This video was very helpful. Thank you so much for the information. It really helped me a lot to understand the procedure and after procedure. Blessings
I had C5/C6 fusion Feb 10th, 2012 using a Stalif C with hip bone marrow. Surgery was 8am and I felt well enough to go home at 11am. Overnight stay was required however. The hip site is almost painless and other than swallowing my neck doesn't hurt. I had a morphine pump but didn't need it. I took hydrocodone earlier to help make sure I got good sleep (in a recliner). No collar was recommended. It's too early to tell if this will fix my weakness but so far so good! Never had surgery before
@jmalaysia85 I am glad you are doing well. I had the surgery on 02/16/2012 and was discharged after one night in the hospital. I still need the Norco for pain management; but, I am only four days out. I sleep in a recliner as well. I will say that I already see improvement in my extremities. The neuropathy and pain are virtually non-existant now.
About 6 years ago I woke up to very intense pain in my left shoulder, like someone was trying to saw it off with a piece of twine. The pin went away completely the same same, but I could hardly move my arm. The orthopedist said it was a sprain. Over the next 6 years I learned to use my arm again but it has always been weak. A few months ago I woke up and had the same "sawing" feeling again. This time I had an MRI and found a severely herniated C5/C6 disk.
Great Video! I am 10 days post op from 3 level acdf wishing id seen this 11 days ago! I was shocked at how difficult it was after surgery and still today.This is a very scary and complex surgery. I think we tend to minimize surgical procedures these days. Heavily medicated prior to surgery- we didnt have a good enough plan to wean from the narcotics postop. Prescription Narcotics SUCK. Ask the doc LOTS of questions. Blogging my progress here: thefarmkatchronicles.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for this video, I was so scared until I saw this. It made me feel far more informed. Had this surgery 4 days ago, on C5 & C6, so far so good. Came home today, still have numbness in my hands & left leg, but my right hand is *almost* normal. Am slowly noticing other improvements & so far, am very happy. Surgeon told me numbness may take 18 months to leave me, or maybe never, so will have to wait & see.
Choose your surgeon well, mine is very very experienced in this surgery.
& I have very little pain in my hip, well none actually, & only about a minutes worth since the surgery (only 4 days ago). The only pain in inside my throat when I swallow.
Bad news for me.....I am returning for imaging to examine my c7.....I perceive that I am in jeopardy of needing another fusion to stop my c7 disc from causing me more harm. I am experiencing numbness in my right leg, pain in my left foot and seemingly a predisposition to roll my right ankle when I go down steps quickly. I also sleep very poorly and experience numbness in my hands and legs if I lay in any position that does not align my torso and neck. I use my neckbrace to help when sleeping.
Thanks for posting such a thorough video on this topic. I'm having the surgery on Monday, and I didn't really know what to expect. Other YouTube videos showed individuals wailing out in pain, so when I viewed your video, I was very relieved! Hope you're still doing well, and thanks again! You've put my mind at ease more.
Thanks for this video. Just had my surgery 7 days ago. There is alot of info my doc left out. I was not instructed to wear or even given a hard collar. Had to aak for soft one. The post op pain was horrible and I was rushed out of hospital. The back pain and hip pain are bearable. Your video validated my experience with sleeping discomfort and continued finger numbness. Thank you.
I love you lmac8116! Your video brought me a tremendous amount of reassurance and comfort when I was awaiting my emergency c3-c6 fusion in September of 2009. Well done and very thoughtfully done. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and I hope you have healed well. You are a beautiful graceful woman. Godspeed.
@U15bronco Hey someone flagged my comment to Imac!....I am saddened at the person who flagged my compliment to this video and it's author....anyone who has had ACDF should watch this video and feel comfort in the fact that this frightening, painful and difficult surgery can be overcome successfully. Once again, I have found a great amount of comfort from her experience when I felt all was lost and I was at my most difficult time.
Great job...love the details. I already had an ACDF in June 2007 at C6/C7...off to have C4/5 and C5/6 in mid-January. Having all kinds of problems and severe pain. Had right ulnar nerve decompression in July 2009 and right shoulder surgery (Mumford procedure) in Dec. 2010. This cervical spine stenosis amd decompression has caused severe pain and numbness on a constant basis. Hoping this next surgery helps!
I had the same surgery 3 weeks ago today. Interesting that you didn't have to wear a cervical collar. I am in a cervical collar (the harder one you showed) for a minimum of 12 weeks. I must sleep with it, shower with it...only take it off to change the pads. I still have some numbness in my right hand, but, WHAT A DIFFERENCE. The hip still aches, but I am walking around. I am happy to have done it. The alternative is eventual paralysis from the neck down, so...worth it! Stay healthy :-)
I have a large cervical herniated disc ruptured C5/C6, happened 9 weeks ago, the gel-like fluid from my disc was pressing the spinal cord and pinching the nerve, decided to treat it conservatively with acupuncture, spinal decompression and fortunately it worked fine, all the symtoms are basically gone after 6 weeks, no numbness, no tingling, only some pain in the arm which is supposed to disappear in the next month or so. The large fluid was diluted by resorption and the disc seem to be healed.
This video is a great public service. I am very grateful to you, imac8116, for making the effort to put out this very important information. I am facing ACDF in 10 days (Nov. 2, 2011) because two herniated discs are causing numbness/pain/tingling all down my right arm about 50% of the time. My doctor says I will have permanent nerve damage if I do not have the surgery ASAP. I am leaving NY for Peru on Dec. 2. The doctor did not want to delay the surgery to January; he says I'll be recovered!
Thanks for doing the video. I have syringomyelia , stenosis and herniated discs at the c5-6 level. My neurologist has been talking about ACDF for about a year now. I've started declining so............nice to see what I'm in for!
I really need to find a DR. that can do better then what I was told the other day. Already had 3 thru 7 fused with bone grafts, plate and screws, now disc 2 and 3 are blown and he wants to fuse those and that will mean what? having to go in and re-do all right? 2 thru 7 fused and bone grafts. I would rather die... He even said that even after that their would be another surgery... sounds like i'm screwed period. I hope that someone out there can help me with this. SOMETHING NEW?
Since the 3 levels already done 10 years ago, I have had little to no life, been in much pain daily. in 2009 they wanted to do disc 2 and 3 with same, bone grafts and all. I waited because I'm always sick, dizzy in pain and had just got over a double pneumonia.
Now talking to DR. again and he said he can do it but now its worse and if he does it, they will have to rebuild my whole c-spine 2 thru 7, I would have no mobility right? I need help people, please give advice to help
As one pointed out its kind of a Barbaric surgery to have done..I had to have it done from C4 thru C7, so I had 3 bone grafts and interior fusions a plate and 8 screws holding altogether. I woke up in the kind of pain as if I had been repeatedly Hacked in the neck with a Hatchet. I could not swallow food right for a very long time after, well I still choke now if not very careful.
Bad thing is now I need disc 2 and 3 done because of the pressure from the 3 level fusion. SEE NEXT comment...
I am getting this procedure in 3 weeks and I am so happy someone took the time to explain what happens and what to expect. You are right, finding info on it has been harder than I expected.
It's under discussion, but I too might have to undergo the same type of surgery. How are you doing now? How does it fell to have that metal plate in your neck? I had a physical demanding job which I can no longer perform because of my disc and spinal problems.
Just had this surgery yesterday 28 July 2011, home today... c4 to c5 fusion and c5 to c6 fusion. 2 Steel plates. virutally NO pain today...sore throat, thats about it. shoulder pain is minimal, staggering walk is gone. Great Doctor with great results!!.
I have the same surgery scheduled for next week and I hope that I have as much success as you appear to have had. Thank you for posting this video as it has been reassuring to a large extent. I know that I will be in for a lot of discomfort during the recuperation period but I hope that it will be worth it in the long run.
I had to be hospidal 2 months cause i needed antibiodics directly into bloodsystem. X-ray after looks similar but my 2 neck bones is now replaced with boneblock from hip and titanium-plate is 2 times bigger. Now i still have to take antibiotics as pills everyday for a 2-3 months and infection still is in system and can still come back. So i recommend to to this operation fast after discovered.
I guess i had at first same thing. But i got stupid doctor. So after crash 2 months later i had serious pain in neck, what was goin` during another 1,5 month to elbow. During that time doc gave me strong painkillers. Until one morning i bearly got out of bed and collapsed after that because i didnt take painkillers day before. In hospidal after MRI they discovered i got serious neckbone infection, which had destroyed C4 and C5 neckbones. MRI pic was similar but C4 and 5 were like broken teeths
Bone graft can be substituted with a synthetic option. I went for a synthetic option because I didn't want the additional pain etc associated with a hip bone harvest. Not sure of the advantages or disadvantages of either so I would check with your specialist about the options.
Another thing. You will probably be prescribed a ton of paracetamol (probably 2x500mg four times a day). Take it religiously because it works better as a foundation for pain relief than most think.
I read as much as I could about the procedure before I had an artificial disc implant. Much of the surgery is similar to this.
I recommend getting some sore throat spray or lozenges in advance of the procedure for home and in hospital. That really helped with the sore throat right after surgery.
@2300Kenzie Definitely. I had on hand an arnica spray which I took to hospital (2 night stay) with me and used about 6 times a day in which seemed soothing and healing as well as Difflam lozenges. Mint ones are nice. :) Pain - none really at the operating site. Throat was much like onset of a sore throat when you are coming down with the flu. Experienced elevated levels of pain in lower neck/upper back area though (aggravation of injury already painful before op sustained during accident).
By the way, the painful throat is from the breathing tube insertion/removal. Despite the fact they use lube to facilitate its insertion, it seems many patients experience a painful throat for a few days. Nurses told me about 3 days but mine lasted about 10, diminishing each day after op.
