Successful Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery - A Personal Journey | May 1, 2023
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- Опубліковано 23 чер 2023
- Join me, a 55-year-old Japanese American male in excellent physical shape, as I share my transformative experience with an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery. On May 1, 2023, I underwent this groundbreaking procedure, aimed at alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by cervical disc herniation.
In this captivating video, witness my commitment to a healthy lifestyle as I recount my pre-surgery routine, which involved daily workouts and a nutritious diet. Learn about the positive impact of my physical fitness and overall well-being on the surgical process and recovery.
Discover the step-by-step journey through my ACDF surgery, guided by a team of skilled medical professionals. From the initial consultation to the operating room, witness the exceptional care and expertise that played a vital role in my successful outcome.
Gain valuable insights into the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure itself, as I explain the technique used to remove the damaged disc and fuse the adjacent vertebrae. Understand the science behind this innovative surgical approach and the expected benefits in terms of pain relief, improved mobility, and overall quality of life.
Throughout the video, I share my personal emotions, concerns, and triumphs, providing a relatable perspective for anyone considering or going through a similar surgery. Witness the initial post-surgery recovery period, where I experienced the care and support of my healthcare team, as well as the encouragement of my loved ones.
This video serves as a source of inspiration for individuals dealing with cervical disc herniation or contemplating an ACDF surgery. I offer practical tips and advice for a successful recovery, including post-operative exercises, recommended lifestyle modifications, and strategies to manage discomfort.
Join me on this empowering journey of resilience and determination as I demonstrate how a proactive approach to health and well-being, combined with advanced medical interventions like the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery, can restore hope and improve the overall quality of life.
#ACDF #ANTIERIORCERVICALDISCECTOMYFUSION #stenosis
I had this surgery in 1991 at the age of 46. Suffered in pain for 3 years and was misdiagnosed for that entire time. The surgery fixed it all. Honestly the neck brace was one of the worst parts. I’m not going to say this was easy but so worth it. It is a very scary decision but I’m glad I did it. Wish you the best!
I had c5-c6 done 2 years ago my first night home with the neck brace must have been bad, I woke up the next day and didn’t have my brace on. Don’t remember waking up and taking it off but found it on the other side of my room, must have thrown over there. Now they want to fuse the rest of my neck and I’m worried I won’t be able to turn my neck.
I just had C5-C7 done Feb 9th. Today is March 7th. I had the absolute best surgeon. You can barely see a thin line from my incision. I've only needed 2 pain pills, one after a 2 hour drive home and one after doing a lot more than I should have been doing one day.
Mine was done after 8 months of my hand going numb or feeling like pins and needles.
The worst part for me that I haven't seen anyone talking about has been what feels like a lump in my throat. Like I swallowed a bite of food or something that was too big and it's stuck in my throat. It doesn't hurt, but it's quite uncomfortable. And if I tilt my head even slightly up, it feels like it completely blocks my airway. A round of steroids reduced the swelling and got rid of it for a couple of days but two days later it was back again. The doctor has said it may take up to 3 months for it to go away completely. So anyone that is getting ready to have this surgery, this is a very normal experience. Tilt your chin towards your chest before you swallow and your food and drinks will go down smoothly. 😂
Hope everyone is healing well!
I am gonna be having this done in the next month so I am really nervous and other advice
@@carriehassell884Spinal fusion is wrong in most of cases. Don't ever go down that route
I’ve been experiencing sharp pains in my arms and neck for about four months now. Pain also radiates to my head, chest and lower back. Had X-rays that were clean, save for the cervical one, which found a “mild disc space narrowing in c4-5 and c5-6”. Blood work came back clean, but the clinic who did my blood said I have pinched nerves in the aforementioned areas, which will require surgery to fix. I have a follow-up on June 26th with my primary care guy, which will determine the next steps I take until surgery.
My orthopedist never once tried to gaslight me or downplay my symptoms. I can't imagine being blown off like that neurosurgeon did . Wow! I would be so livid. I'm glad you advocated for yourself. listen
I have to get this surgery on October 6, 2023. I'm so nervous, and Im so glad to see your video, I have watched many videos on this surgery but for some reason yours has made me feel a little at ease. I am a 54yr old woman with so many reservations but thank you, please do a video letting us all know how you're recovering. Cudo's to your wife.
