ACDF Anterior Cervical Decompression Fusion Internal Fixation Harvest Bone Graft

10 days ago I underwent this procedure. Here I explain WHY, WHAT the procedure is, HOW they do it, and WHAT TO EXPECT afterwards as I didn't know what to expect after the operation.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• ACDF
• Anterior
• Cervical
• Decompression
• Fusion
• Internal
• Fixation
• Harvest
• Bone
• Graft

[LaurMitMom]

@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.

[jmalaysia85]

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]

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.

[LaurMitMom]

I read on a web site that this can be a "same day surgery". Please tell me that isn't true.

[katfarm2]

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

[melt1972]

& 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]

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.

[U15bronco]

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.

[welty7]

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.

[chupetanegra]

how you feel today is was rigth! ? to surgery? are you 100%happy?