Hi there...I think I chatted on another thread of yours, but wanted to give my input. I was TERRIFIED of the surgery, but my pain level has been significantly less than I anticipated.

My first two nights home I slept in the recliner with my collar on...the surgeon called the next day to see how I was doing. Specifically, he said do not sleep in the recliner (more blood flow to the neck/healing when lying in bed) and do not wear the collar to sleep. He actually only wants me to wear the collar if I am a passenger in the car or out walking (which I do several times a day).

I had severe nerve compression in my right arm prior to surgery, and have not had one episode of tingling since I woke up! Thrilled...

I did buy throat lozenges and brought them to the hospital but have never sucked on them. I thought I would have a 'sore' throat...but really, it was swollen...hard to swallow much at all. I ended up getting dehydrated and fainting 4 days after coming up, and had a fun trip to the ER in an ambulance with a very cute paramedic! Started drinking gatorade after that...I highly recommend it. The blender is great...had lots of slushies/smoothies. The swelling in the throat gets better on a daily basis. Today I ate cheerios for breakfast, had a pbj sandwich for lunch (which was a little hard to swallow), and chicken and rice for dinner...with ice cream for dessert!

Not to be gross, but I have had a real problem with constipation...be careful. I tried stool softeners, laxatives, metamucil...but eventually had to do an enema. Pain meds are constipating...and I'm not even taking that much.

The Occupational therapist in the hospital actually sent me home with one of those grabbers, which I have not used at all. I am able to shower without any issues (we have a built-in bench, but it hasn't been necessary). I have even started to do the laundry! We had meals prepared ahead of time, and friends/neighbors brought dinners which was helpful.

My husband and I also super cleaned the two days prior to surgery...and now I am beginning to notice the dust has built back up. We'll be taking down Christmas this weekend...we decorated very lightly this year, and I will be supervising. We'll do a light cleaning...I feel like I could dust. And I have swiffered our tile to pick up dog hair already.

I had my two week post op today...no driving for 2 more weeks, no PT for 2 more weeks...but overall I am doing great.

My biggest issue actually happened today - I was supposed to start wearing my bone growth stimulator ($5000 equipment) around my neck...and it's heavy and put so much pressure on the area between my neck and shoulders, that I literally was in tears. I don't see how I am going to wear that for 4 hours a day for 6 months. One call in to my surgeon's office and now waiting to see what we can do.

Lots of lounging clothes, tank tops that pull on easily, and a couple of zip up sweat jackets have been my wardrobe. I finally started wearing a bra the other day, but again, I can't have it on the right side so it just hangs off my shoulder.

I have been taking a valium at night to help me sleep, which the doctor said I need to get off of. I actually have not taken any pain meds (percocet) today at all, just Tylenol. Ice helps, and I use a heating pad sometimes too.

Good luck with the folks...that would be hard on me!! Honestly, the hardest thing has been being so dependent on everyone. I can't really even take a walk without someone to go with me. I also can't walk my 75 lb. lab...which is hard. I go with him on walks, but can't hold the leash. I had my first real outing yesterday to Target!! Fun, but hard to look at stuff wearing a collar!

I know this is rambling...lots of thoughts. I hope some of them are helpful.

Jan

Home from surgery. Feeling better than expected in some ways, worse in others. I don't know why I was so surprised that one of the biggest issues with swallowing isn't from my throat being sore from being pulled over - it's from the incision itself. And I'm just aching everywhere -- I feel as if I am recovering from a major way-over-did-it workout of every muscle in my body, and it really hurts to move. Right now my neck hurts far less than my whole body.

I also really regret the chair I purchased -- it's a lift chair, but it's very firm and doesn't recline very far at all and I'm just not going to be able to use it for sleeping as I'd hoped - I bought it on ebay, plus the sellers were kind enough to meet me halfway (they were a 3.5 hour drive away) so I couldn't try it out first, and just never thought to ask how far back it reclined. Hopefully I can sell it on craigslist or ebay for what I paid for it. I'm going to try and find a used regular recliner in the next day or two, since I don't feel as if I could comfortable sleep in a bed, either. As of 1am (right now) I have no idea how I'm going to get to sleep tonight.

I also feel that I'm going to totally lose my nut having to wear this brace 24/7 for 4+ weeks, and not just for the sleeping.

