Although I see that these posts are a few years old I just want to share that I am on week 3, off of all meds except valium for muscle spasms and tylenol. I have been walking daily but still battling some depression at the lack of quality of my life. I know it has only been 21 days and I should be easier on myself.

I'm 13 weeks post surgery and still experiencing muscle spasms in my right leg at the knee. I'm on 1mg Valium but it doesn't seem to hold it in check. Going to PT which helps flexibility for a while but then I tighten up after sitting or lying down.
Patience seems to be the order of the day. I'm able to function but with some difficulty.

dear friend

5/6-6/7
3-11-10 failed too fuse wore bone simulator
on even in sleep
went back to work 2 weeks after surgery
i was had the okay from doctor
i clerk in my town EMS Division
hope to one day to return
everything that could have gone
wrong did
the after care in this teaching
prestigious referral and an ego maniac
neurosurgeon a good referral
you would think the intricate art work
and an oath to use as their foundation
to begin with

dear friend

5/6-6/7
3-11-10 failed too fuse wore bone simulator
on even in sleep
went back to work 2 weeks after surgery
i was had the okay from doctor
i clerk in my town EMS Division
hope to one day to return
everything that could have gone
wrong did
the after care in this teaching
prestigious referral and an ego maniac
neurosurgeon a good referral
you would think the intricate art work
and an oath to use as their foundation
to begin with
4-15-11 surgery nightmare number 2
my immediate draining incorrectly
at the site of incision
a hematoma size of a half protruding
outside and most certain pressure inward
as it grew to that size over night
there was no place for any relief
there is where all he did was disturb
i believe my hospital after care persons
could have done something
by fixing the drain
it is over a while now
and walk with a cane as my gait is off
i have a feeling since 1st surgery of
water in my ear
you just learn to live with it
except when you have dried blood
in your ear 2 days then abruptly stop
no matter what
we all go down a s similar
roads some way or another

Hello there!

I am a 40 year old woman, and in August I had c5/6,c6/7,c7/t1 fused.. so I guess it's only been 5 months.. immediately after the surgery, I was so incredibly miserable because, in order to create space in my vertebrae to introduce the bone grafts, the dr. had to yank up my spine.. and disrupt all of the muscles along with it. it was so collapsed for so long, so. it was a miserable recovery needless to say. i spent an entire month sleeping upright in a recliner.. i felt sitting like that helped my muscles adapt to their new position and create some relief from their screaming..
so, i support sleeping upright, and understand it..
ICE is amazing. I"m in love with ice.

2 levels fused perfectly, and about 3 mos ago i started noticing a sharp pain on the left side. had an xray, and the bone graft at c5 had totally collapsed. i also started noticing a ton of 'clicking'... not like muscles poping. totally different. like, the hardware was creating these noises..

i've had 2 xrays and one ct scan since. pain is still dominant on the left side. sharp pain. not like i had before. not sure what to do.. we might refuse c5. would rather have a nice high space between than a collapsed fusion...

anyone else?

i hope you feel better!!

I do understand what you are going through. Have faith that it will get better. Can you find or order a GEL incline pillow. This allows the collar, and for you to sleep in your own bed. It may help you. We are all so different as we heal. I am fused the same as you C3-7. I reversed the curve of my spine, so I presented much the same way you did. Hopefully there will be a real good result a few more months from now. It was 6 months for me, before I really started to feel better. May your holidays be filled with less pain, and healing. ginnie

The post was for you Gerry, and the person I answered. Wish you all the best. ginnie

I'm 3 weeks post surgery on C3-7 ACDF plus posterior D-trax. I began wearing a nice quality travel pillow that had conforming foam and velour exterior after my accident in January until surgery in June. It was a godsend to get through the night being able to keep my neck from falling side to side. Now post surgery I wear it each night and it is much more comfortable for me than a hard collar. My surgeon indicated he didn't think I needed to wear a collar during the day at all. Also, just invested in a really good cervical pillow.

I too had acdf at C4/5, 5/6 and 6/7 surgery and am 2 months out. I have an intermittent extremely painful numbness in my left hand that is unbearable when it appears. Much stronger and painful than before I had the surgery. It really happens most when I lay down. I have had 4 or 5 nights where I literally don't sleep a wink. I try every position known to man. The only thing that helps is getting up and walking around. This is torture and completely disturbs my quality of life and effects my ability to function effectively at work, as a parent, husband etc etc.

Is this type of pain normal 2 months out? Does it go away? The doctor said structurally the surgery couldn't of gone any better. The pain I feel is excruciating and has me somewhat depressed to think that this is my new reality. I am an active 53 year old ex athlete that was (is) very hopeful that I can have a better quality of life and be active again.