I'm at 7.5 months PO with a 20 lbs weight restriction per Dr's order. I'm back to mowing grass and fishing. Dr says for me to take it easy for the 1st 12 months. I'm 59 years old with 3 stage ACDF. Keep the positive stories coming

@RR-hc6nv

Жыл бұрын

Congrats who was your doctor?

Thank you for sharing, and inspiration; I've got another month left in my rigid brace, my Dr' said gotta wear it for 3 months on my C4-7 ACDF, but I had complications. Pt to start at 3 months PO. I asked for no PT because I believe they have always made matters worse. But Dr said I need to learn how not to injure myself with the hardware and will be brief, so I can't argue with that. A PSA for you and your viewers to consider, A defective headrest exploded on me just shotting the door on my Jeep Patriot and wasn't even aware they existed and apparently potentially in millions of aging vehicles from 2010 to Aug of 2017 when they began washing the parts with alcohol to rid the Oil contaminant causing a chemical breakdown of components. They depoy with approx 120# of force 3 times faster than an airbag. Chrysler says they cant hurt anyone. My Dr's and I disagree as well others, I've gone through speech therapy, treatments for my memory loss and the ACDF. I thought someone was hiding in the back seat, it was just after dark and thought I was going to be killed by an asailant so I got Ptsd too and agrivated/worsented my low back trying to squeeze between the seats to fight back. Just thought I'd share that for those who wish to decide for themselves if they wan't to sit in front of them with pre existing cervical issues, while my wife has been driving I've tied the other non deployed AHR with para chord, not advising anyone that is a solution, just what I am doing.

Glad you're doing well

I'm 6 weeks post op . Looking for some others to chat with. This is my second surgery. I'm pretty depressed. Ty for sharing. I am almost at point to he cleared by my surgeon to start PT next week. Happy new year and glad u r doing well.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Happy new year! On facebook there are ACDF groups that can be helpful for preparing you for surgery in terms of what to expect day of and when you first get home some items you might need (recliner, pillows, soft foods, etc.) but beyond that I find it is mostly horror stories and negative. I check into the one I'm a member of about once a month or so just to post something positive.

You have been such a help to me in my recovery! Thank you! My ACDF surgery was on Nov. 2nd this year so hearing what you’ve gone through and how well you’re doing, has given me such hope for my continued healing. Looking forward to your future videos!

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Debra!

Thx for your videos i’” have my surgery next 19 this month very nervous but all for have my quality of live I lose warms from 🇵🇷

Really glad to see your neck have range of motion. This is of course my biggest worry. Been trying to find a surgeon to use disk replacement, but every doctor Ive seen has opted for fusion. Thank you sharing your story and most of all, the positive results.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Bob. I'll be posting a video within the next few weeks that shows before and after of my neck mobility. The crux of it wil be: yes, I've lost some mobility, but not enough to be a big issue. I had an option to choose a different surgery (C5-7 ACDF + posterior laminectomy/laminoplasty C3-C5) that would have ensured I kept practically all of my mobility but opted for the lease invasive straight ACDF and was very worried that I would regret it but I definitely do not. Too much could have gone wrong with the other surgery given both anterior AND posterior entry. Good luck!

You look great! I have my surgery on 2/20 and I am so nervous. Watching your videos has helped a little.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Glad I can help Renee. You can do it! Stay positive and before you know it you'll be on the other side of surgery and recovered!

I'm now in p/t. I'm experiencing the stiffness.

Thank you for sharing your story. I am scheduled for the same surgery as you in February. I was so happy to see you move your neck and head. That is my biggest fear. I will also be having a lumbar fusion in April. Good luck with your continued recovery.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

I can definitely move my neck and head! I've lost a little mobility for sure but it's not very noticeable in my day to day. I go for a final evaluation/measurement with my PT this week where she will measure the degree rotation, etc. to see how much I've gained back since October when I started PT (it's definitely been a lot). I will post a video this month with the before/after. But rest assured - mobility shouldn't be a big concern.