I'm so glad my little video gave you some peace. You're going to do great. The surgery was a piece of cake and recovery was not bad. I posted another video a couple weeks ago. I'm doing good. I just met with my surgeon today! I'll have another update soon. Good luck with your procedure.
Im just a little bit order and scheduled exactly 1 week later for surgery.
Yes please update us, it's terrifying for me to be warned of such swelling like 2 days later...., can't talk... yes im nervous but the MRI tells the truth of no other option. Hope all goes well with all.
I had my C3-C5 done on September 8th. It was so much easier than I thought it would be. But now I’m dealing with my voice be strained and liquids are hard to do with out getting choked.
@@ScooterReneeLLC I'm a teacher and we talk a lot. I was having trouble with my voice too, when I went back in August. That was about 3.5 months after my surgery. It has gotten better in the 6 weeks since I started talking a lot again.
@@DarinNakakihara that gives me hope. I work at an investment firm and constantly on the phone. Plus I’m a reseller on UA-cam and I will need my voice back when I go live in 2 weeks lol. Right now I sound like Bernedette off Big Bang. Lol!
Go wife! Way to advocate for you. I pray your recovery is quick and as smooth as possible.
Yes. Indeed. Thank God for her. She saved me.
I just had this done yesterday my neck is so sore but the numbness is going away thank you for sharing
Much support, great video! I just had C4-C5 in 7/24/23. Positive vibes and hope you have a speedy recovery!
Thank you!
I had the same procedure, C3-6. Recovery has been good. Still with OT/PT 5 months later. Patience is a virtue. The hardest thing is retraining your brain to do the simple things.
I had a 4 level C3-C7 ACDF 5 weeks ago. I had very few problems with the surgery. 3 days after surgery, I had some minor trouble swallowing but I sat up a little forward and ate small bites. I haven’t taken any pain pills at all. Physical therapy post surgery helps the recovery but the physical therapy progress has taught me to have patience. It comes in baby steps.
Sending prayers and well wishes for your recovery 🙏🏽
Thank you!
Positive vibes, prayers for a speedy recovery and to your wife bless her heart
Than you! I'm recovering nicely.
I am so sorry about your diagnosis. I am sending you a lot of strength and love even though I literally just found your channel.
Hope for a speedy recovery❤❤
Thank you! That's very kind of you.
Sending positive thoughts your way for a speedy recovery. I had C4-C7 done in 2017 and I felt so much better afterwards.
Thank you!
Thanks for doing this brother - I just seen a surgeon today who's going to do this procedure in a few months. I appreciate this man - hope you're doing well!
Hope your recovery is speedy.❤❤
Thank you! I'm doing good.
Same so glad you made the video I will be having neck done same places in February.
Had signs 12 months ago,numbness in my thumbs,sharp pains in my arm,went doctors and told its possibly arthritis,pain gradually got worse and noticed my leg wasnt feeling normal,loss of sensation,went doctors again and put on pain killers,eventually was sent for a MRI scan and results came back as degenerative disc disease ,eventually I was referred to the neurosurgical dept where they looked at my MRI scan and because my leg had loss of sensation and strength and the compressed disc was pinching against my spinal cord was told urgent surgery was needed so was under the knife within 2 weeks,the operation went well and the team were fantastic(derriford hospital,plymouth uk),bone spurs etc removed to free the spinal cord to prevent any further damage,was informed the damage caused to my leg may be permanent but may take up to 2 years for any sign of repair so going on daily short walks to keep my strength and spirits up,I was so nervous about the operation but honestly I didnt need to worry,it really is worse than it looks,I was sat up in bed eating and drinking the same day as the op
Thanks for posting the video of your experience. I just had this surgery on 9/15/23 - 2 levels, and the surgery went well. The nerve pain and numbness dissipated immediately. However, I pretty much knew what was causing the numbness and pain (or I should say, was afraid I knew), as I had ACDF surgery about 35 years ago, as a result of a car accident injury. I’m 5 days post op, and feeling pretty good. My voice sounds hoarse, but no dysphagia. Putting up with the neck brace for 4 - 6 weeks sure beats the pain and numbness I was experiencing. I’m thankful that I had the surgery, great doctors and care team at the hospital.
