Thanks for your experience of this type of surgery. Im week 4 post recovery. Mu surgery was 3 hours long. and Im off pain killers. My scar is bulky like yours but told to use silicone plasters. My big concern is I have lost my taste. Been told it will come back but its been 4 weeks. That is my biggest worry.
Sorry to hear of your struggle, hoping that improves for you! I never experienced that. My scar is basically invisible now, and I never treated it with anything. I'm amazed how it faded over the past two years.
Good luck on January 3rd! I keep meaning to do an update video, and I started recording stuff for it, I just haven't gotten to doing anything with it yet. I just had my toe fused on the 10th. My neck is doing amazing. 99% of the time I don't even think about it. It's been two years and all is well with the neck.
Hi, I had ACDF surgery C5/6 3 weeks ago. I have had pain in my shoulder blade, shoulder and neck for the second week. Everything on the right side. is that normal. I also had the pain before the operation. Does the pain last until the cage has fused? Do I still have to be patient? 
Hey there, sorry to hear about the pain. There is a lot of inflammation in that area, they tough it up pretty good. Inflammation will help heal the area because it causes more blood flow to the area. The bad news is, it causes the pain you're feeling. All the pain you are feeling I felt too. I do not recall how long it lasted, but I'm quite sure it was more than a couple weeks. Everyone improves at different speeds, so yes, keep being patient. It will improve. Good luck, and all the best and blessed to you.
complicated situation - i had 3 lumbar and 3 cervical disc problems. they told me i had to fix the cervical before i could fix the lumbar. cervical is 3 months past now and i feel fine but i still can't walk for more than 9 minutes because of lumbar. stil needs to be done.@@imveryhungry112
Great video, I have swallowing issues associated with anxiety-. I need a 3 level cervical fusion and having additional swallowing problems scares the hell out of me. Just wondering how manageable is it and how is it now? Thanks for sharing your story. 🙏
Sorry to hear that. I had swallowing issues prior to my surgery as well. As bad as my swallowing issues became after the surgery, I would say they are 98% better now, at least. I occasionally struggle with almonds, not sure why, and sometimes mashed potatoes. It's not a concern to me anymore and I literally never think about it. I'll do another video update soon. Take care of yourself!
Just found this video, and today is just over the three weeks post op mark for me as well. My hands have bounced back very nicely, still not 100 percent, but much better! My question is, did you bave any problems with gait? While the arm and hand weakness concerned me, the real terror was losing a lot of function in my legs to the point I would fall. They have imoroved as well, but still nowhere near normal.
Thanks for chiming in. Yes, I did have problems with my gait at times before the surgery. I wasn't sure if it was due to my neck or the fact I'd had back issues too (five back surgeries, two fusions there) but my gait improved. Everything is pretty normal now, 18 months later. Do you have back issues that you know of? Good luck!
It started out like sciatica, and it was the only pain I had throughout the whole ordeal. It would flare up, and I would hobble for a day or two then it would die down. It threw me off, and at first I never suspected a disk problem let alone in my neck. Then it progressed to the arms and hands, and left me barely able to shuffle around. I went in for imagery in anticipation of seeing the chiropractor, and in no time had a doctor in my room telling me they were shipping me up north for surgery! Today makes one month post op, and my hands are pretty much as they were with a slight burning/tingling in my fingers. My legs have greatly improved, but I'm still a little wobbly. Hopefully with time I will sturdy up, and can resume coaching. Thank you for the reply, and I hope all is well on your end!
Good follow-ups. So it's been about 2 years since your surgery. Are you still doing good? Any further complications you have no already mentioned? I am concerned about the swallowing issues, I already have swallowing issues. My wife say I need to eat slower. Dk you have any chocking problems? I have tried injections on my neck with no success. How long were you not driving? I'm 78 and the arm pain from my neck is very (8 out of 10) severe. So, I'm pretty sure I'm going to do this.
I have no issues anymore, even swallowing is good. If I don't chew almonds slowly and thoroughly, I can choke on them, but that's almost never an issue. I was at that same pain level as you, but all is well now. Good luck, and keep me posted.