I'm 2 weeks post op with C5-C6-C7 ACD. Still not sure whether I'm making much improvement yet. I was knocked off my motorcycle nearly 2 years ago by a driver, thrown across the centreline and hit by two cars - suffered a broken neck, sternum and shoulderblade. Weakness and numbness left arm & leg & pain in neck/upper back. To the benefit of others contemplating this surgery - my fear of this procedure was unfounded. Here's hoping over time I will see improvement. Glad you've done so well.
I just had the operation 07/14/11. I had all the sympthoms she had.My neck scar is only about 1 inch,its very hard to swallow now but they say it will ease in a couple of days.The cervical pain is pretty intense without the pain killers,hope all goes well for me. Will keep readers updated if anybodys interested.
@mathew19671 - definitely! i was just told today that i'm most likely going to have undergo decompression surgery, and i'm not sure what that means yet, but i'm learning. i hope you feel better and i'm definitely interested in hearing updates!
@heatherakapeanut hola! its day5 dealing with my post surgery,my throats feels alot better from the tube inserted during the operation.I think its still to early to tell if anything changed for the better,the pain killers are still needed every 6 hrs for the pain. One of the hard parts is sleeping,finding a position thats comfortable.Hopefully the sympthoms will go away And Soon! till next time.
Lady you are brave and I hope you fully recover. Please share the experts name just for a reference as most guys in our situation get a greedy Neurosurgeon or some shamless Orthopedic who is not very qualified to do these surgeries.
Lady you are brave and I hope you fully recover. Please share the experts name just for a reference as most gusy in our situation get a greedy Neurosurgeon or some shamless Orthopedic who is not very qualified to do these surgeries.
As I review your comments since my last post, I see that it is important to take action instead of enduring chronic pain. After 7 years, I finally decided that I had enough when I lost feeling in my left hand and accidentally drove a drywall screw in my thumb and it didn't hurt. I became worried about damaging my hand and losing it. I was lucky to have regained 99% of all feeling. If I had waited, that might be less. Nerves will not always regrow.
Did anything cause this condition with you? Did you get in an accident? or was it just random? ... are you a neck cracker? Do you know what caused that disc to bulge?
i am 27 and was rear ended by an 18 wheeler semi while i was sitting at a red light, caused major injuries and now the neuro. surgeon is wanting to do this, should i do it? the pain and stuff sucks but im scared to death to be put under
great video, thanks for sharing your story. I'm a grad nurse and tonight i was caring for a patient who has previously been through this surgery. I am a visual learner and found the way you presented this made perfect sense to me. thanks again :)
Thanks so much for the video - it was a great help before my surgery when I was researching and not finding much. I am 9 days post op... and like you said was unaware of many things such as not being able to lift my head in bed. All in all the surgery was a great success so far - c6 c7. The pain instantly vanished from my arm and I have full strength back. I would recommend this surgery to anybody that can no longer tolerate the pain and has access to a top surgeon.
wow, I am still waiting for surgery auth. by OWCP I appreciate your video which explains more than the 15 minute visit with the doctor. I am quite honest I am scared s...less but the pain i am going thru since 10/20/2010 is horrible. I still think my surgery is better than all the medicines i take and the pain and discomfort.
Thank you for the post. I am having this surgery next month and I am quite frightened. Your sharing of your experience has been most helpful so that I know what to expect.
I had the exact same symptoms for 6 weeks. It was getting progressively worse. Numbness in my hand then spread up my arm. Took an MRI and my c5-6 disc was compressing the nerve the same way yours did. Saw your video and thought I had to get surgery, but the doc was reluctant to give me one since I'm only 38. Instead, he put me on predisone for 10 days and now I am fully recovered 100%
My surgery was preformed in 2004, It was three level C5 C6 C7. The bone used was taken from my hip and at the time was more painful than the neck. You will have less range of motion while moving the neck I had a loss of 29%. You will learn to move your upper body as you turn to compensate for the loss. Another problem some surgeons don't take the time to explain is deterioration of the adjoining disc from the redige stabilization. I will soon have a corrective surgery for deterioration of C4.
thanks for posting this. I will be going in for my surgery in about 2 weeks from now. I am a long distant runner, do you think running is still in the cards for me??
THNK YOU VERY MUCH FR YOUR INFORMATIVE VIDEO. IT IS HELPFULL FR US ESPECIALLY LOOKING FR SOMEONE WHO HAS THIS OPERATION BEFORE. IT IS VERY USEFULL TO HEAR FROM YOU THE PERIOD OF OPERATIONS.
Update: It's been six months since my surgery and i'm doing great! I'm so glad I had the surgery. My doctor is awesome! The fusion is going really good too. How are you going?
@gdsnuff wonderful news. Glad you are another success story. I am doing wonderful i forget I ever had 10 years of constant excruciating pain! I could NOT be better
wow. you are very brave. only to think of it, i am feeling the pain, I AM healthy. thank you to post this informative video for all persons that need first hand infornation, it is not the same read it in a brochure or video than have the real maccoy from the person that is treated with the surgery. i hope all goes well in you life.
I have been diagnosed with the same problem from a car accident in july of 2010 and have been putting off treatment cause of my fear of surgery and doctors.
I have weakness and numbing of the triceps and forearms.
i dont think i can bring myself to having the operation. I really liked your video though....it gave me more info than my neurosurgeon did.He told me to just sit down and shut up cause this is how it is and sign the release form now.
@jatpack3 Hi. To me it wasn't a question of whether to get the surgery or not: there is a disc crushing my spinal cord and it IS only going to get worse, which means the numbness, weakness etc WILL only get worse. My Neurosurgeon described it to me as "SLOWLY TURNING INTO A QUADREPLEGIC" and the longer I waited to have the surgery, the more chance that there is irreversible damage to those nerves that are squashed, So I opted for surgery STRAIGHT AWAY. Havent looked back, im better than ever was
@jatpack3 (number 2) HOWEVER I have spoken to many on here who have not been as fortunate as I and ended up in more pain after the op... so of course the risk is there. But the way i see it if you do not opt for surgery you lose. If you DO opt for surgery you may win or lose.
@lmac8116 If you have the surgery you may or may not get relief, there are no guarantees. The nerve cells take a long time to repair themselves and sometimes the symptoms may never go away. But if you opt not to have surgery you risk permanent damage to your nerve cells. It's a personal choice. My choice was to remove the bone pressing against my spinal column.
@plc200368 Thank you Phil. This is helpful to know. I may get this operation next summer as I dont have the cash now. I do have that finger numbness in both hands from time to time combined with a severe neck pain. I just dont think I can handle it anymore!
@Modi2020 I was very lucky that I had Insurance which paid for it, without it, I'd still be in pain.
With all the pain killers I was on, I also got 2 ulcers as a result of the strenght of the drugs. I wish you well and hope you get the operation to ease the pain...A doctor once asked me to tell him how bad the pain really was,,I told him it was like having a gas torch burning a hole in my armpit, and having a 5 ton elephant on my back,, and no drug/pain killer could help
@fiddsey If your in pain and suffering from this condition, the operation is the only way to go. I had it done in May 2010. There was very little pain after the opp, I was very comfortable. My most important bit of advice would be to have someone at home with you for the first few days, to help do the simple things like cooking etc,
Dont let the video's of the operation on here/youtube put you off.
If the pain ever returned to my arm/neck again, I'd be straight back in, no worries
Great idea for a a video! I had this Op on 25th Feb 2011, 3 weeks ago today. No bone graft for me nor internal fixation. With me they used a Trabecular cage made from Tantalum (mined in Australia). Simply took out the disk at C4/5 and tapped in this cage. I woke up with only mild pain from the entry point and sore to swallow. Still have plenty of swelling on the front of the spine which is only visible by xray which causes pain when swallowing still.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I had an ACDF Feb. 9 and the recovery process is going fairly well. I tire pretty easily and can relate with many of your comments. I hope you continue to do well with your recovery.
I dont know if you have mentioned how you are doing now? Its been over 2 years for you correct? Im possibly looking into getting this done. Thanks for the video.
It's been 4 weeks since I had ACDF done on c4/c5 and c5/c6 and I am in the same amount of pain and I know have tingling down the inside of my left arm. I'm going back to the neurosurgeon and hopefully he can tell me why I feel like my pre-op pain. I was feeling better after 2 weeks, but have gotten progressively worse. I understand it takes time and I'm willing to be patient, but I would've thought I would be feeling better gradually instead of getting to the same point I was at before.
@hakaida442 sorry to hear things have gone downhill. My recovery was just gradually getting better and less pain, but i have spoken to others who are like you and started off really good then 6 weeks post op got worse again. i am not sure where they ended up. keep me posted on what your doctor says, hopefully he will get another scan to see whats happening inside there. you did get 2 levels done though.
just be careful and dont push yourself too hard, rest when you can
Hi, I had a very similar operation done 12 months ago. I had C3, C4 and C5 fused together. I had lost most of the use of my right arm and all fingers were numb. The pain was unbearable, a pain which is impossible to deal with.
After the opperation, i was up and walking the next day, very slowly at first, but within a week I was able to move around freely. I have full movement back in my neck and all power has returned to my arm. I was not in to much discomfort after the operation.
@laddie64 All functions were there when I woke up after the operation, all pain gone. The physical therapy was mainly making fists and slow movements of my neck. I've been pain free ever since. The operation was 100% successful.
If your having this operation done, dont worry, its a simple job for the surgeons. Have someone at home with you for a few days or week or so to help you, as the operation is a major shock to the body. Good luck.
Im getting this done on Feb. 7th. 2 weeks. Getting C-5, C-6, and C-7 worked on. After i heal from this, its back to Lumbar spine surgery for the second time. Thanks for making this video :)
Im getting this done on Feb. 7th. 2 weeks. Getting C-5, C-6, and C-7 worked on. After i heal from this, its back to Lumbar spine surgery for the second time.
