Hi,
I am scheduled for acdf on Jan 21st. I am really not looking forward to this at all and I am really afraid. I have been healthy and athletic all my life. I am 53. My symptoms are not like everyone else's but I have had two neurosurgeons review MRIs and agree that I have degenerative disc disease at C4-C5 and C6-C7 which is causing spinal stenosis and myelopathy. I don't have any pain anywhere. This started with numbness in ring finger and pinky on both hands and the outer two toes on both feet. It progressed to burning pain in the middle of my back, in various places on my legs and arms, numbness and burning in both hands, and numb lips and tip of tongue. I have also had vison problems especially in the right eye where visual acuity is notably worse than in the left eye. The worst is the burning on my feet which sometimes makes wearing shoes uncomfortable. The symptoms come and go. This all started in May 2008. I have my pre-op with my surgeon next week on the 13th and have a huge list of questions prepared for him. Has any body else experienced these type symptoms without any pain? I know the MRI shows the spinal cord compression b/c the surgeon showed me the MRI. I am just not sure that this is what is causing my symptoms. I am wondering if maybe I have some other sort of nueropathy and it just happens to be coincidental that I have the cervical spine problem.
I would appreciate any input b/c the time is getting close for me to have this surgery.
Thanks!
steph3275
I am scheduled for acdf on Jan 21st. I am really not looking forward to this at all and I am really afraid. I have been healthy and athletic all my life. I am 53. My symptoms are not like everyone else's but I have had two neurosurgeons review MRIs and agree that I have degenerative disc disease at C4-C5 and C6-C7 which is causing spinal stenosis and myelopathy. I don't have any pain anywhere. This started with numbness in ring finger and pinky on both hands and the outer two toes on both feet. It progressed to burning pain in the middle of my back, in various places on my legs and arms, numbness and burning in both hands, and numb lips and tip of tongue. I have also had vison problems especially in the right eye where visual acuity is notably worse than in the left eye. The worst is the burning on my feet which sometimes makes wearing shoes uncomfortable. The symptoms come and go. This all started in May 2008. I have my pre-op with my surgeon next week on the 13th and have a huge list of questions prepared for him. Has any body else experienced these type symptoms without any pain? I know the MRI shows the spinal cord compression b/c the surgeon showed me the MRI. I am just not sure that this is what is causing my symptoms. I am wondering if maybe I have some other sort of nueropathy and it just happens to be coincidental that I have the cervical spine problem.
I would appreciate any input b/c the time is getting close for me to have this surgery.
Thanks!
steph3275
steph,
Though your symptoms are different than any you have read about doesn't mean that the spinal problem isn't the culprit. We all have different symptoms. Trust in your NS. From what I have seen on here, most of the severe problems are minimized immediately after surgery. Not all though. I have noticed that in cases like mine where the symptoms were just coming to the surface and were not real painful, that we did not notice the remarkable change right out of the operating room. I was told it will take time for me.
So have faith that you will most likely feel real relief soon after. After my visit with my NS today I feel better.
Hey Tom, How are you doing? Good I hope.
I hope this helps comfort you some steph.
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Though your symptoms are different than any you have read about doesn't mean that the spinal problem isn't the culprit. We all have different symptoms. Trust in your NS. From what I have seen on here, most of the severe problems are minimized immediately after surgery. Not all though. I have noticed that in cases like mine where the symptoms were just coming to the surface and were not real painful, that we did not notice the remarkable change right out of the operating room. I was told it will take time for me.
So have faith that you will most likely feel real relief soon after. After my visit with my NS today I feel better.
Hey Tom, How are you doing? Good I hope.
I hope this helps comfort you some steph.
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Rob,
Thanks for the encouraging words. I will certainly let you know how it goes. I am hopeful that the NS will be able to answer all my questions to the point that I am not so nervous about going through with the surgery.
I don't know how you and some of the others who have posted have gone through what you have for so long.
I hope and pray that you too find more permanent relief as time goes on.
Regards,
Steph
Thanks for the encouraging words. I will certainly let you know how it goes. I am hopeful that the NS will be able to answer all my questions to the point that I am not so nervous about going through with the surgery.
I don't know how you and some of the others who have posted have gone through what you have for so long.
I hope and pray that you too find more permanent relief as time goes on.