I had C4-T1 done oct 20,2021, then 6mths later,had to have my entire hardware replaced bc i had a screw to come out,so he just redid the whole thing.. fast forward 2yrs later, here i am wayyy worse than i was before! Hands stay numb alot, very bad pain in my neck, my chin down to my collar bone is completely numb, sharp pains in my shoulders down to my elbows, and i have alot of what sounds like crunching where my hardware is, along w alot of popping that sounds n feels like cracking knuckles! Its a far worse nightmare these days! I hope to get to get to another surgeon for a 2nd opinion n see if whatever is going on is something bad n whats my options on fixing my pain n numbness, which I most likely will not have any other options but to suck it up n deal with it! 😞 Definitely sucks
I am very sorry to hear this. I wish you could have my surgeon work on you. When they revised it, sis they go through the front again or the back of the neck? I've always been told that a proper revision would have to be done through the back of the neck. Good luck. Hang in there. I'm a praying kind of dude, I will definitely pray for you.
@@FusedandFit I would really appreciated it a lot if you did 🙏🏼I’m dealing with spinal stenosis c5 c6 I’m only 31 it’s very scary I didn’t wana go through surgery but I made the decision to go through with it due to the compression on my spinal cord🥲I have upcoming surgery date and I’m so scared 😱 and these vids really help and the fact that you guys take the time to make them it’s very informative and great appreciation for ppl like myself searching for answers
@@Beachboy22 wow! That’s why I’m so scared let them operate in me and nothing changes and on top of all the risk that comes with it such as later down the line having issues with other disc
@@Beachboy22 you telling me this makes me feel a whole lot better because I’ve been thinking the worst and they doctors tell you all this risks that can happen during and after surgery … I was kind of happy my date got pushed backed lol , but I have to get fusion on my c5 - c6 I’m 32 and I thought this kinda stuff only happened to old ppl lol , but I sure was wrong… anywho vids like this really helps you out and I appreciate you replying because your words will be an extra push and a lot of comfort for me
I'm meeting with surgeon tomorrow. Did you have leg and arm weakness before surgery? I had emg nerve and muscle test Tuesday and doctor said I would likely need surgery. Thanks for video.
Thanks for chiming in, and good luck! Yes, I had leg and arm weakness before surgery. Facial numbness too. And other problems. Keep me posted please. Take care.
Hello, I will probably be getting the surgery also for the c5-c6. What are some of the food you can eat after the surgery? How long after surgery did you start PT, were able to drive ? what equipment you wish or got to make you life more comfortable after the surgery ? Any regrets ? Were you able to sleep in a regular bed with 1 or 2 pillows?
Right after surgery I had regular food and a pretty good appetite. As the day went on it got more difficult. By the second day I was just eating soft food like yogurt and jello. I was one of the very rare cases where swallowing became difficult. It took several months for that to improve for me. Again, that is very rare, just my bad luck. Two years later and the only thing I consistently struggle with is almonds for some reason. I've adapted and don't care. I never did physical therapy after the surgery. Everyday kind of activities just eventually became possible. Therapy wasn't needed. PT is usually to restore movement to an area, which is opposite of why we even have fusions, so no PT. I couldn't drive for a few weeks. You're not supposed to turn your head side to side for awhile, so that makes driving dangerous. Comfortable sleep was a challenge for the first two weeks. I kept waking up on my stomach with my head turned all the way to one side or the other and that was pretty painful and worried me. I needed to be propped up in a recliner or with multiple pillows in my bed. I slept with my soft neck brace on to help. The hardest part with any of these fusions (twice with my back, once with my neck, and now my toe last week) is being patient and doing what the doctor says to do. Do what they tell you to do. I do not have any regrets with my neck fusion...none. I would have preferred to have not needed the surgery, but I did need it so I got it done. My neck feels great now. Good luck with yours...it will be ok.
I don't have a great answer for this. I just waited it out. I don't handle any of the pain meds well, so there was none of that. Mostly ice, heat, massage. I just had to grin and bear it. Sorry for such a lame answer. I had been dealing with back issues before that and actually have a high pain tolerance. It was more the numbing sensations all over that caused me to get surgery.
Hi, I'm 75 years old now, but in the 90s I had one fusion done. Moving forward to 2024 I have terrible pain back of my neck and even my scalp. What other symptoms did you have b4 your surgery.? Did you go through Epidurals first? I've seen where they say unless your having pain down your leg then the shots do no good. Trying to decide? Get well and thanks for sharing Cathy from VA
@@imveryhungry112 NO! I'm trying to find other options shots, P/T , medications. I already had one fused yrs ago ,but afraid thinking of my entire neck being Fused at 75. Cathy
Hi, I notice you’re from Utah as am I. I’m wondering if you might share who your surgeon is? I’m a month away from a scheduled surgery and was thinking about a 2nd opinion. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos!
