That is excellent news! Before my surgery I looked for other people's experiences and found mostly negative stories. I wanted to add my voice to the positive side because I think that we're the vast majority of cases. The people who feel good are going on with their live and not bothering to post online. This surgery is mostly successful. I'm glad it was for you and for me!
Hi Cassise I'm 17 days post op acdf 4,5 and 5, 6 surgery! I had severe spinal cord compression and both arms were with decrease sensation, numb and tingling with my L arm swollen and fingers barely moved right out of surgery! Today my left hand and fingers move fine with good strength, the weakness is in my R thumb and 1st two fingers. I start PT in 4 weeks. My advice don't keep putting it off as to prevent permanent damage to those nerves! The surgery is not an issue, it is the amount of damage to the nerves over the years. This will take time to heal! I was in an accident 15 years ago and always felt tension in my neck area and then that last 8 months I've been sleeping upright due to waking up numb, and my right hand losing motility. Next advice, don't rush back to work to soon. The goal now is to FUSE. Everyone recover at different stages but FUSing we all must do!
Debbie, I know how scary it is but I can tell you that I believe it is definitely worth it. It sounds like you have a lot of things going on and surgery can take care of a lot of it. Once you get through the operation and recovery then you can be done with pain meds, physical therapy, and all the anxiety that comes with having something wrong with you spine. It's been just over a year for me and I hardly ever think about it anymore. It used to be my entire life! Best of luck to you.
I know this was 9 years ago but I am getting mentally ready to have a c5-7 surgery and I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I hope you kept getting better and are having a great life
My experience was largely positive. I recovered well and have not had any issues with it since. I had twins a few years after this surgery and all went well with that. No issues from my neck. Life has been hectic and good since surgery!
Cassie, double thanks. This was one of the best resources I found pre-op. For others to come I would add in your recovery: celebrate the little victories.. getting home, first shower, bandage off, steristrips off, driving again etc. A little progress goes a long way to full recovery. John C4-5 acdf 8/2013
Dear Cassie - what a wonderful job you have done. I had my ACDF on the 14th August this year. I had a brilliant Neuro-Surgeon at the Wessex Neurological Centre Southampton Hospital UK. The scar almost identical to you but on my right side. I am a professional saxophone/clarinet/flautist and had a prolapsed disc C3/4. My surgeon outlined the procedure and of course gave me no guarantees of a cessation of symptoms which were;- pins and needles in my shoulders, slight numbness in my left forefinger and thumb. Decreased dexterity in my left arm and fingers an increasing slowness and fatigue when walking. Lethargy in bowel muscles and urgency in bladder function. The moment I was back on the ward after surgery I could tell I had considerable improvement in my left hand and finger movement. The pins and needles had disappeared and, when I ventured out of bed, my walking was better. It is now three weeks since. I didn't have a surgical collar and during the week following surgery I walked a mile into our village which would have been impossible beforehand. My surgeon told me the procedure went very well and did not wish to see me for three months. Like you I have had very little pain and minimal discomfort, which as you say, can make you forget what you are not supposed to do!! The only residuals I am experiencing is an occasional numbness in the fingers a bit of a wobble when walking first thing and my skin feels sore when the shower hits it first. But the improvements have been dramatic for me so far and I would be interested to know if you have had a reversal of any more of your symptoms. Thanks for taking the time to make the video
Thank you for sharing your story, Anthony. I am so glad your surgery was so successful. I think that our cases are the vast majority of outcomes and the more people who share their successes, the better! It's such a scary operation so it's good that we get our stories out to help calm the fears of people facing this surgery. All the very best of luck to you in your continued recovery. All best, Cassue
Thank you for doing these videos I think they are very helpful and encouraging to anyone facing the surgery. I am 65 and do a lot of cycling. For a few years I attributed the numbness in my hands and forearms to cycling even though I felt there was something different with this chronic pain that did not go away after a bike ride. I pressed the issue with my doctor which lead to X-rays, MRI, and surgery within the month. I had a lot of pain all through my upper body but I am all better now!
It's been almost 6 months and I feel great now. I almost never even think about the surgery anymore. I have a check up with my surgeon next week. I'll update the video if there's any news after that check up. Best of luck to you!
Hi Cassie, thanks for this great vid! I had a C5/6 ACDF 8 days ago and it is great to see someone else's experience and to have something to compare my own recovery with. I am currently suffering with the need to clear my throat every 2 minutes, glad to see it doesn't last too long! :)
Hi Cassie. Thank you for your video. It's helped me a lot. I had surgery 6 days ago on C5-6. I'm doing better. I really hope you get all the feeling back in your arm. Keep posted.
I'm having the exact surgery next month. I have Degenerative Disc Disease. I've already had 2 lower back surgeries. I'm so down about it. Thank you for making this video, it doesn't seem as frightening now.🥰
Still hanging in there Cassie. I haven't made any plans for surgery yet. Most of the issues I'm having are still in my right arm with numbness and tingling in my some of my fingers of my right hand. From a pain standpoint, that's been tolerable lately and am functioning ok. That's why I've been asking you about the numbness and tingling and if its getting any better for you. You had the surgery and I understand it takes quite some time for nerve regeneration so I'm rooting for you big time.
I ended up taking about 5 and a half weeks off but I felt like I could have gone back a little sooner. BUT, I actually took several more weeks off a few months later because I was having some muscle pain due to high stress at work and having to sit at a desk again. That is a very tough position to put your body in after this operation. Resting, massage and alleviating stress has helped. I feel pretty great now. Good luck to you!
Hi Cassie, I had a C5/6 fusion in 2004 and that was after 10 years of chronic pain. I can tell you that you will gain your arm/hand back. It' just takes years. I'm going in for two more fusions Tuesday, but that is after a solid 8 to 9 years of pain relief and strength that returned after surgery. I'm back to weakness and everything else, so I hope this next surgery will be the same as the last one and give me my life back.
I'm so sorry to hear you have to have another surgery. Hopefully this one won't be as bad since you know what to expect. I will be sending you my best wishes for a speedy recovery and a successful result. Let me know how it goes!
Hi all. I viewed Cassie's awesome video well over a year ago because I was considering the ACDF surgery. I have C5-6 and 7 herniations and I've known about them for almost 7 years now. When I read semperoccultus comments about needing another surgery, that seems to be the norm eventually years after the original ACDF surgery. I've read a lot about adjacent segment disease and if you keep fusing, there will be no motion and that's no way to live either. Anyway, I've been doing exercises for my neck and using ice at night and the pain has become tolerable to the point where I was able to golf all of this past summer and bowl this fall and winter. Most importantly, I was able to coach my son's baseball team and be active with him. I'm not pain free by any means but a couple of advil before the activities helps. I may eventually have no choice to get the surgery but I'm holding off for as long as I can due to the possible complications down the road. The exercises I have been doing are from the book "Treat Your Own Neck" by Robin McKenzie. Good luck to everyone that deals with a bad spinal column.
Wiley Coyote there was no "considering" in my first go-round. I had such severe herniation, that I could hardly walk. That fusion gave me a life and I was pain free for 8 years. I'm three weeks out of my adjacent level fusions and my range of motion is great. I can swing my head around to check my blind spot while driving just like before. No difference, except now I have decompression, no bone spurs anymore, and my nerve roots are no longer pinched. I always recommend to others to get the surgery. But get it done with a good surgeon who knows what he is doing.
semperoccultus1969 Hey Semper. I'm glad your recent surgery went good. You must've had serioius spinal chord compression and terrrible arm pain. I have definite chord compression at C5 thru C7 and the arm pain waxes and wanes. I've been to 2 orthopedic surgeons and one neurosurgeon that recommend I get it done at some point but as long as I can function I'm gonna hold off as long as I can. Keep me posted on your recovery.
Thanks so much for posting these videos including a day 2 video. That was awesome! Going Monday for my C6/C7 surgery. All same symptoms as you except my left arm; my middle and pointer fingers are numb with arm weakness. Hope you and your family are doing well 😊
@@fiercekitten13 Thanks so much. I’m on day 1 from the hospital and I feel fine! Little numbness in my fingers too but overall no arm pain which is great. Your videos game me so much strength. Bless you and your family 😊
I just got my ACDF surgery done yesterday on C4-C6. I got to go home the same day and so far I’m in no pain except for a little sore throat. That’s it.