Regards,
Steph
Hi All -
I have really enjoyed reading some of your posts. I injured myself lifting weights in Jan 08 and went to the ER where they said I most likely tore a muscle. After finishing the percocet I collapsed on my couch about a week later in awful pain. Went to a pain mgmt specialist who sent me to get an MRI. The result was a C5-C6 herniation with bone spurs. I spent a year on narcotics, anti - inflam, cervical epidurals (5 of them) before they agreed to operate (due to my age and the fact that I did not have severe arm pain, mostly in my neck). I am about 3 months post op and, unfortunately, am actually in worse pain. I was on the fentanyl patch for 2 months and am strongly considering going back on that, as I am currently taking Roxycodone (percocet without the tylenol). Sad thing is that I felt okay after the surgery. Just some minor pain from the incision and tube during surgery. Hosptial stay was a breeze. If you have the choice to do surgery, DO IT. Do not waste time with epidurals, etc, like I did. Back to the pain mgmt doctor tommorow, where I have spent every other week for the last year.
Has anyone experienced anything similar? I had surgery due to neck pain but feel worse and am still in awful pain 3 months post op? What are your suggestions.
I hope all are feeling well on this post and that your surgery has gone better than mine.
Best Regards,
bwsmith824
I have really enjoyed reading some of your posts. I injured myself lifting weights in Jan 08 and went to the ER where they said I most likely tore a muscle. After finishing the percocet I collapsed on my couch about a week later in awful pain. Went to a pain mgmt specialist who sent me to get an MRI. The result was a C5-C6 herniation with bone spurs. I spent a year on narcotics, anti - inflam, cervical epidurals (5 of them) before they agreed to operate (due to my age and the fact that I did not have severe arm pain, mostly in my neck). I am about 3 months post op and, unfortunately, am actually in worse pain. I was on the fentanyl patch for 2 months and am strongly considering going back on that, as I am currently taking Roxycodone (percocet without the tylenol). Sad thing is that I felt okay after the surgery. Just some minor pain from the incision and tube during surgery. Hosptial stay was a breeze. If you have the choice to do surgery, DO IT. Do not waste time with epidurals, etc, like I did. Back to the pain mgmt doctor tommorow, where I have spent every other week for the last year.
Has anyone experienced anything similar? I had surgery due to neck pain but feel worse and am still in awful pain 3 months post op? What are your suggestions.
I hope all are feeling well on this post and that your surgery has gone better than mine.
Best Regards,
bwsmith824
Bwsmith, I am interested in your recommendation that people have the op if given the choice, yet you state you are in worse pain, can you explain why you still recommend it - please? :-)
Kind regards
From someone who needs to know more....
Kind regards
From someone who needs to know more....
Hi,
Thank you for all the info on this blog. I am having my surgery next Wednesday on C 5/6 and C 6/7.They are using bone from a bank vs. my hip.
I have never had surgery before and am getting more freaked everyday.
My surgeon said that the biggest pain will be in my throat. What else can i expect??
Thank you for all the info on this blog. I am having my surgery next Wednesday on C 5/6 and C 6/7.They are using bone from a bank vs. my hip.
I have never had surgery before and am getting more freaked everyday.
My surgeon said that the biggest pain will be in my throat. What else can i expect??
Hi,
I just wanted to share my story with others, hoping that it will help someone in a similiar situation. I was in a car accident over 20 years ago. I had whiplash, since I was hit from behind. I dealt with naggy back problems, which actually stemmed from my neck. I lived very normal, considering I was dealing with occasional severe pain. About 2 years ago, I developed numbness on my left hand. I went to the hospital. They suspected heart difficulties. My arm pain was the worse that I have ever felt in my entire life. I did not want surgery. I tried PT, Chiropacter, and pain meds. Finially, I went to a neurosurgeon. I was a canidate for surgery. My surgery was Oct 2008. I have to say, that was the best thing I ever did in my life. My pain is improving so much. I am starting to gain use of my left hand again. I feel better than I have felt for 5 years. I realize that surgery is not for everyone. It was quite extensive. He fused 2 discs and put a plate in my neck. Physical Therapy has really been great for me. I had my ups and downs during recovery, but it was all worth it.
I hope this story helps someone out there.
I just wanted to share my story with others, hoping that it will help someone in a similiar situation. I was in a car accident over 20 years ago. I had whiplash, since I was hit from behind. I dealt with naggy back problems, which actually stemmed from my neck. I lived very normal, considering I was dealing with occasional severe pain. About 2 years ago, I developed numbness on my left hand. I went to the hospital. They suspected heart difficulties. My arm pain was the worse that I have ever felt in my entire life. I did not want surgery. I tried PT, Chiropacter, and pain meds. Finially, I went to a neurosurgeon. I was a canidate for surgery. My surgery was Oct 2008. I have to say, that was the best thing I ever did in my life. My pain is improving so much. I am starting to gain use of my left hand again. I feel better than I have felt for 5 years. I realize that surgery is not for everyone. It was quite extensive. He fused 2 discs and put a plate in my neck. Physical Therapy has really been great for me. I had my ups and downs during recovery, but it was all worth it.