Yep, I live in Springville. His name is Peter Maughan, his number is 801-507-9555. His main office is in the IHC (now IH) hospital just off the freeway on about 5300 south in Sandy. Good luck, and keep me posted.
Thanks for your good video Snapp! Informative and comforting. I just had my one level ACDF two weeks ago. My I have your email for future communication?
My surgeon does both, but convinced me fusion was best for me given the levels, the height he was trying to regain in my neck, and the long-term stability. They all have drawbacks, but given my situation fusion was best. Fortunately it still seems to be the case.
Hey, thanks for the question. Stay tuned, I'll post an update in the next three weeks, but yes, pain is gone. All of it. I can still get a slight flare up now and then, but not bad at all.
I have this surgery scheduled mid February and I’m pretty nervous about it. Your video definitely helped ease some of the stress.
I'm just seeing some of these comments. I hope your surgery went well. How are you?
@@FusedandFit Thanks… That means a lot. Surgery went well. I’m actually in the waiting room for a post op appointment.
@@Dominus_Maximus awesome, so glad to hear it went well. Keep on keepin' on, all the best and blessed to you!
Im going to have my operation any day now and hearing this was very helpful....thanks!
Thanks for chiming in, Gary. Glad this has helped some. All the best to you, and keep us posted on your progress. Take care!
Thanks for your experience of this type of surgery. Im week 4 post recovery. Mu surgery was 3 hours long. and Im off pain killers. My scar is bulky like yours but told to use silicone plasters. My big concern is I have lost my taste. Been told it will come back but its been 4 weeks. That is my biggest worry.
Sorry to hear of your struggle, hoping that improves for you! I never experienced that. My scar is basically invisible now, and I never treated it with anything. I'm amazed how it faded over the past two years.
Thank you so much for this! You are helping to calm my nerves as my surgery approaches on January 3rd!
Good luck on January 3rd! I keep meaning to do an update video, and I started recording stuff for it, I just haven't gotten to doing anything with it yet. I just had my toe fused on the 10th. My neck is doing amazing. 99% of the time I don't even think about it. It's been two years and all is well with the neck.
Good luck on the 3rd. I’m having mine on the 2nd. This will be my second one. My first was 15 years ago 4-5. Now going to be 5-6.
Hi, I had ACDF surgery C5/6 3 weeks ago. I have had pain in my shoulder blade, shoulder and neck for the second week. Everything on the right side. is that normal. I also had the pain before the operation. Does the pain last until the cage has fused? Do I still have to be patient?

Hey there, sorry to hear about the pain. There is a lot of inflammation in that area, they tough it up pretty good. Inflammation will help heal the area because it causes more blood flow to the area. The bad news is, it causes the pain you're feeling. All the pain you are feeling I felt too. I do not recall how long it lasted, but I'm quite sure it was more than a couple weeks. Everyone improves at different speeds, so yes, keep being patient. It will improve. Good luck, and all the best and blessed to you.
Had mine c5/c6/c7 on 8/2/23. My scar looks just like yours. Took 3 weeks for the steri strip to come off.
Thanks for chiming in. I hope your healing is going well. Take care!
having the surgery in 4 days. thanks for your experience - gives me a lot of confidence.
You're welcome. I'm very happy I did mine. It's been almost two years and I'm doing great. I'll make an update video in the near future.
Didn't mention that as soon as healing is far enough along then I need to have lambar fusion.@@FusedandFit
Do you feel better after fusing the spine? 😊
complicated situation - i had 3 lumbar and 3 cervical disc problems. they told me i had to fix the cervical before i could fix the lumbar. cervical is 3 months past now and i feel fine but i still can't walk for more than 9 minutes because of lumbar. stil needs to be done.@@imveryhungry112
Wow, 3 weeks your off your brace. I have to wear mine 10 weeks.
Great video, I have swallowing issues associated with anxiety-. I need a 3 level cervical fusion and having additional swallowing problems scares the hell out of me.
Just wondering how manageable is it and how is it now? Thanks for sharing your story. 🙏
Sorry to hear that. I had swallowing issues prior to my surgery as well. As bad as my swallowing issues became after the surgery, I would say they are 98% better now, at least. I occasionally struggle with almonds, not sure why, and sometimes mashed potatoes. It's not a concern to me anymore and I literally never think about it. I'll do another video update soon. Take care of yourself!