Can you tell me what dysphagia is like? I can’t determine if that’s what I’m dealing with or not. Had mine 9/8/23.
Glad you got the correct diagnosis. I hope you are doing well. I went for a consultation on my lumbar and they found issues with my cervical spine. I ended up with a cervical fusion with a vertebrae replacement and 7 weeks later a Lumbar fusion. Thank God I had a thorough exam that found my neck issue. Hope you are recovering well.. the worst part of the cervical surgery was wearing the neck brace for 5 months. But my neck is awesome and my balance is much improved.
Having this at 2 levels after a single level mobi-c failed that was done 5 years ago. Thank you for the vid. About to watch post surgery experiences.
Had my surgery on June 19, 2023 after suffering for over 36 years from a traumatic injury. One of the best things I’ve ever done. Maybe took 3 pain killers after my surgery. Feel blessed to have found my surgical center, nurses and doctor! Would do it again in a heart beat if I had to.
Hello dear, was diagnosed with some symptoms and was told last week to do the same surgery and I am really scared about it.. watching your video gave me some relief and wish you speedy recovery 😊
I have to have that same surgery. I had the same issues you had with balance and pains I'm glad I watched your video about that.
Going Monday to see a spine surgeon have all the symptoms plus severe neck pain look forward on see your recovery video thanks bro
I hope you find relief.
I went for over a year thinking my shoulder was torn being a carpenter . Since then I’ve had 7 surgeries on my cervical spine and now I’m disabled with everyday pain. Numbness and constant pain. Good luck my friend
woooof, 3 level fusion is intense....best of luck, hope things went well!
I’m 33 and having this surgery. Not going to lie I was really nervous but this made me feel a lot better about it.
Iam 67 going to have this surgery been walking around like this for 3 years should had this surgery then good luck in your recovery
I’m currently in the hospital right now post surgery. I was terrified, so now I want to give ease to those in need of this surgery. 1:10 Honestly, pain is not bad and the pain prior was waaaaay worse. Shoulder pain and weakness. C/6 c/7, incision pain is minimal and a sore throat described as “dry”.
Positive Thoughts Hope your recovery is going well, I'm due to have same procedure within next 6 weeks.
Right back at ya, Betty!
Get well soon. 🤗
Thanks, Lupita!
Thank you for sharing. I am scheduled for 9/13/23. Grateful but anxious.
I needed to see this. I have severe stenosis in my back. Decompression surgery 3 years ago and developed neurological symptoms. Surgeon at UF dropped me like a hot potato. I still needed a c5-6,6-7 fusion. So now I can wait no longer. I did have a brain problem found to be white matter disease. My c spine is now much worse, balance and severe weakness. I'm terrified of surgery after what happened last time but I have confidence in this surgeon. I'm hoping the balance problem is from my neck and not my brain. Not looking forward to the hard collar. I have aa swallowing disorder and that scares me also. You look great after surgery, gives me hope.
How you doing man
Your vid just popped up on my feed. I'm 3 days post op for this exact same surgery. C3-C7. I'm sitting in my neck brace as I type this and I think it's causing more pain to my chest/back than the actual surgery. I'm 52 y/o and hope this helps all my symptoms. I can already feel instant relief in my arms, hands, fingers. Pain, tingling, and numbness are gone.
That's great! I'm glad it helped you so soon.
Very glad to find your video...I'm scheduled for 11/1. I had to laugh when you were told you were dehydrated...I was told that too. I started with the Parkinson's worry also. Hope you are doing well 😊
Good luck with your procedure. I hope everything goes well and you heal fast.
