Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) - Brian D. Rudin, M.D.

[15steele15]

I had this done to me in late 2005, was 20 at the time now 26 and the doctor i had was great you can barely tell the scar even exist unless i tilt my head back....just like the comment above i was in Hadetha Iraq (Marine) when i got blown up flying down a 40ft cliff with my vehicle rolling on top of me. Was very lucky and thankful for the type of technology we have now days......

[BigBadSeattleLad]

Why was fusion chosen over the option of artificial disc replacement here?

[pamcaymol777]

i HAD NO TRAUMA I HAVE HAD 2 AND HOPE I AM NOT LOOKING AT A 3RD!!

[AnnieOaklie63]

I had this done C5-C7..it took 4.5hrs, ofcourse the doctor was on speed and had his license taken away and is now passed to bad dr hell! THANK GOD!! He damaged alot, when I say alot, I mean 1000's of ppl in this area I live. We now go to the larger town about 100 miles west of us for any surgery of any kind. This was very painful, still is, I had it done in '99 and it's 2011 and now looking at C4 to be done above the fusion and plate. I have muscle atrophy on the left side of my back, chest,etc

[7466309change]

@AnnieOaklie63 mine was in 2004 they did terrific job with me.I won,t regret the choice I made that time.

[AnnieOaklie63]

@7466309change I'm sure you live in a much larger city and have much better doctors and surgeons, this is a small town...and now well known for the most sorriest doctors in the area..sad to say, but true. SIGH

[7466309change]

@AnnieOaklie63 sorry to hear it.Perhapes I,m luckey tho.

[AnnieOaklie63]

@7466309change The surgeon does make a difference and so does the treatment thereafter. Many factors to include in the healing process and surgical procedure itself..steady hands do make a difference. Next time, only the best will do..no more small town docs playing in the pyxis...

[7466309change]

@AnnieOaklie63 yes indeed.good luck.

[sjp5987]

I was told the bone graft would be taken from a bone in my neck.. ?? Is this not true? They said nothing of a cadaver

[pamcaymol777]

@sjp5987 They will take the disc out but  yes its from a bone bank

[AnnieOaklie63]

@sjp5987 it's either from your iliac crest (hip) or a cadaver...did it feel like you broke your hip the next day when you stood up; if so, it's from your hip..if not, you're lucky..ya got it out of the bone bank as they call it. :D

[therealdeal989]

I had this done, C5-6 as it was so compressed on the nerve my shoulders hurt and numbness down the arms. Im very glad I had it done they used femur bone from a cadaever and stem cells too. That was about 8 months ago and the arm pain instantly subsided, neck still hurts but Im better! Thank you Landstuhl Army Hospital

[rockypope]

I had a C4-6 ACDF done in 2002. It hurts me more now that it did initially. My symptoms weren't that obvious. The problem was caught when a neurologist I was seeing for CTS and sleep apnea did a reflex check (I failed miserably, causing him to order an MRI). I will be on meds for the remainder of my life. At least now I don't have anything affecting my spinal cord! From what I now understand, three-level ACDFs are much more difficult, and less successful. I'm out of danger at least.

[ctiscan]

Ok I have a question. After an artificial disk is replaced, does your body return to how it was used to be exactly or do you still have pain and motion impedements?

[easyd22]

@edwardcarr I too am in the army. I was hit by an IED in Afghanistan and shattered C6 and C7 in which they did a posterior and anterior fusion on me C5 to T2.  I have massive pain at times in my shoulders and in between my shoulder blades. How long ago was yours?

[7466309change]

wounder iif you cut differnt so as to maybe hide the scars.

[AnnieOaklie63]

@7466309change they cut me on my neck where you have a natural line..you can't tell where my scar is unless you look REALLY close..that's one good thing I can say for the dr that did my surgery.

[7466309change]

@AnnieOaklie63 they did mine too looks swell.Doesn,t look butured.

