Hello anyone,

I just had a one-level C6-C7 anterior disectomy with bone fusion surgery 2 days ago and it went well.  I am still sore in mid back and chest and shoulders, and swallowing is difficult, but not impossible.  I am walking 5-10 minutes twice a day.  I am a smoker, but I have not had a cigarette since surgery, and I don't want one.  I think the Percocets are helping with that craving.  I am only taking 1/2 a pill every 4 hours and that's all I need to keep the pain at bay.  If I do decide to smoke, I am committed to not smoking more than 1-2 organic cigarettes a day, if any. 

I specifically asked my doctor (O.D. Spinal Surgeon) what he thought about smoking post-op.  He said he believes that smoking will definately delay the healing process, but that in my case (healthy, 50 yrs old, no diabieties, only a one-level cervical disectomy, and only 1-2 per day), I probably won't see much impact.  He said there have even been rabbit studies that have shown nicotine in small amounts to help increase the rates of bone fusion.  But he said the issue remains controversial; however, studies do seem to prove that a lack of oxygen to the blood system slows healing.

I hope this helps someone out there who may be struggling with this.  I found the posts on this site very helpful when I was struggling with the decision.

 

Good luck!