@@DarinNakakihara Thank you
Thank you for your videos!! Yea my MRI’s say “moderate”. “severe” would probably freak me out..lol. I had c3-4,4-5,5-6 done yesterday. I was first at 6AM.. in recovery the pain was pretty intense across my back & shoulders but nothing at the incision site. I’ve been eating apple sauce & yogurt but soup made me nauseous. Another blogger suggested I try mashed potato’s. I’ll definitely try that! Swallowing and talking are the enemy right now but it’s still day 1 of recovery so I’m not panicking. I sleep in a zero gravity lawn chair, the incline is perfect and it’s very comfy. I still wake up every 2 hrs to shift etc. pain meds help tremendously!! Looking forward to day 2! Thank you again for your videos!! They definitely help me navigate this journey! ❤
I hope your recovery goes smoothly.
YOU DEFINITELY HELP ME BROTHER 💯⛵
Sending prayers to you❤
On 7/7/23 I was in a car accident. I had a bad injury, and it required that I have surgery on neck🎉 c4, c5, and c6. Also, injured my back and shoulderI had my surgery on 11/1/2023. This is the worst feeling I ever had. Having problems swollening and choking, it's terrible. I will follow up with the doctor on 11/22/2023. Pray for me, you all❤
MsTippyVlogs
Thanks so much for thinking of others going thru this when you were at your most anxious. This is hugely beneficial. I’m going to have surgery soon bc PT didn’t help. How is the recovery process going? Are you able to go to work? Exercise? Anything like that yet?
Good luck with your surgery, Ryan! The recovery is slow. I feel the same as before. I was able to go back to work after two weeks. I should have taken more time off though. I was recently cleared to exercise after 3 months with no restrictions.
I have had two cervical fusion and a laminectomy. I had one in 2006, the laminectomy in 2007 and the second one in 2021. I didn’t have any problems with my surgeries! I’m having trouble with my neck and pain in my left arm in the Tricep muscle in my left arm. I have a bulging disc at C7-T1.
I had this done in 2017 after a horrific car crash. It was easy and i went home after
I had ACDF. at age 35...now I'm 63 and looking at it again.. TY for the video.. I hope recovery went well.. however I have issues with my lungs now--so it is more cause for concern.. TY..
My recovery has been slow. Good luck with yours!
What is the cause of the lung issue?
Don't do it, go to Germany as of you can get disc replacement
I am 35 and I supposed to get this done. Do you recommend this procedure at 35.
I have C4 C5 and C6 issue. But been going to massage sessions by a very good pressure point masseuse and it really helped with the pain. Prior to this I was having lots of neck pain and weak arm. Not sure if I need surgery but several times I visited my Neurosurgeon, he wasn't too keen to operate on me. I guess he is right as the pain is now pretty much gone. Now working to strengthen my neck muscles. All because of years of poor posture in front of the computer screen.
I'm glad you were able to fix your issues without surgery. Take care!
Hello, I saw your comment and I am going through the same situation and I am scheduled for surgery on May 29 and I would like to know where you went to get a massage or what you think of a chiropractor. I hope you can see my comment.🙏
❤
@@reynarubio632 Hi Reyna! Good luck with you procedure. I asked about a chiropractor and my surgeon didn't recommend it. I got a massage at a nearby spa at a resort. Then I bought a massage chair and sit in it everyday
🙏🙏🙏
This is 100% ALS everything you described is this.
Thanks so much for sharing! Did anyone of you that got this surgery apply for SSDI to get help?, and if so did you get approved?
I'm on day 6 recovery all is well
need to get that done too. I waited years to be able to get an mri of my neck. I had shoulder pain too and found out after 5 years that I had to get my bicept tnedon surgery and I have herniated discs c5 and c6. Of course with medi-cal i have to get phycisal therapy first.. the shoulder surgery was really painful. It irritated nerves in my neck. just waiting till next year ti get my enck done. did my shoulder in october. Im 48. I think it happpened from lifiting alot .
Hi Shannon. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. Good luck with everything.
I'm having C7-T1 done May 20th.
Hey, I'm also in the process of getting acdf of my c5-c6. Were you having weakness and pain of your arm? Were you able to sleep after the surgery , some are saying an adjustable bed is very helpful, do you think ? Any equipment you bought before or after surgery ? What food were you able to eat after surgery ? How long was it until you were able to eat like you were before the surgery ? Do you still have any pain or numbness or side effects from the surgery ?