[heartRobertheart]

Is there a plate big enough to cover four disks? Just wondered as I am going into get 4th level (c-7) fused. I have through 2 other surgeries had 3 other levels fused and I am worried about the integrity of a fourth level fusion. Also worried about scar tissue...any information would be appreciated.

[AnnieOaklie63]

@heartRobertheart I believe there is, I don't believe a doctor would put several in as they need the space on the vertebral body for screws..but ask your surgeon. I'm looking at almost the same thing..C4 post (after) C5-C7 fusion...and this time, the bone IS NOT COMING OUT OF MY HIP!!!! That hurt.

[gemini1766]

@AnnieOaklie63 The VA Surgeon told me she'd be using a prosthetic bone replacement that works even better than bone. Thank goodness. My trouble is at C6/C7. She told me she's done 3 at one time on one patient, so they must have longer multiple disc plates. How is your PT for the neck going?

[mpaiges]

I had this surgery done a week ago...and can already tell a HUGE difference. I had horrible pain in my shoulders, under my shoulder blade was the worse and nothing would make it stop hurting, my left arm had a lot of numbness and at times I would lose use of it. I also was getting head aches and muscle spasms in my back and neck. The day of my surgery I could tell a difference and after a week it has improved. Anyone considering this should have it done...you won't regret it!

[GameCockChef]

I had C5-C6 done on 12-7-10. Tried epidural shots (2x) & PT (4x) prior to and had no relief. On Labor Day of 2010, thought I pulled a muscle playing golf, tried muscle relaxers, did X-ray, then finally told pri-Dr wanted an MRI. MRI showed bulging disk and Neurologist said "Lets operate." I opted to try epidural and PT, but after 2-1/2 months of constant arm pain, cramps, tingling, numbness, weakness, sharing on FB and prayer, decided time to get the surgery. Best decision so far !

[lexyota]

ooooo.....i tink im gonna b sick:(

[Obscura13x]

this was really cool to watch man.

[cpms5151]

wait are you the doc in this video

[Faustina87]

How did you film this?

[dbgrabbe]

Had this surgery done 25 May 2010. Just started therapy after 4 months. Starting to get some flexibilty back in my neck. The surgeon who did my surgery preferred a hip bone graft vs. cadaver as he was the healing would be 100% using my own bone. I'm almost off all the meds I had been put on. Some pain in the neck but the majority of the pain is gone. My surgery involved C5-C6, C6-C7 fusion and removal of the discs between those vertebrae.

[josephandzoa]

I just had this surgery 13 days ago. I am a prof. athlete (bodybuilder) (chk out my vids or website)...not looking forward to to what I consider a long recuperation LOL but just wanted to let you know after reading all the horror stories, it's good to hear some positives. I'm doing housework, light elliptical to help healing and nutrition to aid healing the tissue and bone. Immediately after surgery my extreme pain was eliminated. My suggestion...BE FIT...your body can better handle healing!

[sweetncali66]

I had this surgery :D C5/6 freakn incredible! My Neurosurgeon said the damage to my neck was MUCH worse then the MRI showed, I was concerned about the screws or plate ripping out of my neck if I decided to go back and work trauma- I would be around CT & similar- :D ha- not magnetic .Soon as I was awake in my room I knew I was better! He did a fabulous job. NO neck brace, in gym 2 weeks later, walkn on treadmill- sleeping throughout the night! B4 I had 1 position I could sleep in,

[cybersleuth58]

I had this done about ten years ago. Once they got in there they found the disease was far more extensive than they had anticipated. He ended up calling in a second surgeon bc they felt that instrumentation was the way to go, but the vertebrae were so soft and unstable that they ended up abandoning that idea. I was supposed to wake up in a soft collar, and be immobile for two months. Instead I woke up in the hard collar and I was to have a much longer of disability. 

[Roc20084u]

I had this done in july 2010 and im pain free.. it not bad

[flogberry]

I had two discs done at the same time! Still in some pain in arm and numbness in thumb and index finger but I'm told that it can take a long time to recover.

[Neukkk]

для чего их ставят?

[dancingpawz]

What is the range of cost for this type of surgery?

