If you find my content helpful and you’d like to buy me a cup of coffee, here’s the link. www.buymeacoffee.com/vs6ouqdrix I do enjoy a good cup of coffee❤ Thank You.

Thank you so much for this video. I really needed to hear this. I met with a neurosurgeon last week & he said I needed this surgery. Just the thought of it made me want to cry even though I have been in severe pain for years. I also have severe lumbar stenosis that also needs surgery, but he said the cervical surgery was more urgent. It's all so overwhelming & my anxiety has been through the roof. I know not everyone will have your positive result, but it's comforting to know that it's possible. I'm so tired of the burning pain, tingling & weakness. I'm only 50 years old, but my body feels so much older. When you said "you deserve to feel better", it really hit home for me. I know it should be obvious, but having been in pain so long, I had really given up on the idea of having a normal life. Thanks again & I hope you continue to do well in your recovery. ✌

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I’ve learned that pain and anxiety really feed on each other. It’s such a vicious cycle, and unless you’ve gone through it (like you and I have) it’s difficult to understand. The burning and tingling got to a point with me where it was truly overwhelming. As you know, I have tried everything from physical therapy, nerve blocks, nerve ablation, nothing was working, because structurally there was something very wrong. Waking up from surgery and not feeling the burning pain and being able to use my hands was just incredible. Taking a shower and putting a towel on my head to dry my hair and having it not hurt are memories that I will never forget. I often think of Popeye, when he said “I’ve had all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more”. I will be sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for a successful outcome and a swift return to a more normal and pain-free life. What levels do you need to have done? If you have any questions feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help.

My surgery was made 3 days ago, I am much better today, free after 20 years of pain. Still in the hospitol in the Emirates my Dr is a great man may Allah bless home. I had to do the do the surgery as my c5 stopped my right shoulder of lifting things

8 weeks ago I had ACDF surgery between C2 and C3 involving a Hangman’s fracture of my C2 from birth by forceps delivery. I went to ICU for the next 12 hrs overnight, and returned to surgery for fusion dorsally from skull (occiput) to C3. The anterior portion fixed to the dorsal to make my neck stable for the first time. I live in Australia, so surgery performed by the wonderful Dr Rao, who was so courageous in doing the surgery for the first time. Thankyou for your videos. I couldn’t survive any longer with CCI AAI, and I’m doing much better. The scars are good, and each week feeling better. Was the most intense pain and whole body trauma going through this. But out the other side I look forward to one year down the track.

@BarrysRecovery

6 ай бұрын

Wow! You were in bad shape. I’m so glad you made it through the surgeries and I hope and pray that each day you feel better and better.

I’m having ACDF (C6-C7) surgery soon. Just awaiting date for surgery. Most videos on KZread are so negative! I had just about talked myself out of getting surgery because of all the negativity even though I’m in discomfort 24/7. I’ve been really scared. And then I found you! Finally, some positivity! You have taken my fear away. You talked me through it. I know there’s going to be pain. I know it might take some amount of time in the recovery process. But, now I know I can do it. Thank you so much for sharing all this information on the whole process from beginning to end. I truly appreciate it!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Maureen, I am so glad you found me, and I was able to calm some of your fears. The internet can be a wonderful thing, and it can also feed the anxiety demon. I would venture a guess that most people that have the procedure done are far better off than they were before the procedure. I'd also bet that a lot of the people that are happy never write or post anything about it. Oftentimes, we only hear the horror stories. My goal and purpose of documenting my experience was to try to help others. There is a lot of fear and anxiety getting any procedure done (how could there not be?) But, if we know exactly what we are getting in to, and we have reasonable expectations, and perhaps we get lucky and find someone that has gone through it before, then we can calm those anxious feelings. My biggest recommendation is to stay positive! You deserve to feel better! The recovery part is a trade-off. You trade the pain you have today for the pain/discomfort of healing. The healing pain goes away :-) If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I am retired so I have a fair amount of time on my hands, and I am happy to help. And, again, thank you for your kind words 😃

@maureenb6095

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for responding back! I just ordered a hydrocollator for my neck and shoulders to have it on hand. I’ve never been able to sleep on my back. I’m a side sleeper. So, I’m thinking I’ll sleep in my Lazy Boy recliner for a while following surgery. And it has heat and massage! My biggest fear is not being able to swallow or breath. At first, I’m going to drink protein drinks with a straw before going on to easy to swallow food. My doctor said I can’t even drink water at first. Have to drink something with a thicker consistency. But, because of you, I’m going to go at this with a positive attitude and have things on hand that I might need during the healing process. Now, to go purchase a big bottle of Tylenol! 😉

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@maureenb6095 👍 not everyone has trouble with the swallowing, but if you plan on it (as you are) it won’t be a surprise and you’ll know how to deal with it. For me, it was little sips, and little bites well chewed…and once those muscles started working again, it was Not bad at all. And, it goes away. Also, Breathing was never a problem.

@maureenb6095

Жыл бұрын

I go in for my surgery on 23 January.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@maureenb6095 good luck👍♥️🙏 keep me posted?

Happy New Year to you and your family from the UK. 6 weeks... A marathon not a sprint!!! 🇬🇧🙂

Thank you for this! I have surgery in the beginning of November. I have so many mixed feelings but you answered a lot for me. You provided a lot of answers. Praying for a safe surgery.

@BarrysRecovery

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words. It’s a scary proposition, but knowing what to expect, or what you might expect, can take a lot of the anxiety out of it. That was my goal. Share my experience with others so that fear and anxiety can be calmed. You deserve to feel better, and I hope that you do.

Thank you so much you don’t know how much you’ve helped me today. I also had a lumbar procedure done on last week. Thanks again for the invaluable information shared.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

AnnaMaria, you are too kind. I’m so glad I was able to give you some comfort. Stay positive, believe that it’s going to get better, and celebrate every small victory on your way to feeling better. Happy New Year, and happy new health. 😀👍

I am glad I found your videos. They are very encouraging and helpful. I go for my surgery in a few weeks.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I am glad you found these videos too :-) which levels are you having done and what is your chief complaint? Pain, numbness, etc.?

Bro, having this surgery done on same levels in late February. Thanks for the video series. Well done.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Good luck to you Jon. I hope it goes smoothly and there are no surprises during recovery. Go easy my friend 👍🤞🙏

Thank you Barry! My wife has a pending ACDF surgery and has been very anxious about the whole process. Your video has helped allay most of her concerns and is now more upbeat about the surgery.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I’m glad that you found the videos helpful. I’m sorry your wife needs to have the procedure done. Please send her my good wishes for a speedy and relatively pain-free recovery. I hope her experience mirrors mine. I was expecting a lot worse than what I actually had to deal with. Also treating the never ending pain, for the discomfort of recovery was a no-brainer! Let her know I’ll be sending positive thoughts, vibes, and prayers her way.

Thank you for sharing, excellent news and continued success to you🙏

Thanks for the info. Getting ready for it mid December 2022 and not looking forward to it. Watching this helps. Again thanks.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Terry, stay positive👍! My life got so much better for me after I had this done. I hope your results are similar.

Thank you for this video of your positive outcome. A lot of what I have been seeing on line was not as positive as yours and I was getting discouraged. I will be going through this in the near future and I really needed to see this!

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

If you’ve found a good surgeon, and you have an idea of what is to be expected, you’ll be in good shape. I think a lot of people that were unhappy didn’t know what to expect. Knowledge is power, and if you stay positive you’ll be in good shape. Do you have a surgery date yet?

Hi Barry, thanks for your ACDF videos; I've watched them all. I'll know in a few days when my ACDF C4 - C6 is scheduled. Your videos answered some of my questions. They also put me at ease in thinking of the reality of life after (It has to be better than this!). Thanks too for your tips and info on scar care, muscle tightness, and swallowing, and the product links too. I'm normally a very active person and I can't wait to be able to DO something again!

@BarrysRecovery

3 ай бұрын

I am so glad my videos have been helpful to you. Knowledge is power! I find that knowing what to expect takes a lot of the stress and anxiety out of what happens during recovery. The ACDF surgery was life-changing for me. Living in constant pain in my neck, having numbness in both hands, dropping things, and all of that resolved after surgery. If I had to do it over again, I would in a heartbeat. I had to have another surgery on a different issue in October of last year, and I actually found a scar treatment that works better for me. I guess my skin changed because the bio oil which had been phenomenal the first time wasn’t really working on my new scar. Instead, I used this product and this has been helping me out immensely. amzn.to/43dtBLE

Wow! Thank you for posting this! ❤

@BarrysRecovery

2 ай бұрын

No problem 😊

Love your videos and helpful tips! I'm almost a month out of C4-C7 ACDF and very happy with the improvements I'm seeing already!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Lisa, that’s so great to hear! Do you have any tips for those recovering?

@lisab9634

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery I am a big believer in meditation, visualization and self hypnosis. It is so important to have a good headspace to optimize healing.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@lisab9634 that is so true, I’m a think positive kind of guy, and when you combine the meditation, self affirmation and think positive, wow! Great advice!

I appreciate you sharing your journey. I finally was brave enough to have ACDF done in March 2022 at Barrows in Phoenix. I am doing extremely well. No significant pain now. Some numbness down my right arm if I overdue upper body lifting. My quality of life is so much better. If you have exhausted all the less invasive treatment options and still have pain and numbness, I recommend this surgery be done by a neurosurgeon.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

That is great news for you. Back to lifting already! Wow!