@@FusedandFit hey, thank you so much for the feed back, it helps me with my confidence that I can get this done! 👍
Just found this video, and today is just over the three weeks post op mark for me as well. My hands have bounced back very nicely, still not 100 percent, but much better! My question is, did you bave any problems with gait? While the arm and hand weakness concerned me, the real terror was losing a lot of function in my legs to the point I would fall. They have imoroved as well, but still nowhere near normal.
Thanks for chiming in. Yes, I did have problems with my gait at times before the surgery. I wasn't sure if it was due to my neck or the fact I'd had back issues too (five back surgeries, two fusions there) but my gait improved. Everything is pretty normal now, 18 months later. Do you have back issues that you know of? Good luck!
It started out like sciatica, and it was the only pain I had throughout the whole ordeal. It would flare up, and I would hobble for a day or two then it would die down. It threw me off, and at first I never suspected a disk problem let alone in my neck. Then it progressed to the arms and hands, and left me barely able to shuffle around. I went in for imagery in anticipation of seeing the chiropractor, and in no time had a doctor in my room telling me they were shipping me up north for surgery! Today makes one month post op, and my hands are pretty much as they were with a slight burning/tingling in my fingers. My legs have greatly improved, but I'm still a little wobbly. Hopefully with time I will sturdy up, and can resume coaching. Thank you for the reply, and I hope all is well on your end!
Good follow-ups. So it's been about 2 years since your surgery. Are you still doing good? Any further complications you have no already mentioned? I am concerned about the swallowing issues, I already have swallowing issues. My wife say I need to eat slower. Dk you have any chocking problems? I have tried injections on my neck with no success. How long were you not driving? I'm 78 and the arm pain from my neck is very (8 out of 10) severe. So, I'm pretty sure I'm going to do this.
I have no issues anymore, even swallowing is good. If I don't chew almonds slowly and thoroughly, I can choke on them, but that's almost never an issue. I was at that same pain level as you, but all is well now. Good luck, and keep me posted.
I had C4-T1 done oct 20,2021, then 6mths later,had to have my entire hardware replaced bc i had a screw to come out,so he just redid the whole thing.. fast forward 2yrs later, here i am wayyy worse than i was before! Hands stay numb alot, very bad pain in my neck, my chin down to my collar bone is completely numb, sharp pains in my shoulders down to my elbows, and i have alot of what sounds like crunching where my hardware is, along w alot of popping that sounds n feels like cracking knuckles! Its a far worse nightmare these days! I hope to get to get to another surgeon for a 2nd opinion n see if whatever is going on is something bad n whats my options on fixing my pain n numbness, which I most likely will not have any other options but to suck it up n deal with it! 😞 Definitely sucks
I am very sorry to hear this. I wish you could have my surgeon work on you. When they revised it, sis they go through the front again or the back of the neck? I've always been told that a proper revision would have to be done through the back of the neck. Good luck. Hang in there. I'm a praying kind of dude, I will definitely pray for you.
NO ! Be your own advocate. Keep trying to get the help you need.
Maybe you need a more newer modern spine fusion? 😊
Thanks for the vid very appreciated
You are welcome, hopefully it was helpful while you deal with your circumstances. I'll record another update in the near future.
@@FusedandFit I would really appreciated it a lot if you did 🙏🏼I’m dealing with spinal stenosis c5 c6 I’m only 31 it’s very scary I didn’t wana go through surgery but I made the decision to go through with it due to the compression on my spinal cord🥲I have upcoming surgery date and I’m so scared 😱 and these vids really help and the fact that you guys take the time to make them it’s very informative and great appreciation for ppl like myself searching for answers
The same disc with me I’m scared as well my surgery date was September 6th , but it got pushed back
@@Beachboy22 wow! That’s why I’m so scared let them operate in me and nothing changes and on top of all the risk that comes with it such as later down the line having issues with other disc
@@Beachboy22 you telling me this makes me feel a whole lot better because I’ve been thinking the worst and they doctors tell you all this risks that can happen during and after surgery … I was kind of happy my date got pushed backed lol , but I have to get fusion on my c5 - c6 I’m 32 and I thought this kinda stuff only happened to old ppl lol , but I sure was wrong… anywho vids like this really helps you out and I appreciate you replying because your words will be an extra push and a lot of comfort for me
I'm meeting with surgeon tomorrow. Did you have leg and arm weakness before surgery? I had emg nerve and muscle test Tuesday and doctor said I would likely need surgery. Thanks for video.
Thanks for chiming in, and good luck! Yes, I had leg and arm weakness before surgery. Facial numbness too. And other problems. Keep me posted please. Take care.