@debraryan3300

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. I have been so depressed at the thought of not moving my neck. All your videos have helped my state of mind. Loved ones are wonderful for being cheerleaders.. But actually seeing some one who has gone thru a 4 level fusion share their story helped me put my normally positive “ glass half full “ attitude back in my mind. Wishing you a great continued recovery.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

@@debraryan3300 Here's a heck of a story for you: while I was still in a hard cervical collar I would often walk on the indoor track at my local community center. While walking one day, one of the women who was playing pickleball there stopped me and said, "I had to wear one of those things." We got to chatting, her asking me what happened. Turns out, she had a posterior fusion done due to a car accident - levels C2 through T1 (might have been one more I can't recall). She said she was playing pickleball often no problem at age 85 after PCDF, which is a much more difficult recovery due to the cutting of the muscles in the back of the neck. You got this! Stay positive!

I really have so appreciated watching your videos! I have damage in c3, c5, c7 but my doctor only wants to do a single level fusion at c6 and 7 then come back for each of the others separately.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Hi Angee. I am not a surgeon or have any medical background so take my advice for what it's worth. I see a lot of people on the ACDF facebook group who get one level at a time done and they always seem to have issues. Worse are the skip-levels (e.g., C4/5 and C6/7, skipping 5/6). I totally get the theory: why remove a perfectly healthy disc when you don't have to? But the reality is that the stress placed on the other discs due to the adjacent fused levels is a factor that should be considered. I believe the data I saw said that adjacent unfused levels will degenerate at a pace of 5% per year, which means that roughly 50% of ACDF patients will need an adjacent disc surgery within 10 years. I also recall the paper saying that that was a conservative estimate, with the authors saying in their experience it is much higher. I feel, and my surgeon and his staff have indicated, that my recovery has gone extraordinarily well. But it was not fun, especially being in a hard collar for 7 weeks and not being able to drive as a result. One of the first questions I had for my surgeon and another was, given fusion at C3-7, when can I expect C2 and/or T1 to degenerate. Fortunately, they say that C2 and T1 don't seem to degenerate like the other levels and I should be fine for many decades. We'll see. I can't imagine going through this surgery multiple times. I get the focus on keeping as much mobility as possible for as long as possible, but I'd opt for getting them all done. Keep in mind, again, I'm not a surgeon, and you might have something showing on your MRI or x-rays that warrants a different approach. But I do urge you to ask about adjacent disc disease and the likelihood of needing those other levels operated on eventually. It could be that you you have no myelopathic symptoms, only mild bulging, etc. at the other levels and, if so, then addressing only C6/7 would make a lot of sense to me. EVERYONE, as we age, has some disc degeneration. So some degeneration is expected at most levels and doesn't warrant surgery. Good luck and, I urge you to get at least 2, if not more, opinions from qualified surgeons!

@stitcht78

Жыл бұрын

@@LearnAtMyExpense thank you so much for your detailed reply. I really appreciate your advice and will definitely seek another opinion. The two doctors I've seen have totally opposite ideas of how to handle my issues. One said a hybrid fusion and cdr and the other says I'm not a candidate for cdr due to the level of degeneration. It's really frustrating not getting a straight answer, although I do understand why they do it this way.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

@@stitcht78 wow - you're the first person aside from myself that I've heard was recommended a hybrid. The first surgeon I went to recommended C3/4 disc replacement, then skip C4/5 as it was healthy, and then ACDF C5-7. The 2nd opinion surgeon said that that wouldn't be approved by any insurer in the US and isn't FDA approved. The third surgeon also said it was a bad approach. Then, a well known NYC cervical spine specialist surgeon I met with said that that surgery would have been *perfect* for me but that no insurer in the US would approve it. Curious how you make out - please let me know!

@truthinlove2342

Жыл бұрын

I just had fusion of 4, 5, 6 and 7. on March 9th. Paralysis had already set in and was progressing to my arms and hands. My spinal canal was congenitally too small compressing my spinal cord. Surgery went well. Have had very little pain. Little sore throat. Swelling from what I thought was Lymphedema in both my legs is completely gone. I had seen an orthopedic spine surgeon who diagnosed 4, 5, and 6. Decided to get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon. He diagnosed 4, 5, 6, and 7 as needing a fusion all discs were gone and my spinal canal was only 6 mm circumference compared to 14 mm normal circumference. Needless to say I went with the neurosurgeon. 😊

I am on the end of my 6 months p/s with 4 levels c3-c7 i still 16:02 have some stiffness miner pain but over all i feel it is going away slowly slowly …..

