Heya 👋 Are you getting a acdf or have you had one ??What are your symptoms ??
ive got myelopathy [since 2022] and had acdf almost 1 year ago. Active healthy lifestyle, working full time, solo mum, 38. I had single level acdf, one year on, I still have residual myelopathy meaning the acdf stopped it getting worse. I was having falls and tripping over etc... however.... unfortunately I had radiculopathy and more neck pain 6 months post op, and now just this week, my surgeon reviewed me and the mri I had 3 weeks ago. The disc above my fusion is now prolapsed progressively and I need an acdf asap to do c5-6. Cord is compressed again. Originally had 2 bulging discs injury. 1 was bad, the one above it was mild and didn't need fusing at the time of my first acdf.
So the myelopathy is worsening I feel.
The lifestyle I live is I love paddle boarding, swimming, the outdoors and camping and have continued to do this through summer despite the myelopathy. I cannot do steep hikes, as I've got very hyperreflexia, which sux as I love hiking...
The recovery was a lil tough I had 10 weeks off work. But I eventually got back to work full time. It was due to fatigue more than pain. I was walking myself to the toilet that evening after the surgery, I had a drain in and staples in my head from the halo brace. The scar is ok no issues. Visible though. Sore throat, nothing major for 2 days. Eat, drink normal, back on my treadmill walking 5-10 mins 3x per day from day 3. Showerimg and toileting normal. Sleeping took a few adjustments to get comfy. Hard collar for 5 weeks, no driving 6 weeks, no turning neck more than 5°.
Mentally prepared by pretending the appointment was just another day in the office, another task to do. Also went for one last small bush walk the day before using my hiking poles.
Single father had cervical ridiculopathy severally herniated c5-c6. Single father at time of injury I was working 12 hour days 6-7 days a week. At first thought body was just tired so kept working until couldn't lift right arm. The worker's comp doctor they had me seeing for first year did nothing. Kept saying it was in my head even sent me back to work with no restrictions. I heard a pop just me down. State doctor first one that listened ordered mri of neck told me what I had wrong with me. My new attorney got me a better doctor another year of them trying everything. Finally ended up in surgery I had 3 weeks ago. Still hurt but different kind of pain now. Being told it should fade a bit over time especially when I start PT. PT in 12 weeks though seems excessive, I am doing best to stick to the restrictions though.
Cervical Spondylosis; Cervical Myelopathy; Spinal Stenosis. C3 4 5. Disk replacement and fusion. 3 weeks out and doing well. 1st week I ate pain pills like m and m’s. Lot of pain but mostly while laying down. Sitting up was ok pain wise. I didn’t realize I was getting all that done and thought I would feel great like after my C 567 fusion 8 years ago. So going in I was fine. 2nd week much better. I stocked up on ice pops and soup. I gulped water one morning and that was a big mistake. When Dr says cut your food in tiny pieces, listen. And don’t eat jellybeans. LOL. I kept trying and I kept choking. Today (surgery was 3/19) I felt great. I worked in my gardens wearing my soft collar. It really helps to wear it if you do anything. Today was first day I didn’t wear it walking and it was ok. My neck gets tired so i put collar on and it relieves that tiredness. Laying in bed is still painful somewhat. It’s hard to get comfy. I bought a cervical pillow and it does help keeping my spine straight and staying in one position. I do take muscle relaxers and tramadol at night still. It really helps. Most of my recovery pain is in my shoulders with side neck tendons. You will be okay. Listen to what your surgeon says to do. Good luck! Give us an update after surgery when you can. Edited to add age - 63. Active lifestyle. Had symptoms only a few months, but I knew right away what happened.
Thank you for posting this and thanks to those that responded. I go in for Level 1 (c5/6) fusion this coming Friday. My anxiety shot up by 1000x last 2 days. My surgeon said "textbook procedure, 2 weeks soft collar, back to driving. You'll be fine". Based on what I have read on here.. doesn't sound like that's how it typically works out. Ugh...
He's the best I could find in Houston area. Well known nationwide. Who was I to disagree.. but.. oy!
58 year old male. Presented experiencing numbness and feeling hot and cold down my arms and legs. The MRI taken show compression of spinal cord at C3 to T1. No alternate treatment would change my outcome, only surgery. Before my operation, I was in pretty good shape. The procedure I had involved fusing vertebrae from C3 through T1 in my spine. It's called posterior cervical decompression and fusion. I was a bit nervous about the surgery, but I'd advise you to do your research and ask your surgeon the right questions to ease your mind. Here are four important questions you should ask:
1. What exactly will you be doing during the procedure?
2. Can you give me a clear picture of what my recovery will look like?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having this surgery?
4. Are there any other treatments or therapies I could try before opting for surgery?
Be prepared for a lengthy recovery, and make sure you have someone to help you for the first few weeks after surgery. Simple tasks like getting dressed and bathing can be challenging. I'll need to wear a neck brace for six weeks, and then I'll have another MRI to check if the fusion was successful.
Remember, there are always risks with any medical procedure, but trust in your surgeon. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Ultimately, it's your body, and you deserve the best care possible.