Thank you for your informative video. t helped me to choose between ADR or fusion.My hospital recovery went smoothly due to the memory of your rational & matter of fact discussion.I shouldn't have chosen 10 days before Christmas because i didn't rest, overdid everything and sent my recovery backwards.After 2 weeks I started following advice, took my muscle relaxers as prescribed,am trying to ask for help& I wear the same neck brace you showed 24 hours a day.Will see surgeon for postop in 2 wks.
@ProudMom27 hi. i have the tiniest bit left in the very tips of my pinky fingers but its nothing compared to before the operation. The longer you leave it, the more the nerves will be damaged, POSSIBLY beyond repair. the operation will free them up so they do not get any more crushed, but the damage that is done MAY or MAY NOT repair themselves. I recommend if there is no other option (steroids, etc) then do it asap. best of luck
Thanks for this video. I watched it a few days before my surgery of 10/25/2010 and the descriptions was spot on. It's been 6 weeks for me now and I'm pain free and feel great. Thanks again!
Did you have any arm pain or neck pain or was the numbness in the hands the only symptom? Did the numbness in your hands come and go or was it constant?
@vir123456 i had severe chronic lower neck and shoulder pain for 10 years. i saw MANY doctors and specialists and nobody could figure out what was wrong. finally when the numbness tsarted, it came and went and i didnt pay much attention to it until it came and stayed. then it started spreading and i got the MRI and the rest is history. no more pain. most of the numbness gone. but i was lucky. others who have this operation are still in pain. best of luck
This is a great video! Thank you so much for sharing. I have to have the surgery dont but at this point I am procrastinating out of fear of the surgery itself:( Your video helped quite a bit to curve the anxiety.. thx again
@bbjut6 hi i was the same as you except i didnt have a choice. i was very scared though! i am now pain free and do not regret it at all though. if surgery is your only option and theres no chance of it fixing itself or another way, i would do it asap so there is less damage to the nerves and more chance you will not get left with symptoms after surgery
@IAintTheWalrus the pain will tell you how far you can move and how long you can stay up or which position to sleep in etcetera, but if you mask that pain with meds then you might accidentally push yourself too far and do some damage. good luck
Hi. Thanks again for making the video. I had the surgery at C5-6 four days ago and your info on what to expect was on the money. Swallowing is quite difficult and I think that if it were not for the meds I wouldn't be sleeping well. They used cadaver bone and titanium, and it was outpatient! I think I could have used a night in hospital just for my family's sake though, they were quite nervous. I'll keep you updated on progress. How are you these days? Take care and thanks again, you were so
@IAintTheWalrus thank you for the compliment. just trying to help those who are in the shoes i was in before the surgery. I am pain free now which is wonderful. i have never looked back nor regretted the surgery, i only wish i had it sooner. I hope yours is as successful. keep me updated on your progress. try to do without meds if you can, as they only mask the pain which would otherwise warn you of your limitations, and i recommend stretching to your limitations every day.
I had a 3 level procedure last year on September 15th. C3-C6. It was a horrible time but I am a universe better a year out. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. Take it slow and roll with the symptoms. I had fairly severe dysphagia and intermittent tremors/seizures. I slept propped up on a devan and my wife set an alarm clock to keep me on my meds on schedule. When you get behind on you meds it's hard to catch up and all you can do is wait it out while the pain abates.
@U15bronco@U15bronco I have the same exact issue as you from C3-C6, I am very skeptical about opting for the surgery, did you go with the fusion or the ProDisc C option, and how do you feel now. Thanks
My dr. did not seem to feel that the prodisc was a perfected device and advised against it. He advised me that radiculopathies and pain were common with that device. Likewise he felt that a 3 disc procedure with the prodisc was not advised at my age of 39 as as with all artificial devices I would out live its effectiveness and it would wear out.
@U15bronco I am glad that you are doing good. The problem with my situation is that I just have C3-C4 and C5-C6 ruptured, C4-C5 is fine. My doctor said that he cannot go in and fuse them 2 without fusing C4-C5 as well, I am not sure if it is possible for him to use prodisc since only C3-C4 and C5-C6 need to be replaced. The problem with the 3 tier fusion in the cervical is that due to the increase stress on the levels above and below the fusion, there would be more problems in the future.
My perception is that the ACDF is a relatively perfected procedure and ,as long as they get to the procedure early enough, the effectiveness and relief from additional spinal damaged is fairly predictable.
At this point I am 2 years out from the procedure and I continue to improve. Of course I have no way to compare any other product or procedures, but I feel it was a successful operation in my case.
@moeabedali At 2 years out I feel great, outside of the issues I stated.
Today for the most part I seem completely normal, I work with my hands, I bicycle and work out although I do feel barometric pressure changes in my neck quite profoundly. I do often sleep poorly and continue a regimen of Valium 2mg and melatonin to get the best rest I can at night. I also have a great amount of pillows to manipulate to get my head, neck and torso in a neutral alignment to get comfortable.
@moeabedali My understanding is, that overall, I will see the maximum recovery possible in 5 years. At 2 years out I feel great, outside of the issues I stated.
Once again I am happy to answer more questions and welcome anyone to inquire about my results.
I got a Prodisc-C in my C6-7 instead. Love it! Next day had lunch at a restaurant. Got a volleyball spiked on the back of my head 4.5 weeks later. Was spooked, but no problems & finished the game. A year later no pain or loss of motion.
I read >500 articles on fusion & arthroplasty. Newer implants have better long term results due to reduced stress on adjacent discs.
Great video. Fusion is the conservative choice, but I'd go with Prodisc or Bryan. Feel free to contact me with questions.
Your video is priceless! Thank You. I'm having this procedure on Thanksgiving week. I've had tingling, numbness and stinging in my left arm. It has been awhile since you had your surgery done. Can you say it was worth it, i.e, are you noticing progressive improvement and/or correction to the problem you had?
had a c6 c7 decompression & fusion, bone used for fusion was collected during drilling of bone that stuck into my spine. Apart from a sore throat for 1st 2 days I feel back to normal already with very little symptons. I was advised that because of titatium plate there was no need for a collar. Symptons prior to surgery were bad pins and needles and numbness/sun-burn feeling on leg and back. Surgeon advised because they now use high speed drills there's far less risk associated with operation
my long-irritating left arm and hand issues are confirmed- i need this 5-6 and 6-7 surgery. I am nervous but not afraid. Your vid and other comments give comfort. How about driving a car or tipping back the last of ur drink? Just how much ROM loss is expected? Or i can just get along, but am tired of numb, tingly hand and odd shoulder pain.
Thank you for making this video. I have been searching for information on the recovery of this operation. I am scheduled for surgery Oct. 15. I woke up in mid-April with horrible shoulder and arm pain. I have tried physical therapy and two nerve blocks. The pain has only gotten worse. I have a question about the bone graft. My doctor has suggested the artifical bone protein. Did you have this choice? I am just wondering if yoou chose the hip bone for a reason,
@auburn92cam Hi. i tried nerve blocks to and to no avail. Re the bone: My surgeon said that being my own bone from my hip, it fuses much better than artificial or what they use mostly now is cadaver bone. your body won't reject your own bone and it will fuse better. However, the reason it is not widely done is it is very painful. At 1st the hip hurt more than the neck! but after a week the pain was minimal. I'd do it again if i had the choice. Good luck and keep me posted how your surgery goes.
@hocema i think because i was covered medically anyway. In Australia they don't really throw you out of hospital as quickly as other places do. I think i needed hospital for 2 days, and then help at home for at least 5 days. Do you have someone to stay with you? Im sure you could manage on your own after the 1st 24hours but it would just be difficult. best of luck
Wow, thank you so much. I am having two fusions on Oct. 6 and hearing your experience is quite helpful. I would be interested in knowing how your recovery progresses, if you make another video in say, a month or so. You gave so much useful information. I am going in as an outpatient. I worry the most about being alone after the first week since my husband's job involves extensive travel and after that I will be home alone a lot. Best of luck to you.
@IAintTheWalrus hi. i have meaning to do another update video, i hope to soon. i have recovered wonderfully. no more numbness, no more chronic pain which i suffered CONSTANTLY for 10 years! its wonderful. However, all are not as fortunate as me. Best of luck with your surgery i hope you recover as well as I!
@DLKeates Hi David. I believe it was afew months before i started feeling normal again. Perhaps 3 or 4 months? it is hard to remember. I did however, wear the hard brace while in the car for about 4 months because i knew the fusion hadn't taken hold yet and felt like i was being held together by a bunch of screws so felt very vulnerable. The numbness slowly faded over about 6-8 months... i have the tiniest bit left on the tip on my pinky finger. I have no more neck and shoulder pain! good luck!
First of all, I want to express my EXTREME gratitude to you for posting this video. I am having this exact procedure tomorrow, and needless to say I am very nervous. I have two to be repaired, c3-c4 and c4-c5. I have had symptoms for 5 months now, and for the first 2.5 months the doctors thought they were dealing with bi-lateral shoulder injuries. So I have had symptoms increasing in pain for a while now, but I am finally having it resolved. This video is greatly appreciated, thanks for posting!
@lmac8116 Thank you! I DID have one difference in that I opted for the bone from a cadaver. Had an xray a few days ago, and it appeared it is taking okay. I was scared to death beforehand, but I only spent one day in the hospital then I was home. All in all it seems to have went well, my scar is a bit higher than yours, and almost like a widely spread 'V'. If I grow some stubble you will barely be able to see it. OH yeah the catheder..wow..but not NEARLY as bad as I thought it would be.Mybest2U2
Hi Thank you for doing this video. I need to have this surgery and your video was very informative. I hope that the surgery was succesful and you are making a recovery. Has the scar decreased in size.