Thank you for sharing your story. It's been very helpful. Can you share your progress in terms of muscle strength and atrophy?

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Progressing very well. I haven't lifted weights in a few weeks as I've been playing so much pickleball and doing yoga classes, but last time I logged a lifting session my right arm was back to about 95% strength compared to the left. I suspect it might be even now or will be very soon. Prior to surgery, my right tricep was atrophied. I knew I lost strength but didn't realize the extent of it until one of the surgeons I met with in June spotted it and measured the circumference of my right and left upper arms and noted a major difference. He said the studies show that I would make a 100% recovery in strength if surgery within 4 months of onset. I had surgery at, I estimate, about the 4.5 month mark. I likely was atrophying longer though and just didn't know it.

@Whaler87

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate your thorough response. Sounds like you're doing very well. I wish you the best as you move forward. Take care.

I’m having a similar journey but not to the extent you have. I’ve met with multiple surgeons and each one has a different opinion on what I should do. I basically have a herniated bulging disc at C6/C7. Heard multiple recommendations. I’m favoring disc replacement. Torn though, some days the radiculopathy isn’t as bad. Still can only sleep on one side though. And I’m just waiting for the day I set it off again and I’m in dying pain with it.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear you're going through this. You're in a tough spot - when the radiculopathy was at its worst for me it was unbearable. I've, regrettably, mentioned in some of my videos that people shouldn't get surgery unless absolutely necessary (i.e., cord compression with declining symptoms) but looking back now, if the radiculopathy I had hadn't receded fully it would have been worth it to get surgery just for the relief from that - it was that unbearable. As for fusion vs disc replacement - disc replacement is certainly the better option but as you've likely been told, there isn't a good bulk of data on them as they've only been in use for about 15 years now. From what I could tell, a lot of the most experienced surgeons simply favor fusion due to their success rate with it. Personally, if I needed only one level repaired I would certainly opt for the disc replacement over a fusion simply due to the adjacent disc disease factor. Probably the only good thing about having to get C3-7 fused is that the discs C2/3 and C7/T1 typically don't disease as quickly to the adjacent levels being fused. So the surgeons I consulted with said I'd likely not require future surgery. Whereas a 1 or 2 level, the data is pretty clear that adjacent levels will disease much more quickly due to the added force and will likely require future repair. That isn't the case with ADR. I suspect in 15 or 20 years the vast majority of now ACDF procedures will be replaced by ADR. Best of luck to you!

Can you tell about tour nutrition. What do tour eat to help the nerves

Had the same exact surgery. My doctor was excellent, I am in North Texas and should you need a spine surgeon just reply. Had mine done in 2019 which I did not do anyway PT but I got back to work ASAP and I could tell I was out of shape as well.

@eddiemiranda469

Жыл бұрын

Hi I’ll have mine on 19 this month little nervous. Warms

@jackjackattack9137

Жыл бұрын

@@eddiemiranda469 understand, please remember to take stool softeners after surgey due to pain meds you will have afterwards. You will be fine and I was out for work about three weeks but get moving asap afterwards. You will be glad you did. The 18th is my bday so my thoughts will be with you !

@jackjackattack9137

Жыл бұрын

How ya doing sir ?

I hope you have a speedy recovery. Did your doctor talk to you about adjacent segment disease?

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

He did (along with a couple of other surgeons). The consensus was that it likely wouldn't impact me as the C2/3 and C7/T1 discs are presently in good shape and, historically, those don't fail like the others. Time will tell of course.

@ehab.5497

Жыл бұрын

@@LearnAtMyExpense Thanks for your reply.

I'm 3 weeks post surgery c4-6. My main issue so far is upper neck/back pain and still swallowing issues. No sore throat, but whenever I eat and swallow, it feels like something is stuck in my throat at times😢I hope this subside. I'm now in a soft collar. I drive with it on sometimes. I'm just praying this thing will fuse together that's my only concern.