Hi Josie. The reason we wanted to use the bone stimulator after my surgery is that my husband and I wanted to start a family as soon as possible after surgery. We wanted to heal as fast as we could. I am told that you don't really need it if you have a single fusion but my doctor was being super liberal with me. I am sure you'll be fine without it - most people are. I don't know how much difference it made, honestly. I get another x-ray next month at the 1 year mark and I will update ou then!
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience. It appears this surgery is in my future and it's been really helpful watching your compilation for me to know what to expect. Hope you're still doing well on your road to recovery!
+lisaraecrowoman Thank you for letting me know that. I really appreciate hearing that my videos have helped someone. I wish you the very best of luck on your surgery. May your recovery be smooth and fast, just like mine was! Three years later and I'm doing great.
Totally same motion. I only had one level done so I don't notice any difference in the range of motion. I did have sore neck muscles for several months after surgery but deep tissue massage helped out a lot. I don't think there's anything I can't do ever again. My surgeon said not to run for a while but everything is pretty much back to normal now.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I'll be getting a C7-T1 fusion in 10 days. Documenting your story is a real service and appreciated. It gives me a sense of comfort and what to expect. Was hoping to find a story about the same level I'm having treated but have yet to find one. However, my symptoms are the same: spasms around the shoulder blade, general back/neck pain, left arm pain, tingling with specific postures and slight weakness in my left hand. No complete numbness so hopefully that will remain the case. I hope you are well and God bless!
Hi Debbie, So very happy to see that you had such a wonderful recovery! Wish I could have said that for myself, but the pain I was having was completely gone as soon as I awoke from surgery. I am on my 2 1/2 month mark after surgery. I had issues with C5/6. Found out through x-rays from a chiropractor that I had 2 bulging discs/herniation. He adjusted my neck that very 1st day and ended up in excruciating pain for a month & a 1/2 after the adjustment. Come to find out the neurosurgeon found a combination of a large chronic spondylotic disc protrusion on the right in the setting of some free disc material that had herniated out from the spondylotic disc herniation into the nerve root, out into the foramen, which was decompressed in its entirety. I am still out of work until I go back for another check up in January, and now experiencing an issue on the left side of my neck. I'm assuming its because I am not doing PT, and that is due to no insurance. You mentioned you were going to go to PT, was there any exercises that you could do at home? If so can you help a girlfriend out and tell me what they are? LOL Thanks again Debbie for your wonderful story !
Hi Wendy, I am so sorry to hear you've had so much trouble. These are very scary conditions and I understand your fear and frustration. I couldn't really tell you about what PT exercises to do since I am not a physical therapist and each person is different. One thing that has helped me a lot has been deep tissue massage. This has allowed the muscles to relax a little which makes the whole area feel looser and more comfortable. I wish you the best of luck in your recovery and let me know if you have any other questions and I will do my best to answer them. Best, Cassie P.S. I assume you were talking to me, I don't know who Debbie is :)
First off I apologize for calling you Debbie Lol, I knew it was you, CASSIE, who published this video, and secondly thank you so very much for getting back to me. I'm finding as well as things are developing on the left side now, like numbness, pain in that shoulder and can only turn neck so far to the left. If you only knew my medical history, you would agree that I need to be confined to a bubble or totally embraced in bubble wrap LOL. Thanks for being there for me just to even vent/talk! Again Cassie thanks for doing that video as well !
I remember that feeling! I think it's from holding your head in the neutral position. Normally you'd be turning your head all day and allowing the muscles to stretch but you can't now. I started getting neck and shoulder massages ~10 day point. Ask your surgeon if that would be OK. It helped a lot. I also know the fear of moving your head around and having it come apart but as my Dr said, if surgery went well and hardware is installed correctly you will not break it by moving! Keep healing!
I'm 2 weeks after surgery. I wear the brace 24/7. I'm able to sleep comfortably on my back. Concerned as to when I'll be able to get back to running, swimming, lifting
Hi Barbara - I just past three months this week and I feel pretty good. The muscles in my upper back and shoulders are very sore these days but my physical therapist tells me that this is normal as they try to figure out their new role in my back. I have been getting lots of deep tissue massages and that is helping. The numbness hasn't completely resolved yet but I think it's getting better. It's hard to tell since they've been numb for so long but there is new sensation there. Best of luck!
Hi Justalooki. I know your concern. I was very worried about showering after surgery. Truth is, it's a little difficult but totally doable. You just have to keep your head in a neutral position - no looking up or down - and take it slow. I had my mom or my husband nearby the first few times until I felt comfortable. I also got a non-slip shower mat to keep me from slipping. As far as hair styling, I just didn't bother the first few weeks. It was summer so I just let my hair dry naturally...
Hi Hannah. I'm not sure if you're talking to me or to Barbara below but I would be happy to answer your question. I felt the same anxiety about having my throat cut open. I really didn't like the idea of it at all. I knew it was just something that had to happen as a part of the surgery but I wasn't looking forward to it. I can tell you that three months later it is fading, but still really noticeable. People tell me they can't really see it but I sure can. I am just getting used to it.
I still have a little numbness in my fingers. I was told that it can be up to 2 years before that nerve damage repairs itself fully. It feel much better than it did but I think I've lost perspective on it at this point, to be honest. Every once in a while I get a huge rush of sensation into the fingers so I know the nerve didn't die. Acupuncture is helping with it too. I hope your recovery goes smoothly. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I remember that terror very well! I can tell you that 5 months later I feel great and that the entire ordeal is a fading memory. I had the same level done and they tell me it's one of the easiest to recover from and when it's all done you can't notice the difference in your ROM. Don't listen to the scary stories. They are the exception. I am the rule. The vast majority of these surgeries are simple and without complication. Let me know how you're doing and ask me any other questions you have.
I am afraid of having to have another one someday too. They say once you've had one you're more likely to need another one in the future. I wish you the best of luck with that. I am sure it's easier the second time around. At least you know what to expect now!
Great post Op. video Cassie, I can say having had ACDF in 2004 (C5-C6 Titanium plate and screws with cadaver bone), all of my ROM and strength did come back and the pain/numbness completely disappeared about 1-1/2 later with lots of PT. I suffered may years with excruciating shoulder/arm pain. My only complaint is I have had some throat issues where swallowing appears labored more than I remember..9 years later im likely going back under the knife for C6-C7, At 43 now im a little nervous, lol..
That will totally depend on how you're feeling and how you're healing. I would think that you won't be quite ready to pick up your 2 year old after just one month but talk to your doctor about it. You will certainly feel better after a month but you have to decide for yourself what you're ready for.
I had my 6 month check up the other day and he said all is well. I just need to come back at 12 months. It's all smooth sailing after about a month. You may still have some muscle tightness as the muscles that used to support the fused disc figure out what their job is now, but massage helps. I hope your movement issues clear up and that you're feeling great soon. Let me know!
Yes, the plate stays in forever but I don't notice it at all now. I can't feel it. I've flown on airplanes many times since and it doesn't set off metal detectors or anything.
Hi Cassie --your video has been so helpful to me as I prepare for surgery on December 17. Can you speak to how you dealt with showering and in particular drying and styling your hair post-surgery? Shaving? I'm not sure how to deal with these issues or if you have any comments or suggestions. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you continued health and full recovery! Salud!
I also had left arm pain and numbness I had myolplaphy . And It was so bad prior I couldn't lift my arm anymore, as soon as I woke up the dr made me raise my left arm and I finally could again and no more numbness since the day of my surgery:) I hope you get your feeling and movement back as it's a horrible feeling
dear Cassie, i just had a similar intervention on my spine. the difference is that I chose a PEEK Prevail from Medtronic... instead bone graft! i am in my 7 th day after the surgery and I feel ok but the numbness did not dissapear! you haven't told us if this is gone in your case... do you feel numbness on your arms?
You are my inspiration. Thanks for sharing. I will need to have 3 discs repaired and your video has helped me with my list of questions for the neurosurgeon who will be doing the operation. I meet with him this Friday.
Best of luck to you, Diane. I am so glad I was able to give you some more information to work with. I hope you get the answers you need to feel comfortable with the next steps. Let me know how you are doing.
I'll keep in touch. Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery. I am taking my husband with me to the appointment with my doctor because I think it is important for him to hear everything and also ask his own questions. Who took care of you?