I just caught your video. I'm glad you're doing great.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Thanks John. I hope you’re doing well also.

@johnnersinger9771

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery I'm getting there.all in all I feel great. Glad I had it done.

Thank you for doing this. I am scheduled on 3/28. You have made me feel better about it.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Hi Monica, good luck to you. Which level(s) and what is your chief complaint? Numb hands, neck pain, etc… sending healing thoughts your way.🙏❤️

@monicagordon6386

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. C4, 5, 6, 7. It started in my right arm on August 21, 2022. It was weak and I could not lift it at all. I was misdiagnosed with a shoulder injury and did pt for 3 months when I started having severe pain in both arms accompanied by muscle spasms, numbness in both hands and crippling pain. I was finally diagnosed with spinal stenosis and 3 herniated discs and tried injections, additional pt, gabapentin and muscle relaxers. I was sent back to my neurosurgeon and he suggested surgery. Your videos have helped ease my mind for sure! I'm glad to see you are enjoying life again. This journey has been a dark place in my life. I am ready to reclaim my life!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@monicagordon6386 I’m so sorry you went through all of that. I’m happy for you, that you’re on the pathway to recovery and reclaiming your life. I appreciate the full use of my hands again, every day.

I had this done back in April this year. I’m so much better myself. I don’t have sciatica anymore or Amy back issues as before the ACDF. Blessed to have gotten this done. Still have issues resting at night get sore. Still but it’s well worth it

@margueritesawicki4007

6 ай бұрын

Hello. I read you have no more sciatica or any back issue since getting ACDF done. Your comment interested me because when my neck issues started my lower back also was an on going issue. The doctors were only focusing on my neck which was more important. I’m wondering since now that I’ve had the ACDF 5c-7c done if I will experience the same outcome. After the surgery my lower back did not hurt for like 5 days so I thought cool this also took that pain away but then the lower back pain started up again. So I’m not sure at this point. I guess time will tell. I’m approaching 4 weeks post op this Tuesday. 😊🙏🏻

Hi Barry, this is such a great video, thank you for taking the time to make it. I’m only 6 weeks into excruciating pain from a ruptured C6/7, so nothing like what you experienced, but apparently due to other factors I have a 50/50 chance of requiring an ACDF. Seeing a neurosurgeon soon to confirm, so it’s great to hear your story to have an idea not only of what to expect, but also what questions I should ask the surgeon if indeed the surgery is recommended. Thank you!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry that happened to you, and it sounds horrible. I’m glad you found me, and I was able to provide some comfort. If you do need to have this done, the good news about 6-7 is that it’s so low it shouldn’t impact your mobility too much at all. Again, so sorry, and if you have any questions that I didn’t cover in the videos, let me know. I’ll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

@AsclepiasCorridor

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Thanks so much for your reply and prayers. I’m happy to report the pain has somewhat lessened and so we’re putting the surgery option on hold for the moment. But I was definitely armed with great questions for the surgeon which has been really helpful in the decision making process. Thanks again, take care!

I am Also ACDF C5-6-7 one year early November. I agree scary but relatively easy surgery and recovery. Excellent video and I love the products. My balance was off for years and I didn’t realize how much I was dealing with until I got checked for sleep Apnea and started using a Cpap machine. Two months later full balance restored!!! Worth checking into.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Linda, That’s awesome news about your recovery. ! I’ve been on a cpap machine for years…..I love it! I’m glad the video was helpful for you, I really like the chirp wheel, chi machine, and the neck massager I use all the time. Which product(s) do you find most helpful?

@LMMLR4

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery I want a Chi machine! I found a hard plastic arch pillow which is padded that you can slip your arm through. I use this for my cervical calming pillow. I also got a pillow that has a depression in the middle and two elevated sides this has helped train me to sleep on my back versus always on my stomach which is tough on the spine.

i love this. thankyou. i know i need to suck it up and just do the surgery but i just had brainsurgery not even a year ago and im still dizzy and nauseous ….now im hit with this no way im me tally ready for this. i hope i can postpone for a year or two until i start feeling better. thankyou for you encouraging words sir this has helped me in so many ways. i prob will watch your video another 100times preop 🙏🏻

@BarrysRecovery

11 ай бұрын

You made my day. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you. You’ve been through enough.

thank you for the positive outlook!! I am 42years old and 5 weeks post op c6 c7 fusion. I ve been feeling pretty good! We will see what the doc and x-rays have to say next week at my 6 week follow up!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Rusty, that’s awesome. Keep feeling better. Have you been walking? That really helped me a lot. Good for my body and for my mind :-)👍

@rustyford3266

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Yes i have been walking and active. Maybe a little too active, i hope not. The first three weeks i took it very easy, and i feel i still am. Not really pushing myself, i feel anyways. I stayed within the lifting requirements, 10lbs for 2 weeks then and know 20lbs. Some days are better than others, but you always need to keep looking forward. Still have some pain in right arm and numbness in right hand, thumb, and index finger. hopfully with time it will get better. Thanks for sharing your story

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@rustyford3266 I’ve got my fingers crossed for you (something I can do much easier now😆)

Good seeing you .

Thank God for you

Thank you for this video. I like what you said, “you deserve to feel better”. I think so too. My experience with this surgery was not the same as yours. I had a C5-C7 ACDF and now, 2 years later I am still in chronic pain and looking at a revision surgery. I am hoping and praying this time around is better. I know many people that have great outcomes, but mine was not.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry to hear that. Have you been able to identify the source of your discomfort? Is it from the actual spine, or is it nerve compression, muscular, etc? I had a lot of discomfort that was caused by nerves being pinched in the foraminal space. My surgeon performed a foraminotomy and that immediately resolved my nerve pain and hand issues. Also, check out the book I recommended. It’s really an eye opener and may give you some strategies to better identify exactly where the pain is coming from and to deal with it.

Me too, couldn't wait for this surgery I was tired of the pain. I just had lower lumbar surgery in Oct 2021. S-1,L-1,L-2,L-3,L-4

@fictionator77

9 ай бұрын

How did your lower back surgery turn out? Are you happy with your results?

@veronicabartolinicodebreak714

9 ай бұрын

Yes, Ty. Just having problems with periformus muscle.

Barry, thank you so much for your videos. I had the same procedure done to 4 vertebrae on Nov 4th. C3 through C6. Like you, I am a half full glass kind of guy. However, I have been bit frustrated with my slow progress and not knowing what is ahead. Coming from someone that has been there, your video has greatly helped me understand what went on in my neck during surgery, what is going on now, and yet to come. I now understand that I am "doing ok". Given that I had 4 discs fussed, my doctor wants me in a hard collar for 6 weeks. Sleeping with that thing on is a challenge, but as you say, "suck it up!" The time will pass before I know it. I had many of the same symptoms as you did prior to surgery. The surgery has eliminated them. Thanks again and God Bless you.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Hey John, thank you, so much, for taking the time to write. You’re almost at the two week mark already :-) I am sure you’ve started the countdown for hard collar removal👍. Please keep me posted as to how you’re doing. I’m always curious to see how others are making out. What has given you the greatest relief so far? Has it been muscle relaxers, pain, medication, heat, ice? I’m always curious. For me the first few weeks were the muscle relaxers and heat from the hydrocollator.

@JohnG-vn2gd

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Barry when I was sent home from the surgery, I was given oxycodone - acetaminophen for pain. I took them for a week. In addition to the ever-present dependency risk, the oxycodone has adverse effects on the body's plumbing system, so I stopped them. My present pain is muscular. I am using extra strength Tylenol and heat. My wife also messages my shoulders and back, and applies a topical ointment called Pentorex. I am also on a short course of a Medrol dose pack for the swelling in my throat The hard plastic collar is giving the most problems. Tomorrow I go for my first post-op check up. I want to try the muscle relaxers, especially at bedtime. I am also going to seek a soft collar strictly for sleeping.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@JohnG-vn2gd yeah, the narcotics….I hate em…always make me feel grey and pukey and they gave me a stool softener and laxative to take with them…I didn’t use them much, because the muscle relaxers worked better. Good luck at your visit.hoping they’ll let you spend time in the soft collar🤞

Stay blessed. Good to know you are doing well.Been following your videos. I have unfortunately discovered couple of months back that i have cervical stenosis.Its a confusing world trying to find your way through this as so much seems relative to personal condition even the surgeons seems to have different approaches in dealing with this. Lets see. It's a journey.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I have stenosis too, along with arthritis, and a bunch of other issues too. The trick is to find out which is causing the biggest issue. For me, the burning pain, and bilateral hand issues were of the highest importance for me. The arthritis and stenosis in ‘my’ neck is a breeze compared to where I was.

Hi, I'm at four days post-surgery. Still in pain but I have meds to help. Thank you for piating this informative video!

@BarrysRecovery

11 ай бұрын

Congratulations on having the procedure done. You are now on the road to recovery. Welcome to the ACDF club 👍

Thank you for this channel. Been down in the Shitter for 8wks now. Big physical fitness enthusiasts. Being injured has taken my gym time(therapy) away from me…..I’m ready to get my life back man!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words. It can be quite overwhelming. I understand yours are herniated, see if they have options for you. The fusion down low didn’t terribly impact my neck rotational movement, but I certainly can’t look up as high as I could before. Also, if they do surgery like the ACDF it’ll be a while before your lifting again, but walking and some cardio (bike, etc…) may not be far off. Fingers crossed for you (and, I can actually cross my fingers 🤞since I’ve had the surgery👍)

@bulletproof6895

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery I have been through 6wks of therapy. Just had my MRI taken a few days. My disc btw c5 n c6 is badly herniated. At this point two options are likely avail. The injections or ACDF. The original inj was 12 yrs from weight lifting. I’ve injured it numerous times over said period. Never had any numbness or burning until this last time. Fingers are numb(I do have function in my fingers) and my whole arm burns. I know weight lifting is a good ways off. I just want some of my range of motion back and the pain mitigated. Dr Appt this coming Wedn.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@bulletproof6895 good luck to you. Keep me posted.

