Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion (ACDF) recovery

I had this done on Wednesday, 12/4/2013. After reading recovery stories on the internet, I didn't fear the surgery but was petrified about the recovery. I knew I could not drive for 6 weeks. I was OK with that. Two hours out of the recovery room I was up walking to the bathroom in my room, dragging my IV tube. Continued walking and sitting all the rest of the day. Around 11 PM, nurse unhooked my IV and I walked down to the vending machines and had a soda and candy bar. No pain at my incision site, but a very sore throat. Sucked on ice and drank clear soda. Dinner was actually good food. Thursday I woke with much less sore throat. Ate my fixed to order breakfast: ham and cheese omlet, hash browns and a soda. Stayed for grilled chicken salad lunch. Was fitted with my collar and instructed it wear it in the car or around people where I might get bumped. Slept wonderful. Today is Friday. No pain at all. Feeling great. Eating normal meals, napping, went to the movies with my brother. My numbness in my fingers and thumb was gone immediately after surgery. I consider this to be a 100% success.

My name is Augustus S, I have been suffering with immense pain in my spine ( neck C 5-6 and 6-7 disc). I have been doing a lot of research online and recently came across an article on Peyton Manning. My symptoms mirrors his to a T, and everything else I have read has lead me to the retaliation that I require ACDF Surgery. Thing is I am from a small island in the Caribbean and there aren't any qualified surgeons to perform this type of surgery; even if there were, not too sure I would trust them on my spine after having my. Left clavicle butchered. I would like to travel to the UK to get it sorted, but first I need to know what are the costs associated, and most RELIABLE AND QUALIFIED SURGEONS. Can anyone assist with that information? Greatly appreciated

I read posts from various sites regarding ACDF surgery and did my best to avoid the surgery due to so many negative comments. Due to moderate right shoulder blade pain radiating down my arm along with weakness in my right hand and not being able to use my middle fingers I had a C5-C6 and C6-C-7 fusion about 10 days ago. I had a second opinion prior to the procedure from another well respected neurosurgeon who agreed with my doctors findings....do the surgery.  My post surgery experience so far..... a sore throat for about a week (no big deal), minor pain from the incision and a little soreness in my neck and shoulder area.  Middle fingers have not started working yet but told that takes time. I hope this is true as I can't type, just pick on the keyboard, play the piano etc.  Long story short, the fear and anticipation of having an ACDF is far worse than the procedure and recovery.  I am driving, walking around, sleeping well and have no major complaints.  I took Tylenol and on a few occaisions hydrocodone, thats it.  I've had worse pain with a root canal.  My advice, if you are told you need the surgery....get a second opinion, use only a qualified neurosurgeon and just get it over with.  It's not that bad and this was my first ever surgery and I'm 59.   Good luck and feel free to contact me if u have questions

Happy Holidays!

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I just had this procedure done on 12/19/13.  My doctor has me wearing a neck brace at least until I see him on 1/7/14 so there is no driving for me.  I didn't use much pain meds the first week and am completely off of them now.  The worst part of the whole thing is the sore throat.  It was difficult to eat and swallow for a few days.  Be sure to have liquids and very soft foods on hand.  There has been no pain in my neck and I was lucky that they did not cut into my hip for the bone graph as I hear that is painful.  My left forefinger is still numb but is expected to get better.  Good luck!

Did you have your surgery yet? I just had the ACDF, two levels about 5 weeks ago and I cannot imagine taking care of small children a few days after surgery!

