Almost 3 weeks post op C6/C7 ACDF

DeniseO_o

Just checking in to see where everyone else is at this point (or was). I returned to work last week which was 2 weeks post op. I had successfully started to taper down the pain med but returning to work caused me to get back on schedule. (every 6 hours robaxin and norco) But within the last 4 days I sometimes make it to 9 hours before taking the prescribed meds. I don't want to deal with a pain clinic and my surgeon doesn't give any refills other than the one when I was discharged at the hospital + 1 refill at my 2 week post op appointment. So, I hope I am able to wean and just do OTC meds with an occasional tramadol.

There are times I have no pain at all and hardly any stiffness. Each day truly does seem better across the board. Throat problems (any and all) haven't been an issue since 2 weeks post op. I wear the cervical collar the majority of my day (work day even). The only time I am not wearing it is when bathing, eating and sleeping as well as when I'm sitting and relaxing with my head rested against the chair. When I am upright I try to always have it on. Honestly, it feels good to me. The support is comfortable and reassuring in the way of letting me know I'm still healing. Sometimes I feel nearly 100% better but that doesn't mean I need to behave that way.

I can only hope things continue to be this good and also get better :-)

WolfpackSVB

Hey Denise,

I'm glad things are going well for you. Keep up your spirits it takes a good 8 to 12 weeks for the average person's pain to go away in a single level ACDF.

Don't do too much outside of work until your stamina builds up. Books, walks and movies until then.

Best wishes,

Steven

Ruslin

It is really great that you are doing so well so soon after surgery. It helps me to know that the recovery is not always awful. My acdf c5-c7 is in 7 days. I have more anxiety each day. Not about the surgery but the recovery. Thank you for sharing

DeniseO_o

I know it's a process, most definitely and that I will have good days and bad days. So far though, it's like moments because the pain alerts me to slow down and take it easy and once I do that, it's resolved.

My issues come more with anxiety on getting injured or physically hurt since I am in a delicate state right now. Like driving/riding in a vehicle, going to the pool (slipping down or having a kid fall on my head in the water, etc.)

Ruslin, best wishes for your upcoming surgery! I wish I would have gotten surgery months ago. I hope things work well for you. Keep us posted.

Wolfie, thanks. You've helped me through this process tremendously. I hope you're doing well in your recovery as well.