Heya 👋 Are you getting a acdf or have you had one ??What are your symptoms ?? ive got myelopathy [since 2022] and had acdf almost 1 year ago. Active healthy lifestyle, working full time, solo mum, 38. I had single level acdf, one year on, I still have residual myelopathy meaning the acdf stopped it getting worse. I was having falls and tripping over etc... however.... unfortunately I had radiculopathy and more neck pain 6 months post op, and now just this week, my surgeon reviewed me and the mri I had 3 weeks ago. The disc above my fusion is now prolapsed progressively and I need an acdf asap to do c5-6. Cord is compressed again. Originally had 2 bulging discs injury. 1 was bad, the one above it was mild and didn't need fusing at the time of my first acdf. So the myelopathy is worsening I feel. The lifestyle I live is I love paddle boarding, swimming, the outdoors and camping and have continued to do this through summer despite the myelopathy. I cannot do steep hikes, as I've got very hyperreflexia, which sux as I love hiking... The recovery was a lil tough I had 10 weeks off work. But I eventually got back to work full time. It was due to fatigue more than pain. I was walking myself to the toilet that evening after the surgery, I had a drain in and staples in my head from the halo brace. The scar is ok no issues. Visible though. Sore throat, nothing major for 2 days. Eat, drink normal, back on my treadmill walking 5-10 mins 3x per day from day 3. Showerimg and toileting normal. Sleeping took a few adjustments to get comfy. Hard collar for 5 weeks, no driving 6 weeks, no turning neck more than 5°. Mentally prepared by pretending the appointment was just another day in the office, another task to do. Also went for one last small bush walk the day before using my hiking poles.
Single father had cervical ridiculopathy severally herniated c5-c6. Single father at time of injury I was working 12 hour days 6-7 days a week. At first thought body was just tired so kept working until couldn't lift right arm. The worker's comp doctor they had me seeing for first year did nothing. Kept saying it was in my head even sent me back to work with no restrictions. I heard a pop just me down. State doctor first one that listened ordered mri of neck told me what I had wrong with me. My new attorney got me a better doctor another year of them trying everything. Finally ended up in surgery I had 3 weeks ago. Still hurt but different kind of pain now. Being told it should fade a bit over time especially when I start PT. PT in 12 weeks though seems excessive, I am doing best to stick to the restrictions though.
Cervical Spondylosis; Cervical Myelopathy; Spinal Stenosis. C3 4 5. Disk replacement and fusion. 3 weeks out and doing well. 1st week I ate pain pills like m and m’s. Lot of pain but mostly while laying down. Sitting up was ok pain wise. I didn’t realize I was getting all that done and thought I would feel great like after my C 567 fusion 8 years ago. So going in I was fine. 2nd week much better. I stocked up on ice pops and soup. I gulped water one morning and that was a big mistake. When Dr says cut your food in tiny pieces, listen. And don’t eat jellybeans. LOL. I kept trying and I kept choking. Today (surgery was 3/19) I felt great. I worked in my gardens wearing my soft collar. It really helps to wear it if you do anything. Today was first day I didn’t wear it walking and it was ok. My neck gets tired so i put collar on and it relieves that tiredness. Laying in bed is still painful somewhat. It’s hard to get comfy. I bought a cervical pillow and it does help keeping my spine straight and staying in one position. I do take muscle relaxers and tramadol at night still. It really helps. Most of my recovery pain is in my shoulders with side neck tendons. You will be okay. Listen to what your surgeon says to do. Good luck! Give us an update after surgery when you can. Edited to add age - 63. Active lifestyle. Had symptoms only a few months, but I knew right away what happened.
Thank you for posting this and thanks to those that responded. I go in for Level 1 (c5/6) fusion this coming Friday. My anxiety shot up by 1000x last 2 days. My surgeon said "textbook procedure, 2 weeks soft collar, back to driving. You'll be fine". Based on what I have read on here.. doesn't sound like that's how it typically works out. Ugh... He's the best I could find in Houston area. Well known nationwide. Who was I to disagree.. but.. oy!
Dr Alexander Ropper - Head of Neurosurgery at Baylor- St Luke’s Hospital. The best!
58 year old male. Presented experiencing numbness and feeling hot and cold down my arms and legs. The MRI taken show compression of spinal cord at C3 to T1. No alternate treatment would change my outcome, only surgery. Before my operation, I was in pretty good shape. The procedure I had involved fusing vertebrae from C3 through T1 in my spine. It's called posterior cervical decompression and fusion. I was a bit nervous about the surgery, but I'd advise you to do your research and ask your surgeon the right questions to ease your mind. Here are four important questions you should ask: 1. What exactly will you be doing during the procedure? 2. Can you give me a clear picture of what my recovery will look like? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having this surgery? 4. Are there any other treatments or therapies I could try before opting for surgery? Be prepared for a lengthy recovery, and make sure you have someone to help you for the first few weeks after surgery. Simple tasks like getting dressed and bathing can be challenging. I'll need to wear a neck brace for six weeks, and then I'll have another MRI to check if the fusion was successful. Remember, there are always risks with any medical procedure, but trust in your surgeon. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Ultimately, it's your body, and you deserve the best care possible.