Hello, I will probably be getting the surgery also for the c5-c6. What are some of the food you can eat after the surgery? How long after surgery did you start PT, were able to drive ? what equipment you wish or got to make you life more comfortable after the surgery ? Any regrets ? Were you able to sleep in a regular bed with 1 or 2 pillows?
Right after surgery I had regular food and a pretty good appetite. As the day went on it got more difficult. By the second day I was just eating soft food like yogurt and jello. I was one of the very rare cases where swallowing became difficult. It took several months for that to improve for me. Again, that is very rare, just my bad luck. Two years later and the only thing I consistently struggle with is almonds for some reason. I've adapted and don't care. I never did physical therapy after the surgery. Everyday kind of activities just eventually became possible. Therapy wasn't needed. PT is usually to restore movement to an area, which is opposite of why we even have fusions, so no PT. I couldn't drive for a few weeks. You're not supposed to turn your head side to side for awhile, so that makes driving dangerous. Comfortable sleep was a challenge for the first two weeks. I kept waking up on my stomach with my head turned all the way to one side or the other and that was pretty painful and worried me. I needed to be propped up in a recliner or with multiple pillows in my bed. I slept with my soft neck brace on to help. The hardest part with any of these fusions (twice with my back, once with my neck, and now my toe last week) is being patient and doing what the doctor says to do. Do what they tell you to do. I do not have any regrets with my neck fusion...none. I would have preferred to have not needed the surgery, but I did need it so I got it done. My neck feels great now. Good luck with yours...it will be ok.
How do you deal with the pain before surgery, while your waiting to get it? Pain is unreal and nothing works.
I don't have a great answer for this. I just waited it out. I don't handle any of the pain meds well, so there was none of that. Mostly ice, heat, massage. I just had to grin and bear it. Sorry for such a lame answer. I had been dealing with back issues before that and actually have a high pain tolerance. It was more the numbing sensations all over that caused me to get surgery.
Epidurals for me. Every 3 months.
I'm going through so much pain I can't stand it wish I could hurry and get it done
My ACDF surgery is in 2 days, but I finally found a pillow that gave me relief from pain while lying flat on my back.
Hi, I'm 75 years old now, but in the 90s I had one fusion done. Moving forward to 2024 I have terrible pain back of my neck and even my scalp. What other symptoms did you have b4 your surgery.? Did you go through Epidurals first? I've seen where they say unless your having pain down your leg then the shots do no good. Trying to decide? Get well and thanks for sharing Cathy from VA
Did you fuse your neck into a stick yet? 😊
@@imveryhungry112 NO! I'm trying to find other options shots, P/T , medications. I already had one fused yrs ago ,but afraid thinking of my entire neck being Fused at 75. Cathy
Saludos desde PR😊❤....tengo una cirugia cervical proximamente....😊
Buena suerte con tu cirugia. Hágame saber como va por favor.
Ah, lo olvidaba, saludos desde Utah, USA. Espero visitar PR algún día.
Hi, I notice you’re from Utah as am I. I’m wondering if you might share who your surgeon is? I’m a month away from a scheduled surgery and was thinking about a 2nd opinion. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos!
Yep, I live in Springville. His name is Peter Maughan, his number is 801-507-9555. His main office is in the IHC (now IH) hospital just off the freeway on about 5300 south in Sandy. Good luck, and keep me posted.
@@FusedandFit Have you heard of John Edwards in Lehi? At the very least I think I'll get a 2nd opinion from Dr. Maughan.
@@kelliday4850 I have not heard of Edwards. Second opinions are typically good to get when you can. Good luck and keep me posted.
Thanks for your good video Snapp! Informative and comforting. I just had my one level ACDF two weeks ago. My I have your email for future communication?
Thanks for chiming in. I hope all the best for you and your recovery. You can email me at snappmi@gmail.com.
Why did you choose ACDF versus disc arthoplasty
My surgeon does both, but convinced me fusion was best for me given the levels, the height he was trying to regain in my neck, and the long-term stability. They all have drawbacks, but given my situation fusion was best. Fortunately it still seems to be the case.
You didn’t have to wear a hard Cervical collar?
Nope. Soft collar for a couple weeks and that was it. Seems like I wore it longer when in a car and sleeping.
Is the pain gone now
Hey, thanks for the question. Stay tuned, I'll post an update in the next three weeks, but yes, pain is gone. All of it. I can still get a slight flare up now and then, but not bad at all.