[flogberry]

Had this done 5 weeks ago, waiting for op is more traumatic than the op!

[wilski41]

@flogberry were you discharged with a neck brace and pain meds?

[flogberry]

Hello wilski41 yes I was discharged with pain meds and neck brace, gotto wear neck brace for at least 2 months!!

[themovingsand]

Thanks Brian for the upload ; )

[goodtime212]

I need a multi-level reconstruction as my neck is bent so far forward that it is compressing my throat. My spinal cord is compressed at some points and I have massive pain and 'pins and needles' all over. I wear MORPHINE patches and mass amounts of TYLEX caps are taken for pain but I am never without pain. I manage to sleep 2hrs max per night.I have seen a surgeon who said the only answer was a full neck reconstruction which could take 4 sessions but I have COPD so will not operate. Help Please

[RANGERPOINT]

I had a herniated NP, acdf c5-6. Surgery was two weeks ago. I received a Bone Plug. Surgery was for pain and problems to my RIGHT ARM. Now my Left Forearm , approx 4 inches up from my Left Wrist, feels like a constricting band encircles my Left Forearm and forward of the invisible band tingles as if it were also asleep, but nothing is physically there, is this a feeling which will go away and why did it appear on my Left Arm versus my Right where the original pain and problems were located?

[sandhilldiva]

best surgery i ever had!!!! no more pain

[bozez1]

contemplating this surgery for c6-c7 herniation with cervical compression. I am a full contact mixed martial artist as well as a Strength Coach and am very worried that I will not only lose all of my hard earned conditioning but this will certainly put me in a quandry for work. How long is the typical recovery for someone who would be considered in superior physical fitness? How long before I could at least start doing some body weight low impact exercises or even get back to light duty?

[bozez1]

@bozez1 Also, I have almost no pain whatsoever though I do have some tingling in the forearm and fingers of the right hand though it's not as substantial as during the initial injury. I just am curious about the recovery process and what can be expected for return to play or at least return to fitness.

Thanks

[othercousin]

I had a cervical discetomy on C5 and C6 on Feb 17th. Today is June 29. I have a bulge in the front of my neck and get cramps in my neck if I laugh or yawn. Occasionally (several times/day) I feel a "popping" sensation when I move. Nobody has accuratly diagnosed it yet. I'm afraid some of my muscle has been permanently injured or cut. Is this common? What should I do now? I'm still unable to return to normal normal work because of this. How do I get the muscle examined? Plz help if you can..

[othercousin]

@othercousin - well of course I discussed it with my doctor! The reason I'm desperatly seeking help and education on the internet is because I have basically been abandoned to variety of unrelated specialists who won't listen. In my searches I'm now telling them what is wrong and what I need but I don't know which specialist, if there is one, for what seems to be a herniated muscle and torn facia as a direct result of the surgurey. What's the treatment?

[Hamiltoons]

I had this surgery on April 15th and had two discs replaced with the plate and screws. I was up and walking around the next day and other than the pain from the surgery (which wained after about a week) I was up walking around, showered okay (without the collar but carefully) and other than not being able to lift anything > 10 pounds could do move okay. After I completely woke from the anesthesia I felt immediatly better in my arms, back and legs. Don't put this off if you can help it.

[ksgal33]

I had this surgery done about 10 weeks ago at c5/6 c6/7. It's cool to see how it's done. My scar is barely visable now and am so thankful to have the shoulder and arm pains gone!

[idlehands1111111111]

OH MY GOD BRO haha

[rosedore]

Dr Steinberger did my disectomy an fusion, nhe was a lifesaxer!!!i had strong cramps in my palms at night that would wake me up!! I am much much better

[Wtbyconn]

Deb, check it out....this is a one level,...i am in the club for a two level.

[edwardcarr]

@brianbonedoc i am in the army. i have a c-6 herniation /anulus tear and it hurts sooo bad in my middle back shoulders and under my shoulder blades. my neck is also limited and grinds. the pain radiates down my arms also. The injury started post ied attack which i busted my head. I live in washington state now.