Diane B In the first few days my mom came to stay with me since my husband was at work all day. After the first week or so I didn't need much taking care of. By then I was well enough to move around the house, take showers and feed myself all on my own. It's good you're bringing your husband to hear what the doctor has to say. There's a lot to think about and many questions to ask and it's good to have some backup. Let me know how it goes.
Hi there: The doctor says he needs to do a 3 level repair (anterior) it's going to be a cervical; discectomy with fusion and plate. C3-4,4-5,5--6 (3 levels) He is head of neurosurgery at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT and he will operate as a team with an Orthopedic Surgeon. My husband and I also attended a private session with a special nurse from St. Francis. They have a holistic approach to healing and I got a book with a CD to listen to from her. She will also come see me before surgery and afterward. The book is Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster by Peggy Huddleston if you want to check it out. I see the orthopedic surgeon Feb. 24th for a consultation and they are trying to coordinate the schedules of the 3 doctors for surgery in early March. I'll let you know when. The doctor says they give you a soft collar to wear, but it's more for comfort. There is also some sort of bone stimulator that he wants me to use 3 hours a day.
Wow! It sounds like you're in very good hands. One of the things for people to consider when having this surgery is whether to go with an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon and you get both! That's really good and should make you feel like you're getting the best of both worlds. I would say that the collar definitely gives you comfort, even though it's uncomfortable - if that makes any sense. There is something nice about having something protecting that part of your body after the operation and it allows you to rest your chin on it. You'll never realize how much you use your neck to hold your head up until after that surgery! 3 hours of bone stimulation a day sounds like an awful lot, but it will help you heal faster so do it knowing it's a very aggressive step you are taking to recovery. I wish you the best of luck! It sounds like you are well on your way to a recovery. Please keep in touch and let me know how it goes. Let me know if I can answer any other questions or do anything to help. Cassie
I have been told that full nerve regeneration can take up to 2 years so don't lose hope yet! I have been doing acupuncture on my arm and it is helping with regaining sensation a lot. It's worth a shot.
Cassie, thanks for your personal account of your recovery. I had a three level ACDF three weeks ago and think my recovery is going well. Your account has helped me know what to expect, as I have been having the upper back/lower neck muscle pain that you described in your account. I wonder how long you waited before opting for the surgery? Like you, I used up all my pt benefit allowances before taking the plunge and also had numbness in exactly the same fingers (though on my left hand). My numbness seems to be getting better already, so I'm hopeful in will resolve completely over time. Thanks again for sharing your story. It really has been so helpful!
Hi Dar. I waited a few months between the onset of symptoms and the surgery. But, if I had it to do over again, I would have had the surgery much sooner. It looks like my numbness is permanent. It's better than it was before surgery, but there is still significant numbness there and it drives me crazy. I hope your recovery continues to go smoothly. I am so pleased I could help you with my story. Best of luck! - Cassie
Cassie Destino Hi Cassie, thanks for your reply. I waited 8 months and then had a foraminotomy (because I was so afraid of having my throat cut open) but it didn't help the finger numbness. Then I waited 9 more months to see if the surgery would work (and did lots of pt) before having the ACDF. Amazingly, some of the feeling in my fingers seem to be returning, so I'm remaining optimistic. I was told it could take years before the nerve completely recovers, though, of course, it may not recover much more than it has already. So, stay hopeful; yours might recover still. Thanks again and good luck!
Hi Cassie, Hows't the numbness and the tingling now? I know you said a month or so ago that you thought that was getting better as well. Glad you're feeling so much better!
Hi Cassie, Thanks for sharing your video as I research and scour the intent on my only choice for now ;-( I need a ACDF C4-7 and ALDF L5 S1 both arms are numb left leg and toes numb, constant, MRI looks intimidating and was told that is my only choice by 2 professionals neurologist in my area Reno, NV. I was wondering has the numbness gotten any better yet because that would be my only reason for surgery, can't believe they cal it minimally invasive??? It would be for the pain relief,
My numbness is much better but not all the way resolved yet. They said it can take a few years for that. I feel much better than I did before surgery. That is for sure.
Cassie, I have so much nerve pain and surgeon recommends C5-7 ACDF. Your video helped me a lot to learn about the process. Did you suffer from nerve pain before the surgery? If you did, it looks likei it went away right after the surgery.
+sakura sakura I didn't have much pain before the operation. I had weakness and numbness. I wasn't in any pain after the surgery but the weakness and numbness took some months to resolve. The weakness is gone now but I will always have some numbness. It's much less than before but still noticeable. I've gotten used to it now. Best of luck with your surgery. I hope it all goes smoothly.
Thank you Cassie I am doing wonderful, I never wore a neck brace either they said it doesn't help and they want you to use your neck muscles maybe that's why I healed so quick, I think everyone heals differently , I did go back to work in 1 week and doing fine, I was released from all lifting restrictions 6 weeks post op I am officially 2 months out and back to doing everything I get a little sore in the evenings but that is to be expected, I hope you are doing well in your recovery, and you seem like a very nice person and I hope ppl who watch do get a idea this surgery really does help
Always ,always wear that brace as long as the doc says , your neck is vulnerable for the first 3 / 4 months ,I actually began to feel uncomfortable without it. It won't set completely for a year.
Hi Cassie. I am trying to decided what to do. Did they use cadaver bone in your graft? If so, how do you feel about that? I feel super weird about a stranger's bone being inside me. I also really wanted to have a replacement disc, a man made one, but my dr says my arthritis is too advanced. I fear this upcoming surgery, but unlike you, I have severe pain from my pinched nerve...and can't live like this for much longer. Anyway, keep stress away, it is what makes our (females) necks bad.
I used cadaver bone and it didn't really bother me. I know it's a litte macabre but I just considered it part of the miracle of modern medicine and it made me make sure that I registered to be a donor so that I could return the favor to someone else someday. As I understand it you have a better chance of achieving fusion with cadaver bone than with synthetic so that was it for me. If I was going to go through all this I was damn sure I was going with the option with the highest success rate!
How are you doing with the numbness and tingling now Cassie? I commented lower in this thread but this is the one I wanted to reply to because it is a more recent post from you. Thanks!
Hi Cassie- I was wondering how you are doing these days with the numbness and tingling in your right hand. I've been living and dealing with two levels in my neck having badly herniated discs. I've known about this for 5 years. Over the last 6 months or so I've developed some numbness and tingling in my right hand and I know the time is coming where I'm gonna have to do something. Can you tell me how you're doing these days? Happy Holidays!
I am about 13 weeks post 4 level (C3 to C7) anterior/posterior spinal fusion. This has been trying at times, my throat is sore, I have some pain yet into my left ear, difficulty swallowing food without some food not going down with swallowing. I plan on seeing an ear, nose and throat specialist. I just want to know what they see in my throat. there is healing yet due to manipulation of the airway and esophagus. I also yet have muscle soreness in my upper back shoulders esp on the right side.
Hello dear can you tell me for what reason you have this sergers ? Bone spur , disc herniation or for what that I want to know . Waiting for your reply dear
Hi Cassie great video .iam going for surgery on June 25 th 2013 I am 27 years old I have a question do you have the same motion in your neck that you did before surgery? Is there anything that you will not be able to do ever again
I still have the numbness but I am starting to feel more tingling than I did before. I have been getting acupuncture for it and I think it's helping. When the acupuncture needles are in my arm the numbness almost disappears. I think I am still a ways away from it being totally resolved but at least I'm used to it now. How are you doing, Wiley?
Please give me your thoughts Cassie. I have more of a kink in my neck than anything else. The MRI shows that a have a torn disc. Do you think I need the surgery? I'm sone what concerned.
Hi All, Just wanted to update you. It's been 8 months since surgery and I am doing great. I can still see the scar but I saw my dermatologist the other day and she suggested a product called Kelo Cote to help reduce it. Still have a little numbness in my fingers but I have been getting acupuncture and that's helping a lot. There is still some muscle fatigue from time to time but I am back to swimming and working out at the gym. Doing well and hoping you all are too! Let me know how you are.