@riazb66 hi i have recovered to better than 100% better than i have been in 10 years but this is not the case 4 every1. i hope you are as lucky! nobody notices the scar anymore. mainly it has decreased in colour. people used to notice it for afew months, maybe 6 months. it has faded alot now and i can cover it with makeup but i usually don't need to. best of luck!
@riazb66 hi Riaz. the scar mainly has faded in intensity. for the 1st 6 months or so i noticed everybodys eyes flicker down to the scar when i met someone, im sure they wondered if i had been attacked with a knife from behind! But nobody notices it at all now. even when i mention i had a neck operation they dont notice until i point it out! it will fade with time. a little makeup can help along the way too! Linda
Had C5-6 done on 03SEP2010. Your video was a great help for me to prepare. I am considering making one of my own since I am a semi-professional, operatic tenor. One of my greatest concerns was if I would ever sing again. My voice appears to be intact, and yesterday I was able to sing a bit of "Che gelida manina" from La Boheme. Still more healing to do before I do anything more demanding, but so far, so good. Thank you again for the gift of your video log.
I also had C5-C6 ACDF @ 28 yrs from injuries during deployment. I couldn't lay on my back or I'd have severe pain and numbness in my right arm and hand. I chose to get an allograft rather than the graft from the hip. After my surgery I was in a hard collar for a month and a half followed by the soft collar for another 2 weeks when sleeping. initially the surgery hurt like hell, but now i feel almost 100 % better with no more numbness or pain in my right arm. :)
@ahbah25 Hi, that sure is great news. glad yours was so successful. I am feeling more than 100% now! since i was in chronic pain for 10 years beforehand i am loving life now :)
Thank you for doing this video. About a month ago, I started feeling the same symptoms...after my MRI, it was proven I had a disc protruding into my spinal cord. i will be having the same surgery this month. I really didnt know what to expect, this video helps a lot! Thanks again.
@janildo123456789 yes you do. some people say with lower back surgery that they can feel it in there but i don't feel a thing. i feel completely normal i forget i even had the operation. Although you might feel it if you had afew levels done im not sure. Im pretty sure you wouldnt feel it if the surgeon does it correctly though. good luck!
I have the same problem, but my doctor is telling me I don't need surgery at this time. so instead I got an injection on my neck to shrink the one damage diks. it help a lot, unfortanly I need a second one. the pain and the nervers are driving me crazy.
3 wks ago I had ACDF. I watched this video before and after my surgery. My experience was/is similiar, but different in some ways that I would like to mention here. So glad you mentioned you can only set up for about 20 minutes& the lying flat on your back for relief. The muscle/nerve pain you described was also my experience. I had more problems with swallowing, had to have a steroid boost. I must wear my hard collar ALL the time, with the soft collar when I shower. Thank you for video.
thank you very much for this video. i was very curious as it has been suggested to me by my neuro that i consider this procedure. yours was very useful. all the best in the future, and sendmeasmile, i am extremely hopeful your mother feels well, and you and her are in my thoughts.
Thank you very much for doing this. I am looking at a 3 tier fusion. My cut will be vertical instead of horizontal. And possibly more time to heal.. but you have been so helpful as to what to look forward to after my surgery.
@stevienicksfix i had lower neck and mainly lots of shoulder pain. everybody is different though. some people i have spoken to who had the exact same level done, had comlpetely different pre- and post-op symptoms!
Hi, thank you for this effort of doing this film. My mom got the operation 2 days ago because of permanent headache and she was giddy (I hope that's the right word in English for that). After the OP she wasn't sick - normally she always is sick after anaesthetic, this time it went good. Yesterday everything was fine, she even stood up and with my help she wenf for a short walk. Today (2 days after the surgery) she called me and said something is wrong, she sees blackout when moving her head...
@sendmeasmile I am scheduled to have the surgery done in late January, I get head at the base of my head everyday and I have been living with this for 6 years now. I vomit on an average of once a week due to the severe head at the base of my head. Beside the ruptured discs in C3-C4-C5-C6, I was diagnosed with Occipital Neurolgia. I am so terrified to have the surgery and later find out that my headache did not go away. Did your mom's headache go away. Hope she is doing well. Thanks
Wish I had watched this before my surgery so I would have been more enlightened. I had pain in my neck, shoulder and arms down to my elbow. I didn't have to have the hip surgery because they used cadaver bone. I had 3 fusions done. When I woke up, all pain was gone. I even had my two smallest toes on my left foot that had bothered me, and they don't anymore. Didn't realize this surgery would fix even that. I can't say enough about my surgeron. The only thing I hated was wearing my neck brace.
This video was very helpful. Thank you so much for the information. It really helped me a lot to understand the procedure and after procedure. Blessings
Jeslind1967 10 hours ago
BARBARIC! You should have had an ADR, like Neo Disk or DiscoGel. Should have seen Nick Boeree.
You adjacent disk will fail. That is a given. The UK like the US has many rotten doctors.
BiggerFatterBlog 13 hours ago
I had C5/C6 fusion Feb 10th, 2012 using a Stalif C with hip bone marrow. Surgery was 8am and I felt well enough to go home at 11am. Overnight stay was required however. The hip site is almost painless and other than swallowing my neck doesn't hurt. I had a morphine pump but didn't need it. I took hydrocodone earlier to help make sure I got good sleep (in a recliner). No collar was recommended. It's too early to tell if this will fix my weakness but so far so good! Never had surgery before
jmalaysia85 3 weeks ago
@jmalaysia85 I am glad you are doing well. I had the surgery on 02/16/2012 and was discharged after one night in the hospital. I still need the Norco for pain management; but, I am only four days out. I sleep in a recliner as well. I will say that I already see improvement in my extremities. The neuropathy and pain are virtually non-existant now.
LaurMitMom 2 weeks ago
About 6 years ago I woke up to very intense pain in my left shoulder, like someone was trying to saw it off with a piece of twine. The pin went away completely the same same, but I could hardly move my arm. The orthopedist said it was a sprain. Over the next 6 years I learned to use my arm again but it has always been weak. A few months ago I woke up and had the same "sawing" feeling again. This time I had an MRI and found a severely herniated C5/C6 disk.
jmalaysia85 3 weeks ago
I read on a web site that this can be a "same day surgery". Please tell me that isn't true.
LaurMitMom 1 month ago
Great Video! I am 10 days post op from 3 level acdf wishing id seen this 11 days ago! I was shocked at how difficult it was after surgery and still today.This is a very scary and complex surgery. I think we tend to minimize surgical procedures these days. Heavily medicated prior to surgery- we didnt have a good enough plan to wean from the narcotics postop. Prescription Narcotics SUCK. Ask the doc LOTS of questions. Blogging my progress here: thefarmkatchronicles.blogspot.com
katfarm2 1 month ago
Thanks so much for this video, I was so scared until I saw this. It made me feel far more informed. Had this surgery 4 days ago, on C5 & C6, so far so good. Came home today, still have numbness in my hands & left leg, but my right hand is *almost* normal. Am slowly noticing other improvements & so far, am very happy. Surgeon told me numbness may take 18 months to leave me, or maybe never, so will have to wait & see.
Choose your surgeon well, mine is very very experienced in this surgery.
melt1972 1 month ago in playlist Stuff
& I have very little pain in my hip, well none actually, & only about a minutes worth since the surgery (only 4 days ago). The only pain in inside my throat when I swallow.
melt1972 1 month ago in playlist Stuff
Bad news for me.....I am returning for imaging to examine my c7.....I perceive that I am in jeopardy of needing another fusion to stop my c7 disc from causing me more harm. I am experiencing numbness in my right leg, pain in my left foot and seemingly a predisposition to roll my right ankle when I go down steps quickly. I also sleep very poorly and experience numbness in my hands and legs if I lay in any position that does not align my torso and neck. I use my neckbrace to help when sleeping.
U15bronco 1 month ago
Thanks for posting such a thorough video on this topic. I'm having the surgery on Monday, and I didn't really know what to expect. Other YouTube videos showed individuals wailing out in pain, so when I viewed your video, I was very relieved! Hope you're still doing well, and thanks again! You've put my mind at ease more.
welty7 1 month ago
how you feel today is was rigth! ? to surgery? are you 100%happy?
chupetanegra 1 month ago
Thanks for this video. Just had my surgery 7 days ago. There is alot of info my doc left out. I was not instructed to wear or even given a hard collar. Had to aak for soft one. The post op pain was horrible and I was rushed out of hospital. The back pain and hip pain are bearable. Your video validated my experience with sleeping discomfort and continued finger numbness. Thank you.
sshackelf920 2 months ago
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I love you lmac8116! Your video brought me a tremendous amount of reassurance and comfort when I was awaiting my emergency c3-c6 fusion in September of 2009. Well done and very thoughtfully done. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and I hope you have healed well. You are a beautiful graceful woman. Godspeed.
U15bronco 1 second ago
U15bronco 2 months ago
@U15bronco Hey someone flagged my comment to Imac!....I am saddened at the person who flagged my compliment to this video and it's author....anyone who has had ACDF should watch this video and feel comfort in the fact that this frightening, painful and difficult surgery can be overcome successfully. Once again, I have found a great amount of comfort from her experience when I felt all was lost and I was at my most difficult time.