Hi Barry. Glad you are doing well. I am terrified to have this done. I have not been suffering the same symtoms as you described. After falling through my attic floor I hurt my rotator cuff. After a year of meds, PT xrays, nerve tests, MRI, i was diagnosed with myeloma because I had some balance issues, and the shoulder hurt more and then the fingers started tingling. So now a spine surgeon gives me the cervival stenosis diagnosis and tells me I need ACDF or I could end up paralyzed eventually. He told me to schedule the operation the next week. I couldn't get outta there fast enough. So I come to KZread. You are the first of about a dozen people who has given this surgery a positive review. Right now I am opting for traction, PT, excercise, dietary supplements and eliminating red meat and wine. I also wear a soft collar at night for sleeping. I have that shoulder massager with the arm holes too. I feel loads better. Thank you so much for such an uplifting report. Continued healing!

@BarrysRecovery

8 ай бұрын

Definitely Get a second opinion on the cervical fusion. Keep me posted

Thank you. I'll review the products as I'm due for my C8 disc replaced so I'm hopeful that I get my mobility comes back. Your comment about being grumpy describes exactly how I am at the moment.

@BarrysRecovery

10 ай бұрын

C8?

@fetchitnowuk

10 ай бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery yes. It's the disc that sits between C7 and T1. Well that is what I'm being told anyway.

@BarrysRecovery

10 ай бұрын

@@fetchitnowuk ah, way down low at the bottom. I don’t think it’ll impact mobility much at all. Yeah, I remember being grumpy, edgy, short tempered….from pain.

Great to hear you doing well! Gives me hope.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Amira, what level(s) do you need?

@amiraama8275

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery I need c3 4 c5 6

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@amiraama8275 Best of luck to you, I’ll be sending thoughts your way for a great recovery. When are you having it done, and what are your primary issues? Mine was severe neck pain and hand numbness.

@amiraama8275

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Hi. I have really bad neck and shoulder pain. It's not affecting my arms thank goodness. Not sure yet if I want surgery afraid it will make it worse.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@amiraama8275 just out of curiosity, can you describe the pain and discomfort? Is it tingling, burning, dull ache, etc.

The key comment that helps me is that "you need to feel better"

@BarrysRecovery

4 ай бұрын

You deserve to feel better. ❤️‍🩹

Thank you, looking forward more positive.

Glad I stumbled across you videos. It's no lie about anxiety and pain. It took me awhile to really grasp those two things and how bad my anxiety got from the pain. For me, I wasn't really sure which was worse out of the two, probably a tie.LOL It sure is hard to find positive videos on neck surgery. 6 years ago I had artificial disc replacement at levels c5-c6 and c6-c7. Did great until almost 2 years ago. Started having really bad neck and trap pain. Thought it was from that neck surgery or from golfing. Went and saw the neurosurgeon who did my surgery. They took xrays and said that everything related to those discs looked great. Had me do PT for about 6 weeks but that didn't help at all. Pain has been affecting my daily living to the point of I quit playing guitar, quit lifting weights, quit doing woodwork (my left arm would overreact when I'd slip using a screwdriver or doing detailed work), finally quit golfing. Still nothing has helped. He had me get a CT and MRI. I have a bulging disc at c3-c4 and a herniated disc at c4-c5 which is pushing on my spinal cord causing some balance issues and pushing on the nerve root. He ordered a selective nerve root block for C4 nerve just to confirm my symptoms matched the imaging. That did cut down my pain from a 7 to a 4. I still have neck pain and am noticing my left shoulder is getting weaker. I can't lift my arm more than horizontal from the front or side. I will be seeing him next week to discuss surgery options as well as review how the nerve block worked. Not sure what he has in mind, although it was mentioned about having ACDF surgery. Not sure how many levels and if that will also include fusing my disc replacement levels. If I hadn't had the previous surgery I would be scared about having another one. I just know that everything I've tried hasn't worked. The whole waiting to see what the plan is has been driving me nuts for the last month. I'm only 53 and not ready to give up all the hobbies I love as well as just daily things that I can't do right now. Speaking of the swallowing issues, I had that for a week after my first surgery and then it went away. Over the last year or so I noticed I would start having trouble again. I'm pretty sure that is because of all the inflammation that is going on from the neck issues I'm having currently. A week after my c4 nerve block my swallowing was back to normal and over the last few weeks the inflammation has returned and so has the difficulty with swallowing certain foods.

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

Brian, I am so sorry you are going through all of this. Back/Neck/Nerve pain are horrific. I remember all too well how the anxiety and pain fed off each other. I am hoping that they find something that explains your onset of new symptoms and that it is an easy fix. I had my share of nerve blocks, ablations, etc. It's horrible having to give up (hopefully temporarily) the things you love - guitar, golf, etc... And I am really hoping that you can get back to them soon. If you get imaging done, I've got a video on the other side of the channel (venous outflow obstruction) that can help you render 3D imaging if you have a mac. Lastly (for now) I really found this book to be quite helpful - The Way Out amzn.to/3BJ5dVV It is written in a way that is easy to understand, and you can substitute Anxiety for Chronic Pain (and vice versa) and I found it really helped me quiet down the anxiety and also helped quiet down and better understand the pain I was having. Please keep me posted.

@brianh395

7 ай бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Saw my neurosurgeon yesterday. Plan is to do ADR on level c4-5, they will call today with surgery schedule. He doesn't want to do ACDF unless he has to, says I'm still to young and would hold off on going that route unless something looks different once he gets in there. He said since I've had ADR on the 2 levels below insurance might fight against it since that would be 3 levels with ADR. He got to see how weak my shoulder is and how much atrophy I have with the 4 rotator cuff muscles. He did all the tests to make sure it wasn't actually my rotator cuff. Just from him moving my arm up and doing strength test, you'd think yesterday was full on shoulder workout at the gym...I'm that sore, and he didn't do that much...LOL

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

@@brianh395 my fingers are crossed for you

@brianh395

7 ай бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Thank You!! Now I'm freaking out since they want my vocal cords looked at to make sure there isn't anything wrong from the prior ADR. I don't want a tube up my nose to look in my throat. LOL

@brianh395

5 ай бұрын

Well the aggrevation continues as my left shoulder gets weaker. Insurance denied the Disc Replacement so my doc had a peer-to-peer with my insurances medical director and they denied it again. My neurosurgeon is supposed to call me today or tomorrow to discuss other surgical options. His nurse said foraminotomy was mentioned but from what I understand that doesn't help with the neck pain or the fact that the disc is pushing on my spinal cord some. I don't know what he's gonna want to do. My question is should I push for an ACDF over the foraminotomy? Neck pain is about 50% of my pain currently. Not asking for medical advice, just asking for an opinion. Again he said he would rather not fuse my neck because of age but lot's of people 53 years old or younger still get ACDF's done.

Hello Barry I have watched and rewatched your videos. I have to get acdf of c7 sugery is scheduled for oct 24th at cleveland clinic. I got hurt in mid may had one of the grandkids on my shoulders and I knew something happened. Went to chiropractor tried to tell myself this is working just have to be patient. Till one day I woke up in so much pain running down my arm I ended up in er. After that was sent to an orthopedic doctor and physical therapy. Finally got a mri to see my c6-c7 disc basically exploded with material pressing on my spinal cord and bone spurs causing stinosis. I keep asking myself if there is another way but the loss of feeling in my fingers and nerve pain down the arm keeping me up at night I see no alternate. While I know everybodies results will be different I want to thank you for putting these videos out. I hope you are still doing well

@BarrysRecovery

10 ай бұрын

Dan, I’m so sorry that happened to you. I know a bit of what you are referring to about nerve pain, it’s horrible. Has anyone prescribed gabapentin for you? That’s the only thing I’ve ever taken that helped some with the horrific nerve pain. The good news is post surgery I’ve NEVER had that burning nerve pain come back. So, I’ve got high hopes for you, that once you’ve had it done, the nerve pain will be gone. I’m 60 years old now and a few things that I used to do, I just try not to anymore….meaning: doing projects with arms above my head, carrying heavy things on my shoulders, etc. The days of picking up one of those cute little nuggets and popping them on your shoulders, may be a thing of the past. Now, getting on the floor and rolling around with them, that’s still on the table 😄❤️. I wish you all the best for a great outcome and speedy recovery. One of the nice things about having a lower level done is that you really don’t lose too much mobility at all. I highly recommend getting a hydrocollator. That thing really helped me out with moist heat keeping everything loose. That was the big thing in the beginning that all the muscles and tendons were really tight.

Wow thank you so much for sharing your journey. I’ve only seen this video but now I will go back and watch the others. I have a high pain tolerance but this has really knocked me down. I need 2 discs done, c4-5 and c5-6. I’m a person of strong faith and usually a positive attitude but this has me so depressed and incredibly afraid. Today you have taken away some of that fear and for that I am truly grateful. I go for my surgery consult on 3/18/24 and watching your video has eased my anxiety somewhat. I appreciate your honesty and positive outlook. So thank you again. I’m so glad you’re doing well.

