I wish you all the best. I had C3-7. I have an idea that worked for me for in bed. An incline back rest made out of gel, not just the foam. this allowed me to sleep in my own bed. Also if you don't want to wash your hair for a few days, there is a waterless shampoo at walgreens that works great. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

I have to agree with Lee about floor care, regardless of how you feel post op. The bottom line is you have a degenerative problem and it could continue at different levels. Floor care will always be risky regardless of the weight of the item. It is about the nature of the movement as well as the weight. Try to permanently move your pots and pans up to a waist high level. I keep my two most frequently used skillets and pots neatly stacked on the stove top. I use cast iron but would do the same if I used lighter weight cookware. Loading and unloading a dishwasher causes me pain. You will get the knack of doing light housework and picking up with a grabber. I would recomend cleaning and moving defensively on an ongoing basis. The doctor and/ or physical therapist will give you all sorts of activities to keep you in shape. Best wishes.

Thanks for your replies peeps.
ACDF was speculated at my last appointment in August, complete with fusion I'll find out more on Friday about their plans re my surgery.

Meanwhile my DH & me are considering hiring a recliner chair for when I come home. I've read it's a comfier place to sleep immediately post-op. Also looking at button fronted tops, which I could wear unbuttoned back -to-front if need be, rather than T-shirt / jumper types.

He's also thinking of taking my 1st week home off to look after me. Basically we're getting things in shape - food to eat etc.

Please keep your thoughts, suggestions & ideas coming, you don't know how much they are appreciated, thankyou!

Tender x

Hi I'm new here. I've just had fusion from C-3 to C-7. This is my third surgery. The first was C-6 & 7, which was a botched job, it was on the left side of my throat, the second surgery was a zipper down the back of my neck. It took a year to recover. This surgeon corrected what the first surgeon didn't do. Nobody is saying anything about this third surgery at all. As a matter of fact the surgeon only scheduled the surgery. He will not and did not see me after the surgery. So I have to speak to the PA. I am now wearing a cervical nerve stimulator.
I am 63 yrs. old, and this is the worst of the surgeries, because appears I am having more head pain. I need to know what I can and can't do. I was told not to wear the collar anymore on the 31st of Dec. I told the PA what I was experiencing.......difficulty swallowing at times, severe pain in middle of the back of my head area, bilateral pain on neck, and the Pa had no comment, other than maybe I should now have therapy. By the way the surgery was on Nov. 15th. So I really need some input. I live by myself, have no family and no help. So I do as much as I can.

My bed is booked, hope to be back soon


I hope someone can help you out Mamafiore,

take care all!

Tender x

I will be thinking of you tenderfoot on the 3rd. I hope they provide enough pain meds in the hospital, and that this all turns out OK for you. Be good to yourself while healing. I will be waiting to hear from you. It will be alright. love and prayers are coming your way. ginnie

Tenderfoot

Your in my prayers on the 3rd===Please post when you can I will be anxious to hear how your doing!!

Hi all, thanks for all your kind thoughts & prayers, I've had my op & I'm now home

I had multilevel ACDF C4/5 & C6/7

The surgeon said the op was "well worth doing" as there was a lot of stenosis in there.

Apart from a very sore throat & painful swallowing, I'm doing quite well. I was given a collar to come home in the car.

Having a touch of urinary retention so have an opd appointment in 2 weeks to check that out.

I'm a bit fragile & VERY tired, exceedingly glad to be home

love,
Tender xx

Glad you are in home and relaxing now. Remember to be very good to yourself, tender if you will... sleep alot. Thank you so much for posting and letting us know you are OK. I hope you have a speedy recovery. ginnie

Hey Tenderfoot---I was thinking of you!! Super news!!! Im so happy your home and you will notice you will be exhaused for weeks but let you family pamper you !! If you have a soft collar use it for awhile it will help. Did you get the bone growth stimulator?? If not inquire it helps aid in the fusion ---u dont feel anything with it --looks like a horse collar u where for 4 hrs a day. See worst part is over ---now boredom will set in --dont do much if anything for several weeks. So gald you posted today