[brianbonedoc]

@edwardcarr Sorry to hear that. You should see your primary MD and get an MRI. No reason to live with that pain if you don't have to! Good luck.

[kammhron]

@edwardcarr Sorrry to hear you were injured. Hope you find relief. Thanks for your service to this country.

[kablamo7]

@edwardcarr @brianbonedoc I was injured while in the Australian Army and had herniation’s requiring a discectomy and fusion of the C5/6 & C6/7 vertebras. It’s a frustrating recovery but not nearly as painful as before the operation. I hope you have been able to have treatment and are currently recovering.

[AnnieOaklie63]

@edwardcarr @brainbonedoc I wish I had your doc..my recovery was extremely traumatic..the pain hasn't really changed, well except for the headaches. But those are coming back due to C4 is bulging into my thecal sac of my spinal cord. I believe I have found the perfect dr..calling his office tomorrow.I'm sure there is so much scar tissue this is gonna require a doc from NASA to do the job.

[pamcaymol777]

@AnnieOaklie63 MINE TOO THE 2ND WAS HELL

[ochoadobies]

@edwardcarr you should check out Madigan Healthcare System at Fort Lewis. We have surgeons that perform this surgery.

[gemini1766]

@edwardcarr I hope you have that in your medical files from the Army. I'm getting this op done by the VA this coming Monday (18July11). That should have been taken care of while in the Army. If you have not, you need to contact the VA about disability compensation and medical care, and while you're at it, it's worth it to join Disabled American Vets. Find the Chapter closest to you and go talk to them. DAV is great for helping us out and getting us taken care of properly.

[CrunkPanda15]

my dad had this surgery :]

it was the best thing that ever happened to him :]

hes a new man with no pain :]

[suzannecocks]

I had this op. But I was lucky enough to use a brand new synthetic cage instead of bone, so it allows the spinal bones to fuse to it and grow through it very quickly. Recovery is verv fast and less painful!

[nelsmo]

Dr. Rudin what is the name and fabricant of this plate?

It doesn´t need pilot holes for the screws. Very nice case.

[brianbonedoc]

The plate is Synthes Vectra - it does use pilot holes - I use an awl - I just edited it out for times' sake. Thanks!

[shakiin000]

how come it doesnt bleed?

thanks for uploading this, i have to have this done next month.

[THERUBIEXXES]

qee horrorss!!!!

[andhisband]

Thanks for this educational video. I'm in line for a 3-level ACDF (C4-5-6-7). They tell me I'm going to have head and neck pain. Is that unending, or will it go away? I see your comment about range of motion; how is that going to work out for a 3-level job?

[ageandsea]

@andhisband I had three level surgery as well in 2006, first couple of moths the muscles were regenerating themselves so the range of motion was limited, now just the rotation to right side is very slightly limited. The exercises my doctor thought me keeps my muscles strong and help me live without any pain...Hope you get better soon...

[andhisband]

@ageandsea I had missed your reply; thank you. The orthopedist I was sent to talked me out of surgery. Twice. The sum of everything I've heard and read is that it's a 50-50 crapshoot. Things have slowly improved for me for a while, so I'll keep waiting, seeing, and trying less drastic treatments.

[dsavereide]

@andhisband You should get a second opinion from a Neurologist. If it's only one disc that's damaged, you may even qualify for a flexible disc replacement instead of fusion. I think they have come a long way in the last decade ior so n this type of surgery, so that 50-50 is no longer accurate.

[tonygilhooley]

How long before one can fly after the OP and does it affect the voice ?? as I am a singer ??

Any help much appreciated

thanks

TonyG

[peter1557]

I also live in NY and i am looking for a good Neurosurgeon! I have to get this done ASAP..I get really bad stiff necks with weakness in left Arm!

[meradio]

@peter1557

I am suffering with a C5-7 rupture. I met with DR cheney and DR german both in Albany. They have good reputations , where are you located?