U15bronco 2 months ago
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U15bronco 2 months ago
Great job...love the details. I already had an ACDF in June 2007 at C6/C7...off to have C4/5 and C5/6 in mid-January. Having all kinds of problems and severe pain. Had right ulnar nerve decompression in July 2009 and right shoulder surgery (Mumford procedure) in Dec. 2010. This cervical spine stenosis amd decompression has caused severe pain and numbness on a constant basis. Hoping this next surgery helps!
jchez1965 2 months ago
I had the same surgery 3 weeks ago today. Interesting that you didn't have to wear a cervical collar. I am in a cervical collar (the harder one you showed) for a minimum of 12 weeks. I must sleep with it, shower with it...only take it off to change the pads. I still have some numbness in my right hand, but, WHAT A DIFFERENCE. The hip still aches, but I am walking around. I am happy to have done it. The alternative is eventual paralysis from the neck down, so...worth it! Stay healthy :-)
lisavan4 2 months ago
I have a large cervical herniated disc ruptured C5/C6, happened 9 weeks ago, the gel-like fluid from my disc was pressing the spinal cord and pinching the nerve, decided to treat it conservatively with acupuncture, spinal decompression and fortunately it worked fine, all the symtoms are basically gone after 6 weeks, no numbness, no tingling, only some pain in the arm which is supposed to disappear in the next month or so. The large fluid was diluted by resorption and the disc seem to be healed.
TheMariopiz 3 months ago
Thank you. I had an ACDF on C6 and C7 9 days ago and your video gave me way more info than even my Doctor gave me about post-surgery. :o) Thank you.
Tazbabe022 3 months ago
This video is a great public service. I am very grateful to you, imac8116, for making the effort to put out this very important information. I am facing ACDF in 10 days (Nov. 2, 2011) because two herniated discs are causing numbness/pain/tingling all down my right arm about 50% of the time. My doctor says I will have permanent nerve damage if I do not have the surgery ASAP. I am leaving NY for Peru on Dec. 2. The doctor did not want to delay the surgery to January; he says I'll be recovered!
kjwatkins4 4 months ago
Thanks for doing the video. I have syringomyelia , stenosis and herniated discs at the c5-6 level. My neurologist has been talking about ACDF for about a year now. I've started declining so............nice to see what I'm in for!
JASOT1 6 months ago
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I really need to find a DR. that can do better then what I was told the other day. Already had 3 thru 7 fused with bone grafts, plate and screws, now disc 2 and 3 are blown and he wants to fuse those and that will mean what? having to go in and re-do all right? 2 thru 7 fused and bone grafts. I would rather die... He even said that even after that their would be another surgery... sounds like i'm screwed period. I hope that someone out there can help me with this. SOMETHING NEW?
mikeysUtubetv 6 months ago
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Since the 3 levels already done 10 years ago, I have had little to no life, been in much pain daily. in 2009 they wanted to do disc 2 and 3 with same, bone grafts and all. I waited because I'm always sick, dizzy in pain and had just got over a double pneumonia.
Now talking to DR. again and he said he can do it but now its worse and if he does it, they will have to rebuild my whole c-spine 2 thru 7, I would have no mobility right? I need help people, please give advice to help
mikeysUtubetv 6 months ago
As one pointed out its kind of a Barbaric surgery to have done..I had to have it done from C4 thru C7, so I had 3 bone grafts and interior fusions a plate and 8 screws holding altogether. I woke up in the kind of pain as if I had been repeatedly Hacked in the neck with a Hatchet. I could not swallow food right for a very long time after, well I still choke now if not very careful.
Bad thing is now I need disc 2 and 3 done because of the pressure from the 3 level fusion. SEE NEXT comment...
mikeysUtubetv 6 months ago
I am getting this procedure in 3 weeks and I am so happy someone took the time to explain what happens and what to expect. You are right, finding info on it has been harder than I expected.
DaiNmiasMom 6 months ago
It's under discussion, but I too might have to undergo the same type of surgery. How are you doing now? How does it fell to have that metal plate in your neck? I had a physical demanding job which I can no longer perform because of my disc and spinal problems.
StarlingPowers 7 months ago
Just had this surgery yesterday 28 July 2011, home today... c4 to c5 fusion and c5 to c6 fusion. 2 Steel plates. virutally NO pain today...sore throat, thats about it. shoulder pain is minimal, staggering walk is gone. Great Doctor with great results!!.
navyflyer222 7 months ago
I have the same surgery scheduled for next week and I hope that I have as much success as you appear to have had. Thank you for posting this video as it has been reassuring to a large extent. I know that I will be in for a lot of discomfort during the recuperation period but I hope that it will be worth it in the long run.
johnkeys51 7 months ago
I had to be hospidal 2 months cause i needed antibiodics directly into bloodsystem. X-ray after looks similar but my 2 neck bones is now replaced with boneblock from hip and titanium-plate is 2 times bigger. Now i still have to take antibiotics as pills everyday for a 2-3 months and infection still is in system and can still come back. So i recommend to to this operation fast after discovered.
donindrek 7 months ago
I guess i had at first same thing. But i got stupid doctor. So after crash 2 months later i had serious pain in neck, what was goin` during another 1,5 month to elbow. During that time doc gave me strong painkillers. Until one morning i bearly got out of bed and collapsed after that because i didnt take painkillers day before. In hospidal after MRI they discovered i got serious neckbone infection, which had destroyed C4 and C5 neckbones. MRI pic was similar but C4 and 5 were like broken teeths
donindrek 7 months ago
Bone graft can be substituted with a synthetic option. I went for a synthetic option because I didn't want the additional pain etc associated with a hip bone harvest. Not sure of the advantages or disadvantages of either so I would check with your specialist about the options.
ducttapewireandglue 7 months ago
Another thing. You will probably be prescribed a ton of paracetamol (probably 2x500mg four times a day). Take it religiously because it works better as a foundation for pain relief than most think.
ducttapewireandglue 7 months ago
I read as much as I could about the procedure before I had an artificial disc implant. Much of the surgery is similar to this.
I recommend getting some sore throat spray or lozenges in advance of the procedure for home and in hospital. That really helped with the sore throat right after surgery.
2300Kenzie 7 months ago
@2300Kenzie Definitely. I had on hand an arnica spray which I took to hospital (2 night stay) with me and used about 6 times a day in which seemed soothing and healing as well as Difflam lozenges. Mint ones are nice. :) Pain - none really at the operating site. Throat was much like onset of a sore throat when you are coming down with the flu. Experienced elevated levels of pain in lower neck/upper back area though (aggravation of injury already painful before op sustained during accident).
ducttapewireandglue 7 months ago
By the way, the painful throat is from the breathing tube insertion/removal. Despite the fact they use lube to facilitate its insertion, it seems many patients experience a painful throat for a few days. Nurses told me about 3 days but mine lasted about 10, diminishing each day after op.
ducttapewireandglue 7 months ago
I'm 2 weeks post op with C5-C6-C7 ACD. Still not sure whether I'm making much improvement yet. I was knocked off my motorcycle nearly 2 years ago by a driver, thrown across the centreline and hit by two cars - suffered a broken neck, sternum and shoulderblade. Weakness and numbness left arm & leg & pain in neck/upper back. To the benefit of others contemplating this surgery - my fear of this procedure was unfounded. Here's hoping over time I will see improvement. Glad you've done so well.
ducttapewireandglue 7 months ago
lmac8116 - thank you for posting!! :) i hope you are dong well!
heatherakapeanut 8 months ago
I just had the operation 07/14/11. I had all the sympthoms she had.My neck scar is only about 1 inch,its very hard to swallow now but they say it will ease in a couple of days.The cervical pain is pretty intense without the pain killers,hope all goes well for me. Will keep readers updated if anybodys interested.
mathew19671 8 months ago
@mathew19671 - definitely! i was just told today that i'm most likely going to have undergo decompression surgery, and i'm not sure what that means yet, but i'm learning. i hope you feel better and i'm definitely interested in hearing updates!
heatherakapeanut 8 months ago
@heatherakapeanut hola! its day5 dealing with my post surgery,my throats feels alot better from the tube inserted during the operation.I think its still to early to tell if anything changed for the better,the pain killers are still needed every 6 hrs for the pain. One of the hard parts is sleeping,finding a position thats comfortable.Hopefully the sympthoms will go away And Soon! till next time.
mathew19671 7 months ago
@mathew19671
Yep, on ya bro. Keep posting cause I'm sure there will be others interested in reading.
Lee - Auckland, NZ
ducttapewireandglue 7 months ago
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Lady you are brave and I hope you fully recover. Please share the experts name just for a reference as most guys in our situation get a greedy Neurosurgeon or some shamless Orthopedic who is not very qualified to do these surgeries.
VERIFYAGENT 8 months ago
Lady you are brave and I hope you fully recover. Please share the experts name just for a reference as most gusy in our situation get a greedy Neurosurgeon or some shamless Orthopedic who is not very qualified to do these surgeries.
VERIFYAGENT 8 months ago
As I review your comments since my last post, I see that it is important to take action instead of enduring chronic pain. After 7 years, I finally decided that I had enough when I lost feeling in my left hand and accidentally drove a drywall screw in my thumb and it didn't hurt. I became worried about damaging my hand and losing it. I was lucky to have regained 99% of all feeling. If I had waited, that might be less. Nerves will not always regrow.
Great video & discussion!
2300Kenzie 8 months ago
Did anything cause this condition with you? Did you get in an accident? or was it just random? ... are you a neck cracker? Do you know what caused that disc to bulge?
MadameOreanWCosby 8 months ago
How much movement did you lose in your neck?
orgncwby 8 months ago
When you said you got numbness in your fingers... was it on both hands, or one? ... and to this day, do you still have numbness?
MadameOreanWCosby 8 months ago
i am 27 and was rear ended by an 18 wheeler semi while i was sitting at a red light, caused major injuries and now the neuro. surgeon is wanting to do this, should i do it? the pain and stuff sucks but im scared to death to be put under
jacobsmith1117 8 months ago
@jacobsmith1117 Go for it!!!
ducttapewireandglue 7 months ago
Thank you for the video, very informative my 15 yr old daughter will be having this surgery tomorrow.