@fewtee

3 ай бұрын

Robin, I am so glad I was able to help you calm some of your fears. I have no regrets and am doing very well from the ACDF surgery. I’m still so appreciative to have the horrible pain and numb hands in my past. Sometimes I just find myself making my pinky and thumb touch each other because for many years, I couldn’t do that due to the nerve being compressed. I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery. Please feel free to reach out anytime and keep me posted.

@raine123ish

13 күн бұрын

@@fewtee thank you so much. I just had my surgery 3 days ago (6/14/24) I never had any numbness, just terrible pain in the back of my neck on the right side and my right arm. I’m so happy to say that when I woke up, the arm pain was totally gone. But the back of my neck hurts more than before. My throat and the incision site are sore but bearable. But the back of my neck is really hurting even with strong pain medicine. It’s sending pain up my head and down to my shoulder. Did you experience this? I was expecting the post surgical pain that people talk about in between the shoulder blades but this is different. I’m going to ask my surgeon about it but wanted to get feedback from you and others to see if this is normal. Thank you again. I hope you’re still doing well

@BarrysRecovery

12 күн бұрын

@@raine123ish I’m sorry you’re feeling pain. Are you out walking yet? What I found (for me) was the most significant part of the recovery was stretching out those muscles again. So pain medication didn’t help us, but muscle relaxers did. Also warm moist heat and walking and getting those arms moving really made a difference. Perhaps that can help you as well. I have a video all about the importance of walking.

@raine123ish

12 күн бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Thank you. I will watch your other videos. I live in Louisiana so the temp has been in the 90’s with terrible humidity so I can’t walk outside without feeling faint. But I have been trying to walk around in my house but probably not enough. I will do better today. Thank you so much for answering me. I will watch your videos today. Thank you 😊

@BarrysRecovery

12 күн бұрын

@@raine123ish kzread.info/dash/bejne/emt8s7GqXc25fs4.htmlsi=ID_IkVJ797Q8EC2V

🙂 Greetings from the UK!!!! 54 Yr old x lecturer. Many thanks for your informative testimony...sound advice indeed. It so helped me too! I was petrified, truly. But I finally got my discectony c5/c6 with fusion last Friday and was home the next day with my family. Feels like I may never swallow solids again but hey early days.🙂 You hit exactly on the walking /legs issues. I could walk better at once. Decompression is such a relief. So grateful to the amazing team at Royal Orthopedic Hospital Birmingham UK for my outstanding care and for your calm positive blogs. Winning team! Thank you so much coach! Life changing!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I am humbled by your kind words. The swallowing will come back😀 I remember it well…it almost like those muscles need to be retrained……small sips and small bits. I am so happy you are doing well, and it sounds like your team was excellent, and your attitude is fantastic! Onward to better health.

@miacenzatti3938

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery yes thank you. Feeling better in the throat since I messaged, you are right again! I've got this now😂"maybe"!!!! Compassion is the finest thing on earth. And lucky to have your insights because British surgeons no longer have time for face to face. And with nurses on 14 plus hours real connections are a fading luxury. I believe I was very lucky to get the surgery at all here. Luckier still to have good care in the UK right now. So my 36 hour stay was remarkable if short! . And you just can't feel the hardwear, that vile neck/cranial pain gone. I am sure I have the same sideways mobility too. And I climb the stairs like better than before!!!! Balance restored. My new journey begins... Small steps. Less stairs! 😁. Thank you again for reinforcing my courage at that moment in history when it was most needed!!! What an amazing world that what happens in one person in one place matters to another in another state or even across the pond?! I wonder how many souls you have helped Barry.? Fantastic! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@miacenzatti3938 you are far too kind. Thank you.

@antonywall7888

Жыл бұрын

Hi I’m awaiting the same procedure at the same hospital as yourself, do you remember who did your op

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@antonywall7888 at HSS Dr. Harvinder Sandhu

Very inspiring Barry! I am 3 weeks now post op today and feel good. Every day gets better and better!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

That is fantastic! Have you started walking yet?

@darthsimon4393

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery I haven’t started walking outside any great distances. But I do walk around house and have been back to work on super light duty a few times. Not lifting anything. You think I should start doing like long distance walking??

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@darthsimon4393 Ask the Dr when you should/could start walking and for how long. I started with a mile around my complex and I took my time. It felt great to be outside moving, and the Dr. encouraged me for blood flow to the spine, etc.

Thank you so much for this very positive and informative video. I just the ACDF surgery February 17th on my C3-4 disc. I felt really well a week into it with no pain until I tried cooking me a hamburger. As I patted it out, I started feeling pain in my chest and arm areas like before surgery. I hope I haven't messed up anything. I go back to my doctor this Thursday. I know you have some post-op pain afterward also. But that was the only thing I did. I'm not doing anything else until I recover, lol.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

It’s probably just due to the post op stress and strain on your body. If they put a cage in (bracket and screws) then it’s really hard to damage the work they did. Could just be some residual swelling/soft tissue healing. Hopefully so. Good luck, and go easy for a while.

that is encouraging. I've had cervical radiculopathy twice in the past year for months at a time with this last time being worse as far as pain went. although the pain has mostly gone away, I have very little strength and dexterity in my left hand, and the side of that hand and my pinky finger are always numb. I'm afraid of not getting use of my hand back, but I'm also nervous about any adverse affects of the surgery. glad it worked out well for you.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Have you spoken with a surgeon about just doing a foraminotomy (if the foraminal space is where the nerve impingement is) I had ACDF done along with the foraminotomy, and as soon as I woke up from surgery, I had full use of both hands again. It was like magic. No more tingling, pins and needles.

@Synchrimedia

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery i can't see the surgeon for another month. made the appointment in october and that's the soonest he can see me. i'll ask about the foraminotomy. Thanks.

great video. thanks, it helps a lot.

@BarrysRecovery

9 ай бұрын

I am happy to help👍😇

Hey... thanks for the video! I think I was SO focused on the severe nerve pain... and on the surgery... that I never read anything or watched anything on post-op. The first day was amazing... I felt surgical pain but the pain down my arm was gone. BUT, I somehow got vertigo during that first recovery day and that has made life hard... as I can't lay down on my side without getting dizzy and I can't sleep on my back. Plus, the pain behind my scapula is awful. So, I'm feeling really discouraged. I have hardly slept.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

That totally sucks….I know a bit about vertigo…having suffered from some form of dizziness for 5 years now. Most nights I fall asleep in my reclining chair, or if I am away, I prop up a bunch of pillows so it’s like I’m reclining. That works well for me. Vertigo/dizziness can have a number of different causes…including dehydration. So, I make sure I keep myself well hydrated. Also, when I am tight between the shoulder blades and the neck….it’s more apt to happen to me. How long ago did you have it done, and what level(s)?

This video is great ty

I really thank you for your series of videos. I am about to have my second corticosterioid injection (the first did'nt help much) and if this doen't work I'm off to the surgeon for ACDF surgery. My damage is mostly at C6 so I was curious about how much mobility I will lose once the plate is installed. You really clarify this in your one year video. Thanks, go hit the courts!!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Hi Ron, yeah, the Cortisone injections didn’t really do much for my neck either. The nerve blocks and nerve ablation helped but only in that I could no longer feel the pain, the issues were still there. The surgery finally did the trick for me. Again I had issues in both hands and a horrific burning pain in my neck.

Great video

@BarrysRecovery

6 ай бұрын

Thanks!

I'm having this surgery in two weeks. Watched your videos, and I feel better about the road ahead. Thank you for making these videos friend.

@BarrysRecovery

10 ай бұрын

Hey Gary, I am sorry to hear that you need this surgery, but I’m glad you found me. Years later, I am still so glad I had this done. Getting back my hands and getting rid of the horrific burning pains in my neck was a Godsend. I have no regrets and I will be praying for you and sending good healing thoughts and vibes your way. Wishing you a speedy and minimal discomfort recovery👍. The first few days stay ahead of the pain with meds (don’t try to be a hero) I found they worked great and was able to reduce and eliminate the pain killer (tramadol) pretty quickly (I don’t do well with narcotics as they make me feel incredibly nauseous, so I was in a hurry to get off of them) the muscle relaxers helped me the most in the days and weeks after stopping the pain killer. And, it wasn’t so much pain, but just general tightness because they stretched everything out. Knowledge is power and I hope that my channel is helping you get as much knowledge as possible so you get a good idea of what to expect. You got this! Keep me posted, and welcome to the ACDF club😀

@TheCampbelltree

10 ай бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Thank you for the reply! I severely injured my neck and back from my days in the 101st Airborne. Been putting this off for many years, and now it's time to do something about it. My left arm, shoulder are in constant pain. Your videos helped me understand this situation better. I feel more confident going forward. Thanks again. Grateful for the education.

@BarrysRecovery

10 ай бұрын

@@TheCampbelltree Gary, thank you for your service. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I too had horrible pain running down my right arm (of course I am a righty) burning, tingling, numbness, it all depended on the day. Find out from your surgeon if they are also going to do a foraminotomy (that is where they open up the space - foramina- where the nerves come out. That part made my hands work again. I can't wait to hear back from you after this is done. I am hoping and praying a lot of that pain goes away immediately. Please keep me posted.