I'm CRANKY as all hell, and sent my family upstairs as soon as I could reasonably justify it so that I could have some time to myself. Fortunately I'm a lot better able to get around than I'd expected, so I'm able to get that time alone. I know that they only want to help but I just feel so ick and there's nothing they can do to help and their wanting to help so much just makes things worse.

I am glad that I invested in an expensive book holder that I easily adapted for my ipad without buying their special ipad adapter. It swings out of the way easily, holds the ipad at my eye level (easy to adjust), and will hold books at eye level as well. I'm typing this at my regular desk though -- but I need to raise my laptop or get a second screen to mount higher.

Word of advice: Even if they tell you that you don't need to bring the extra brace liners to the hospital, bring them -- in case you, like me, end up puking and getting some in your brace. Yeah, seriously no fun.

OK, next round of advice/experiences:

-- if you're on steroids for the inflammation, remember that they can make you into a total emotional trainwreck, on top of something that is emotionally difficult to begin with. I realized that today when I had a very major meltdown over my spouse having a brief moment of being less than perfect when asked to do something, and it was likely behind my extreme crankiness last night as well. Just be prepared for it, and be prepared to forgive yourself for it as well.

-- related to this, make sure that your caretakers are taking care of themselves.

-- herbal tea with lots of honey is my late-night friend.

-- It's cold here and yet the collar is causing a lot of irritation under my chin. My mom picked up a strip of fleece material from the fabric store today, and I strongly recommend that you be prepared with something like this as well -- I was just lucky that my parents decided to go to a town 50 miles from me which has the closest fabric store to our rural area, and would have likely have had to sacrifice some article of clothing to do this otherwise. I just had her get a 1/8 yard strip of some ugly crap on sale, and keep it tucked inside the chin area and it's helping a LOT.

-- I'm remembering now why I rarely watch TV and yet my brain isn't up to much other than that.

-- If you give your mother permission to organize all your plastic storage containers and toss anything that doesn't have a match, make sure that she realizes that the screw-on lids are actually matches to insulated glasses stored in a different area, and that those little things that look like they're containers without lids (or lids without containers) actually snap together. :: Thankfully I was able to look through the bag before she pitched it.

-- If you have little kids (my youngest granddaughter, who we're raising, is 5), especially if you're normally the primary caregiver (singing of night-night songs, giver of baths, etc.) be prepared to both give them the time and attention they need to get over being freaked out about what's going on, and for others to do everything they can to take over. For us it seems as if a balance of consistency in her routine and changes in her routine are working out the best - for example, letting her sleep in her big sister's room for a few days is helping her through not having her normal night-time routine with me.

Thanks to Buela and Jan. I hope you both are feeling better.

Thanks for the tip about bringing your extra pads to the hospital Buela. I'm going to put them in my overnight bag. Funny about the television-I watch very little of it now and since Comcast removed Turner Classic Movies from basic cable I am really bummed. Luckily I have a huge collection of DVD's and reading material.

Jan-I'll have to ask my doctor about the sleeping. Laying flat makes sense-I was going to sleep in the recliner.

Not to get too TMI but one of the smartest choices I made was to start taking stool softeners with a mild laxative as soon as I got out of the hospital. I'm also trying to sneak as much fiber into my foods as I can, even though I'm still mostly sticking to softer foods -- and I've fallen in love with chia seeds as a fiber/protein supplement (yes, ch-ch-ch-chia seeds - they're really yummy!). Right now I'm drinking a chocolate banana milkshake with a couple of big spoonfuls of the chia seeds mixed in -- I crushed them in the blender first, and let them soak in milk for about 15 minutes, and they add just a mild nutty taste/texture to it.

The main point is that for the first time ever after surgery/longer doses of pain pills, I've managed to avoid severe constipation. Definitely be very proactive about making sure that your bowels keep moving!

That sounds awful! Yes, I've had horrible problems with constipation with prior surgeries and with pain meds. Since I was released from the hospital, I was taking the max dose (4 tablets, 2am and 2pm) of a stool softener PLUS stimulant laxitive every day (2 morning, 2 evening). I never felt constipated, and I also had a fairly normal BM today (3 days post surgery). I'm going to switch to one am one pm starting tomorrow, then switch to just stool softeners plus other fiber supplements a few days after that. I'm addressing the potential for constipation the same way I'm addressing the pain: Namely, that it's something I have to seriously address BEFORE it becomes a problem, and not wait until I'm really feeling it to do something about it, at which point it will be much more difficult to manage, as well as make me feel far worse than I want to feel!