GGHBT 8 months ago
great video, thanks for sharing your story. I'm a grad nurse and tonight i was caring for a patient who has previously been through this surgery. I am a visual learner and found the way you presented this made perfect sense to me. thanks again :)
mrsgouldies 8 months ago
Thanks so much for the video - it was a great help before my surgery when I was researching and not finding much. I am 9 days post op... and like you said was unaware of many things such as not being able to lift my head in bed. All in all the surgery was a great success so far - c6 c7. The pain instantly vanished from my arm and I have full strength back. I would recommend this surgery to anybody that can no longer tolerate the pain and has access to a top surgeon.
missdilems 9 months ago
wow, I am still waiting for surgery auth. by OWCP I appreciate your video which explains more than the 15 minute visit with the doctor. I am quite honest I am scared s...less but the pain i am going thru since 10/20/2010 is horrible. I still think my surgery is better than all the medicines i take and the pain and discomfort.
bufbill72 9 months ago
Thanks for posting your extremely clear and informative video. Glad you're doing well!
MarioninSavannah 9 months ago
Thank you for the post. I am having this surgery next month and I am quite frightened. Your sharing of your experience has been most helpful so that I know what to expect.
bmwgardner 9 months ago
I had the exact same symptoms for 6 weeks. It was getting progressively worse. Numbness in my hand then spread up my arm. Took an MRI and my c5-6 disc was compressing the nerve the same way yours did. Saw your video and thought I had to get surgery, but the doc was reluctant to give me one since I'm only 38. Instead, he put me on predisone for 10 days and now I am fully recovered 100%
CenileTV 9 months ago
my god...I would never have surgery on my neck in a million years. I would try ever single conservative treatment there is.
arfx3 9 months ago
My surgery was preformed in 2004, It was three level C5 C6 C7. The bone used was taken from my hip and at the time was more painful than the neck. You will have less range of motion while moving the neck I had a loss of 29%. You will learn to move your upper body as you turn to compensate for the loss. Another problem some surgeons don't take the time to explain is deterioration of the adjoining disc from the redige stabilization. I will soon have a corrective surgery for deterioration of C4.
55bayou 9 months ago
thanks for posting this. I will be going in for my surgery in about 2 weeks from now. I am a long distant runner, do you think running is still in the cards for me??
tpud11 10 months ago
@grapetwistersoda Oh yes that only lasted afew weeks. I was pretty much back to normal 3-4 months post op
lmac8116 10 months ago
@lmac8116 Thanks so much for your video. Did your numbness go away?
joshuabangs88 8 months ago
THNK YOU VERY MUCH FR YOUR INFORMATIVE VIDEO. IT IS HELPFULL FR US ESPECIALLY LOOKING FR SOMEONE WHO HAS THIS OPERATION BEFORE. IT IS VERY USEFULL TO HEAR FROM YOU THE PERIOD OF OPERATIONS.
reliance367 10 months ago
Update: It's been six months since my surgery and i'm doing great! I'm so glad I had the surgery. My doctor is awesome! The fusion is going really good too. How are you going?
Regards,
Guillermo
gdsnuff 10 months ago
@gdsnuff wonderful news. Glad you are another success story. I am doing wonderful i forget I ever had 10 years of constant excruciating pain! I could NOT be better
lmac8116 10 months ago
wow. you are very brave. only to think of it, i am feeling the pain, I AM healthy. thank you to post this informative video for all persons that need first hand infornation, it is not the same read it in a brochure or video than have the real maccoy from the person that is treated with the surgery. i hope all goes well in you life.
timorese101 10 months ago
I have been diagnosed with the same problem from a car accident in july of 2010 and have been putting off treatment cause of my fear of surgery and doctors.
I have weakness and numbing of the triceps and forearms.
i dont think i can bring myself to having the operation. I really liked your video though....it gave me more info than my neurosurgeon did.He told me to just sit down and shut up cause this is how it is and sign the release form now.
thanks again
jatpack3 10 months ago
@jatpack3 Hi. To me it wasn't a question of whether to get the surgery or not: there is a disc crushing my spinal cord and it IS only going to get worse, which means the numbness, weakness etc WILL only get worse. My Neurosurgeon described it to me as "SLOWLY TURNING INTO A QUADREPLEGIC" and the longer I waited to have the surgery, the more chance that there is irreversible damage to those nerves that are squashed, So I opted for surgery STRAIGHT AWAY. Havent looked back, im better than ever was
lmac8116 10 months ago
@jatpack3 (number 2) HOWEVER I have spoken to many on here who have not been as fortunate as I and ended up in more pain after the op... so of course the risk is there. But the way i see it if you do not opt for surgery you lose. If you DO opt for surgery you may win or lose.
lmac8116 10 months ago
@lmac8116 my operation is scheduled for the 31st of may.
I am taking some of your courage and making it mine.
will let you know how it turns out. thanks again for the vid.
jatpack3 10 months ago
@lmac8116 If you have the surgery you may or may not get relief, there are no guarantees. The nerve cells take a long time to repair themselves and sometimes the symptoms may never go away. But if you opt not to have surgery you risk permanent damage to your nerve cells. It's a personal choice. My choice was to remove the bone pressing against my spinal column.
iseektoknow 5 months ago
what hospital did you get done in if I may ask?
Modi2020 10 months ago
@Modi2020 I live in Ireland, I had the operation in The Blackrock Clinic.
Feel free to come back and ask any questions, I wish there had been someone I could have spoke to about the operation before I had it...
Good luck
Phil
plc200368 10 months ago
@plc200368 Thank you Phil. This is helpful to know. I may get this operation next summer as I dont have the cash now. I do have that finger numbness in both hands from time to time combined with a severe neck pain. I just dont think I can handle it anymore!
Modi2020 10 months ago
@Modi2020 I was very lucky that I had Insurance which paid for it, without it, I'd still be in pain.
With all the pain killers I was on, I also got 2 ulcers as a result of the strenght of the drugs. I wish you well and hope you get the operation to ease the pain...A doctor once asked me to tell him how bad the pain really was,,I told him it was like having a gas torch burning a hole in my armpit, and having a 5 ton elephant on my back,, and no drug/pain killer could help
I know your pain
P
plc200368 10 months ago
@plc200368 I feel for you :-) ....I can only imagine how powerful those pain killers have to be in order to relief the pain.
You are a brave women :-) May god give you strength and patience to remain high spirited and accelerate your full recovery! Amen.
Modi2020 10 months ago
@Modi2020 im in sydney australia it was st george hospital. doctor mark davies was excellent
lmac8116 10 months ago
@lmac8116 Thank you :-)
Modi2020 10 months ago
Thank you for your post- I am having surgery in two weeks. It was a great help and chock full of info.
footcar 11 months ago
I may have to get this done and to be honest am a bit scared. How long is the recovery? did it help and are there any after effects?
fiddsey 11 months ago
@fiddsey If your in pain and suffering from this condition, the operation is the only way to go. I had it done in May 2010. There was very little pain after the opp, I was very comfortable. My most important bit of advice would be to have someone at home with you for the first few days, to help do the simple things like cooking etc,
Dont let the video's of the operation on here/youtube put you off.
If the pain ever returned to my arm/neck again, I'd be straight back in, no worries
plc200368 10 months ago
Great idea for a a video! I had this Op on 25th Feb 2011, 3 weeks ago today. No bone graft for me nor internal fixation. With me they used a Trabecular cage made from Tantalum (mined in Australia). Simply took out the disk at C4/5 and tapped in this cage. I woke up with only mild pain from the entry point and sore to swallow. Still have plenty of swelling on the front of the spine which is only visible by xray which causes pain when swallowing still.
Hope you are 100% now :)
markymarky69 11 months ago
Thank you for sharing your experience. I had an ACDF Feb. 9 and the recovery process is going fairly well. I tire pretty easily and can relate with many of your comments. I hope you continue to do well with your recovery.
wnj1958 11 months ago
ive got a herniated disc 6/7 due to a work accident ,im getting mine done see what happens
TVCSD 1 year ago
I dont know if you have mentioned how you are doing now? Its been over 2 years for you correct? Im possibly looking into getting this done. Thanks for the video.
supchaka 1 year ago
It's been 4 weeks since I had ACDF done on c4/c5 and c5/c6 and I am in the same amount of pain and I know have tingling down the inside of my left arm. I'm going back to the neurosurgeon and hopefully he can tell me why I feel like my pre-op pain. I was feeling better after 2 weeks, but have gotten progressively worse. I understand it takes time and I'm willing to be patient, but I would've thought I would be feeling better gradually instead of getting to the same point I was at before.
hakaida442 1 year ago
@hakaida442 sorry to hear things have gone downhill. My recovery was just gradually getting better and less pain, but i have spoken to others who are like you and started off really good then 6 weeks post op got worse again. i am not sure where they ended up. keep me posted on what your doctor says, hopefully he will get another scan to see whats happening inside there. you did get 2 levels done though.
just be careful and dont push yourself too hard, rest when you can
lmac8116 1 year ago
Hi, I had a very similar operation done 12 months ago. I had C3, C4 and C5 fused together. I had lost most of the use of my right arm and all fingers were numb. The pain was unbearable, a pain which is impossible to deal with.
After the opperation, i was up and walking the next day, very slowly at first, but within a week I was able to move around freely. I have full movement back in my neck and all power has returned to my arm. I was not in to much discomfort after the operation.
plc200368 1 year ago
@plc200368 How long did it take for all function to return to your arm and fingers? Did you have physical therapy? Thanks.
laddie64 1 year ago
@laddie64 All functions were there when I woke up after the operation, all pain gone. The physical therapy was mainly making fists and slow movements of my neck. I've been pain free ever since. The operation was 100% successful.
If your having this operation done, dont worry, its a simple job for the surgeons. Have someone at home with you for a few days or week or so to help you, as the operation is a major shock to the body. Good luck.
plc200368 1 year ago
@plc200368 May I ask where did you have it done?