@TheCampbelltree

10 ай бұрын

Thank you, I sure will ask them about foraminotomy. Will also reach back to you after my surgery. I'm 48 years old, in pretty good shape. Hoping to follow the recovery procedure and heal as fast as possible. It was an honor serving our country. Wouldn't trade it for anything. Thank you and God Bless. Talk to you on the other side. 🤜🤛

@aceluke7783

9 ай бұрын

I had mine in August 2023. It was easy, and at 6 weeks things are much better. Swallowing was the worst part for 4-5 weeks, but manageable.

Bryan, I might be needing this surgery. I have neck pain that comes n goes just dancing around my neck n back ... I don't Have much of arm pain ...yet. . I'm very positive, optimistic guy .. But when u said "u deserve to better" ... I legit broke down ...I try to be so positive n ignore the pain.. but.. ur right I do deserve to be better!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Hey, so glad I could help. I tried a lot of stuff before surgery including steroid injections, nerve blocks, and nerve ablations, when the time came for surgery I was totally ready and looking forward to it. I wish you all the best of luck I. Your journey *Barry*

@professortwenty8

Жыл бұрын

@Barrootz (ACDF surgery and recovery) I have to go thru the Hoops of fire ... like u did... but ur video kinda made me tear up.. in a good way! I'm a makeup artist sooooooo my career is on hold for the moment

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@professortwenty8 hang in there, and keep me posted. I’m usually pretty good replying if you have questions, etc. *barry*

You understand,you get it.

Hello. So glad you did so well. Out of the many consoles I've had orthopedic surgeons as well as neurosurgeons, the last two guys have recommended ACDF over ADR. This is confused the hell out of me. I was curious as to why you chose a ACDF.

@BarrysRecovery

10 ай бұрын

I didn’t have a choice. Dr. Harvinder Sandhu is one of the best at performing this procedure. C5-6-7 we’re a mess for me. Tons of osteophytes, disc damage, and severe bilateral foramina narrowing. I woke up after the procedure feeling better than I had in 20+ years. There is not a whole lot of rotation or extension/flexion that happens that C-567 So, as for loss of mobility, it is very minimal. No regrets for me. Good luck to you.

I need 3 level fusion C4-C7 , scary as hell. Not sure what to do and your videos are super helpful , thank you.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad I was able to help. Here’s a link to one of my ACDF friends that had a 4 level done. youtube.com/@LearnAtMyExpense

Thank You for posting that video. How are you doing now? Im where you were I guess a couple of years ago. I’m tired of living with constant neck pain and tingling and pain in my left hand and arm. Like everyone else I’ve been putting it off. Have to say though, I’m a little nervous about the whole thing.

@BarrysRecovery

5 ай бұрын

I have no regrets about doing g the ACDF. Only, I wish I’d done it sooner! As a matter of fact, I was just talking to my wife last night about how much better my life is no longer being in constant pain from the ACDF issues.

Hi. I am scheduled for ACDF of C4-5 and C5-6 on November 29. Excited and nervous at the same time. But am looking forward to not so much pain after doing what I love to do. Thank you for your advice!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Good luck to you. I’ll be sending good vibes and prayers your way for a successful surgery, and speedy recovery👍🙏😇

@jessdeb629

Жыл бұрын

I had the surgery 10 years ago and never have regretted it. All of my nerve pain was gone when I woke up after surgery. It took about a full year to reach full healing , but you will feel significantly better at 3 months and again around 6 months. I still have to be careful because if I overdo things, lifting, carrying too much weight, then I will feel it for a few days. You do have to be more careful forever after the surgery, but nothing even compares to the nerve pain before surgery.

@rositagonzalez6051

Жыл бұрын

@@jessdeb629 my pain has been a pain in my you know what for the past 4 days at the base of my right side. Can't turn my head very much without that toothache burning pain like all day. I take nothing for pain. Am so looking forward to the surgery, the postop pain might be less than what I am experiencing. Thanks so much for sharing your experience! 🙏🏽

@jillivey3370

Жыл бұрын

Wishing you the best! I am having mine done on 12/8

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@jillivey3370 keep me posted. I’ll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

I viewed most of your videos even started my channel...we all want to give back when others share with us ...I'm 7 day Post Op I walked a combination of 6.25 miles yday NO WAY could I have done that before ACDF even my lumbar pain has gone ... Not 100 % but I'm getting there

@BarrysRecovery

3 ай бұрын

That is AMAZING! 6+ miles! You’re literally on the Road to recovery! Thanks for sharing and thanks for giving back.👍👍👍

Thank you for this video. I have been told by two neurosurgeons that I really need to have this procedure done, fusing C4 - 7. I'm really anxious about it. I'm curious what vertebrae you had fused.

Hi Barry, firstly thank you for your calm, positive, and really encouraging reveiw of what seemed to be quite a scary process to go through. I am one week post surgery following ACDF c5/6 , 6/7 surgery. How glad I am that i found your fantastic selection of videos of your own personal recovery, delivered in a really positive way! If comforting is the correct word to use, it's good to understand that my daily progress is very similar to your own experiences, and I'm comforted to know that I am also on the road to a positively successful outcome. I have been waiting four years for this surgery, and I am so glad armed with your information that in a few weeks, I'll also be back to doing the things I enjoy. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your detailed journey, and I wish you well for the future. Regards Bryan

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Bryan, thank you very much for taking the time to write such a wonderful comment. Keep that positive attitude, celebrate the small steps to recovery and build on them. I am so glad it has been working out for you, and I’m humbled to be a part of your recovery. Keep me posted on your progress. Happy Healing😃

@Rollwithit699

Жыл бұрын

​@@BarrysRecovery What levels did you have repaired? I'm told I need C5-6 and C6-7 and am otherwise a healthy 69 year old woman with strong bones. I was hoping my surgeon would do an artificial disc replacement but he wants to do fusion. I have trust issues, pretty nervous about this. I'm worried about swallowing problems that may not improve, which many have experienced. What are your thoughts on disc replacement? Thank you much.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@Rollwithit699 that’s exactly the levels I had done. I’ve recovered 100% and then some. I can do more now than I’d been able to do for years. I suffered for many years with neck pain and hand issues. It’s a blessing not to have that any more. Immediately after surgery all the burning pain and hand issues I had were gone! The swallowing stuff only popped up for a short while with me, and it was more of a temporary annoyance than anything else. It subsided and went away. That’s something to discus with your Dr. As they may have tips and tricks. Good luck👍♥️

@Rollwithit699

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Thank you so much for your kind reply. So I guess I'm doing this! Would be so great to actually sleep, and wake without deep burning in my shoulders and down my left arm/hand. It's hard to trust a surgeon near my neck. Then will have lumbar fusion after the neck heals. 🙏 * May I ask, was your surgeon a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic spine surgeon?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@Rollwithit699 www.hss.edu/physicians_sandhu-harvinder.asp he is amazing!

Hello sir thanks for update n all the vedioes are giving motivation to others . U guys are really amazing . I understand how painful life with cervical disc problem n then also you were making vedioes. N when people in their 40’s get this problem they get motivation . I really don’t know abt my life I got cervical disc potrusion n with medicine right now it’s cure but it will come again that dr told and from that day to till today I living in fear crying I have lost contacts with friends my all active life is stopped I don’t know whr life is go n each even every day are like one year . I forget to smile

@BarrysRecovery

8 ай бұрын

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It is horrible having the constant pain of cervical spine issues. I hope you can find a Dr. that can help you. In the meantime check out this book, I highly recommend it. amzn.to/3BJ5dVV you may find it useful for dealing with the day to day pain. I did.

Oh my gosh…..your videos have been SO incredibly helpful you have no idea!!!! I am having the exact same procedure on 12/8!!!! I would love for you to message me via email??? I am 54, and have watched multiple videos but THANK YOU for this!!!!!! I have my pre op next week, and have been extremely anxious however looking forward to being able to live life again. Can’t even pick up laundry detergent or even shoot a basketball with my son anymore…..and I have always been an active mom & wife so this has been a long time coming!!!!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Hi Jill, I’m so happy my experience has been able to help. Are you on FB? If so, send over your link and I’ll message you there. I’m happy to help.

Thank you. I do deserve to feel better. Mine is c3 c4 cervical..one level, waiting for insurance to approve after denying and having me go for more pt, not working.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Hi MaryLou, I hope you get approved and that your outcome great. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I’ll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Thank you so much for your kind heart! I really appreciate your calmness in your sharing! I am having a 2 level surgery in a little over a week and I am a bit scared. I am wondering how long did it take to be able to swallow properly? Did you feel a lot of pain? Thank you ❤Jura

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad I’ve been able to provide some comfort. Actually not much pain at all. I gladly traded the burning nerve pain, for the discomfort of Healing. Not everyone has the swallowing issue, and I think the reason why people get it, is that when they cut through the muscles and what not, they overlap them when they saw them back together again so you have a little lump there for a while. When the swallowing issue arose for me, it really was only a few weeks until it minimized, then went away totally.

@imveryhungry112

Жыл бұрын

​@BarrootzACDFsurgeryandrecovery one question I had was, given your symptoms, you absolutely knew it was time for surgery right? Sometimes there's questions about when it's time. I've been told that people know it's time because the daily pain just becomes unbearable, and they actually WANT the surgery. Is this true?

Hi Barry. Well, it's been 4 weeks since my C3 through C6 fusion, so here's my update. I did get permission from my doctor to use a soft collar for sleeping. That change has allowed me to get a good night's sleep. I'm not really taking any pain medication at all. Only occasional Tylenol for aches in my shoulders. The walking and stretching has helped. In fact, I feel like I could resume my regular activities, but I understand that I have to wait for approval from the doc....and my wife! My biggest problem is still not being able to swallow as I used to. Progress there is very slow. I can eat some food that is cut into tiny pieces or pureed. How long did it take you until your swallowing was restored back to normal? I'm dying for a slice of pepperoni pizza and a cold beer! Thanks again for all of your guidance. It really has been helpful being able to talk to someone that has "been there, done that".

