Neck Pain: Cervical
Posted on: Sat, 07/19/2008 - 07:27
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3 days post op ACDF with plating
I had my ACDF with plating at C6-7 on the 16th. I am disappointed I didn't get "instant" relief of the left hand and arm tingling that so many here seem to have. The pain is better though. I had an ACDF at C5-6 11 years ago with instant relief of pain,etc so of course I am worried now. I also have a pronounced left eyelid droop - has anyone here had this post-op? My voice also sounds like Minnie Mouse - I wonder how long that will last. Thanks for letting me share.
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I have had most of my pain and numbness and tingling go away since the surgery but this week I've had a little flair up, not sure if I might have over done it. I had my surgery 10 days ago now.
As far as my voice, it comes and goes still as well. I was wondering the same thing...is this normal? I'm also looking at the incision site and it looks like pretty thick scar tissue. Anyone else have that as well?
July 9th - C5-6 and C6-7 ACDF with hardware.
It sometimes takes a while for the numbness and tingling to go away. Your nerves were probably compressed for a while, and even though your surgery probably successfully decompressed them, it will take a while for them to heal. Nerves are angry little things and don't like to be moved around!
jjazz and Jeff, the voice thing is normal. My children were thrilled after my first ACDF because I couldn't "yell" at them. It would frustrate me to the point that I would cry because when I tried to discipline them, my scolding would get a laughing response. The kids had great fun teasing me about my weak voice. It took a long time, and even longer for me to be able to sing again. But eventually my voice came back as strong as ever.
Jeff, the incision is probably swollen. After this surgery, I looked almost like I had two "lips" on my throat, there was a ton of swelling. It has since gone down and it is just a smooth line of red. This will eventually fade and be barely noticeable.
I hope this helps to reassure you both.
Cindy
Feb 2006 did something really stupid and injured my neck. After all sorts of conservative treatments, I had a 3 level ACDF C5 to T1. Complications from that surgery led to partial paralysis and a long battle to get back to where I am today. Unfortunately, I did not fuse correctly. May 08 I had a revision to the surgery, including both the anterior and posterior approach, 2 vertebrectomies, and much titanium in my neck. I am still taking it day by day as I learn to deal with the residual effects of the spinal cord injury and permanent nerve damage. I'm here to offer support and encouragement to all the newcomers. Feel free to PM me if you want to.
Google "horner's syndrome". The reason I know about this is that I have thyroid cancer. Dave and I are going to have twin scars. But, he probably won't be obsessed with his like I was. Anyway, this stems from some sort of nerve damage in the neck. I think it goes away in time, but you can read more about it. Thyroid cancer patients have vocal chord involvement, too. There are things they can do to "fix" them. Yours are in "shock" and will come back in time. I couldn't yell for a couple of weeks---a squeak would come out.
Linda MI
Cindy, I'm glad you responded. I was half tempted to go to the emergency room because of the voice thing. I'm just glad there are people out there like you that can help use "newbies" along.
July 9th - C5-6 and C6-7 ACDF with hardware.
It could take months before your voice feels real strong again. Or it could just be a few days. but if you are concerned, please don't let my opinion stop you from calling your doctor. I'll be glad to offer support and encouragement any time you need it, but make sure you always inform your doctor of what is going on, okay?
how are you feeling other than the voice thing? I hope the recovery is getting easier for you day by day.
Feb 2006 did something really stupid and injured my neck. After all sorts of conservative treatments, I had a 3 level ACDF C5 to T1. Complications from that surgery led to partial paralysis and a long battle to get back to where I am today. Unfortunately, I did not fuse correctly. May 08 I had a revision to the surgery, including both the anterior and posterior approach, 2 vertebrectomies, and much titanium in my neck. I am still taking it day by day as I learn to deal with the residual effects of the spinal cord injury and permanent nerve damage. I'm here to offer support and encouragement to all the newcomers. Feel free to PM me if you want to.
Glad to hear the voice thing is pretty normal - I will be relieved when my body gets back to normal. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this.
jjazzmom I too dint get teh instandt releif many get, but with time, some of t=my paini s lessoning, and hopefully will all go, some nerves were compressess longer, so longer to heal
May 9th. 2008 2 level acdf, C5-6 and C6-7, myelopathy, stenosis.
Keep Smiling
Keep Laughing
Keep in Touch
Eve
Jeff and Cindy
too funny, I never had voice problems, but 2 months now, and still swallowing issues,
Daughter and Husband werne't impressed, they were hoping I would have voice issues, hehhee
May 9th. 2008 2 level acdf, C5-6 and C6-7, myelopathy, stenosis.
Keep Smiling
Keep Laughing
Keep in Touch
Eve
My surgeons office told me my voice should eventually be okay. The office didn't have anything to say about the eyelid droop I have (it is getting better). I was also experiencing some shortness of breath and coughing since Saturday so ended up having a CT scan to rule out blood clots in the lungs which thankfully was negative. The scan did show some congestion in the lung so I was told to deep breathe. What a day! The positive part is that the numbess in my hand/arm is getting better!! Ah, recovery - what can I say. One day at a time. I still sound exactly like Minnie Mouse!