I enjoyed your video, I’m having my Surgery on Oct.26 So, how are you doing? I’m wanting to get mine over with. Let us know how your doing!
How did your surgery go?
How are you feeling now from the surgery? How many levels did you have done?
I had this surgery done in UK January 2023. Had trouble speaking and drinking fluid after. I was fiagnosed with what you in USA call ALS in October 2023 after getting worse . I questioned surgery before and when I asked if it could be MND ,the isea was dismissed. I never should have had the surgery.
❤ 🤗
Enjoyed your video. Saw surgeon yesterday. Expecting 1 to 3 level surgery in a few weeks. I'm super nervous! He said expect to stay in hospital overnight & off work for 2 weeks. Do you need to sleep in a chair afterwards or elevated or sitting up?
I slept with a wedge thingy. Got it on Amazon. Sleeping with that neck brace was not comfortable at all.
www.amazon.com/Forias-Sleeping-Adjustable-Triangle-Half-Moon/dp/B0BBLTKDR2/ref=sr_1_10?crid=1E0L72ZAN0GCN&keywords=bed+pillow+wedge+for+sitting+up&qid=1696956318&sprefix=bed+pillow+%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-10&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840
Im 63 and waiting to get a call back about my surgery date. Your video put me at ease a little bit about this I was getting really nervous. How long is the recovery. I need to get back to work
Well...I went back to work 2 weeks later and finished out the school year. Honestly, I should've stayed home. Recovery has been super slow. I have good days and bad. The doctor said it could take a year.
Bro Respect. I just had my surgery week ago, everything went well also. Any job recommendations? Now I know I cannot do heavy work duties.
Job recs? Naw. I'm a high school teacher. Luckily, my students are able to help me out with any lifting.
Will I feel the same after surgery as far as,gym movement in the neck etc
I was just told I have to get it. I'm terrified of dying from this.
I'd be lying if that thought didn't cross my mind too. But my surgery went well and I'm on the mend. Good luck to you!
I’m having same surgery in 4 weeks. Nervous as. Sydney Australia. Just wondering how long until you drove ? And went back to work?
Hi Jodie. I was driving and went back to work two weeks after my surgery.
How did your surgery go Jodie? I am probably needing acdf and from Sydney too
I'm due for ACDF 10/23 looking for hints/advice from a female for self care.
Prayers to all those that are going through this condition.
Blessings
Mine is also 10/23 praying for us both ✌️
What’s your recovery been like? How has your range of motion changed?
i had the same sugery and the collar was the worst part i hated it and i had to wear it for a month
So, I have to have an ACDF from an MVA( motor vehicle accident)that I sustained on 2/24/2023. We were at a red light 🚥 and were hit from behind by a 27 yr old drunk driver. I’m a nurse of 30 years and I absolutely agree that you should always have someone with you to be your advocate if it sounds BS what the Dr says. Make sure that any scans(CT, MRI or X-rays) be looked at by your Dr. The chiropractor I had after the accident believed the report, but today when I went to neurosurgeon we had him, his colleague and myself confirm that the report was incorrect. The images correlate with my symptoms not the report. Anyway, how are you doing today? What’s been the recovery process? Can I work out? I’m an avid yogi, Pilates and runner.
Hey bro do you know or not if you had actual cord compression? Or was it just compression of the nerves coming out of the foramen? I think the cord compression in the neck is what makes the foot weak and makes you fall sometimes and stuff ughhh i hate having neck problems
Well...turns out I also have a nerve impingement in my lower back L5. They think that is causing the foot probs. I'm all jacked up.
@@DarinNakakihara what are you gonna do man? Are you gonna have another spine surgery on the back? Dam spine problems are the worst. Definitely not as bad as some other diseases but still pretty horrible.
@@imveryhungry112 I'm going to try PT and see if I can work it out that way
Having surgery July 3rd. I am petrified. I want to know as much as possible but scared to research. What's recovery like? How are you feeling? Thank you for sharing.
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?
Just had ACDF done 4 months ago at c5-7. Ok.. it was awful. Throwing up after surgery. So much pain it wasn't even funny. I'm 4 days in & dealing with upper back muscle pain. I'm pray everyone else has a better experience than I did.