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

So glad you are doing well. The swallowing should come back. It wasn’t fun…. and one of the keys is to not panic. Like you, I found that if I cut the food into tiny pieces, it helped get those muscles working in unison again. I also would “warm up“ with sips of water. It lasted in some form for a number of weeks and then one day I noticed it wasn’t there anymore. It was a slow and gradual progression. Hang in there…,pizza and beer are near! 🍕🍻

@joeburton2693

11 ай бұрын

Hey John I need the same levels done.. thanks for you comments.. I’m nervous and anxious at the same time. What state are you in? What doc did your surgery?

Thank you for the video..... God bless Just one thing to ask how much is d scar visible where the cut was done

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

At around 9:40 in this video you can see the scar. They make the incision on one of the natural neck lines.

hey! I'm one year too C6/C7, still get cortisone shots & take Gabapentin, but am def better off than before🙂

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I see you’re doing well, and performing. I’ve been following your videos👍 I am so glad your doing well, hopefully one day the shots and drugs will no longer be needed.🤞

Thank you very much for your videos, it is giving me hope and courage. I am 30 years old and was told I needed an operation because I suffer from Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) the compression is taking please between C5,C6,and C7. I have all the systems and also lost strength in my arms, which caused the loss of muscle on my chest and triceps. I had decided to go against the surgery because I was afraid but now the pain has become unbearable. My question to you is, did you regain back your strength and how long did it take for you to recover and get back to work and sports ?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I had the surgery a year ago in September and immediately regained full use of my hands. By December I was doing PT and feeling very good. A few months after that I was cleared to hit tennis balls. These are all great questions to ask your surgeon. Your levels are same as me…5/6/7.

@imveryhungry112

Жыл бұрын

Hey I'm curious, did you have an accident or something? 30 seems very young for this. I have it but I'm 41. I got it from years of military service ughhhh

You are going to trade the pain you are in now for the pain of healing and recovery which is a pain that goes away are words you spoke that helped me after the surgery. Thank you so much😊

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

Marguerite you are so kind. I am so glad I was able to give you some comfort and hope. When was your surgery?

@margueritesawicki4007

7 ай бұрын

November 15. 2 weeks ago. I have lower neck pain/soreness and muscle ache that goes to my shoulders mostly right one and down my right arm lingering from the surgery. It’s better today but from my research this is very common. Called doctor office and she said it sounds muscular related. I have my first follow up December 5th. Walking every day couple times each day. I’m going to get that messager you have. Thank you again for your videos. Very uplifting and encouraging. I’m staying positive on my outcome.

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

@@margueritesawicki4007 you may want to get the hydrocolator also, that warm moist heat is wonderful.

@margueritesawicki4007

7 ай бұрын

Hey Barry. I did order that. Waiting on that in the mail. I am struggling sleeping with this hard neck brace. I have 3 more weeks with that😩. I’m going to ask if I can at least sleep in the soft collar at my follow up this Tuesday. I have been listening to your videos a few times to help encourage me. Thank you again. 😊

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

@@margueritesawicki4007 i’m so glad I could help you. I was so lucky and then I only had the soft collar. I can’t imagine what it’s like to try to sleep in a hard collar. I would think that you need a bunch of soft down pillows that you can prop up where you need and flatten out were you don’t need the support. In my mind it is easier to build on the positives, even if they are small ones then to try to overcome the negatives so I put myself in a mindset where I was going to focus on the positives and celebrate each small step toward recovery. It sounds like you were doing the same thing. Keep me posted on your progress👍❤️

Question for you Barry - when you first started back with physical activity aside from walking, e.g. tennis etc., did you find the back of your neck muscles to get very tight later in the day? I was ordered to wear a hard collar for the first 7 weeks post-surgery whenever I was not sitting or sleeping, and so I think my neck muscles are just weak. But I expected it would take only a week or two max to get them back to full strength. Been three weeks and still have tightness increasing as day goes on. My doctor has prescribed a PT prescription at my request so I should be able to start PT this week.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

YES! and they still will today (a year later) especially when the weather gets colder. That is one of the reasons I use the chirp wheel, neck massager and a hydrocollator I will add that into the list :-) I always carried my tension in my neck/upper back, and I was in a car wreck a number of years ago - where I saw the truck coming and tensed up everything - hit from behind stopped in traffic by a Ford F350 SuperDuty with trailer.

Thanks for your video. Glad you're doing well. At what point were you able to confirm a successful fusion? Did the MD confirm with an x-ray?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I have edited this comment (thank you furballbear) As soon as the Dr puts the final screws in the ‘cage’ the area is now mechanically stable. In my case he had plenty of bone fragments to work with to ‘prime’ the discs for fusing. The fusing takes time, but as long as the cage is in place solidly, the area shouldn’t move. This is why periodic x-rays are important after the procedure. To ensure equipment stability and monitor the fusing process.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@ecinaz when I spoke to the doctor he said my bone growth was good and the fusion was looking good. He mentioned that they actually use the cut off osteophytes to put in the center of the new disk to help the bone growth go even faster.

@furballbear

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery This isn't true. If the bones don't fuse then the fixation (screws and plate) may eventually come loose. The procedure is called ACDF for a reason. Watch the video titled 'ACDF SURGERY: almost 2yr post ACDF SURGERY C4-C7 Failed fusion Kim wright' to see how things can go horribly wrong if the bones don't fuse.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@furballbear you are correct. I misstated what I was trying to convey. When the cage is installed ‘mechanically’ things aren’t going to move - which in turn, promotes the fusion to happen. In my case he had a lot of bone fragments to work with. Also, Dr. confirmed I had good bone growth/fusion. Thanks for keeping me honest. I will see if I can edit my prior response to make it more clear.

I had cervical disc replacement - different from what you had done. It's supposed to be a quicker recovery, but that hasn't been the case with me. I'm over four months out, but still in therapy. I also didn't have the severe conditions you had going into the procedure, but felt like it was getting worse, and the x-rays/MRIs showed it was getting worse (the narrowing of my vertebrae). I had numbness in my fingers, pain in my arm, and growing tightness/pulling in my neck. I don't have a cage and bolts in my neck, but I'm sure you know about cervical disc replacement. I am still having stiff muscles/achy back bones - I'm hoping it continues to feel better. Is your neck/skin protruding on one side? I used Vitamin E oil on my scar every night. I don't think you can see the scar now, actually. But it's still red and I still have some numbness in the area.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

My scar is virtually flat. The arnica gel helped with bringing the lumpiness of the scar down.

I'm glad to see your progress. I would like to ask you why did you wait for 20 years to have this surgery despite your nerve problems and why are most people afraid of this surgery and delay it many years?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

That’s a great question. For me, surgery was a last resort. I tried physical therapy, nerve blocks, nerve ablations, steroid, and when it was clear that those non invasive methods couldn’t help me anymore, then it was time for surgery.

@imveryhungry112

Жыл бұрын

FYI, my neurosurgeon, a leading surgeon at John's Hopkins told me the goal is always to wait as long as possible to have surgery. Not sure why but he just said that in my appointment.

Thanks you so much for sharing your story. What was your diet like before the surgery?

@BarrysRecovery

3 ай бұрын

Happy to help. No special diet.

@mygeechie

3 ай бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Thanks. I’m scheduled for my ACDF April 17.

@BarrysRecovery

3 ай бұрын

@@mygeechie good luck to you, and speedy recovery!

My surgeon said I didn't need surgery. My MRI from 2 years ago looks the same, infact, he said looks better. WHat a burden off my soulders.

@BarrysRecovery

3 ай бұрын

Wow! That is great news!

Barry - do you remember having headaches or the feeling of head pressure after your surgery? I am about 5 weeks post op and have developed a lot of head pressure. Was curious if you have experienced that. Appreciate your videos and updates!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Jacob, sorry you’re getting headaches. I didn’t have any symptoms like that. Do you think it’s from surgery or do you think it might be seasonal? Allergy, dehydration, etc? I’m in the Northeast and lots of folks here have allergy stuff going on (that’s why I ask). Lastly, I’d make your the surgeon knows. I hope it goes away quickly and you continue to recover quickly👍

@charlesboyer8811

6 ай бұрын

Hi Jacob What levels did you have fused I have to go in for C3-C5

Thank you for the videos I haven't had the surgery yet but you answered all of my questions how long before you went back to work

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

I’m retired. But if you have a desk job you’d be able to go back as soon as you were off the narcotics and your head was clear. I’d say 10-14 days.

@aarondixon3433

7 ай бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery thanks for your response I have a question did you have any cheast pain and weakness in arms and muscle loss due to the condition I had to go to er my body felt like I was on fire in side and breathing problems I am so thankful for all of your help it's been 22years of pain that's has gotten worse in the last 3 years

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

@@aarondixon3433 I had weakness in both arms, loss of some use of both hands…dropped things frequently, severe burning nerve pain in neck and radiating down right arm. It was horrible.

@aarondixon3433

7 ай бұрын

It feels good to chat with someone who has been though what I am going through if it's OK with you I will chat with you from time to time I found a friend in you because I don't have any one to really talk to about this thanks again for your help I'm going to get the link for your coffee

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

@@aarondixon3433 Aaron, I’m happy to help. It can be very nerve wracking and scary going through this. But, there are a lot of us that have had it done are in a much better state after surgery.

