I am on my 4th week after acdf c3-7. I have an aspen (hard) collar 24/7. I could not sleep in my bed, I am a "side sleeper" due to some sleep apnea issues. Last night I don't think I got an hour of sleep. I kept waking up everytime I dozed off. I felt like I could not breath. Started panicicking. I am trying to sleep in a recliner because I found it impossible to sleep in bed. Is there anyone that has had this experience? If so, do you have any advice?
I recently cut down on my pain meds (Norco). last night I tried taking one Norco tab to see if it would relax me. It had no effect.

I found it very helpful to put a soft foam collar under the hard one. Of course, the restriction is madening but it does cut down on the rubbing and irritation. My surgeon laughed when I went in for my first post op check up and he saw what I had done but said it was a great idea. I had two more cervical surgeries that he performed and when I woke up, there was a soft collar under the hard one.

This can be pretty hot but that is why I just let my airconditioning blast away when I was wearing them. You need two of them as they need to be washed frequently as they can get pretty nasty. You need a fresh one to wear while the other one is drying. Best wishes.

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.

Ever since my C3-7 surgery three months ago, I find that it feels best to roll a bath towel and put it under my neck. I also sleep on the floor. I never had to wear a collar, and from I read on the posts, I think I maybe should have had a collar - after all of this time, my pain is not only returning to pre-surgery levels, it is now also on my right side, when it was only on my left side before.

I find walking to be excruciatingly painful - has anyone else experienced that? The surgeon says walking is good - then why does every step hurt so much!? I feel like every bone in my neck and back are being shaken and jarred, even my knees are starting to hurt, probably from the goofy way I walk to try to prevent my neck from jiggling. He also says my range of motion is great - then why do I about scream every time I back out of the driveway? My neck does not want to range that far, trust me.

You and I have had the same surgery. C3-7. I do have ROM issues as well. I do not drive much anymore because of that. so far so good for me as far as neuro trouble, but there is pain above and below for me. I have DJD and DDD so I fear that these are now starting to act up. I am post 22 months. i did do garden work, but paid a price for it. I so hope that your surgery heals, and that you get the relief. that surgery isn't easy to go through either. For me it worked for the most part in the reduction of pain. I just fear what is coming might not be so good for other of my verterbre. Take care, ginnie

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