I went for my 8 week post-op. I had a acdf c4-6 who still has pain sometimes worse than before surgery, however surgery did take away all the numbness and tingling, he told me I was completely fused at 8 weeks. I don't understand. I thought it takes weeks and sometimes months. Has anyone had this happen so soon? Is my doc nuts. what is complete fusion. is it where they put the donar bone to replace the discs, and then your bone starts to fuse with that? or is it where you bone starts to grow over the titanium plate? I am no expert on this stuff, so I will have to ask him exactly what he means by complete fusion. I want to get my answer here if possible. although he has ordered another mri for dec 26th, because of bad neck pain, I am opting out of that. he said xray is perfect, i am fused, and he thinks his end of this is done. I will not sit in an mrie for 45 min. 20min was way to hard as it was. after having 7 of these things i do not get used to them. the knee you don't go in all the way, so that is okay. PLEASE RESPOND IF YOU HAD ACDF ONLY!!! I NEED TO GET YOUR OPINIONS ON FUSION AND WHAT IT MEANS REALLY!
Comments
I question your doctor's response to you regarding being completely fused at 8 weeks. I have not had ACDF or any other back surgery, however, everything I have read says it takes a number of months and up to a year for the fusion to be REALLY complete.
I look forward to reading the response from others.
I wish you the best in your recovery.
RichT
Although my surgeon said I was doing tremendously, he said nothing about being 100% fused. He said I was fusing nicely, and showed me where the cadaver bone was.
I remember at the consult appointment he said it would take about 1 year.
Could there have been a misunderstanding?
The opinions expressed in this message are just that, my opinions and should not be taken as medical advice.
Good luck with your fusion and happy holidays........
LJ