Hi Cassie, thank you for this great video. I'm glad you're doing well. I just had an ACDF a week ago but my insurance denied the bone growth stimulator. They said since I had no risk factors and only single level it wasn't necessary. Do you think it made a difference for you? Also thank you for encouraging me to post my own video :-)
I'm thinking about getting my neck fixed, I have cervical spinal stenosis and this year I also have what's known as a flat neck...I have been getting headaches and the pain is so bad it's difficult to think, but the surgeon and her team said they can help me, I'm 66 now, and I really think I need the surgery since I've been in some bad accidents and fell off 20 ft. Ladder 20 years ago...so this video is helping me gain courage...the sore throat thing doesn't sound very fun though...
That's great. I guess there are all kinds of recovery stories. I think that one week is pretty fast and I wouldn't want people thinking that they aren't doing as well if they aren't ready by then. It's a pretty major surgery and my philosophy was that if I had the time to take from my job, I took it. I was lucky to have a job that allowed me to take the time I needed for recovery. I hope you're doing great now.
Thank you so much for your answer. How did you find your surgeon. Should I see another surgeon just to be sure. I don't feel that my surgeon explained about the surgery and post surgery care in detail. On the other hand I should not wait too long to prevent further damage.
+sakura sakura I found my surgeon by going down the list of orthopedic surgeons that my insurance covered! Actually, he was 5th or 6th on the list of surgeons that the first doctor I saw suggested. The other's weren't in network. He explained things pretty well but I did some research online too. He made it seem like it was no big deal at all which, for him, it wasn't. It's a very routine operation and the surgeons who perform it do hundreds a year. It's a big deal to us patients, of course! It's always good to get a second opinion but in my experience if you go to see a surgeon they always want to operate because that's what they do. It's the old "when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail" scenario.
+Cassie Destino I'm finding out that this is the most common procedure. So trying to get second opinion maybe overboard. Some patients go back to work only after one week post surgery! I'm just hoping that I won't be the 10% for whom the surgery does not work.
Hi Cassie; I just wanted to thank you for taking the time and answering my questions. You ave super kind!! I appreciate your video; it gave me ideas about the surgery and also things that I need to ask to my surgeon.
+Dirt Nap It's gotten somewhat better. The weakness has mostly resolved but I do still have some numbness. I've gotten used to it now and it doesn't bother me as much as it used it. I hardly notice it anymore.
I feel good now. It's been almost a year and the scar looks alright. You can still see it but it's not so bad. My dermatologist suggested a product called Kelocote to help it fade. I didn't do much PT after because I had used up all my PT benefits before surgery. I did ART (active release technique) massage after which helped a lot. In fact, I still get it. I did a few sessions of PT but mostly to get a routine to do at home.
Hi Cassie, I'm in excruciating pain and need this surgery but I am petrified to do it. I have a panic disorder and some of the major symptoms are the sensation that I can't swallow and that my throat is swelling closed. Can you tell me if you experienced anything like this from the surgery? I'm worried that not being able to swallow will bring on a massive panic attack.
Hi Martin. I know a little something about that. I have also had the a lot of anxiety around the feelings in my throat. I can tell you that after my surgery I did not have trouble swallowing, only that it hurt when I swallow. It felt like a bad case of strep throat but it did not feel as though my throat was swollen or that I could not swallow. And I can also tell you that it only lasted for a very short while: two days or so. I practiced self talk. “This is not a permanent situation.” “This feeling is because I’ve had surgery to fix the pain that I have been living with.” I hope that you will find relief very soon.
@@fiercekitten13 Thanks for the reply. I wish the surgeon would have never given all these worse case senerios for me to worry about. Thanks for making your videos they helped me and others greatly.
@@martinperrone6694 sometimes surgeons make things so much worse as they try to prepare you. I’ve spoken to lots of people over the years who have had this surgery and the vast majority of them, myself included, say it wasn’t nearly as bad as they feared. The worst part was the anticipation. I’m so glad my video has helped you. I wish you lots of success. x
Day 6 after c-5 c-6 c-7 fusion. Doing good all symptoms from severe stenosis gone. The discomfort and swallowing discomfort no different than what I ready from other testimony. Fortunately I don't have to wear a hard collar. Back to walking 4 miles a day. Still taking muscle relaxer every 6 hrs and Norco 5-325 every 4 to 6 hrs. I ice both front and back of neck .I take some tylenol occasionally when pain level elevated with taking prescribed pain medication. If you never had surgery before this surgery could be very terrible for you. I had right knee replacements 3 times in 24 years so this neck surgery has been mild compared to failed knee replacement. It has been a blessing going on 6 days with no right arm pain and neck neuropathy pain.
+annie judis I answered your question on the other video but I will answer it here too in case anybody else has the question. I don't remember being light headed or dizzy but I do remember getting fatigued easily when I took the brace off for long periods of time, like going to the movies. I always kept it handy for the first few months and would put it back on when I needed a rest.
Well, I am certainly not qualified to give medical advice on UA-cam! If it is something that is bothering you I would go get a few opinions from different surgeons. Please seek medical advice for this issue. Ultimately it will be up to the doctors and you. I have no idea what the protocol is for a torn disc as opposed to a herniated one. Be careful and good luck.
Hi Joe. I was in the brace full-time for about two weeks. After that my doctor told me I could start taking it off for periods of time during the day. I found that it was more comfortable to have it on, actually. I always wore it when I left the house for the first month and a half. But, I started taking it off and moving my head around to start to bring some movement back to my neck after about two weeks. I hope that your surgery went well and that your recovery goes very smoothly. Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.
Thank you for your reply Cassie. How did you sleep? Did you wake up stiff in the AM? I sleep In a recliner and wake up super stiff in the back of my neck. Also
Joe Petri Totally! I slept in a recliner too and was super stiff. What helped me was I started getting massages from a massage therapist on my neck. I had to be cleared by my doctor to do this because it was at a physical therapist's office. It really helped a lot. I'll be honest, it took quite a while before the stiffness fully subsided. Several months. I've said this before to other people and I hope you find some comfort in it; it's been 2 and a half years since my surgery and (besides answering people's questions on these UA-cam clips) I never think about the surgery. It is just not a part of my life anymore. Once you fully recover it will be over and you can move on. It will all fade soon. I'm here if you need me in the meantime, Joe.
Joe Petri P.S. Joe, I just watched your Superhero Workout Nation video and you will certainly recover quickly! You are so fit and committed to living a healthy lifestyle. Please just remember to let your body heal itself. I am sure you want to get active again really soon but you have to allow some time to recover. You're going to be just fine.
continued...I'm sick of pain meds since 2000. Please let me know if this is worth it, my Doctor says he has a 99% success rate, Dr james Lynch reno NV. I really don't want to go under the knife unless it's a full recovery from numbness and pain, I'm in good physical shape as far as managing a surgery, but I really see how difficult this can be. This Thanks Debbie
...and look stupid. I was on disability so I figured I could get away with it. I'd say it was about a month until I could raise up my arms to dry and style my hair with ease. I also didn't bother much with make up, shaving or anything else like that for a while. It'll be a rough week or so but if your surgery Is
That is excellent news! Before my surgery I looked for other people's experiences and found mostly negative stories. I wanted to add my voice to the positive side because I think that we're the vast majority of cases. The people who feel good are going on with their live and not bothering to post online. This surgery is mostly successful. I'm glad it was for you and for me!
Hi Cassise
I'm 17 days post op acdf 4,5 and 5, 6 surgery! I had severe spinal cord compression and both arms were with decrease sensation, numb and tingling with my L arm swollen and fingers barely moved right out of surgery! Today my left hand and fingers move fine with good strength, the weakness is in my R thumb and 1st two fingers. I start PT in 4 weeks. My advice don't keep putting it off as to prevent permanent damage to those nerves! The surgery is not an issue, it is the amount of damage to the nerves over the years. This will take time to heal! I was in an accident 15 years ago and always felt tension in my neck area and then that last 8 months I've been sleeping upright due to waking up numb, and my right hand losing motility. Next advice, don't rush back to work to soon. The goal now is to FUSE. Everyone recover at different stages but FUSing we all must do!
Debbie,
I know how scary it is but I can tell you that I believe it is definitely worth it. It sounds like you have a lot of things going on and surgery can take care of a lot of it. Once you get through the operation and recovery then you can be done with pain meds, physical therapy, and all the anxiety that comes with having something wrong with you spine.
It's been just over a year for me and I hardly ever think about it anymore. It used to be my entire life! Best of luck to you.