Thanks for this video sir. Do you have any limitations at this point? Can you lift weights now?

@BarrysRecovery

4 ай бұрын

I have no restrictions at all.

Thanks for the tips! I'm going to have this surgery in next few weeks. My cervical spinal cord is compressed, I have a little stiffness in my neck and clonus walking issue with my right leg, burning in lower back. How long did you have to stay in the hospital?

@BarrysRecovery

6 ай бұрын

Only one night in the hospital. Good luck to you and please keep me posted.

@chucksw1

6 ай бұрын

Ok, thanks! Will let you know, I found a good surgeon NW. Sub. Chicago

Thank you for sharing. I like what you said you deserve to feel better ❤️‍🩹

@BarrysRecovery

8 ай бұрын

Thanks, that appears to resonate with lots of people and it's true. It took me a while to figure it out...but, when I did I treated the surgery as a welcomed gift rather than something that brought me fear.

Hi Barry, Im so nervous! Im having C4, & C6-C7 ACDF fusion, I feel sick with angst & nerves. Im 55, I had severe whiplash in high school I was dropped on my head, my chin whipped my sternum & 40 years later, here I am in a wealth of pain & misery Ive carried for decades! I was diagnosed fibromyalgia in 2000 & have had many treatments for my pain in neck, thoracic & costachronditis in chest. My arms are very weak, I was a chef & nowadays I only cook rarely. I played guitar, after the accident I could only play 1 song. Ive carried so much pain since a teenager. It almost cost me my life on many occasions, thinking whats the point of living with this chronic horrific pain 24/7! Back in 2016 I had L5 S1 fusion & prosthetic due to revolting sciatic nerve pain, I used a stick for a while, I still feel pain down my leg to this day since that surgery. Im sick with nerves. My partner who has thyroid cancer is weak himself & I worry about post surgery if he will be able to look after me. Thanks for reading, I appreciate all your videos about your ACDF & poositive outcome a year later. Having so many issues from my neck down both arms esp forearms, awful shoulder pain & a halo of inflamed swollen muscles 24/7 is hard to live with daily. My surgery is on 30th November this year. I was to have it on the 11th Nov but after dental work I had an open wound in my mouth, my surgeon refused to operate until its healed. All the best to you & thank you for sharing your ACDF surgery with us all. Kind Regards, Cathy (sydney australia) xx

@BarrysRecovery

7 ай бұрын

Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about your situation and all the pain that you are in. I know what you’re talking about with having numb arms. The nerves that come out of your neck in that area go to your arms and hands. I was constantly dropping things before my surgery. The pain in my neck was so bad that I couldn’t stand the weight of a towel on my head to dry my hair. if you found the right surgeon, really positive things can happen. There are some limitations the first month or so, with regard to how much you’re allowed to pick up, but it gradually increases each month three months after surgery I had full clearance to do anything I wanted to. I will be sending prayers and good thoughts for healing your way. Please stay in touch.

@CathinOz

6 ай бұрын

Hi Barry, well Im 7 days post op & boy oh boy its full on hey! Im sore & stiff & wasnt given a collar as my surgeon says to keep it moving or wearing one will make it stiffen up. The pain in my shoulders traps & trapeze, shoulders are aching always BUT the pain in my forearms has gone! The surgeon came two days after surgery & told me how it went. He said at the back of C5/6 where the disc had blown out (but the front was bone on bone) he said that bulge was 3mm from spinal cord. If I had had a fall I could of been a paraplegic! He cleaned it all up on both levels, C5&6 & C6&7, bone grafts & spacers. I was in hospital for 5 days full of drugs & still getting over the anaesthetic which I came out of in a terrible state of crying & anxiousness. I had an awful nurse who said "Cathy, get a hold of yourself & stop crying!", I was gobsmacked, nurses have a duty of care & her care was very poor! Who says that to a person just out of recovery rooms. It made my situation worse & I wailed crying, scared I would wreck what the surgeon did. I said to another nurse I dont want that nurse, I didnt see her again. It took a few days to stop crying, I felt like a zombie, & the pain in the shoulders, blades & scapula were so painful. I know from watching your videos time will heal & I look fwd to living life without that horrific chronic pain Ive lived with for 4 decades! I have a prosthetic in L5/S1 I had done by same surgeon in 2016 for horrific sciatica on a walking stick, he found a chard of bone my sciatic nerve attached to, it was a miracle he found it & microsurgically removed it! 7 years later here I am after my ACDF & with physio, gentle exercise, walking & eating well, my healing will go well. My mental health has taken a blow from all the drugs, I have BPD, childhood severe trauma & diagnosed fibromyalgia in the year 2000. Im a bit of basket case, but Im still alive at 55, sharing my stories of lived experience which m ay help others going through trauma. Thank you for your support & kindness & am so grateful I found you on here. I appreciate you Barry, Im so glad youre so much better these days. I look fwd to feeling a whole lot better in time. All the best to you & keep in touch as I will with you. Kind regards all the way from sydney australia, Cath xxx

@BarrysRecovery

6 ай бұрын

@@CathinOz Cath, I am mixed with emotions reading your last post. First, I am so very happy for you that you found such a great surgeon. It looks like in both instances it was pretty close to being a disaster and your surgeon was able to intervene, and prevent that from happening. that is a fantastic story in itself and confirmation that there is a higher power looking out for you.❤️🙏. That nurse that you had was a real stinker and I hope that they now understand that their actions were inappropriate and not helpful for a patient recovering from a traumatic surgery and procedure such as yourself. I suffer from anxiety, and I understand firsthand how the anxiety beast feeds and pours fuel on the chronic pain. I work hard to keep my anxiety in check both with a mild medication and with breathing exercises and also something called somatic tracking that I learned from a book called “the way out “it’s a book on dealing with chronic pain And I found it incredibly helpful. If you check my home screen on KZread, I have a link to products that have really helped me. This book is very high on my list because I learned a lot of things that I still use today even though I’m not in chronic pain any longer. I wish you all the best, hang in there, and please stay in touch. Sending good thoughts, healing vibes, and prayers your way.

Yes just had mine done 10 days ago it's been tough I apparently am allergic to the tape on my throat. They gave me steroids bc the NP didn't think I should have the tape removed. I have so many hives...I go back to my dr in a few mote days.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Oh no! Allergic to the tape! So sorry.

Hi Barry, I have had second level acdf cervical 5 months ago. I also had my left knee replacemented almost 6 weeks ago. Doing well, doing PT and stairs. Regarding my acdf. I stopped having "zingers" nerve pain in my arms, just around my left ear occasionally. Now I just have stiffness around my neck and arms. PT stated that was normal and still in the healing process and can go away. I am not in pain, stiffness feels weird since it was not there before. Wondering if you have or still experience stiffness or tightness? Since the arm "zingers" are gone, took awhile, hoping this stiffness/tightness leaves. Also wondering if this may be happening due to the continual fusion process.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

The stiffness and tightness is completely normal. When they perform the ACDF they are actually ‘stretching out’ your spine putting in new spacers for the old compressed or damaged ones. So, in a fact, you’re actually slightly taller than you were before :-) couple that with them cutting through tissue and muscles, and slightly overlapping them with sutures it is completely normal and expected to have muscle stiffness and tightness. For me, the hydrocollator was my best friend, as was walking and letting my arm swing naturally. On days that really bothered me. I would take a muscle relaxer and that also helped as well.

@debrakingsley8299

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for reaching out. I feel better now and am thankful I can walk with my new knee replacement. I will be getting other knee done at the end of April. Then I will be Bionic!

🙏🏻❤️

Hello Question How long you used the bone growth stimulator? Thank you.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Never used it, as it wasn’t prescribed for me.

Just came across your channel so happy you're doing well. I had acdf 5 days ago on c5 c6. I used my own bone from hip. I don't have screws I have a cage. My only big concern is adjacent disc disease Because of the load the discs take above and below. Fear of another fusion worrys me. Did your doctor mention that to you?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Hi Angela. I’ve got the plate with 6 screws, I had two levels done. I did talk to my surgeon A little bit about the spreading of the load to the other discs. I am 59 years old and most of the damage I had done to my neck was when I was still in high school playing football… 40 years ago. Couple that with some degenerative changes specific to C5-7 and that’s why I needed it. I’m no longer running headfirst into others on the football field ,or rolling around on my head wrestling LOL..so, I’m not putting the strain on it as I had when younger. I’m really not expecting or anticipating issues with the discs above or below (barring some kind of dramatic accident). I hope your healing well. Did they put you in a hard collar? What were your symptoms? Hand issues?pain? I’m always curious to know what others are going through with the cervical spine.