I hope this story helps someone out there.
Hi, I am so glad I found this website! I wish I had found it before surgery or especially before I thought I was going to choke to death.
I'm a 53 yr old F nurse, injured at work. (For those of you dealing with Workers' Comp., you have my sympathy. They denied my claim and then outlasted me (ran out of money). With an attorney, I did get a modest settlement, but I would never have settled for as little as I did if I knew what this would be like.
Had C5-6 discectomy & fusion on 4/17.
NO ONE even mentioned that I would have an extremely sore and swollen throat. This is very important! I was so frightened yesterday--not feeling able to swallow.
I also had severe post-op nausea and vomiting. (I always do and warned the anesthesiologist). Don't anyone let any doctor blame a nurse for giving the wrong medication. THE DOCTOR ORDERS THE MEDICATION, as well as how and when it is to be given. Also, when you're vomiting, how else can you get pain medication, but through your IV? Actually, it's the anesthesiologist's responsibility, but I only saw him 2 min. before surg. and never again. The nurse IS responsible for letting the doctor know you're not doing well.
I was vomiting with a fresh incision for 18 hours. I didn't want to be a "complainer," so I didn't say much. It was one of the worst nights of my life. If this happens to you, SAY SOMETHING!
I'm only on post-op day 4. My throat is still very swollen and sore, but I've found ice helps (the swelling is a little below the incision). I can't tell if my neck is really better yet, but less shoulder spasms so far.
I have a question, please. Has anyone experienced chest pain? Right under the sternum, between breasts? This pain is worst when I swallow or cough, better when I stand. No shortness of breath, just a crushing pain.
Otherwise, I pretty much sound like the rest of you. (My NS doesn't even want me to RIDE in a car for four weeks! His activity instructions are pretty strict.) Thank you, Nat
I'm a 53 yr old F nurse, injured at work. (For those of you dealing with Workers' Comp., you have my sympathy. They denied my claim and then outlasted me (ran out of money). With an attorney, I did get a modest settlement, but I would never have settled for as little as I did if I knew what this would be like.
Had C5-6 discectomy & fusion on 4/17.
NO ONE even mentioned that I would have an extremely sore and swollen throat. This is very important! I was so frightened yesterday--not feeling able to swallow.
I also had severe post-op nausea and vomiting. (I always do and warned the anesthesiologist). Don't anyone let any doctor blame a nurse for giving the wrong medication. THE DOCTOR ORDERS THE MEDICATION, as well as how and when it is to be given. Also, when you're vomiting, how else can you get pain medication, but through your IV? Actually, it's the anesthesiologist's responsibility, but I only saw him 2 min. before surg. and never again. The nurse IS responsible for letting the doctor know you're not doing well.
I was vomiting with a fresh incision for 18 hours. I didn't want to be a "complainer," so I didn't say much. It was one of the worst nights of my life. If this happens to you, SAY SOMETHING!
I'm only on post-op day 4. My throat is still very swollen and sore, but I've found ice helps (the swelling is a little below the incision). I can't tell if my neck is really better yet, but less shoulder spasms so far.
I have a question, please. Has anyone experienced chest pain? Right under the sternum, between breasts? This pain is worst when I swallow or cough, better when I stand. No shortness of breath, just a crushing pain.
Otherwise, I pretty much sound like the rest of you. (My NS doesn't even want me to RIDE in a car for four weeks! His activity instructions are pretty strict.) Thank you, Nat
Had my surgery on the 20th of April,2009 on c-3 & c-4.
going back for my check up on May 4th. The operation was a breeze and never felt better. As stated in the other posts that the sore throat is really the most painful feels like strip throat for a couple of days and the voice is hoarse but seems like it is also going away now. Still have a tingling in the left thumb but nothing like it was before felt like someone had a hammer to it 24 hours a day. The muscle pain in the back of the neck and arms are gone. Have been sleeping the whole night and I have not done that in 5 years. Hope this helps anyone that is going to have it done .
Curtis
Pensacola,Fl
going back for my check up on May 4th. The operation was a breeze and never felt better. As stated in the other posts that the sore throat is really the most painful feels like strip throat for a couple of days and the voice is hoarse but seems like it is also going away now. Still have a tingling in the left thumb but nothing like it was before felt like someone had a hammer to it 24 hours a day. The muscle pain in the back of the neck and arms are gone. Have been sleeping the whole night and I have not done that in 5 years. Hope this helps anyone that is going to have it done .
