I had oxyicodone then down to hydrocodone along with flexril (muscle relaxer). I came home with scripts for hydrocodone along with flexril (muscle relaxer) and Ambien to help me sleep. I had a sponge bath while in the hospital. Once I came home I was allowed to shower. It felt SO good. Just ask for some special plastic non stick covering for the steri strips that cover the incision. Swallowing and swelling was my biggest issue not pain from the surgery. The incision area did not hurt at all. I also had a drain above the incision that I did not expect. That came out on day 3. Let me know if you have any other questions. The waiting is the worst. Once it is over you will be relieved. I no longer had the tingling, numbness and pain. I felt that way as soon as I was coherent in the hospital. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thank you! That did answer a lot of my questions. Yes, the waiting is the worst! Take care.

For those of you that had ACDf, did anyone experience your vocal cords not working after the surgery?

The more I read, the scared-er I get.. LOL..

thanks.

It's scary no matter what, I think that's natural to be scared!

I did have a sore throat and hoarseness for about 2 weeks, but my voice was totally fine. I had some swallowing issues for quite a long time, like a lump in my throat, but it went away. Once in a while I still struggle to swallow large vitamin pills, but that's about it.

Although my teenagers would have loved me to loose my voice, they didn't luck out!

Cathie

Yeah, I would second that motion. No vocal cord issues but swallowing vitamins or vicodins for that matter was a bear for quite awhile. I still instinctively turn my head to the side to swallow a vitamin at 4 years post (but they all go down the hatch now!).

don't be scared yes it does happen
it changed mine
slightly more when coughing
a very noticeable
and know of a small # of people
good question
take good care