[frenchfri1003]

Hi to all.
I am 4 1/2 months post-op at this time. I am pleased that once the day gets started and I have completed my exercises I have decent ROM to the left and down a bit more limited right and very limited up. My strength is still poor. Generally I use 2 lb weight at home to complete exercises. There is one that I use a 5 lb weight for. My son still carries the heavy groceries and the laundry basket. If I try to do either then I will suffer with neck pain, tightness, knots or tingling in my shoulder blade region and muscle spasms. When does this end? I want to be able to complete every day activities without worrying about how I will feel. As stupid as it sounds I want to be able to clean the bathroom thoroughly including scrubbing the tub and really washing my floors. Tired of the superficial cleaning. I would also like to be able to plant a vegetable garden and my flowers. I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself. I know others have it much worse than I do. I am also concerned about levels above and below the fusion. I know that everyone heals at different rates....

*************************************** **********
12/9/2010 ACDF C5-6 C6-7 with plate, screws,
BMP & bone fragment filled cages
2/14/2011 trying to go back to work as a teacher
2/17/2011 starting PT
wearing bone stimulator 4 hours a day
DDD, arthritis, herniated disks, pinched nerves
3 months saw a little bit of bone growth (YEAH)
4/15/2011 Home Tens Unit

Dealt with the pain and issues for more than 5 years
tried PT, chiropractic, acupuncture, cervical epidural shots and selective nerve root blocks prior to surgery

[Spiney95]

Sometimes I think the waiting for the return of function and relative comfort is the worst part of this process. If you have a supportive surgeon, you might talk to him/her. I always got the ones who got all upset when I complained of severe spasm and assorted pains for months post op. I had one fool who chewed me out on my two week visit when I said I was REALLY uncomfortable and could not find a decent position to rest in. Forget sleep. He had the nerve to say "what's wrong with you? Dont you know that you are repaired and the incission has healed nicely?" I was exhausted, in real pain and tired of his BS. I fired back "Have you forgotten all of the rooting around you did to effect a three level repair? Have you forgotten the grenade that I am certain you dropped in there?" That's when I had my primary doc refer me to a pain doc who got things under reasonable control so I could begin to slowly increase my level of function. Best wishes.

[frenchfri1003]

Thank you for your response. I guess sometimes I feel sorry for myself. I know that I am lucky that this is a treatable situation and in time (even if it is longer and more painful and distressing at times) will feel better. My OSS and the PA have been pretty good anytime I call or ask for something. Even the PT have said that I seem to be healing a bit slower than others, but I waited a long time to have the surgery and it will take time to heal. It took me 5 years to have the surgery and it will take a while to regain all that I have lost. I am not a spring chicken although I am not that old either. I guess I just need to be more patient. Thanks again. :0
*************************************** **********
12/9/2010 ACDF C5-6 C6-7 with plate, screws,
BMP & bone fragment filled cages
2/14/2011 trying to go back to work as a teacher
2/17/2011 starting PT
wearing bone stimulator 4 hours a day
DDD, arthritis, herniated disks, pinched nerves
3 months saw a little bit of bone growth (YEAH)
4/15/2011 Home Tens Unit

Dealt with the pain and issues for more than 5 years
tried PT, chiropractic, acupuncture, cervical epidural shots and selective nerve root blocks prior to surgery

[garyR]

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.

[Spiney95]

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.

[ltaggart]

Originally Posted by Spiney95

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.

[walshka]

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.

Originally Posted by garyR

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.

[ginnie]

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

[eva5667faliure]

Originally Posted by walshka

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.

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

[eva5667faliure]

Originally Posted by walshka

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.

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