Modi2020 10 months ago
Im getting this done on Feb. 7th. 2 weeks. Getting C-5, C-6, and C-7 worked on. After i heal from this, its back to Lumbar spine surgery for the second time. Thanks for making this video :)
wendymona1 1 year ago
Im getting this done on Feb. 7th. 2 weeks. Getting C-5, C-6, and C-7 worked on. After i heal from this, its back to Lumbar spine surgery for the second time.
wendymona1 1 year ago
Thank you for your informative video. t helped me to choose between ADR or fusion.My hospital recovery went smoothly due to the memory of your rational & matter of fact discussion.I shouldn't have chosen 10 days before Christmas because i didn't rest, overdid everything and sent my recovery backwards.After 2 weeks I started following advice, took my muscle relaxers as prescribed,am trying to ask for help& I wear the same neck brace you showed 24 hours a day.Will see surgeon for postop in 2 wks.
2ppages 1 year ago
@2ppages i chose my surgery on 28 december lol!! was a very horrible christmas that year.
but i have not looked back since
lmac8116 1 year ago
omg this stupid old lady removed my comment boo hooo
TheGogopokemonmew 1 year ago
wow 3 weeks ago I had three done and they are making me wear that brce for 6 to 8 weeks and even keeping it on in the shower
RyanPatrick09 1 year ago
Sorry just noticed the auto spell wrote swains it should have said awesome.
Eiraart 1 year ago
Amazing video!! Thank you, thank you and thank you. I've decided after almost 3 years of popping hand fulls of pain pill to finally have the surgery.
One quick question. Are you able to comfortably sing? Music and songwriter are my greatest passions and I'd hate to lose the ability to sing a song.
Again thank you - you've done an swains thing posting this video.
Eiraart 1 year ago
@Eiraart hi, my voice went completely back to normal. there is a risk of affecting your voice permanently but it is very small
lmac8116 1 year ago
thank you for sharing this....I am contemplating this same surgery. My question to you, how is the numbness in your fingers...gone now?
ProudMom27 1 year ago
@ProudMom27 hi. i have the tiniest bit left in the very tips of my pinky fingers but its nothing compared to before the operation. The longer you leave it, the more the nerves will be damaged, POSSIBLY beyond repair. the operation will free them up so they do not get any more crushed, but the damage that is done MAY or MAY NOT repair themselves. I recommend if there is no other option (steroids, etc) then do it asap. best of luck
lmac8116 1 year ago
Thanks for this video. I watched it a few days before my surgery of 10/25/2010 and the descriptions was spot on. It's been 6 weeks for me now and I'm pain free and feel great. Thanks again!
28express 1 year ago
Did you have any arm pain or neck pain or was the numbness in the hands the only symptom? Did the numbness in your hands come and go or was it constant?
vir123456 1 year ago
@vir123456 i had severe chronic lower neck and shoulder pain for 10 years. i saw MANY doctors and specialists and nobody could figure out what was wrong. finally when the numbness tsarted, it came and went and i didnt pay much attention to it until it came and stayed. then it started spreading and i got the MRI and the rest is history. no more pain. most of the numbness gone. but i was lucky. others who have this operation are still in pain. best of luck
lmac8116 1 year ago
This is a great video! Thank you so much for sharing. I have to have the surgery dont but at this point I am procrastinating out of fear of the surgery itself:( Your video helped quite a bit to curve the anxiety.. thx again
bbjut6 1 year ago
@bbjut6 hi i was the same as you except i didnt have a choice. i was very scared though! i am now pain free and do not regret it at all though. if surgery is your only option and theres no chance of it fixing itself or another way, i would do it asap so there is less damage to the nerves and more chance you will not get left with symptoms after surgery
lmac8116 1 year ago
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TheGogopokemonmew 1 year ago
@TheGogopokemonmew This girl don't look to old to me.... You must be like 5 if she is old to you!!
bbjut6 1 year ago
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TheGogopokemonmew 1 year ago
Make that last word 'thoughtful'! ;)
IAintTheWalrus 1 year ago
@IAintTheWalrus the pain will tell you how far you can move and how long you can stay up or which position to sleep in etcetera, but if you mask that pain with meds then you might accidentally push yourself too far and do some damage. good luck
lmac8116 1 year ago
... Eloquent and tgiughtful
IAintTheWalrus 1 year ago
Hi. Thanks again for making the video. I had the surgery at C5-6 four days ago and your info on what to expect was on the money. Swallowing is quite difficult and I think that if it were not for the meds I wouldn't be sleeping well. They used cadaver bone and titanium, and it was outpatient! I think I could have used a night in hospital just for my family's sake though, they were quite nervous. I'll keep you updated on progress. How are you these days? Take care and thanks again, you were so
IAintTheWalrus 1 year ago
@IAintTheWalrus thank you for the compliment. just trying to help those who are in the shoes i was in before the surgery. I am pain free now which is wonderful. i have never looked back nor regretted the surgery, i only wish i had it sooner. I hope yours is as successful. keep me updated on your progress. try to do without meds if you can, as they only mask the pain which would otherwise warn you of your limitations, and i recommend stretching to your limitations every day.
lmac8116 1 year ago
I had a 3 level procedure last year on September 15th. C3-C6. It was a horrible time but I am a universe better a year out. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask. Take it slow and roll with the symptoms. I had fairly severe dysphagia and intermittent tremors/seizures. I slept propped up on a devan and my wife set an alarm clock to keep me on my meds on schedule. When you get behind on you meds it's hard to catch up and all you can do is wait it out while the pain abates.
U15bronco 1 year ago
@U15bronco @U15bronco I have the same exact issue as you from C3-C6, I am very skeptical about opting for the surgery, did you go with the fusion or the ProDisc C option, and how do you feel now. Thanks
moeabedali 5 months ago
My dr. did not seem to feel that the prodisc was a perfected device and advised against it. He advised me that radiculopathies and pain were common with that device. Likewise he felt that a 3 disc procedure with the prodisc was not advised at my age of 39 as as with all artificial devices I would out live its effectiveness and it would wear out.
U15bronco 5 months ago
@U15bronco I am glad that you are doing good. The problem with my situation is that I just have C3-C4 and C5-C6 ruptured, C4-C5 is fine. My doctor said that he cannot go in and fuse them 2 without fusing C4-C5 as well, I am not sure if it is possible for him to use prodisc since only C3-C4 and C5-C6 need to be replaced. The problem with the 3 tier fusion in the cervical is that due to the increase stress on the levels above and below the fusion, there would be more problems in the future.
moeabedali 5 months ago
My perception is that the ACDF is a relatively perfected procedure and ,as long as they get to the procedure early enough, the effectiveness and relief from additional spinal damaged is fairly predictable.
At this point I am 2 years out from the procedure and I continue to improve. Of course I have no way to compare any other product or procedures, but I feel it was a successful operation in my case.
U15bronco 5 months ago
My original prognosis was paraplegia or death. I went from having tingling in my hands to examination to surgery within 10 days.
U15bronco 5 months ago
@moeabedali At 2 years out I feel great, outside of the issues I stated.
Today for the most part I seem completely normal, I work with my hands, I bicycle and work out although I do feel barometric pressure changes in my neck quite profoundly. I do often sleep poorly and continue a regimen of Valium 2mg and melatonin to get the best rest I can at night. I also have a great amount of pillows to manipulate to get my head, neck and torso in a neutral alignment to get comfortable.
U15bronco 5 months ago
@moeabedali My understanding is, that overall, I will see the maximum recovery possible in 5 years. At 2 years out I feel great, outside of the issues I stated.
Once again I am happy to answer more questions and welcome anyone to inquire about my results.
U15bronco 5 months ago
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U15bronco 1 year ago
I got a Prodisc-C in my C6-7 instead. Love it! Next day had lunch at a restaurant. Got a volleyball spiked on the back of my head 4.5 weeks later. Was spooked, but no problems & finished the game. A year later no pain or loss of motion.
I read >500 articles on fusion & arthroplasty. Newer implants have better long term results due to reduced stress on adjacent discs.
Great video. Fusion is the conservative choice, but I'd go with Prodisc or Bryan. Feel free to contact me with questions.
2300Kenzie 1 year ago
Your video is priceless! Thank You. I'm having this procedure on Thanksgiving week. I've had tingling, numbness and stinging in my left arm. It has been awhile since you had your surgery done. Can you say it was worth it, i.e, are you noticing progressive improvement and/or correction to the problem you had?
Mike
Neenah, WI USA
GR8ClassicDisco 1 year ago
had a c6 c7 decompression & fusion, bone used for fusion was collected during drilling of bone that stuck into my spine. Apart from a sore throat for 1st 2 days I feel back to normal already with very little symptons. I was advised that because of titatium plate there was no need for a collar. Symptons prior to surgery were bad pins and needles and numbness/sun-burn feeling on leg and back. Surgeon advised because they now use high speed drills there's far less risk associated with operation
oconnorpat 1 year ago
my long-irritating left arm and hand issues are confirmed- i need this 5-6 and 6-7 surgery. I am nervous but not afraid. Your vid and other comments give comfort. How about driving a car or tipping back the last of ur drink? Just how much ROM loss is expected? Or i can just get along, but am tired of numb, tingly hand and odd shoulder pain.
tnx again
rarecj8 1 year ago
Thank you for making this video. I have been searching for information on the recovery of this operation. I am scheduled for surgery Oct. 15. I woke up in mid-April with horrible shoulder and arm pain. I have tried physical therapy and two nerve blocks. The pain has only gotten worse. I have a question about the bone graft. My doctor has suggested the artifical bone protein. Did you have this choice? I am just wondering if yoou chose the hip bone for a reason,
auburn92cam 1 year ago
@auburn92cam Hi. i tried nerve blocks to and to no avail. Re the bone: My surgeon said that being my own bone from my hip, it fuses much better than artificial or what they use mostly now is cadaver bone. your body won't reject your own bone and it will fuse better. However, the reason it is not widely done is it is very painful. At 1st the hip hurt more than the neck! but after a week the pain was minimal. I'd do it again if i had the choice. Good luck and keep me posted how your surgery goes.
lmac8116 1 year ago
Thank you so very much for this video. I am having this surgery for 2 discs in November, and hope to recover as well as you did.