[riderover40]

Hsurgery done a week ago at two levels, c5-6-7. I had been in pain for three years to the day that I was diagnosed. Doc said that it was much worse then he thought but the procedure went well and I felt the difference right away. Some of the numbness and burning can take up to a year to go away! I am glad I had it done cause I tried averything else and taking 420 mg of Oxycontin a day! It was taking over my life and thanks to Dr Kevin Gurr in London, ON, Canada I will get my life back.

[bamafan62]

i had this surgery almost 3 weeks ago, they did not use bone from my hip, but donor bone, for which i am terribly grateful for. i had really bad pain going down my right arm for 4+ months before surgery. almost like a bad cramp. the first thing i remember thinking when i woke up from the operation was that my arm did not hurt anymore. i can move my neck without pain...really turned out very well!!

[steveh1010]

what was wrong with your neck? I had a pinched nerve in my neck for a month, my right arm is killing me.

[bamafan62]

i had a ruptured disc C6-7 and a bone spur on another, so he took them both out. I know where you are coming from about the pain in your arm, it radiated all down my arm, never staying in one area, it was like a really bad cramp with weakness in my hand. The doctor said it was the worst ruptured disc he has seen in 5 yrs. have you had surgery? the pain was gone as soon as i woke up from surgery, the procedure is not that bad. doc wont release me for another 3 weeks ...let me know bud

[yappdogg2002]

just had the same thing done 2-23-10 , as soon as i woke up, pain free!!! still having some cramps, but doc said that is part of the healing,

[temashana]

I live in NYC and saw a spinal surgeon yesterday that said I needed this. Been in unbearable pain almost 2 years as am v. scared of fusion. Did anyone have a surgeon in NYC to recommend? I do want another opinion.

Thank you.

[lexyota]

@temashana did u ever find a doctor? did u have the surgery?

[bsphillips3]

i am 45, had this done two years ago at the C5-6 level. I have a bulging one above and below this fusion. Neck is much better but the doc said I'll see you back in 10 yrs to fix the other ones. I live on Motrin.

[brianbonedoc]

No limitation. In fact, usually the range of motion is better afterwards than before!

[FreonRose]

pretty nifty technique lol

[Sidhe27]

I had this done C6-C7 after a car accident 9 years ago. The only bad pain I experienced after was from the iliac graft site. That was excruciating. My neck was just a little sore. To this day my hip still aches from the graft site.

[brianbonedoc]

These days we really don't use hip graft. We use cadaver bone, which eliminates the risk of iliac crest, donor site pain.

[Sidhe27]

That is good. I was always worried that my neck would have pain later on but my neck has been fine. Of all the things it is my hip that hurts! Glad they don't use the autograft anymore, too painful afterwards.

[DeboWabo]

I just had this surgery (c5-c6-c7) six days ago, and my own hip bone was used.

[AnnieOaklie63]

excellent to hear brainbonedoc!!!!

I have one from '99. mine is an Atlantis titanium plate, have you heard anything about it? the screws go almost thru the vertebral body...lacking millimeters by view of xray . I am a very small framed woman, the plate is screwed on slightly off centered from my neck..if you understand. Just wondering how much of a problem and how it will be done for C4, above the plate at C5-C7; this surgery will be performed.???

[DocVuDu]

Similar experience for me from iliac graft. After yrs of graft area causing lots of pain & muscle spasm, someone talked me into see this very old acupuncturist--he literally taught it in the 60's in Beijing. He was brutal. He used the needles more like scalpels-I was suffering enough to take it, though! I surmise he broke up scar tissue--it resolved the problem fully.

I'm an MD, so at the start of every treatment he'd chastise me for how Western medicine was so ignorant. The old guy was a riot.

[buuffie42]

I had this procedure performed on me, 7th 2009 . They placed an titanium cervical cage on C6-C7. The relief of symptoms was almost immediate!!

[hothoops1j]

i am having this surgery Dec 22, 2009..I am worried but this video gives me some relief....can you eat after this surgury and if not for how long

[miracle1993man]

Great video and even greater reponce I will go through proceedure in Jan2010. I want to go back to work I see that It takes 4-6 months. I feel a lot better thank you all.