I am almost 4 weeks post-op now from my 2 level ACDF. For the most part, it has been easier than I anticipated. I did throw up for 5 hours after surgery (which was bad), I did faint and have to go to the ER 4 days after I got home (for dehydration) and I did have some horrible constipation(my husband actually went out Christmas morning to buy an enema...I hadn't really had a bm in 10 days), BUT - the pain has been minimal. MUCH LESS than I anticipated.

I spent one night in the hospital, 2 nights in the recliner, and have slept in bed since then. As Buela noted, the disparity on 'instructions for patients' is dramatically different for everyone. My NS (who is also a trauma/brain surgeon) did not want me to wear my collar unless I was outside walking or riding in the car. I wear it when I go to Target or Costco, and I wear it at church...as a reminder for me and a warning for others to give me extra room.

My pain has been mostly muscular - back of my neck and in my shoulders. I use ice and heat (more ice). I have to wear a bone growth stimulator now for 4 ours a day for the next 6 months and HATE it. I haven't started PT yet, but see my surgeon on Thursday and hope to be released to go back to work p/t, to drive, and to start PT.

I cannot imagine having this procedure if I had small kids...my son is 17 and it's been hard on him. Hard on my dog too, who is used to 'mom' walking him several times a day. I am just now holding his leash when I walk, but always have someone with me just in case (he's 75 lbs).

The hardest and most frustrating thing for me has been the dependence on others. I was told 'no bending or stooping' for 6 weeks...really, how can you do anything without bending or stooping. I hate having to ask others to do for me, and I am ready to start feeling better - but when evening rolls around and I am tired and sore, I realize I have a long way to go.

Tigerbear and Poochiewoochie, feel free to private message me if you have any questions. I have been so blessed by the information and encouragement I have received from this site...I am happy to 'pay it forward.' Buela - hang in there...every day will get better. Really. And, I have also been very emotional, I think it's just a combination of things...but don't think you're crazy.

Praying for you all~
Jan

Thanks Jan.Glad you're feeling some what better.

My surgeon is also a trauma/acute care surgeon. I was referred to him by the ER. I have to ask about the collar-12 weeks was said but can't be sure. When I went to the pre op appointment it was a lot to take in.

I notice that you have your surgery tomorrow.

Hope that you will manage to sleep tonight and that all will go to plan tomorrow and that you will wake with good pain control.
Then it will be over to you to allow your body to heal.

We'll be here to cheer you on throughout your recovery.
Hopefully you will then be on your way to a more comfortable and active life.

I have to be at the hospital at 6 am tomorrow for my surgery. The surgery is at 9am. I hope I have everything done around the house...I got all the nice soft things I should be eating. Cleaned and straightened up everything I could see. Had my hair cut and my nails done too. Good luck to poochiewoochie, we both are going in for surgery tomorrow morning. I wish everyone else a speedy recovery. I an not sure when I will be able to update, I kind of hunt n peck at the keys...LOL Take care and god bless, Karen

My thoughts and prayers will be with those of you who are having surgery tomorrow!

I know I won't be able to sleep tonite !!! Just going to stay up. I will be drinking all the water I can get till midnite.

Just came up with a must-have for neckies: A chopstick, both for scratching (carefully) under the brace and pulling your hair out from under (since no matter how hard you try, if you have even 1/2 long enough to get stuck under the brace, then it will find a way to get tangled and stuck under the brace!).

that I left you out.
I wish you a successful surgery too, and hope that you will wake up feeling comfortable and even that your symptoms are improved.

You ladies have certainly managed to find lots of useful information on Spine Health to help you to prepare for surgery.

I hope that if I need to have ACDF in the future, you will be able to advise me and suggest things that will be helpful.

Jan, how is your recovery going?

I hope that you have a good appointment with your surgeon tomorrow. It sounds like your surgery went well and that it has helped.

Do be careful that you don't overdo it. It is so easy to upset things and can cause yourself days or more of pain. Be a patient patient. Having all this time to read, watch tv or do those craft things that you have longed to try will probably not happen again, so make the most of it.

I wonder how tigerbear and poochiewoochie are doing. Their surgery must be over now. I hope that they are comfortable.