Curtis
Pensacola,Fl
Thanks, It's nice to have some good stories posted on here so that ppl who are looking at having this surgey don't think that all of them are bad or rough post-op.
Keep healing and good luck,
Rob
Keep healing and good luck,
Rob
The pain you are speaking of is probably "gas" pain because of them feeling you up with air to do surgery.
Besides the sore throat this was they worst for me. I couldn't drink or eat. It was miserable!
Besides the sore throat this was they worst for me. I couldn't drink or eat. It was miserable!
My husband is 3 days post-op. His main problem is shoulder pain, which seems to be caused by the surgical procedure itself. He also has had the 'choking' sensation, although it seems to be easing in the last 12 hours. He has virtually no pain from the surgery. His was a C4-5-6-7 , which makes his neck very unstable as the doctor repeated many times to us. So he will be wearing the brace for several weeks. It is causing some discomfort on the back of his head and he is sleeping in a recliner. All of these seem to be normal results of this surgery and I have to say this site has reassured us that everything he is experiencing is within the normal effects. Good luck to all who read this. He says it's already making a difference in his ability to use his hands.
Hello everyone!
I have dealt with chronic pain for 10 years from DDD, stenosis, osteophytes and osteoarthritis in my neck and back. I'm in a surgery option only now. On Nov. 13, I will be facing ACDF multiple level (C4-C6) surgery with cadavar bone, titanium plate with 6 screws. I have a moderately large central and paracentral double herniation at C5-C6, left foraminal stenosis, spondylitic changes, bony spurs at C4-C5 all causing compression on my spinal cord and on the nerve roots. The C4-C5 is degenerated enough that the surgeon said he will remove that one as well, leading to the multiple level. I viewed my MRI myself before seeing the doc and it isn't pretty, to say the least. Basically, my spinal canal is so narrow that it is "caving in" and I'm told that if I don't have this surgery, I take a huge risk of being paralyzed. So, there is no other options for me.
I am not surprised that I am in this position since an MRI done in June 06 revealed that C5-C6 level was already a disc buldge and C4-C5 level showed disc-osteophyte complex with narrowing of both neural foramina. Now, a multiple herniation of C5-C6 out for revenge! Sad to say, but I’ve learned to deal with the pain and meds. I also have thoracic/lumbar issues. Disc-desiccation and disc bulge at T9-T10 and T12-L1 that I believe is herniated now too. Will have an MRI for that after the neck surgery is done.
I have severe pain on the sides and back of my neck with actual lumps protruding from both sides, unbearable "on fire" "knife stabbing" pain in upper shoulders to constant throbbing ache to bottom of my shoulder blades with tightening of my muscles that I swear they are bricks, constant headaches, complete numbness of both hands and occassionally my left forearm, sharp, "striking" radiating pain down the left side of my neck and down my left arm to my fingers, weakness in left arm and hand, and lack of motion. It's a major feat just to get out of bed! :'(
After much research and reading comments on this surgery, I am very worried that there's a very strong chance I will have permanent nerve damage and may continue to have the same intense pain in my neck and shoulders that will never subside. This is more of a concern to me than my left arm pain, because this pain has gone on for years with my neck and shoulders. I have read so many comments about this continuing pain and I have to say, I'm very fearful of this surgery and wether or not it will help in my situation. I'm also aware that osteophytes can come back even larger than before and with DDD, the adjacent levels can become compromised and lead to future surgery. I feel like this surgery will literally be a band-aid to hold my neck together with no pain relief in sight. I know that DDD never gets better, only progressively worse and I'm not feeling like I have much to look forward to. I'm struggling to keep the faith at this point, as I have read of others who have already experienced it with failed results. :-(
I'm freaked out about this whole procedure, pre and post op. Having to deal with the swallowing/swelling problems and struggling to breath isn't something I'm looking forward to or vomiting for hours afterwards, or the chance that my vocal cords will be damaged.
At best, I'm looking at a temporary fix to a progressive problem. Hopefully all will go well and I will gain some of my mobility back and have less pain even if only temporary....I just wish I didn't have to have this surgery at all, but have to or face a wheelchair. Not to mention what lies ahead for me with my back and another necessary surgery that has been held off due to my neck taking precedence.
It's comforting to know that I am not alone and that there are so many other people dealing with this problem. Hopefully, after the surgery I will have something good to post about my recovery.