@angelaabbruzzese225

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery My symptoms started 4 years ago with a headache every single day from there started stiff neck limited range of motion pain when bending forward backward . Burning sensation all down my arms into hands, pins and needles sensation.. Burning on the back of neck into shoulder blades ,wrist pain to. . I tired pt , injections, medications nothing helped at all. I really felt like I had no choice to do surgery. I'm in a soft collar. Surgery was last Wednesday been home since Thursday. Neck spasms so far has been brutal. Neck is super tight and sore, swallowing is painful but it's all to be expected. I have a follow up next week .. Can I ask what's the condition of your other discs?. I seem to have small bulges on the other discs and that scares me. C5 C6 was in horrible shape it had basically flattened with narrowing and bone spur

@angelaabbruzzese225

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery How has your range of motion been with 2 level fusion?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@angelaabbruzzese225 ugh! Sounds like life before surgery was very painful. But, now you’ve traded the pain of injury for the pain of healing. I like healing pain, as it gets better everyday. I’ll bet your burning sensations have diminished greatly. I’m sorry you had to go through all that. My discs above and below are normal for my age. No more bulging (that one was fixed during surgery) in my last video (one year update) I’ve included my lates X-rays. You can see all looks pretty darn good above and below. And, my mobility is really good.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@angelaabbruzzese225 range of motion left to right is same as before. The only thing I notice is a small difference in my ability to look up. Minimal and well worth the price for me👍

hi, did you get a second opinion? this stared two years ago, i was good for a year, now its back. i'm in ct also. i see dr abbed and dr tomack both have great reviews , i have bd discs and foraminal stenosis. does the acdf take of both problems?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I had at least 3 opinions and it was all the same. I deferred the surgery as long as possible with physical therapy, nerve block injections, nerve ablation’s where they actually burn the nerve out. In addition to the disks being totally flat, I had severe narrowing of the foraminal space. During he procedure Dr. Sandhu (HSS) did a foraminectomy to clear the foraminal space and did the ACDF at c5/6 and C6/7. It’s the best thing I’ve done. No longer are my hands numb.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

The short answer is you will need two procedures done at the same time, the ACDF, and a foraminectomy.

Good evening...thank you for your video...did you have any balance issues or feeling off ?...I'm scheduled to get 3 level done in 2 weeks...best of luck thanks...

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I’ve had balance issues since a car accident in 2014 long before my ACDF surgery.

@frankzapp8832

Жыл бұрын

@Barrootz (ACDF surgery and recovery) thanks for getting back to me...did the surgery help with the morning headaches and the feeling off?...I don't have to much pain...I'm hoping that the acdf will help...any thoughts?...thanks again for your help...

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@frankzapp8832 I didn’t really get headaches. My chief complaints were burning pain in the neck and loss of mobility in both hands.

Barry - just wanted to thank you for your videos. I had four level ACDF done ten weeks ago and it's been a great recovery so far for me. Once I knew I needed to get the surgery, I kept looking for positive experiences on KZread, etc. and there were very few multilevel ones. Yours was one of the few I found, and it really helped me remain positive and I am certain you've helped many others as well. To "pay it back" and counter all of the negative videos out there regarding ACDF I decided to record my own progress videos on my channel (kzread.info). Again, thanks for sharing your experience. The only issue I have had since getting out of surgery, similar to you, is muscle tightness, and like you emphasized - walking is the key. I walked a lot, which was not convenient during the hot summer in a hard cervical collar : ) But it helped so much and continues to do it as I will get muscle tightness if I overdo things, which I tend to do. Again - thank you! Now I'm off to go order some of those products you recommended!

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

You are so kind! I am so glad I was able to help you stay positive. A lot of people go into surgeries like this with a feeling of dread, and disparity, and I wanted to do what I could to show the positive side of this. It was a life changer for me.

@ecinaz

Жыл бұрын

Holy cow man. A '4 level acdf'? That's intense. Hope you're doing well. Much braver than me.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

@@ecinaz lol - bravery wasn't really an option for me as I had severe cord compression at C3-4 causing muscle weakness/atrophy, etc. 4-5 was fine, but 5-6-7 were all in bad shape as well, so doing all 4 levels made the most sense long-term. I consulted with 5 different surgeons and each had a different recommendation, with one wanting to do a 2 level ACDF + laminoplasty, another insisting on a ACDF+posterior rods/screws, etc. The acdf was the least invasive option for me, believe it or not, and it turned out to be a good gamble, as the surgeon found that C3/4 has naturally fused in the front. Had they gone in via the back they wouldn't have seen that and been able to drill it out.

@jessdeb629

Жыл бұрын

I am 10 years out from multi-level cervical and no regrets! You will always need to be mindful of how you position yourself sleeping, facing what you are looking at (don’t keep your head turned in an awkward position), limiting activities where your arms are above your head for too long, and lifting things that are heavy. But, the results after surgery are so worth it!! It does take about a year to feel your best. No question I would choose the surgery again!! Good luck to you and let your body heal…it takes time.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@jessdeb629 awesome!

Do you think you could be able to play guitar with those two fusions. I play lead guitar and had 5-6 fusion. Now need 6-7.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

YES! I play a little guitar myself and I’m fused at c5-6 / c6-7! I can play no problem, tennis and golf too.

Can I ask why did you choose ACDF instead of artificial disc where you could preserve motion and not put stress on the segments next to the treated ones?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Wasn’t an option for me.

thanks for info...i am waiting for c6/c7 operation (in aprox 2-3month) and i am shit-scared..

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

I totally understand the fear. However, if you’re at a point where you need this, the issues must be pretty severe. I’m assuming pain, burning, tingling, etc… if so, it all magically disappeared for me, as soon as I woke up from anesthesia. If your situation is similar, you may have similar results. I was so excited to have this done. I went in like a kid waiting for Christmas. And waking up pain free was a gift I still cherish.

@F750GSBMWMOTORRAD

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery thanks again..yes pain is unberable..i realy want to get fixed as soon as possible and that they will call me to get operation

Hi, great review. Is it possible to come back to lifting in the gym after full recovery? things like pull ups, handstand pushups, deadlifts? I am 39 and used to train a lot until I have got this pinched nerve in the neck issue, and I really miss the trainings. Thanks

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Yes! You should be able to get back to all of that. I have zero restrictions! Do you need ACDF? If so, what levels are they talking about?

@ilyab.5127

Жыл бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Great to hear that no restrictions. I hope i will avoid surgery. I have narrow disk C5 due to Spondylosis, radiating pain in the shoulder usually during the night and left arm 20-25% weakness. Symptoms started 3 weeks ago so i am still not in the surgery conversation. The symptoms slowly reduced in intensity, so i am still hopeful. But as doctor said it gets worse with age so i prepare myself for the years to come. Can't come back to the gym tho.

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@ilyab.5127 a big issue for me and my hand weakness/ numbness was the narrowing of the foraminal space. That is a more simple procedure to fix and gave me 100% relief. Foraminotomy. Ask if that can help you. It’s simple to perform, minimally invasive, and (if there is compression on the nerves) will make you very happy, very quickly with minimal(if any) down time.

Did you have trouble with gait/leg strength/balance? Seems like at the four month mark, my lower body is the remaining issue.

@BarrysRecovery

11 ай бұрын

Hey Brandon, I had no issues with lower extremities. All of my issues were related to c5-6-7 and those nerves go to the hands. Sorry you’re having troubles, and I hope it clears up quickly.

I'm curious as far as being able to do any type of exercise or being able to be active is there anything that you don't recommend doing?

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

Hi Pamela, I can play tennis and golf, walking, etc. I have some other issues that prevent me from doing other things, but as far as the ACDF goes all clear👍😄. I try not to do too many things over my head as that bothers some other issues I have.

@pamelaalvarez2734

Жыл бұрын

I want you to know that you have inspired me to get this surgery, I have been scared and it seemed like every video on here are from years and years ago. Thank you best wishes

@BarrysRecovery

Жыл бұрын

@@pamelaalvarez2734 Pamela, you are too kind. I am so glad I had this done, I was in so much discomfort and pain. My surgeon was amazing, and the whole experience was really great. I have no regrets and feel so much better. Stay in touch and let me know how you’re doing. I’m happy to help in any way I can.

I have having an another MRI this week. Like you i had injections and physical therapy, which did nothing. Once the surgeon and my PPD review the results with me, I'll decide if this is a viable solution. I'm 78 but I don't want to continue with his pain and numbness in my left hand fingers. Had you tried Lyrica for the arm pain? It gives me some relief, but like the tramadol, it also causes constipation. I'll keep you posted as I progress with my decision At this point if I need the surgery, I'll probably do it.

@BarrysRecovery

4 ай бұрын

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of this, the only thing that ever helped was traction…..and it didn’t last long. If you’re not in excruciating pain, perhaps they can expand the foraminal space and make more room for the nerves? That’s something to ask of them. Foraminotomy is a much easier and less invasive procedure.

Barry, who was your surgeon at HSS? I'm in NYC so I might want to schedule a consultation with him. Thanks.

@BarrysRecovery

11 ай бұрын

Dr. Harvinder Sandhu, and he is amazing. www.hss.edu/physicians_sandhu-harvinder.asp

@mancello

11 ай бұрын

@@BarrysRecovery Thanks!

Were you allowed to sleep on your side or only on your back? Thanks!

@BarrysRecovery

5 ай бұрын

I slept on both side and back. I used down pillows and fluffed them to give me the support I needed.

I need this bad, but my surgeon does not want to administer a general anaesthetic as I had one 5 weeks ago, and he reckons three months is a must between generals ?

@BarrysRecovery

11 ай бұрын

So, is the surgeon suggesting waiting for the three month period? I know I would not want this done unless I was totally out.

Just had C3 through C7 spinal fusion on Monday. What can I do to relieve the soreness in my shoulders?

@BarrysRecovery

2 ай бұрын

In the beginning the muscle relaxers helped me greatly, then when dr said it was ok, hydrocollator (moist heat) and walking helped. Focus on relaxing those muscles…everything got stretched out, and those tendons to get really tight. Check out my new website and recommendations for stuff to help with that. sites.google.com/view/barrys-recovery/recommended-products?authuser=0