@LearnAtMyExpense

4 ай бұрын

That's totally normal to have stiffness/soreness in the upper back, shoulder, and neck. It took a long time for me for it to go away completely and it still comes back sometimes but it's not bad. Re the throat - keep in mind your surgeon had to move your esophagus so that causes the swallowing issues temporarily for the vast majority of people. If it doesn't clear up soon you should check with your surgeon. Regarding the fusion - don't get too worried about that. Assuming you're not a smoker, then the data is pretty clear that the vast majority of people fuse with no problems and of those who don't fuse fully, the vast majority do not experience any symptoms/negative effects as a result. As of my last x-ray my C4/5 hadn't fused fully, but it had partial fusion in the back and the front is held tight with the plate so it will eventually fuse as I age. Good luck and remain positive, walk, walk, walk for exercise. You shoudl thank your lucky stars your surgeon has you in a soft collar already! I had to wear a hard collar outside of the house, so no driving, for 7.5 weeks! That was terrible.

Also do you still have tingling in the arms and biceps. Mainly thre wrist and thumb

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

My right index and thumb still have numbness. Not so much tingling. It first started about 10 years ago so, while I've regained a most of the lost fine motor skill in that hand (e.g., tying shoes and handwriting are no longer a problem), I knew going into surgery that a complete recovery there was not likely due to the amount of time. I do also have some slight numbness in my right arm (bicep and forearm) that comes and goes. I don't usually notice it. I've never had tingling down the arm.

Are you still planning on doing the neck mobility video?

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

I am! I actually recorded it a week or two ago but haven't had time to edit it. Will have it posted this week I promise!

@sunshinelifeco

Жыл бұрын

@LearnAtMyExpense looking forward to it. Just had my 3 level done almost 4 weeks ago so your videos have been very helpful.

Did u see a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? I already had a c2-v3 fusion in 2006. I have a pinched nerve and am looking at c3-c5 or 6. Thx.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

I saw both types (total of 5 surgeons) for opinions prior to surgery. The one that performed my surgery was a neurosurgeon.

I am 2 months post surgery for c3 c4. I will need c5-c7 or t1 later. Did you have cervical foraminal stenosis or just cervical spine stenosis. I hope fda or my insurance aproves 2 level disc replacement. Artificial disc is the way to go these days.

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

I spinal stenosis but really the primary reason for my surgery was the cord compression at C3/4 and C5/6. Yes, disc replacement is the way to go. If in US, I know Aetna does approve for 2 level disc replacement. IIRC they even have it on their portal on what is covered/not covered.

I had acdf surgery c3-c7 a year and half ago But mine didn't go that well I'm still in pain and my neck movement is not good I'm still having a problem swallowing food but it's gotten a better My next option is a pain stimulator implant Not sure about that

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear. Having swallowing issues past a couple of weeks usually warrants an ENT visit to assess why (my surgeon mentioned that prior to my surgery). Good luck and hope things get better for you.

I have a question thay I am yet to hear answered. What are allowed sleep positions; and, how difficult is getting out of bed?

@LearnAtMyExpense

4 ай бұрын

I don't recall ever hearing of any restrictions on sleep positions, but sleeping comfortably and soundly is by far probably the biggest issue universally faced by everyone getting an ACDF (or any cervical spine surgery for that matter). I was fortunate in that I had a recliner and slept in that for the few months prior due to the on again/off again horrible nerve pain that would wake me up and force me out of bed anyway. Post-surgery I was allowed to wear a soft collar. Sleeping in a recliner with the soft collar was pretty comfortable for me. Regarding getting out of bed - this is a great question. It's similar to the "No BLT (bending, lifting, twisting)" advice I see mentioned a lot, which is a bit absurd in my opinion. It's wholly dependent on your physical fitness pre-surgery. If you have good strength then bending (squatting) and getting out of bed will not be a problem. Lifting yourself out of bed by using your core to raise your upper body (while keeping it straight and not bending your neck) will be uncomfortable at first but you quickly figure it out and after a few weeks it's not a challenge. But this is also why most people who do sleep in their bed post-surgery will opt for a "wedge" pillow. I would definitely invest in one if you don't have a recliner. You can find them on Amazon - I bought one but never used it as I found it uncomfortable because I can't sleep on my back in bed, only side, but could easily fall asleep in a recliner on my back. But again, IMO there are three pre-op purchases everyone should buy: 1. A recliner; if money is an issue you can find them used. Cheap ones new are ~$300. You dont need to spend a lot on one. 2. Bendable straws (you'll need those the first few days at the very least) 3. A grabber. You'll want to avoid bending at 90 degrees but if you have the strength to squat you'll have no problem doing most things. But, for example - when pulling socks or clothes out of the back of the dryer - a grabber is pretty awesome. I still use mine once in a while to grab something that falls behind furniture etc. : )