SkyWestcott 1 year ago
@hocema i think because i was covered medically anyway. In Australia they don't really throw you out of hospital as quickly as other places do. I think i needed hospital for 2 days, and then help at home for at least 5 days. Do you have someone to stay with you? Im sure you could manage on your own after the 1st 24hours but it would just be difficult. best of luck
lmac8116 1 year ago
Wow, thank you so much. I am having two fusions on Oct. 6 and hearing your experience is quite helpful. I would be interested in knowing how your recovery progresses, if you make another video in say, a month or so. You gave so much useful information. I am going in as an outpatient. I worry the most about being alone after the first week since my husband's job involves extensive travel and after that I will be home alone a lot. Best of luck to you.
IAintTheWalrus 1 year ago
@IAintTheWalrus hi. i have meaning to do another update video, i hope to soon. i have recovered wonderfully. no more numbness, no more chronic pain which i suffered CONSTANTLY for 10 years! its wonderful. However, all are not as fortunate as me. Best of luck with your surgery i hope you recover as well as I!
lmac8116 1 year ago
Thank you very much for posting this. It's looking like I'm going to need this surgery also. Cheers!
kryzstov 1 year ago
Thankyou very much for this info as I also was in the dark b4 the op.
I am at day 11 now after the op and am still getting some pain in the area ( not same pain as B4 though)
at what stage of your recovery did the pain and discomfort go away and when did you start being able to sleep on your side etc??
I was not given a neck brace but am being very careful.
Noticed that your op was in Jan, are at 100% recovery yet?
Many thanks again,
David
DLKeates 1 year ago
@DLKeates Hi David. I believe it was afew months before i started feeling normal again. Perhaps 3 or 4 months? it is hard to remember. I did however, wear the hard brace while in the car for about 4 months because i knew the fusion hadn't taken hold yet and felt like i was being held together by a bunch of screws so felt very vulnerable. The numbness slowly faded over about 6-8 months... i have the tiniest bit left on the tip on my pinky finger. I have no more neck and shoulder pain! good luck!
lmac8116 1 year ago
First of all, I want to express my EXTREME gratitude to you for posting this video. I am having this exact procedure tomorrow, and needless to say I am very nervous. I have two to be repaired, c3-c4 and c4-c5. I have had symptoms for 5 months now, and for the first 2.5 months the doctors thought they were dealing with bi-lateral shoulder injuries. So I have had symptoms increasing in pain for a while now, but I am finally having it resolved. This video is greatly appreciated, thanks for posting!
dirtybengalbird 1 year ago
@dirtybengalbird best of luck with your surgery!
lmac8116 1 year ago
@lmac8116 Thank you! I DID have one difference in that I opted for the bone from a cadaver. Had an xray a few days ago, and it appeared it is taking okay. I was scared to death beforehand, but I only spent one day in the hospital then I was home. All in all it seems to have went well, my scar is a bit higher than yours, and almost like a widely spread 'V'. If I grow some stubble you will barely be able to see it. OH yeah the catheder..wow..but not NEARLY as bad as I thought it would be.Mybest2U2
dirtybengalbird 1 year ago
Hi Thank you for doing this video. I need to have this surgery and your video was very informative. I hope that the surgery was succesful and you are making a recovery. Has the scar decreased in size.
Sincerely,
Riaz
riazb66 1 year ago
@riazb66 hi i have recovered to better than 100% better than i have been in 10 years but this is not the case 4 every1. i hope you are as lucky! nobody notices the scar anymore. mainly it has decreased in colour. people used to notice it for afew months, maybe 6 months. it has faded alot now and i can cover it with makeup but i usually don't need to. best of luck!
cuzzmunger 1 year ago
@riazb66 hi Riaz. the scar mainly has faded in intensity. for the 1st 6 months or so i noticed everybodys eyes flicker down to the scar when i met someone, im sure they wondered if i had been attacked with a knife from behind! But nobody notices it at all now. even when i mention i had a neck operation they dont notice until i point it out! it will fade with time. a little makeup can help along the way too! Linda
lmac8116 1 year ago
Had C5-6 done on 03SEP2010. Your video was a great help for me to prepare. I am considering making one of my own since I am a semi-professional, operatic tenor. One of my greatest concerns was if I would ever sing again. My voice appears to be intact, and yesterday I was able to sing a bit of "Che gelida manina" from La Boheme. Still more healing to do before I do anything more demanding, but so far, so good. Thank you again for the gift of your video log.
laelliott1 1 year ago
Thank you for sharing yr experience - how long did the surgery went?
nazlina2003 1 year ago
@nazlina2003 i think it was about 2 hours. but i was in recovery for afew hopurse as well until my family could see me
lmac8116 1 year ago
Thank you for this video.I am having this procedure done this Thursday, September 9, 2010. Your video has educated me and relieved me. Thanks!
donnab1970 1 year ago
I also had C5-C6 ACDF @ 28 yrs from injuries during deployment. I couldn't lay on my back or I'd have severe pain and numbness in my right arm and hand. I chose to get an allograft rather than the graft from the hip. After my surgery I was in a hard collar for a month and a half followed by the soft collar for another 2 weeks when sleeping. initially the surgery hurt like hell, but now i feel almost 100 % better with no more numbness or pain in my right arm. :)
ahbah25 1 year ago
@ahbah25 Hi, that sure is great news. glad yours was so successful. I am feeling more than 100% now! since i was in chronic pain for 10 years beforehand i am loving life now :)
lmac8116 1 year ago
Thank you for making this video!
Best Regards,
Guillermo
gdsnuff 1 year ago
Thank you for doing this video. About a month ago, I started feeling the same symptoms...after my MRI, it was proven I had a disc protruding into my spinal cord. i will be having the same surgery this month. I really didnt know what to expect, this video helps a lot! Thanks again.
akbrown15 1 year ago
Do you keep in the metal plate for the rest of your life.
janildo123456789 1 year ago
@janildo123456789 yes you do. some people say with lower back surgery that they can feel it in there but i don't feel a thing. i feel completely normal i forget i even had the operation. Although you might feel it if you had afew levels done im not sure. Im pretty sure you wouldnt feel it if the surgeon does it correctly though. good luck!
lmac8116 1 year ago
I went through this surgery a month a ago, and now I am waiting for a few more weeks to pass before I can take off the race.
I didn't put in metal plates though.
Khiscage 1 year ago
I have the same problem, but my doctor is telling me I don't need surgery at this time. so instead I got an injection on my neck to shrink the one damage diks. it help a lot, unfortanly I need a second one. the pain and the nervers are driving me crazy.
janildo123456789 1 year ago
3 wks ago I had ACDF. I watched this video before and after my surgery. My experience was/is similiar, but different in some ways that I would like to mention here. So glad you mentioned you can only set up for about 20 minutes& the lying flat on your back for relief. The muscle/nerve pain you described was also my experience. I had more problems with swallowing, had to have a steroid boost. I must wear my hard collar ALL the time, with the soft collar when I shower. Thank you for video.
pamellia 1 year ago
thank you very much for this video. i was very curious as it has been suggested to me by my neuro that i consider this procedure. yours was very useful. all the best in the future, and sendmeasmile, i am extremely hopeful your mother feels well, and you and her are in my thoughts.
jayminreed 1 year ago
Thank you very much for doing this. I am looking at a 3 tier fusion. My cut will be vertical instead of horizontal. And possibly more time to heal.. but you have been so helpful as to what to look forward to after my surgery.
TIARACAREN 1 year ago
What type of pain did you have prior to this surgery?
stevienicksfix 1 year ago
@stevienicksfix i had lower neck and mainly lots of shoulder pain. everybody is different though. some people i have spoken to who had the exact same level done, had comlpetely different pre- and post-op symptoms!
lmac8116 1 year ago
Hi, thank you for this effort of doing this film. My mom got the operation 2 days ago because of permanent headache and she was giddy (I hope that's the right word in English for that). After the OP she wasn't sick - normally she always is sick after anaesthetic, this time it went good. Yesterday everything was fine, she even stood up and with my help she wenf for a short walk. Today (2 days after the surgery) she called me and said something is wrong, she sees blackout when moving her head...
sendmeasmile 1 year ago
@sendmeasmile i hope everything works out well for your mum. keep us updated. what did the doctor say about the blackouts?
lmac8116 1 year ago
@sendmeasmile I am scheduled to have the surgery done in late January, I get head at the base of my head everyday and I have been living with this for 6 years now. I vomit on an average of once a week due to the severe head at the base of my head. Beside the ruptured discs in C3-C4-C5-C6, I was diagnosed with Occipital Neurolgia. I am so terrified to have the surgery and later find out that my headache did not go away. Did your mom's headache go away. Hope she is doing well. Thanks
moeabedali 5 months ago
Wish I had watched this before my surgery so I would have been more enlightened. I had pain in my neck, shoulder and arms down to my elbow. I didn't have to have the hip surgery because they used cadaver bone. I had 3 fusions done. When I woke up, all pain was gone. I even had my two smallest toes on my left foot that had bothered me, and they don't anymore. Didn't realize this surgery would fix even that. I can't say enough about my surgeron. The only thing I hated was wearing my neck brace.
shar1401 1 year ago