Oh man. I'm so sorry. Recovery has been so slow for me too.
6months since mine 3 level my bacck pain doesn’t let me sleep and botter in a daily basic go and come others problem go away
Disc replacement should be the 1st option, 3 levels done in Germany!! 🇩🇪 💪
I just had this procedure done last week working on recovering. was wondering if you’re having trouble swallowing
No problems swallowing for me, but I've heard of that.
Are unique are you doing w recovery???
I have the eaxatly the same symptom. i thoght I had parkinsons but my MDS confirmed that I don't have it. My MRI showed mild central stenosis. But I have very severe tension, knot in my left shoulder muscle w tremor. But I am confused because my central stenosis only mild but i am very symtomatic.
I am a 54 year old woman from Wisconsin I am going to be doing a C 3-4 spine fusion on June 12, 2024 I am scared
I have this surgery tomorrow morning. Still kinda terrified.
How’d it go ! ? How’s your recovery?
@@Domtortorici
Well before the surgery I had this horrible pain shooting g down my right arm to my fingers and when I woke up the pain was gone. The recovery wasn’t bad except the only thing is I had to wear this neck brace for several weeks. I went to my last follow up appointment a couple days ago and the surgeon said everything looks good. I still have a little soreness but more so higher up at my head. I think most of that is from arthritis. All in all I’m so glad I had this done. Thank you for asking I appreciate it.
How are you feeling? I have this surgery on Tuesday. I’m very nervous, but watching these videos has helped me.
@@charlenecoombs9070
Well to be honest my neck still gets a little sore from time to time. Maybe I can attribute it to the weather but not sure. I’ll take it being sore once in a while than what I was before the surgery.
You’ll do just fine no need to worry. Not going to lie it’s kinda a long road to heal fully. Just do what the surgeon tells you.
@@coreygab2266 my doctor told me I have to be in a neck brace for 3 months, I hope not. I’m also havng tremors. Glad you’re feeling better now.
Can I please ask some questions I'm having surgery tomorrow and I'm terrified , can someone please help me calm down
Hi Elizabeth. Ask away.
CALM DOWN 😅 IT WILL BE OK
HAD THIS SURGERY 2004
19 YEARS AGO JUST DO AS ADVISED AFTER YOU HAVE SURGERY DONE
How are you doing since? I just had c5-7 fused.
how are you doing did you sleep in a recliner or a bed
I slept on the bed but used a lot pillows to lift myself up and then a pillow under my knees most importantly. Makes sleeping on your back a lot better
@@xevenxmusic i was told to get a recliner ty
How are you doing today? Do you recommend this surgery?
I'm doing okay. I just had my 3 month post op check-up yesterday. Everything looks good. TBH, I feel exactly like I did before the surgery. The doctor said it's going to take up to a year. He did some tests and noticed the strength on my left side has already improved. Personally, I still feel weak. That's why I can't really recommend or not recommend the surgery. I can say that I don't feel worse. Maybe if I was experiencing pain, progress would be more noticeable. No pain before or after.
@@DarinNakakihara Hi! Do you have kyphosis or cervical lordosis, and any improvement now, 4 months after?
I don't know what either of those are. Improvement has been slow.@@ivansmiljkovic9097
You should really look into if the curve in your neck is healthy. Look up military/straight neck. That can irritate the nerves. @@DarinNakakihara
Know the problem could be the others vertebras. 6months since my acdf 3 level my neck pain is killing me
Do you workout now?
I do. I'm still not at 100%
I'm having a similar surgery 10-4-23. My spine is pressing on my spinal cord from the front and back. The surgeon has to go through the front and back of my neck. I'm nervous as heck.
Oh man. Good luck! I hope it goes well
I did mine last year. We my bad luck they did 1 instead of 3 now partially paralised. From south africa
I'm so sorry.
I would leave that neurologist a bad review.
Yeah. I hear ya.
Spinal fusion is wrong in most of cases. Don't ever go down that route
Spinal fusion is wrong in most of cases. Don't ever go down that route