I know this was 9 years ago but I am getting mentally ready to have a c5-7 surgery and I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I hope you kept getting better and are having a great life
My experience was largely positive. I recovered well and have not had any issues with it since. I had twins a few years after this surgery and all went well with that. No issues from my neck. Life has been hectic and good since surgery!
Cassie, double thanks. This was one of the best resources I found pre-op. For others to come I would add in your recovery: celebrate the little victories.. getting home, first shower, bandage off, steristrips off, driving again etc. A little progress goes a long way to full recovery. John C4-5 acdf 8/2013
Dear Cassie - what a wonderful job you have done. I had my ACDF on the 14th August this year. I had a brilliant Neuro-Surgeon at the Wessex Neurological Centre Southampton Hospital UK. The scar almost identical to you but on my right side. I am a professional saxophone/clarinet/flautist and had a prolapsed disc C3/4. My surgeon outlined the procedure and of course gave me no guarantees of a cessation of symptoms which were;- pins and needles in my shoulders, slight numbness in my left forefinger and thumb. Decreased dexterity in my left arm and fingers an increasing slowness and fatigue when walking. Lethargy in bowel muscles and urgency in bladder function. The moment I was back on the ward after surgery I could tell I had considerable improvement in my left hand and finger movement. The pins and needles had disappeared and, when I ventured out of bed, my walking was better.
It is now three weeks since. I didn't have a surgical collar and during the week following surgery I walked a mile into our village which would have been impossible beforehand. My surgeon told me the procedure went very well and did not wish to see me for three months. Like you I have had very little pain and minimal discomfort, which as you say, can make you forget what you are not supposed to do!! The only residuals I am experiencing is an occasional numbness in the fingers a bit of a wobble when walking first thing and my skin feels sore when the shower hits it first. But the improvements have been dramatic for me so far and I would be interested to know if you have had a reversal of any more of your symptoms. Thanks for taking the time to make the video
Thank you for sharing your story, Anthony. I am so glad your surgery was so successful. I think that our cases are the vast majority of outcomes and the more people who share their successes, the better! It's such a scary operation so it's good that we get our stories out to help calm the fears of people facing this surgery. All the very best of luck to you in your continued recovery. All best, Cassue
Thank you for doing these videos I think they are very helpful and encouraging to anyone facing the surgery. I am 65 and do a lot of cycling. For a few years I attributed the numbness in my hands and forearms to cycling even though I felt there was something different with this chronic pain that did not go away after a bike ride. I pressed the issue with my doctor which lead to X-rays, MRI, and surgery within the month. I had a lot of pain all through my upper body but I am all better now!
It's been almost 6 months and I feel great now. I almost never even think about the surgery anymore. I have a check up with my surgeon next week. I'll update the video if there's any news after that check up. Best of luck to you!
Hi Cassie, thanks for this great vid! I had a C5/6 ACDF 8 days ago and it is great to see someone else's experience and to have something to compare my own recovery with. I am currently suffering with the need to clear my throat every 2 minutes, glad to see it doesn't last too long! :)
Hi Cassie. Thank you for your video. It's helped me a lot. I had surgery 6 days ago on C5-6. I'm doing better. I really hope you get all the feeling back in your arm. Keep posted.
I'm having the exact surgery next month. I have Degenerative Disc Disease. I've already had 2 lower back surgeries. I'm so down about it. Thank you for making this video, it doesn't seem as frightening now.🥰
Still hanging in there Cassie. I haven't made any plans for surgery yet. Most of the issues I'm having are still in my right arm with numbness and tingling in my some of my fingers of my right hand. From a pain standpoint, that's been tolerable lately and am functioning ok. That's why I've been asking you about the numbness and tingling and if its getting any better for you. You had the surgery and I understand it takes quite some time for nerve regeneration so I'm rooting for you big time.
I ended up taking about 5 and a half weeks off but I felt like I could have gone back a little sooner. BUT, I actually took several more weeks off a few months later because I was having some muscle pain due to high stress at work and having to sit at a desk again. That is a very tough position to put your body in after this operation. Resting, massage and alleviating stress has helped. I feel pretty great now. Good luck to you!
Hi Cassie, I had a C5/6 fusion in 2004 and that was after 10 years of chronic pain. I can tell you that you will gain your arm/hand back. It' just takes years. I'm going in for two more fusions Tuesday, but that is after a solid 8 to 9 years of pain relief and strength that returned after surgery. I'm back to weakness and everything else, so I hope this next surgery will be the same as the last one and give me my life back.
I'm so sorry to hear you have to have another surgery. Hopefully this one won't be as bad since you know what to expect. I will be sending you my best wishes for a speedy recovery and a successful result.
Let me know how it goes!
Cassie Destino Thank you. Surgery is tomorrow morning. Hope this all works out. :)
Hi all. I viewed Cassie's awesome video well over a year ago because I was considering the ACDF surgery. I have C5-6 and 7 herniations and I've known about them for almost 7 years now. When I read semperoccultus comments about needing another surgery, that seems to be the norm eventually years after the original ACDF surgery. I've read a lot about adjacent segment disease and if you keep fusing, there will be no motion and that's no way to live either. Anyway, I've been doing exercises for my neck and using ice at night and the pain has become tolerable to the point where I was able to golf all of this past summer and bowl this fall and winter. Most importantly, I was able to coach my son's baseball team and be active with him. I'm not pain free by any means but a couple of advil before the activities helps. I may eventually have no choice to get the surgery but I'm holding off for as long as I can due to the possible complications down the road. The exercises I have been doing are from the book "Treat Your Own Neck" by Robin McKenzie. Good luck to everyone that deals with a bad spinal column.
Wiley Coyote there was no "considering" in my first go-round. I had such severe herniation, that I could hardly walk. That fusion gave me a life and I was pain free for 8 years. I'm three weeks out of my adjacent level fusions and my range of motion is great. I can swing my head around to check my blind spot while driving just like before. No difference, except now I have decompression, no bone spurs anymore, and my nerve roots are no longer pinched. I always recommend to others to get the surgery. But get it done with a good surgeon who knows what he is doing.
semperoccultus1969 Hey Semper. I'm glad your recent surgery went good. You must've had serioius spinal chord compression and terrrible arm pain. I have definite chord compression at C5 thru C7 and the arm pain waxes and wanes. I've been to 2 orthopedic surgeons and one neurosurgeon that recommend I get it done at some point but as long as I can function I'm gonna hold off as long as I can. Keep me posted on your recovery.
Thanks so much for posting these videos including a day 2 video. That was awesome! Going Monday for my C6/C7 surgery. All same symptoms as you except my left arm; my middle and pointer fingers are numb with arm weakness. Hope you and your family are doing well 😊
I wish you the very best. I am doing really well after more than 10 years since surgery. Sending you warm regards and hopes for a speedy recovery.
@@fiercekitten13 Thanks so much. I’m on day 1 from the hospital and I feel fine! Little numbness in my fingers too but overall no arm pain which is great. Your videos game me so much strength. Bless you and your family 😊
I just got my ACDF surgery done yesterday on C4-C6. I got to go home the same day and so far I’m in no pain except for a little sore throat. That’s it.
Hi Josie. The reason we wanted to use the bone stimulator after my surgery is that my husband and I wanted to start a family as soon as possible after surgery. We wanted to heal as fast as we could. I am told that you don't really need it if you have a single fusion but my doctor was being super liberal with me. I am sure you'll be fine without it - most people are. I don't know how much difference it made, honestly. I get another x-ray next month at the 1 year mark and I will update ou then!
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience. It appears this surgery is in my future and it's been really helpful watching your compilation for me to know what to expect. Hope you're still doing well on your road to recovery!
+lisaraecrowoman Thank you for letting me know that. I really appreciate hearing that my videos have helped someone. I wish you the very best of luck on your surgery. May your recovery be smooth and fast, just like mine was! Three years later and I'm doing great.
Totally same motion. I only had one level done so I don't notice any difference in the range of motion. I did have sore neck muscles for several months after surgery but deep tissue massage helped out a lot. I don't think there's anything I can't do ever again. My surgeon said not to run for a while but everything is pretty much back to normal now.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I'll be getting a C7-T1 fusion in 10 days. Documenting your story is a real service and appreciated. It gives me a sense of comfort and what to expect. Was hoping to find a story about the same level I'm having treated but have yet to find one. However, my symptoms are the same: spasms around the shoulder blade, general back/neck pain, left arm pain, tingling with specific postures and slight weakness in my left hand. No complete numbness so hopefully that will remain the case. I hope you are well and God bless!
