[Spinal Fusion / Cervical] Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at C5-6 and C6-7 with anterior plating

[scotto74]

Just thought I would chime in since I just had a two-level ACDF (C5/6 and 6/7) a little over two months ago. One thing that I found that helped with the overall comfort of the soft collar was to continue wearing those 3 X 6 inch adhesive bandage pads over the incision site. Even after the doc told me I no longer needed the bandages, I really felt like it provided a nice "buffer" between the scar and the soft collar and really helped me from a comfort perspective.

Best of luck with your surgery and we will definitely be pulling for you!

Scott

[TSH]

thanks bob and scott,
i can picture the cone scott, that's a good laugh. thanks for the tip bob, i already have a couple boxes of 4x4s as my wife is a surgery veteran (6 times in the past 11 yrs), she learned that early on to buffer the incision with something. i'm down to less than 48 hours, i got the jimmy legs in anticipation, i'm very happy this is finally happening. talk to you all on the other side of the procedure and thanks everyone.

[TSH]

It’s 4 days post-op, got home Saturday and am recovering slowly,swallowing is getting a little easier, the left side is the most painful whenswallowing now. My chest and upper backare sore too, the chest is from the moving the esophagus over to get to the spine,the upper back from the opening of the verts to the correct height, I’ve readthat’s normal and will subside. I’munrestricted for walking and stair climbing so I’ve gone out for an hour on Sundayand Monday and will be going out daily as long as the weather cooperates. I’ve been fighting off a migraine since Saturdaybut finally woke up today headache free. It’s going good so far and my symptoms are 90% gone, I’m expecting thatto get even better as I heal and rest. I’lladd more as time goes on, it’s going to be a long road.

[Cindylou]

Wonderful news Tom, and congrats for being on the other side of surgery now. Yes, it is a long road, but a good road, nonetheless. Be kind to yourself during this healing phase and really follow your surgeon's advice. I hope you begin to have more good days than bad days. Cindylou

[TSH]

Thanks CL, I am doing pretty good, the shoulders, upper back pain and headaches are cake compared to before the surgery. I think some massage and stretching when I can do it will help a great deal. I don't think this foam collar is helping matters but I'll keep wearing it cause the doc said to.
Cheers

[TSH]

here is my 6 week post op update. i continue to feel better every week, i still have a very stiff and aching neck on the left side but all pre-op pain is gone for the most part. i am very satisfied with the outcome and don't see that this will keep me from doing everything i did prior to the symptoms. i went back to work yesterday, i have to say the one thing that is not improving is i can't sit at my desk for more than 30 or 40 minutes without neck pain, i'm going to get a stool to swap back and forth with my chair to see if it helps. i've signed up for yoga (5 classes so far) and have gotten 3 sessions of myofacial release cervical massage, both seem to help somewhat, if nothing else it feels good short term. i have my 10 week follow up july 5th, they will do mobility tests and xrays then and i'll find out if i can start any higher impact sports other than walking, rowing and biking. i've attached my new accessory, i have this framed and keep it on my desk to remind myself to not take life so seriously that i don't enjoy it while i'm here. thanks for the support from everyone, this is a great network and resource for spine patients.

[Justin]

Wow! This is great news, Tom! Your progress to date is amazing. I'm excited to read your future updates.

here is my 6 week post op update. i continue to feel better every week, i still have a very stiff and aching neck on the left side but all pre-op pain is gone for the most part. i am very satisfied with the outcome and don't see that this will keep me from doing everything i did prior to the symptoms. i went back to work yesterday, i have to say the one thing that is not improving is i can't sit at my desk for more than 30 or 40 minutes without neck pain, i'm going to get a stool to swap back and forth with my chair to see if it helps. i've signed up for yoga (5 classes so far) and have gotten 3 sessions of myofacial release cervical massage, both seem to help somewhat, if nothing else it feels good short term. i have my 10 week follow up july 5th, they will do mobility tests and xrays then and i'll find out if i can start any higher impact sports other than walking, rowing and biking. i've attached my new accessory, i have this framed and keep it on my desk to remind myself to not take life so seriously that i don't enjoy it while i'm here. thanks for the support from everyone, this is a great network and resource for spine patients.