[RBROLEX]

I am now 50,had it done on three levels

c-5,c-6,c-7 10 years ago,symptoms gone,24 hrs, in hospital,4 days no work,went back to desk job 1/2 day fon mon,wed,fri,following week 3 full days, third week back full time and I have not looked back since.Today neck is stiff a lot and tuff to sleep on your side but the nerve pain and numbness is all gone,good luck to you!

[yerok7]

ClearVisProductions

I may not have stated correctly what I had done in surgery experience. I am on medication. Its not excuse let me be clear. I had the same surgery you had only, I had C-7 too. As for God he has Everything to do with Everything even your surgeons talent. I suggest you spend some praying and more time studying about him . Our Lord. No response required thanks, as I am not here to gripe. I am just happy that I had my surgery.

Happy in Ohio

[feebix]

I didn`t have a great deal of improvement after my surgery, enough that I`m glad I had it done though. I`m still in pain and on morphine every day....

[ClearVisProductions]

I had this procedure performed on me, Oct. 15, 09. I had C4-C5-C6 fused together removing 2 discs. The relief of symptoms was almost immediate

I thank my surgeon. He did an excellent job. God had nothing to do with this. This was all due to the skill of a very talented surgeon.

BTW yerok7, 6 screws means you had 3 vertebral bodies fused and 2 discs removed. If you had 4 discs removed, that would have been 5 vertebrae and 10 screws. I suggest less time praying and more time studying.

[yerok7]

To aduar002 yes I tried a chiropractor 24 visits. It helped for a day but the pain m=never went away. Eventually it was to the point where I didn't want to suffer any longer. I prayed to God to help me before I did something to put me out of my misery. He answered my prayers. I thank every-night and will continue too. I am eternally grateful for my surgery and mine was 4 discs and 6 screws.

[jberlotti]

Amazing when you see it done. I had this done 2 years ago. My doc was awesome. Instead of a metal plate he used screws and a plate that disolved after a year and a half. The only thing left in there are little dots that glow on X-rays to show something was done. That and the little bone graft too. I woke up instantly out of pain. I had a gnarly C6/C7 herniation & stenosis going on. 10/10 pain for 4 months instantly relieved. Thanks Doc!!!

[splashcat]

@jberlotti "...Instead of a metal plate he used screws and a plate that dissolved after a year and a half. ..."

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing it.

Spinal fusion probably throws off the biomechanics of the spine much less using resorbable plates and screws, especially with an osteoporotic spine.

[jberlotti]

@splashcat Yeah it was an awesome way to have it done. The only thing was that I lost a slight mobility in my neck. Basically I can look right and spin my neck all the way around. If I look left my chin will stop right over my shoulder as opposed to the right going slightly behind my shoulder. 2 inches lost in the ability to spin my head and thats it. I am back to sports and everything before I got hurt. And he saved my Air Force career. I could have been medically discharged! Love that doc!

[dsavereide]

@jberlotti Do you remember the name of the plate or what they called this type of surgery? Was it experimental or FDA approved?

[aduar002]

anyone try a chiropractor before this surgery?

[podpot]

is it genetical or post-trauma? or what should i do to avoid it?

[MsBackroads]

I had this done 2 yeras ago. Although I suffered alot of pain right out of surgery and wearing the neck brace for 6 weeks was rough... it did in the long run, relieve most of the pain I had been having in my chest, back and arm. I will never again have 100% movement in my neck, but all in all it was a sucess.

[fresnochris]

I had this procedure done yesterday (11/9/09)...discharged from hospital today. So far, so good. Uncomfortable, but optimistic!

[14sandypants14]

I had this done Oct. 20 2008. Cool to see the procedure. Just over a year after surgery. I feel great!! No pain no numbness no restrictions. Back to my normal active self. I had C-5-6 and C-6-7 fused. Soft collar for 6 weeks and 3 to 4 months physical therapy. Throat really hurt for 1 day, but after that it was smooth sailing, except for the neck collar. It was a pain in the neck, pun intended!