Hi Debbie, So very happy to see that you had such a wonderful recovery! Wish I could have said that for myself, but the pain I was having was completely gone as soon as I awoke from surgery. I am on my 2 1/2 month mark after surgery. I had issues with C5/6. Found out through x-rays from a chiropractor that I had 2 bulging discs/herniation. He adjusted my neck that very 1st day and ended up in excruciating pain for a month & a 1/2 after the adjustment. Come to find out the neurosurgeon found a combination of a large chronic spondylotic disc protrusion on the right in the setting of some free disc material that had herniated out from the spondylotic disc herniation into the nerve root, out into the foramen, which was decompressed in its entirety. I am still out of work until I go back for another check up in January, and now experiencing an issue on the left side of my neck. I'm assuming its because I am not doing PT, and that is due to no insurance. You mentioned you were going to go to PT, was there any exercises that you could do at home? If so can you help a girlfriend out and tell me what they are? LOL
Thanks again Debbie for your wonderful story !
Hi Wendy,
I am so sorry to hear you've had so much trouble. These are very scary conditions and I understand your fear and frustration. I couldn't really tell you about what PT exercises to do since I am not a physical therapist and each person is different.
One thing that has helped me a lot has been deep tissue massage. This has allowed the muscles to relax a little which makes the whole area feel looser and more comfortable.
I wish you the best of luck in your recovery and let me know if you have any other questions and I will do my best to answer them.
Best,
Cassie
P.S. I assume you were talking to me, I don't know who Debbie is :)
First off I apologize for calling you Debbie Lol, I knew it was you, CASSIE, who published this video, and secondly thank you so very much for getting back to me.
I'm finding as well as things are developing on the left side now, like numbness, pain in that shoulder and can only turn neck so far to the left. If you only knew my medical history, you would agree that I need to be confined to a bubble or totally embraced in bubble wrap LOL.
Thanks for being there for me just to even vent/talk!
Again Cassie thanks for doing that video as well !
I remember that feeling! I think it's from holding your head in the neutral position. Normally you'd be turning your head all day and allowing the muscles to stretch but you can't now. I started getting neck and shoulder massages ~10 day point. Ask your surgeon if that would be OK. It helped a lot. I also know the fear of moving your head around and having it come apart but as my Dr said, if surgery went well and hardware is installed correctly you will not break it by moving! Keep healing!
I'm 2 weeks after surgery. I wear the brace 24/7. I'm able to sleep comfortably on my back. Concerned as to when I'll be able to get back to running, swimming, lifting
Ron Yanks It'll probably be a while but you'll get there eventually. Best of luck in your recovery!
Hi Barbara - I just past three months this week and I feel pretty good. The muscles in my upper back and shoulders are very sore these days but my physical therapist tells me that this is normal as they try to figure out their new role in my back. I have been getting lots of deep tissue massages and that is helping.
The numbness hasn't completely resolved yet but I think it's getting better. It's hard to tell since they've been numb for so long but there is new sensation there.
Best of luck!
Hi Justalooki. I know your concern. I was very worried about showering after surgery. Truth is, it's a little difficult but totally doable. You just have to keep your head in a neutral position - no looking up or down - and take it slow. I had my mom or my husband nearby the first few times until I felt comfortable. I also got a non-slip shower mat to keep me from slipping. As far as hair styling, I just didn't bother the first few weeks. It was summer so I just let my hair dry naturally...
Hi Hannah. I'm not sure if you're talking to me or to Barbara below but I would be happy to answer your question. I felt the same anxiety about having my throat cut open. I really didn't like the idea of it at all. I knew it was just something that had to happen as a part of the surgery but I wasn't looking forward to it. I can tell you that three months later it is fading, but still really noticeable. People tell me they can't really see it but I sure can. I am just getting used to it.
I still have a little numbness in my fingers. I was told that it can be up to 2 years before that nerve damage repairs itself fully. It feel much better than it did but I think I've lost perspective on it at this point, to be honest. Every once in a while I get a huge rush of sensation into the fingers so I know the nerve didn't die. Acupuncture is helping with it too.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Can't thank you enough for sharing this video.
+Maxine S What a sweet thing to say to me! Thank you so much. I am very happy you found it useful.
I remember that terror very well! I can tell you that 5 months later I feel great and that the entire ordeal is a fading memory. I had the same level done and they tell me it's one of the easiest to recover from and when it's all done you can't notice the difference in your ROM. Don't listen to the scary stories. They are the exception. I am the rule. The vast majority of these surgeries are simple and without complication. Let me know how you're doing and ask me any other questions you have.
I am afraid of having to have another one someday too. They say once you've had one you're more likely to need another one in the future. I wish you the best of luck with that. I am sure it's easier the second time around. At least you know what to expect now!
Great post Op. video Cassie, I can say having had ACDF in 2004 (C5-C6 Titanium plate and screws with cadaver bone), all of my ROM and strength did come back and the pain/numbness completely disappeared about 1-1/2 later with lots of PT. I suffered may years with excruciating shoulder/arm pain. My only complaint is I have had some throat issues where swallowing appears labored more than I remember..9 years later im likely going back under the knife for C6-C7, At 43 now im a little nervous, lol..
That will totally depend on how you're feeling and how you're healing. I would think that you won't be quite ready to pick up your 2 year old after just one month but talk to your doctor about it. You will certainly feel better after a month but you have to decide for yourself what you're ready for.
I had my 6 month check up the other day and he said all is well. I just need to come back at 12 months. It's all smooth sailing after about a month. You may still have some muscle tightness as the muscles that used to support the fused disc figure out what their job is now, but massage helps. I hope your movement issues clear up and that you're feeling great soon. Let me know!
Yes, the plate stays in forever but I don't notice it at all now. I can't feel it. I've flown on airplanes many times since and it doesn't set off metal detectors or anything.
Just had my acdf today ,same level, and it was very helpful. THANK YOU!
Clarification: your video was very helpful.
+grapeburger Thank you! I a glad you found the video useful. I wish you a speedy and comfortable recovery.
+Cassie Destino thx! So far so good
Hi Cassie --your video has been so helpful to me as I prepare for surgery on December 17. Can you speak to how you dealt with showering and in particular drying and styling your hair post-surgery? Shaving? I'm not sure how to deal with these issues or if you have any comments or suggestions. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you continued health and full recovery! Salud!
I also had left arm pain and numbness I had myolplaphy . And It was so bad prior I couldn't lift my arm anymore, as soon as I woke up the dr made me raise my left arm and I finally could again and no more numbness since the day of my surgery:) I hope you get your feeling and movement back as it's a horrible feeling
dear Cassie, i just had a similar intervention on my spine. the difference is that I chose a PEEK Prevail from Medtronic... instead bone graft! i am in my 7 th day after the surgery and I feel ok but the numbness did not dissapear! you haven't told us if this is gone in your case... do you feel numbness on your arms?
You are my inspiration. Thanks for sharing. I will need to have 3 discs repaired and your video has helped me with my list of questions for the neurosurgeon who will be doing the operation. I meet with him this Friday.
Best of luck to you, Diane. I am so glad I was able to give you some more information to work with. I hope you get the answers you need to feel comfortable with the next steps. Let me know how you are doing.
I'll keep in touch. Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery. I am taking my husband with me to the appointment with my doctor because I think it is important for him to hear everything and also ask his own questions. Who took care of you?
Diane B In the first few days my mom came to stay with me since my husband was at work all day. After the first week or so I didn't need much taking care of. By then I was well enough to move around the house, take showers and feed myself all on my own. It's good you're bringing your husband to hear what the doctor has to say. There's a lot to think about and many questions to ask and it's good to have some backup. Let me know how it goes.
Hi there: The doctor says he needs to do a 3 level repair (anterior) it's going to be a cervical; discectomy with fusion and plate. C3-4,4-5,5--6 (3 levels) He is head of neurosurgery at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT and he will operate as a team with an Orthopedic Surgeon. My husband and I also attended a private session with a special nurse from St. Francis. They have a holistic approach to healing and I got a book with a CD to listen to from her. She will also come see me before surgery and afterward. The book is Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster by Peggy Huddleston if you want to check it out. I see the orthopedic surgeon Feb. 24th for a consultation and they are trying to coordinate the schedules of the 3 doctors for surgery in early March. I'll let you know when.