Good Luck to all of you dealing with the ACDF and it's effect it has on all of us! %-)
I have dealt with chronic pain for 10 years from DDD, stenosis, osteophytes and osteoarthritis in my neck and back. I'm in a surgery option only now. On Nov. 13, I will be facing ACDF multiple level (C4-C6) surgery with cadavar bone, titanium plate with 6 screws. I have a moderately large central and paracentral double herniation at C5-C6, left foraminal stenosis, spondylitic changes, bony spurs at C4-C5 all causing compression on my spinal cord and on the nerve roots. The C4-C5 is degenerated enough that the surgeon said he will remove that one as well, leading to the multiple level. I viewed my MRI myself before seeing the doc and it isn't pretty, to say the least. Basically, my spinal canal is so narrow that it is "caving in" and I'm told that if I don't have this surgery, I take a huge risk of being paralyzed. So, there is no other options for me.
I am not surprised that I am in this position since an MRI done in June 06 revealed that C5-C6 level was already a disc buldge and C4-C5 level showed disc-osteophyte complex with narrowing of both neural foramina. Now, a multiple herniation of C5-C6 out for revenge! Sad to say, but I’ve learned to deal with the pain and meds. I also have thoracic/lumbar issues. Disc-desiccation and disc bulge at T9-T10 and T12-L1 that I believe is herniated now too. Will have an MRI for that after the neck surgery is done.
I have severe pain on the sides and back of my neck with actual lumps protruding from both sides, unbearable "on fire" "knife stabbing" pain in upper shoulders to constant throbbing ache to bottom of my shoulder blades with tightening of my muscles that I swear they are bricks, constant headaches, complete numbness of both hands and occassionally my left forearm, sharp, "striking" radiating pain down the left side of my neck and down my left arm to my fingers, weakness in left arm and hand, and lack of motion. It's a major feat just to get out of bed! :'(
After much research and reading comments on this surgery, I am very worried that there's a very strong chance I will have permanent nerve damage and may continue to have the same intense pain in my neck and shoulders that will never subside. This is more of a concern to me than my left arm pain, because this pain has gone on for years with my neck and shoulders. I have read so many comments about this continuing pain and I have to say, I'm very fearful of this surgery and wether or not it will help in my situation. I'm also aware that osteophytes can come back even larger than before and with DDD, the adjacent levels can become compromised and lead to future surgery. I feel like this surgery will literally be a band-aid to hold my neck together with no pain relief in sight. I know that DDD never gets better, only progressively worse and I'm not feeling like I have much to look forward to. I'm struggling to keep the faith at this point, as I have read of others who have already experienced it with failed results. :-(
I'm freaked out about this whole procedure, pre and post op. Having to deal with the swallowing/swelling problems and struggling to breath isn't something I'm looking forward to or vomiting for hours afterwards, or the chance that my vocal cords will be damaged.
At best, I'm looking at a temporary fix to a progressive problem. Hopefully all will go well and I will gain some of my mobility back and have less pain even if only temporary....I just wish I didn't have to have this surgery at all, but have to or face a wheelchair. Not to mention what lies ahead for me with my back and another necessary surgery that has been held off due to my neck taking precedence.
It's comforting to know that I am not alone and that there are so many other people dealing with this problem. Hopefully, after the surgery I will have something good to post about my recovery.
Good Luck to all of you dealing with the ACDF and it's effect it has on all of us! %-)
my name is elizabeth villarreal, i had a discograph done than i had an awesome surgeon world re known on jan 25,2011 i had an anterior
cervical disectomy fusion overnite stay at humble surgical hospital dr siddiqui from houston was an outstanding surgeon i was up the next day and driving not taking any pain meds. just had my follow up my left arm was numb cant lift up and back and shoulder pain was on meds, shots, chiroprater, for a year and after my surgery am doing great.
cervical disectomy fusion overnite stay at humble surgical hospital dr siddiqui from houston was an outstanding surgeon i was up the next day and driving not taking any pain meds. just had my follow up my left arm was numb cant lift up and back and shoulder pain was on meds, shots, chiroprater, for a year and after my surgery am doing great.
Hello, i had c5-c6 disc replacement in november 2010 due to car accident. Post op was painful and yes, the swallowing is difficult for the next few days with occassional choking afterwards. I am now 5 mos post procedure and still having pain in my right scapula area with numbness in my right hand when waking, i do wonder if anybody had this surgery longer than I have if their symptoms went away. I am now back at work on modified duty and unsure at this time if i will be able to do my regular work as a nurse..would appreciate any input..thank you