[spokybob]

Patty just had this done. Sorry I can't watch the video. Makes me ill.

[angoralex]

This is terrific...I will be having the surgery on the 18th. Have a large bone spur with disc herniation and stenosis with spinal cord compression...my right arm is weak and goes numb often while my left has started to do so....tried all of the treatments including steroids & rhizotomy to no avail...tired of the pain and have great faith the surgery will aid with all of the issues & even more faith now!!! Thank U

[garciabernie]

I had this done August 25, 2009. After trying therapy and injections for almost 4 months. I wish I had done it earlier, I'm totally pain free. The only downsize I can't play golf ........ yet!!

[jflessne]

I had a my surgery done January 21st 2009. Feels wierd this video was uploaded while I was in the ICU. Not to scare anyone but I had a unique situation. I developed a blood clot which caused paralysis. Thankfully my surgeon was quick to react and removed the blood clot. I'm about 80%. I'm wondering if my incision is larger because I had two discs removed or the shear size of my neck.?

[ccain68]

i forgot one important thing..when u need to raise up or lie urself down..put ur hand on back of ur head for support...this helps alot..

[ccain68]

i can offer some help on pain management..i had this surgery oct 12 2009....sleeping flat on my back taking gettin used to,,but i don,t feel any pain..or i sleep with my soft collar on my side..sitting upright puts pressure on neck n shoulders..so i sit reclined back in my recliner.clearing throat, coughing, laughing hurts so try not to do it. picking up a glass of water or plate of food will hurt..so try not to do that..just take it easy.

[ccain68]

i had this surgery oct 12. my left arm and hand was going weak..paralize...very painful to sit..can only lie on back for comfort..any suggestions?

[06Streaker]

I am due to have this done to 2 discs on the 20th of Oct. Thank You for this vid. It helps me understand the procedure greatly. At first it was kind of scarey but after watching the whole vid its not as bad as it seems. I'll be glad to be able to walk correctly and have full use of both of my arms again.

[purplewingedgirl]

This is awesome! I had this surgery done 2 weeks ago. For months I read about it - everything I could find on it. They knock you out then wake you up and you have no idea what happened in between. So to actually see it makes me feel like I'm not missing something. I just wish I had found this before my surgery.

[elijahbuller]

this awesome, I am a nursing student, and my patient that I was assigned had this surgery. I didn't really know much about it, this is really informative!

[djmweatherman]

It was amazing how well my wife got thru this surgery and now I understand why it was an outpatient surgery with one night stay. This kind of surgery sounds worse than it was.

[StR8UpJuNiOr]

i'm so happy i found this video. i was just informed today that i'm having this surgery next week. i was honestly completely terrified but this seeing this video and exactly whats gonna be done kinda puts my mind at ease. thank you so much for this video it helps alot.

[ricksands52]

Hi Connie. Thank you. What kind of demented country do we live in where we allow people without health insurance to suffer and wither away? Think about that & Let it sink in. Are we a nation of insurance industry Nazis? Before injuring myself, I was a well to do attorney. I will not stay silent. Once I regain my health, I will return to the practice of law.

I will marry the right woman to receive medical treatment, and I will tell my story to the entire world. Richard

[ViosAngel]

>>> ConnieAnn1, I did my surgery on 23rd July which was 11 days ago. Although mine was a reconstruction with Prestige artificial disc, let me testify to it. I am 44 and have suffered from headaches and weakness on my right for more then a year. Immediately after the operation, the 1st thing I noticed was that the headache was gone. I am now still recovering at home and must say that who ever is experiencing this condition shud go for the operation. Medication does not help in the long run.

[ConnieAnn1]

Hi..My Dads friend is in severe pain, aged 75..Her pain is all neck and she has horrible head aches etc..Is this surgery helpful 4 her?? She mentioned Discs shot..She refuses surgery and pain meds?? Help

[cmorris375]

I just had this done yesterday, I had extreme pain in my shoulder, tricept, and numbness in my hand. I have no more pain. The doctor said I could releive the pain with shots but if I put it off I could loose the use of my right arm. No brainer here.