The doctor says they give you a soft collar to wear, but it's more for comfort. There is also some sort of bone stimulator that he wants me to use 3 hours a day.
Wow! It sounds like you're in very good hands. One of the things for people to consider when having this surgery is whether to go with an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon and you get both! That's really good and should make you feel like you're getting the best of both worlds.
I would say that the collar definitely gives you comfort, even though it's uncomfortable - if that makes any sense. There is something nice about having something protecting that part of your body after the operation and it allows you to rest your chin on it. You'll never realize how much you use your neck to hold your head up until after that surgery!
3 hours of bone stimulation a day sounds like an awful lot, but it will help you heal faster so do it knowing it's a very aggressive step you are taking to recovery.
I wish you the best of luck! It sounds like you are well on your way to a recovery. Please keep in touch and let me know how it goes. Let me know if I can answer any other questions or do anything to help.
Cassie
I have been told that full nerve regeneration can take up to 2 years so don't lose hope yet! I have been doing acupuncture on my arm and it is helping with regaining sensation a lot. It's worth a shot.
How are things now 11 years after any regrets? Im scheduled to do mine in a month. Thanks for the video.
Cassie, thanks for your personal account of your recovery. I had a three level ACDF three weeks ago and think my recovery is going well. Your account has helped me know what to expect, as I have been having the upper back/lower neck muscle pain that you described in your account. I wonder how long you waited before opting for the surgery? Like you, I used up all my pt benefit allowances before taking the plunge and also had numbness in exactly the same fingers (though on my left hand). My numbness seems to be getting better already, so I'm hopeful in will resolve completely over time. Thanks again for sharing your story. It really has been so helpful!
Hi Dar. I waited a few months between the onset of symptoms and the surgery. But, if I had it to do over again, I would have had the surgery much sooner. It looks like my numbness is permanent. It's better than it was before surgery, but there is still significant numbness there and it drives me crazy.
I hope your recovery continues to go smoothly. I am so pleased I could help you with my story. Best of luck! - Cassie
Cassie Destino Hi Cassie, thanks for your reply. I waited 8 months and then had a foraminotomy (because I was so afraid of having my throat cut open) but it didn't help the finger numbness. Then I waited 9 more months to see if the surgery would work (and did lots of pt) before having the ACDF. Amazingly, some of the feeling in my fingers seem to be returning, so I'm remaining optimistic. I was told it could take years before the nerve completely recovers, though, of course, it may not recover much more than it has already. So, stay hopeful; yours might recover still. Thanks again and good luck!
Hi Cassie, Hows't the numbness and the tingling now? I know you said a month or so ago that you thought that was getting better as well. Glad you're feeling so much better!
Thank you for the video it has answer alot of my questions God bless you and continue to feel better
Hi Cassie,
Thanks for sharing your video as I research and scour the intent on my only choice for now ;-(
I need a ACDF C4-7 and ALDF L5 S1 both arms are numb left leg and toes numb, constant, MRI looks intimidating and was told that is my only choice by 2 professionals neurologist in my area Reno, NV. I was wondering has the numbness gotten any better yet because that would be my only reason for surgery, can't believe they cal it minimally invasive??? It would be for the pain relief,
My numbness is much better but not all the way resolved yet. They said it can take a few years for that. I feel much better than I did before surgery. That is for sure.
Cassie, I have so much nerve pain and surgeon recommends C5-7 ACDF. Your video helped me a lot to learn about the process. Did you suffer from nerve pain before the surgery? If you did, it looks likei it went away right after the surgery.
+sakura sakura I didn't have much pain before the operation. I had weakness and numbness. I wasn't in any pain after the surgery but the weakness and numbness took some months to resolve. The weakness is gone now but I will always have some numbness. It's much less than before but still noticeable. I've gotten used to it now.
Best of luck with your surgery. I hope it all goes smoothly.
Thank you Cassie I am doing wonderful, I never wore a neck brace either they said it doesn't help and they want you to use your neck muscles maybe that's why I healed so quick, I think everyone heals differently , I did go back to work in 1 week and doing fine, I was released from all lifting restrictions 6 weeks post op I am officially 2 months out and back to doing everything I get a little sore in the evenings but that is to be expected, I hope you are doing well in your recovery, and you seem like a very nice person and I hope ppl who watch do get a idea this surgery really does help
Wow, you sound amazing! Thank you.
Always ,always wear that brace as long as the doc says , your neck is vulnerable for the first 3 / 4 months ,I actually began to feel uncomfortable without it. It won't set completely for a year.
Hi Cassie. I am trying to decided what to do. Did they use cadaver bone in your graft? If so, how do you feel about that? I feel super weird about a stranger's bone being inside me. I also really wanted to have a replacement disc, a man made one, but my dr says my arthritis is too advanced. I fear this upcoming surgery, but unlike you, I have severe pain from my pinched nerve...and can't live like this for much longer. Anyway, keep stress away, it is what makes our (females) necks bad.
I used cadaver bone and it didn't really bother me. I know it's a litte macabre but I just considered it part of the miracle of modern medicine and it made me make sure that I registered to be a donor so that I could return the favor to someone else someday. As I understand it you have a better chance of achieving fusion with cadaver bone than with synthetic so that was it for me. If I was going to go through all this I was damn sure I was going with the option with the highest success rate!
How are you doing with the numbness and tingling now Cassie? I commented lower in this thread but this is the one I wanted to reply to because it is a more recent post from you. Thanks!
thanks for your story
Hi Cassie- I was wondering how you are doing these days with the numbness and tingling in your right hand. I've been living and dealing with two levels in my neck having badly herniated discs. I've known about this for 5 years. Over the last 6 months or so I've developed some numbness and tingling in my right hand and I know the time is coming where I'm gonna have to do something. Can you tell me how you're doing these days? Happy Holidays!
I am about 13 weeks post 4 level (C3 to C7) anterior/posterior spinal fusion. This has been trying at times, my throat is sore, I have some pain yet into my left ear, difficulty swallowing food without some food not going down with swallowing. I plan on seeing an ear, nose and throat specialist. I just want to know what they see in my throat. there is healing yet due to manipulation of the airway and esophagus. I also yet have muscle soreness in my upper back shoulders esp on the right side.
Hello dear can you tell me for what reason you have this sergers ? Bone spur , disc herniation or for what that I want to know . Waiting for your reply dear
how long do you have to wear a brace
Hi Cassie great video .iam going for surgery on June 25 th 2013 I am 27 years old I have a question do you have the same motion in your neck that you did before surgery? Is there anything that you will not be able to do ever again
Thank you
I still have the numbness but I am starting to feel more tingling than I did before. I have been getting acupuncture for it and I think it's helping. When the acupuncture needles are in my arm the numbness almost disappears. I think I am still a ways away from it being totally resolved but at least I'm used to it now.
How are you doing, Wiley?
Please give me your thoughts Cassie. I have more of a kink in my neck than anything else. The MRI shows that a have a torn disc. Do you think I need the surgery? I'm sone what concerned.
Hey I get this same surgery soon, did the numbness and pain go away?
Hi All,
Just wanted to update you. It's been 8 months since surgery and I am doing great. I can still see the scar but I saw my dermatologist the other day and she suggested a product called Kelo Cote to help reduce it.
Still have a little numbness in my fingers but I have been getting acupuncture and that's helping a lot. There is still some muscle fatigue from time to time but I am back to swimming and working out at the gym.
Doing well and hoping you all are too! Let me know how you are.
Im going in in one week for acdf c6 c7.thank you cause im nervous about it
I hope your surgery went well and that you are recovering comfortably.
Hi Cassie, thank you for this great video. I'm glad you're doing well. I just had an ACDF a week ago but my insurance denied the bone growth stimulator. They said since I had no risk factors and only single level it wasn't necessary. Do you think it made a difference for you? Also thank you for encouraging me to post my own video :-)
How are you doing how long has it been how's the scar how much the ropy do you get a week ?
did u use an allograft or auto graft
I used allograft from cadaver tissue.
December 17 you'll be amazed how well you feel by Christmas. Good luck and let me know how it goes. Hit me up with any other questions.