Keep healing

I'm new here but hoping those that went in today had great success!!!
I go in on Monday for my c5-c6 ACDF with hardware, and looking for any post surgical advice I can get. Especially some good soft foods, good sleeping positions, and overall what to expect. I look forward to chatting with you all!

Candy,
I just wanted you to know that I was TERRIFIED of this surgery. I took a lot of comfort in reading posts of people who had the same procedure I was having and was greatly encouraged. I went into surgery with complete peace...and TRULY, it was not as bad as I anticipated. The pain has been minimal - the throat does hurt the first 7-10 days (swollen, from being moved over!), and I've had some muscle aches in my neck and shoulders, but it has not been that bad. I am hardly taking any pain meds now.

So, be encouraged!! You will be fine!!

Jan

I have been so scared and terrified, thank you so much for your words. My only regret is that I didn't find this site sooner. Earlier on I had found so many "negative" sites that I had been deterred.

I also wanted to ask.. for the past month or so- I have been exhausted all of the time, almost like my body has given up, knowing the surgery is coming. I am still working full time, 8-9 hours a day. However, when I get home, I eat dinner and am instantly ready to lay down. It feels like a chore to do anything. The pain in my shoulders and upper arms has been really bad (part of why I am having the ACDF)
Is all of this normal?

Hello, I am new to this site and just looking for some help and encouragement I suppose. My husband has been dealing with Cerivical issues for almost 2 years now. He had his first surgery C6-C7 fusion in June of 2010. Dr is now saying that a 3-4 4-5 and 5-6 is inevitable due to bulging discs, stenosis and on and on, basically everything that can be worng is and to make it even worse he has SEVERE osteoporosis in his neck. When the first fusion was done they could not use hardware because the screws just fell out because his bones are so soft. The Dr is saying that once this is done that he will not be able to drive, work or anthing else becasue he will lose so much range of motion. My husband just turned 40 in October, he is way to young for this much trouble....Is there any hope???

My appointment went well, he’s happy with how I’m progressing, has me starting physical therapy tomorrow, and I am released to drive ‘when I feel comfortable doing so.” Hurray!

That is great news Jan. Congratulations!
Are you managing to sleep comfortably?

I will be interested to hear what you do at physiotherapy and how helpful it is. Also if it causes an increase in your pain levels, which does happen sometimes after surgery.

I saw my physiotherapist today for my weekly session on my neck. He does what I believe is called facet joint mobilisaation. It entails very gentle 'jiggling' of my vertebra and muscles. I think it does help to keep my neck as mobile as possible and hopefully helps with the pain too. I don't have awful neck pain, so I attribute it to this session each week.

^..^

Take it easy and don't push yourself too far. This was the message my Dr's office told me. I plan on doing just this. it is so hard to follow all the restrictions. No bending, lifting, turning, twisting. I HATE to sit still for very long, and there are so many things I want to get done. I just can't move the way I want to for a little while. I do hope everyday will get a little easier. With the anesthesia wearing off...everything HURTS !!! Taks care everyone, Karen

I had my ACDF surgery yesterday. So far so good. I have almost no pain in my right arm. It stil hurts, and the 3 fingers are still numb, but better that it was before. I do have a lot of pain in my back/shoulder area. Also have a wicked headache today. My surgery was about 1 1/2 hours. I was home by 5pm . I have a soft cervical collar, which my surgen want's me in 24/7 for 4 weeks. I have been sleeping in my recliner, tried the bed..but it was too painfull. I am on Lortabs, and cyclobenzaprine. My throat is also very sore, drinking/eating is not easy. My hubby is taking good care of me. I will update again soon. To anyone else going through this, I wish you well, and take care of yourself. Thanks everyone, Karen

So glad to hear all this good news!

It is good to hear from you and it sounds like you are doing well.

Keep following the rules and allow your hubby to look after you.

I spent two nights in the hospital-the surgery was about 4 hours. The NS said the discs had just emptied into the canal and they had to tease all the pieces out. He said it was pretty bad. As soon as I woke up the pain was gone in my arms. Before they did the surgery while in the post op he did some neurological tests and I was losing my strength in the left hand which had never happened before. I also tested positive for clonus in my food and the Hoffman test. I knew I was getting bad-mu legs were so heavy and my foot numb.

Sore throat and spasms but at least I can swallow-whew!

I'll not be back on for a while-I'm going to make sure and follow his orders to a tee.