[ConnieAnn1]

Wow..I listen but cant watch...I hope all involved have great surgery results..Bless all of you in pain..Love U ALL

[nautigirlly]

i'm having this surgery tomorrow morning, can't wait for the weakness in my arms and the pain in my shoulder and neck to be gone. thought this video would gross me out, but it was kind of cool. the screws going in did kind of turn my stomach. 12 hours and i'll be in recovery YEA

[ViosAngel]

Thank you brainbonedoc, I now feel much more comfortable about going for the ACDF operation after viewing this. Hope I come out of it fine.

[ricksands52]

I have severe pathology in my cervical spine which is deforming my spinal cord, however, I dont have health insurance. I feel like I am merely existing, and I am trying to hold on. I lost my thriving business in Washington State of 20+ years. I returned to California only to learn that my health insurance only insures citizens of Washington State. I would love to find a job with group coverage but I simply cannot work. I feel like Im in a living Hell.

Richard

[latinaflower77]

Thank you for posting this video. I had this procedure done about 5 wks ago for a herniated disk pushing up on my spinal cord. I am still healing but already notice a big difference.

[jaahouse]

had this surgery on may 8 for right shoulder and arm severve pain and i'm only 28 started at 8:30 am and went home the next morning throat feels kinda like strep thoart for a week but no pain meds 2 days after surgery feel really good other than incision is alittle tender obvoiusly but i had a kick ass dr. and mine was at c5-6 i'm getting to wear a soft collar that's alot better than a hard one sleeping is a little agrevating to get comfortable at times with the collar on but definatly worth it

[cuian]

I'm having this done in a week at C5-6 and C6-7. Kind of interesting to watch-and I get grossed out easily, but I found this very informative and rather amazing. The "rinsing" reminded me of the cleaning you get at the dentist, lol. Here is hoping I will have no more arm/shoulder pain and weakness in my left hand! :)

[rugerleo]

I see this post was from 2 months ago. Any update? My wife goes in for the exact same set next week. Would like to know your thoughts.

[cuian]

I am doing great--7 weeks post surgery. I swam 20 laps this AM! The first week, I felt like I had whiplash and stayed in bed most of the time. 2nd week--better. 3rd week--able to take a short trip out of town. 4th week--back to normal except getting tired easily.

[rugerleo]

Great to hear this. We are tour guides for a bus company in our spare time and we are scheduled to go on a train trip Aug 16th. With your results, she should be able to handle it with no problem. Thanks for getting back to me so fast!

RL

[MrsSarb]

I'm having this surgery done tomorrow. Wish me luck. I'm kind of nervous but hope that the pain will be gone from the herniated disc once it is done.

[jamsammagnag]

Ihad my anterior Cervial Discectomy anf Fusion done yesterday...PAIN IS GONE......its a miracle surgery...see I am on the internet and typing my comments...by the way it was C5- C6 and I am just 34.....

[soldiersmama]

When I had this done, I woke up feeling a billion times better then when they put me out. It was a miracle surgery for me. I was back to myself in no time. It looks gross and scary on here but it's really not! Don't believe everything you read folks!!!!

[nalcon1]

I just went through Anterior Cervical Fusion of c4 thru c7. I had right arm pain,back pain and right leg instability and weakness. I wasn't that concerned with surgery.. I had a great surgion. Post surgury sucks though. I'm on day 9 and see my doc tomarrow. My Traps hurt like hell when i chew. However, my back pain is gone. My leg is still weak and my arm and hand pain is still there, but they say I have capel tunnel also. I stopped my pain meds 5 days after surgery but my leg is spastic.

[ddrumm5]

I went to a neurosurgeon yesterday and he recommended this procedure as I have a severly herniated disk that is causing numbness down my left arm and pain in my sholder area. The idea of having another surgery is terrifying as the last time I had surgery on my ankle I asparated.