@fadedillusions867

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for the lengthy reply and the suggestions. As for my current physical state... Well, have always been in great shape, until about two years ago and, especially, the last 6 months. (My OT has even remarked that she's not seen such drastic muscle loss). So, currently at about 1/3 of my initial strength and about half the muscular tone. Between the newly discovered MS, corpus collosum damage, and the severe cervical stenosis, in fairly rough shape at only 39. Ready for the procedure so we can better target the MS treatment. Then, the fight to get back to as close to what I was as possible. ... Hope that all made sense, am a bit loopy from my gabapentin (600 mg) this morn for some reason.

@LearnAtMyExpense

4 ай бұрын

@@fadedillusions867 if you can bend now and control your neck (i.e., you can keep it rigid/straight without bending or dropping due to gravity) then you'll probably be okay. First week it will be challenging due to the surgery but then should quickly improve. Best of luck to you and hoping for a speedy recovery for you!

@fadedillusions867

4 ай бұрын

@@LearnAtMyExpense ... I should be good to go. Thanks.

How the arm strength going hi building muscle

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Gotta admit I have not done any weight lifting in a couple of months as I've been obsessed with pickleball, which I've been playing 1.5 - 3 hours per day most days. That along with the weekly yoga class has been the main activity, but I do do some strength training during my 2x weekly PT sessions and it feels like I've gained back all of the strength in the right arm that I had lost prior to surgery. I do plan on getting back to lifting weights at least once a week. I was logging my lifts before so I'll be able to tell how much strength has been gained in the last couple of months.

@marclevant6639

2 ай бұрын

How many weeks were you when you started back playing pickle ball. Are you playing as well as before the surgery?

Thanks for the videos. I'm 10 weeeks post op of my C4/5 ACDF on top of a C5/6 done in 1995. Great insights! Good to hear you're playing pickelball. My aim is to get back to competitive tennis. I have couple of videos (www.youtube.com/@StephanJohnson958/videos) from early on but I haven't posted lately.

Hello i was wondering the area on your neck where they opened up for the procedure, was it hard to the touch and did you wear the neck brace all day and for sleeping ?

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

Hi. Best to check out earlier videos I posted for specifics but to answer your questions: - Area was never hard to the touch. My neck was swollen for a number of days post-surgery - maybe 10 days? But not noticeably so. The scar was never hard to the touch and has remained supple. - I was instructed to wear the neck brace when standing or walking, but could wear the soft collar for comfort when sitting or sleeping. In reality, after the first two weeks at home I stopped wearing the hard collar except for when I left the house.

@jurzyjohner432

Жыл бұрын

@@LearnAtMyExpense Yea i just off the phone with my doctor and he told me the hard to touch issue is normal, i guess because the sutures are the ones that melt or what ever so not normal stitches, my other question is does the back of your arms, neck, shoulders hurt? It's like the minute i got out of the operation room i woke up to a tremendous pain, it was just so painful i thought they messed up in their job, was that a factor with you>?

@LearnAtMyExpense

Жыл бұрын

@@jurzyjohner432 Please watch my prior videos as I discuss my post-surgery pain in them. Only pain I had was very achy upper back and shoulders. No neck pain that I recall. Surprisingly, I never had any pain at the incision site. Is your incision/scar small? If so, those tend to harden and puff out quite a bit.

@jurzyjohner432

Жыл бұрын

@@LearnAtMyExpense Its about three inches long, but uh let me go to your page and look at that previous videos you mentioned,, my answer could actually be there, thanks for the feedback i appreciate it.