I'm thinking about getting my neck fixed, I have cervical spinal stenosis and this year I also have what's known as a flat neck...I have been getting headaches and the pain is so bad it's difficult to think, but the surgeon and her team said they can help me, I'm 66 now, and I really think I need the surgery since I've been in some bad accidents and fell off 20 ft. Ladder 20 years ago...so this video is helping me gain courage...the sore throat thing doesn't sound very fun though...
@@debracarr1355 A sore throat is a small price to pay for the relief I hope surgery will bring you.
Would one month be enough time off .i babysit and have 2boys at home ages 9 and 2
I had this surgery on C-4 c-5 with plating. I was back to work in 1 week.
That's great. I guess there are all kinds of recovery stories. I think that one week is pretty fast and I wouldn't want people thinking that they aren't doing as well if they aren't ready by then. It's a pretty major surgery and my philosophy was that if I had the time to take from my job, I took it. I was lucky to have a job that allowed me to take the time I needed for recovery. I hope you're doing great now.
Thank you so much for your answer. How did you find your surgeon. Should I see another surgeon just to be sure. I don't feel that my surgeon explained about the surgery and post surgery care in detail. On the other hand I should not wait too long to prevent further damage.
+sakura sakura I found my surgeon by going down the list of orthopedic surgeons that my insurance covered! Actually, he was 5th or 6th on the list of surgeons that the first doctor I saw suggested. The other's weren't in network. He explained things pretty well but I did some research online too. He made it seem like it was no big deal at all which, for him, it wasn't. It's a very routine operation and the surgeons who perform it do hundreds a year. It's a big deal to us patients, of course! It's always good to get a second opinion but in my experience if you go to see a surgeon they always want to operate because that's what they do. It's the old "when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail" scenario.
+Cassie Destino
I'm finding out that this is the most common procedure. So trying to get second opinion maybe overboard. Some patients go back to work only after one week post surgery! I'm just hoping that I won't be the 10% for whom the surgery does not work.
Hi Cassie;
I just wanted to thank you for taking the time and answering my questions. You ave super kind!! I appreciate your video; it gave me ideas about the surgery and also things that I need to ask to my surgeon.
Thanks! I hope it goes well.
i know its a long way out from your surgery now but have you ever gotten any improvement in the numbness/weakness?
+Dirt Nap It's gotten somewhat better. The weakness has mostly resolved but I do still have some numbness. I've gotten used to it now and it doesn't bother me as much as it used it. I hardly notice it anymore.
+Cassie Destino thanks, that offers some hope from all the odd issues i awoke with from anesthesia...
I feel good now. It's been almost a year and the scar looks alright. You can still see it but it's not so bad. My dermatologist suggested a product called Kelocote to help it fade. I didn't do much PT after because I had used up all my PT benefits before surgery. I did ART (active release technique) massage after which helped a lot. In fact, I still get it. I did a few sessions of PT but mostly to get a routine to do at home.
Hi Cassie,
I'm in excruciating pain and need this surgery but I am petrified to do it. I have a panic disorder and some of the major symptoms are the sensation that I can't swallow and that my throat is swelling closed. Can you tell me if you experienced anything like this from the surgery? I'm worried that not being able to swallow will bring on a massive panic attack.
Hi Martin. I know a little something about that. I have also had the a lot of anxiety around the feelings in my throat. I can tell you that after my surgery I did not have trouble swallowing, only that it hurt when I swallow. It felt like a bad case of strep throat but it did not feel as though my throat was swollen or that I could not swallow. And I can also tell you that it only lasted for a very short while: two days or so. I practiced self talk. “This is not a permanent situation.” “This feeling is because I’ve had surgery to fix the pain that I have been living with.”
I hope that you will find relief very soon.
@@fiercekitten13 Thanks for the reply. I wish the surgeon would have never given all these worse case senerios for me to worry about. Thanks for making your videos they helped me and others greatly.
@@martinperrone6694 sometimes surgeons make things so much worse as they try to prepare you. I’ve spoken to lots of people over the years who have had this surgery and the vast majority of them, myself included, say it wasn’t nearly as bad as they feared. The worst part was the anticipation. I’m so glad my video has helped you. I wish you lots of success. x
Day 6 after c-5 c-6 c-7 fusion. Doing good all symptoms from severe stenosis gone. The discomfort and swallowing discomfort no different than what I ready from other testimony. Fortunately I don't have to wear a hard collar. Back to walking 4 miles a day. Still taking muscle relaxer every 6 hrs and Norco 5-325 every 4 to 6 hrs. I ice both front and back of neck .I take some tylenol occasionally when pain level elevated with taking prescribed pain medication. If you never had surgery before this surgery could be very terrible for you. I had right knee replacements 3 times in 24 years so this neck surgery has been mild compared to failed knee replacement. It has been a blessing going on 6 days with no right arm pain and neck neuropathy pain.
How is your right hand strength now, has it come back to normal?
Yes, it's all back to normal now and has been for years.
@@fiercekitten13 Thanks Cassie, how much time did it take to get your strength back post surgery?
Did you have to wear that on your neck before the surgery?
No, only after.
Mam pls tell me for what reason you have surgery ? Disc herniation or anything else ?
I had a herniated disk.
@@fiercekitten13 Hello, do you still have numbness and arm weakness ? After how long did it take after surgery to go away ?
After your neck brace removal, any side effects like light headed?
+annie judis I answered your question on the other video but I will answer it here too in case anybody else has the question. I don't remember being light headed or dizzy but I do remember getting fatigued easily when I took the brace off for long periods of time, like going to the movies. I always kept it handy for the first few months and would put it back on when I needed a rest.
Well, I am certainly not qualified to give medical advice on UA-cam! If it is something that is bothering you I would go get a few opinions from different surgeons. Please seek medical advice for this issue. Ultimately it will be up to the doctors and you. I have no idea what the protocol is for a torn disc as opposed to a herniated one. Be careful and good luck.
I am three weeks post opp single level cushion c6/c7. How long were you in your brace for?
Hi Joe. I was in the brace full-time for about two weeks. After that my doctor told me I could start taking it off for periods of time during the day. I found that it was more comfortable to have it on, actually. I always wore it when I left the house for the first month and a half. But, I started taking it off and moving my head around to start to bring some movement back to my neck after about two weeks.
I hope that your surgery went well and that your recovery goes very smoothly. Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.
Thank you for your reply Cassie. How did you sleep? Did you wake up stiff in the AM? I sleep In a recliner and wake up super stiff in the back of my neck. Also
Joe Petri Totally! I slept in a recliner too and was super stiff. What helped me was I started getting massages from a massage therapist on my neck. I had to be cleared by my doctor to do this because it was at a physical therapist's office. It really helped a lot. I'll be honest, it took quite a while before the stiffness fully subsided. Several months.
I've said this before to other people and I hope you find some comfort in it; it's been 2 and a half years since my surgery and (besides answering people's questions on these UA-cam clips) I never think about the surgery. It is just not a part of my life anymore. Once you fully recover it will be over and you can move on. It will all fade soon.
I'm here if you need me in the meantime, Joe.
Joe Petri P.S. Joe, I just watched your Superhero Workout Nation video and you will certainly recover quickly! You are so fit and committed to living a healthy lifestyle. Please just remember to let your body heal itself. I am sure you want to get active again really soon but you have to allow some time to recover. You're going to be just fine.
Thanks Cassie. I appreciate you taking the time to replay back.
I am having the surgery 8-13-15 and I would like to thank you for the video .
David Blackburn Best of luck for a speedy recovery!
thank you
David Blackburn Let me know if you have any questions in the future. The worst part is almost over. Recovery is a breeze.
I had the surgery yesterday and I am doing will not having much pain .Been sleeping most of the day .I am at home Thank You
❤
continued...I'm sick of pain meds since 2000.
Please let me know if this is worth it, my Doctor says he has a 99% success rate, Dr james Lynch reno NV. I really don't want to go under the knife unless it's a full recovery from numbness and pain, I'm in good physical shape as far as managing a surgery, but I really see how difficult this can be. This
Thanks Debbie
2 weeks out from a 5 level here :-(
Chris W Gonna miss that neck I used to have.
Chris W I wont miss the pain though
opps sorry I meant internet ;-)
...and look stupid. I was on disability so I figured I could get away with it. I'd say it was about a month until I could raise up my arms to dry and style my hair with ease. I also didn't bother much with make up, shaving or anything else like that for a while. It'll be a rough week or so but if your surgery Is