Anterior Cervical Discectomy

nyc001 · Newbie Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 2

My mother had an Anterior Cervical Discectomy in mid January. It has been about 5 months and she is still in severe pain. Her voice is very hoarse, has seen a voice specialist but still nothing. swallowing pain, nerve spasms and severe headaches. I feel all out of options, other than possibly getting an attorney for medical malpractice because none of this was explained to her by the Dr, pre-surgery. Any suggestions?

ksf · Supporter Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 269

Sorry to hear about your mother's surgery and outcome. I had this surgery almost 2 yrs ago and have lived in agony ever since.
I constantly have headaches, limited use of neck, shoulder pain,etc,etc.
My surgeon did not tell me alot of things I should have known either! Let me tell you I was furious when I found out about it! The surgeon did not even explain to me that cadaver (spelling) tissue was put in my body.
I live in Indiana...I've spoken to several attorneys. Though I feel I have a strong case unfortunately in Indiana we have strong malpractice suits and no attorney wanted to take on the case.
I guess that means, at least in Indiana, surgeons can get by without telling the patients all of the side effects even if it destroys a part of their life.
I would tell you to locate an attorney(s) that does not charge an initial cosultation fee. Speak with them and see what info they can give you for regulations in your state.
I think it's unethical for doctors to be doing this. You may also want to ask for your mother's medical records to see what they say. My surgeon had put in my records that I had recovered 100% even though I had complained to him the pain had worsened. ( I guess he must have 100% sucess rate as a surgeon).
Good luck and let me know what you find out.

Guest · Guest

I NEED SOME ANSWERS I HAVE SPINAL STENOSIS WHAT CAUSES THIS BECAUSE ITS PAINFUL AND HURTS PLUS I GET MIRGRANS ON TOP Sad

SHOW ME PICS OF THIS AND HOW IT WORKS I ALREADY HAVE RODS IN MY BACK WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO ME IN THE FURTURE SCAED LINDA 5/30/07

gypsy1911 · Newbie Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

Hi - I just met with a neurosurgeon today who advised I was likely to need this surgery - but first he is trying the the epidural.
Two questions - how long would I be out of work for the injection - if at all - and for the surgery if needed? I am a professional who works in an office setting 30 miles from m y house. Luckily my kids are 16 and 21.
I really need to know though since the work doesn't go away when I do so I need to figure out if I can even consider the surgery.
Thanks!

ksf · Supporter Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 269

Hi. When I had an epidural I did not miss any work. When I had ACDF surgery I was off work about 7week, then I returned part time for two additional weeks. So after 9 weeks I was back full time BUT my job required lots of neck, hand and arm movement.
I think some people go back to work sooner, some later depending on what type of job they do.
PLEASE be sure and do research before having surgery. There were alot of things (risk,etc) the surgeon never told me. Be sure you know all the facts.
Good luck!

jfsully · Newbie Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Posts: 1

Guest · Guest

I am a 65 y/o white male who underwent ACF with plating and screws 3 weeks ago. My doctor recommended wearing a cervical collar for one month although I was allowed to sleep without it after the first week. I have had some periodic pain and numbness in the right arm, particularly at the elbow, but not nearly to the degree as prior to surgery. I am overall pleased with surgery and am working at a desk job, driving for no more than 20 miles, but expect that to increase over the next week or so. I am using the Ortho-Fix spine stimulator 4 hours per day. If I had a do over, I would have the same surgery again.

Guest · Guest

It is sad to hear of everyone's pain they are still experiencing after a cervical discectomy/fusion. I was one of the "lucky ones". I had a disc rupture c6/7 on July 4th (of all days) - the most awful pain I have ever experienced in my life from the pinched nerve. Because I had exceptional doctors, I was in the operating room on July 25th. I had immediate relief as soon as I woke up in the hospital and my recovery was very quick. I was not required to wear the collar, at all, and was back at work before my two week check up. Now my nerve pain is gone and the only real effect, besides a stiff neck every now and then and a "lump in my throat", is that my voice is still extremely hoarse (after three weeks). It was reassuring to read a post here where one doctor said up to three months for the voice to come back. For those considering the surgery, just remember how everyone heals differently ... you could be one of the ones who remain in pain or you could end up as lucky as I was, but you'll never know until you try. I just can't imagine being in that much pain for an extended period of time - and for those of you who are you have my best wishes for you finding a solution to your pain.

BON RAE · Newbie Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 5

the surgery was not that difficult. I was in the hospital for two nights. It's painful at first but each day gets better. I'm home almost 6 days now. I have to wear the Miami collar 24/7 for 6 weeks. I am very happy because I notice that as each day passes, the pain lessens. I had two herniated disks pressing on the spinal cord (severely). The pain was nonstop, and excruciating. It's not a picnic, but please know there is light at the end of the tunnel. I finally took a shower today, still have to wear neck brace in shower, and my husband washed my hair for me and it really made me feel so refreshed. Don't be afraid as the skills a good surgeon has these days is a miracle. I checked my docs credentials etc and felt very comfortable with him. Hope this helps. Laughing

Guest · Guest

I had acdf c6-c7 on sept 28, 2007. I've had such bad headaches in the back of my head. It feels that a cord is so tight that I could snap it. Last week I have "weaned" myself t only one hydrocodone all week. Now I seem to be going backward and the pain and neck aches are severe. Had to come home early from work. I never had a collar at all and wonder if that could have been a factor in healing. My left hand is going numb again along with my little finger which I wonder if the c7-t1 is being stressed. I am or "was" very active till this all come about this year with degenerative disk desease and severe arthritis which I never knew I had. My question is that I have been a single mom for years and get no or very little support. What do all of you out there do for paying bills or taking time off work? I'm scared, angry and getting very depressed. Especially, when in summer I would ride bicycles for up to 30 miles a day and road on RAGBRAII in IOwa and got to touch Lance Armstrong. I have exercised by whole life and eaten healthy just to have this happen. I ask how do you get over the anger?? Thanks for any help.
PS Met a wonderful man a year ago and now I feel my health will change that. Does anyone have any advice?????

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

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