I had ACDF in October of 2013 and am still in a neck brace as I am still in what my surgeon refers to as "healing stage". Yesterday I went for a bike ride with my husband and fell off my bike. Thankfully I am sore but don't feel I did any damage to my surgery because I was wearing a brace and landed in a soft bush that broke my fall a bit. My point is ...don't be in such a hurry to get out there and ride your bike 50 miles. Is it really worth screwing up your surgery ?? Take some time to recover and let your body heal

My surgeon in Sacramento is incredible. Dr Aardavan Aslie. I had the same disks replaced that you have injured. Definitely recommend having it done

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My husband just had surgery a month ago...he is still experiencing some pain and issues swollowing and sleeping. I am concerned and hope this is normal and all part of the recovery. He didn't feel this intialially but it seems to have gotten worse. Just hoping it will work it's course and heal...

my husband had this surgery and after a month he is feeling pain again and feels like a ball in his throat. Not sure why it has gotten worse and hoping this is a normal part of recovery. How are you doing now and did you experience this pain later through the recovery?

how are you feeling now? My husband had the surgery a month ago felt great but is now experiencing pain and a ball in his throat not to mention trouble sleeping. Hoping this is a normal process for healing....

Hi This is very encouraging as my husband has decided to have acdf c6/7 as all the conservative treatment we have tried has had no improvement. He will be going into the Alexander Hospital we are due to see Mr Gnanalingham in two weeks to discuss this.

June 2nd 2014 I had the very same surgery you are having ,I came out of surgery with little to no pain, I used a great surgeon Dr lee warren out of Auburn Spine clinic,Auburn Al. Didn't have to wear collar, I did how ever go to physical therapy at Lanier Hospital in Valley ,AL they were great also .Today July 23 I have another app. with Dr Warren and I feel he will send me Back to work, To my dismay I have enjoyed my time off. I had my 9 yr. old granddaughter to help me . but I really didn't need her after day 3, Have your children help you will be surprised at what they can do ,If you are standing by with verbal instruction for them and have patience with them. I wish you the best. And I am 51 yr.. and out of shape. Just sayin

I am 5 days post op c4-c5 and c5-c6 discectomy with fusion, removal of spur and repair of stenosis. It was elective (in a way) but would have had to be done eventually. I was in bed too much with pain and headaches so I decided just to go ahead with it. My biggest fear is that I will push myself and then not heal properly. My surgeon is amazing but I was not informed of a number of issues that I would have to deal with. First and foremost, the swelling in my throat. I was given a couple of steroid injections which helped. It causes trouble with sleep because it cuts the air flow at times. I have iced my neck which had helped. Also drinking hot tea and ice tea has been helpful. I'm concerned about the pain through my shoulders and up my neck. It doesn't hurt like it did before surgery. I hope that I have correctly determined that it is caused from my body position during surgery. I have tried not to take any pain meds or muscle spasm meds. I have used Lidoderm patches for years. They help to dull the pain. (I have Fibro/CFS and the docs around here are terrified to prescribe pain meds so I have learned to live without them) As a Type A person, being restrained is a pain. I am in grad school and school begins Aug 18th. I am teaching 2 labs also. I'm trusting that I will be able to carry on my duties. I'm not allowed to drive until I do back to the surgeon for follow up. Walking some is good. I'm planning on trying the elliptical in a couple of days. I want to know how long I'll be with my buddy the neck brace. My surgeon is extremely cautious so I may be in it for a few more weeks. Any ideas or advise?

Get a list of the neurosurgeons in the bahamas and find out where they went to med school and where learned their techniques for this type surgery. I looked at number of videos and scoured the internet. I feel like there is at least one surgeon that would be qualified. Just make sure you have a personal advocate with you at all of your doctor visits, have questions ready, Most all the people I know in the Bahamas go to Nassau to the doc and St. Catherine's if they have to go to the hospital. What kind of medical care do they have in Freeport? I wish you the best.

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I had the same surgery on August 11th and as I read these posts although I haven't read very many no one talks about muscle tension or the muscle being similar to frozen very stiff and unable to move without pain it is getting better each day and is only localized on the left side of my neck so only notice it when I turn my head or look up or down as far as being able to swallow I was able to swallow the next day but lost my voice a week post-op then slowly got it back to somewhat normal I have about a 6 inch scar that is pretty thick on the right side of my neck but very little limitations other than what I notice to be too heavy at this time being a month and a week post op I would say streach your muscles slowly and relax them to help them limber up that has helped me I never used a collar or had physical therapy I knew what to do on my own with exercises from before the surgery.

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