HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

ACDF - returning to work???

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/22/2014 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!! I am two weeks post op today from my acdf surgery, C 4/5 & 5/6. I have been back at work for a few days but only seem to be able to work 4-5 hours tops. I have a "desk" job. I know it takes time to heal and we all heal differently but I don't know if I've come back to work too soon. I was only given a soft collar and told to wear it the first 2 days. I am finding that I am unable to keep my neck straight (shear pain). My fear is that if I can't keep my neck straight I will fuse at an angle. Anyone gone through that? I won't see the surgeon until Friday and I have left his PA a voicemails (not returned cry). I also have had a fever for the past 4 days - could this be related to surgery or have I passed the "call if you experience fever" cut off?

Thanks!!!!

Christina
Posted 4/23/2014 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Christina, already back to work. Seems awfully soon to me, did the surgeon actually give you a release to return to work or did you go back on your own? Yes, you are right everyone heals differently. I will say this things may look healed on the outside but that certainly does not mean things are healed on the inside. Personally, I think you returned back to work too soon, desk job or not.

It is hard to say whether the fever is related but you deserve a return phone call. There is no excuse for not getting a call returned. I would not worry about the neck fusing at an angle. The reason some drs do not keep the patients in collars very long as it can be difficult to wean a patient out of them. However, most like to see the patient wear them when driving a few weeks after surgery.

If nothing else get checked by your PCP with regards to the fever. If you are not feeling capable of doing your job, you need to talk to someone in that surgeons office. Go by there if you have to. Let us know what you find out.
Posted 4/23/2014 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
….two weeks post op seem awfully soon to return to work to me. I cannot imagine a surgeon approving this without a little pressure form the patient. I know a Lumbar fusion is a bit different, and I went back at 8 weeks, and thought I made the biggest mistake of my life. Even with a desk job is was difficult to say the least.

I have been running a very large CNC machine almost all my life, and not good for spine problems at all. However I applied for a Lead job in my shop, so maybe I will have a chance to finally get off the machines there. At least you do have a desk job, but even that can be very hard on the cervical area, if you are running computer programs.

Good Luck!

SE
Posted 4/23/2014 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
wow...I was told my recovery time will be 8-12 weeks....that seems awfully quick....I would definitely get the fever checked out
Posted 4/23/2014 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Christina I am glad to see you made your own introductory thread. I was thinking about you going back to work so soon, I have had three fusions in in my cervical spine but had them done one at a time. But I was out of work allot longer than just a few weeks when I had my first one done. And when I did go back to work I only worked two hours for a while then two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon, and then slowly increased the time over a period of weeks till I was finally working a full shift!

You have had a double fusion that means you have even more healing to do! Please do not rush going back to work, if your having problems now, then you need to cut back or at least talk with your doctor about it. With this type of fusion you probably will lose some mobility with your neck, I find it very difficult to look up, and also I am limited on the amount I can turn my head from side to side. Just something that you might or might not experience.

I wish you well, and I would definitely get that fever checked out! As I mentioned before better safe than sorry.

White Beard
Posted 4/23/2014 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
My $0.02.

Two weeks, in my non-medical opinion, (but as one who's had fusions, though not of the cervical spine).....no way! I believe you need quite a bit longer to heal from your cervical surgery. And frankly, I WOULD get that fever checked out, now and not later. It's nothing to mess around.

Please don't play with your spine and just hope for the best.





M.
Posted 4/23/2014 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone and thank you for your replies. On discharge the surgeon's PA said I can go back to work within 10 days of the surgery. I've certainly cut back my hours to about 2-4 per day since yesterday then go home and rest. I live alone and don't have much help from family and friends. Neighbors have been great at taking my trash out and carrying my laptop from the car to home, etc.

As far as the fever it has finally gone away. This morning the PA said it was nothing to worry about. I'm still not so sure. I'm blessed that I have some movement, side to side. Up and down not so great.

I suppose I'm more surprised at the amount of pain in the shoulder blades, top of shoulders and back of head. Didn't really have those type of pains before surgery. Either way - time will heal all wounds.

Thanks again for your feedback and support. I shall certainly listen to you all!!!!

-Christina
Posted 4/23/2014 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Christina, if I were to guess you probably have a lot of muscle spasms going on, this typically happens after surgery. This is why you are having this pain that was not there before. Did the surgeon give you anything for pain or spasms? If you have both rather than letting the pain escalate take your meds before things get out of hand. Once that pain starts getting out of control the pain meds usually are not enough to calm it down quickly. if you don't have any muscle relaxers then call this drs office & ask them to call you in a script of them.

You might try icing your neck & shoulders. I am afraid if you use heat it will make the inflammation worse. I really am sorry that you were not given more time off to heal. I would love to see that PA return to work as quickly as you did after such a surgery. Please be careful & remember you are in the healing process.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Posted 4/24/2014 10:23 AM (GMT 0)
Christina, WOW, returning to work so soon? I had 3 level ACDF in January. I understand the shoulder and neck pain. I took short walks after surgery and had tears in my eyes returning home. I cut back, and pain subsided in about 3 weeks. I had muscle spasm pills, but once the pain started, they gave little relief. Sitting is a recliner with head and shoulders back was the best for me.

Having had this surgery, to anyone I strongly suggest rest. For me, it is the best medicine. The pain will subside over time, but I am 3 months post-op, and still have discomfort when I do too much.

I wish you we'll, and hope you can find the time to rest and heal. Good luck.

Texas 122
Posted 5/5/2014 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! Sorry this is a little long. Very frustrated. Went to my post-op with 4/25/14. Prior to appt I started having this choking/gagging sensation (seriously felt like someone was pushing their thumbs into the center of my throat). Got to appt a little early, they didn't take me back early, had xrays, surgeon said hardware was in place and that my "episode" has nothing to do with the surgery he performed - doesn't know how to help me. He also stated that I was fine when he called me a few days after surgery. First of all HE or NOBODY ever contacted me. It was like he wanted to argue with me if he called - help I'm choking in his office. The nurses said they wanted to call 911 and get me in the ER stat (hospital was across the parking lot). Dr. said no - nurses kept insisting ER. I said I could get there and asked the surgeon to notify the ER I would be arriving. He said no b/c he didn't know what tests would be needed.

Long story short, I ended up going to the ER, choking and turning bright red for over an hour waiting for triage then another 40 minutes to go back. CT showed swelling and little fluids and to see the surgeon asap. Could be the plate size is wrong, I might need more steroids, rejecting it, etc. Guess what - I haven't heard from the office - again. I left msgs last Monday and Wednesday. Yesterday I was gagging/choking so forcefully that I am afraid that now my hardware has moved. I can swallow and drink and eat. No feelings of anything being stuck or a golf ball in my throat. I think something is wrong.
I did get an appt today with the surgeon after demanding the practice managers name and to be connected asap. I don't know what else to do. After this appointment if I'm told it's nothing surgical related I will be on the hunt for a new surgeon for the rest of the post-op treatment. I was made aware in the ER that I should have a follow up plan with surgeon for 1 month, 6 months, etc. Has anyone had these sensations while not eat or drinking?

Thanks for the "ear" and have a great day!
Posted 5/6/2014 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ChristinaI is this like gagging, like something is stuck in your throat and your throat is spasms to try and get it out but there is nothing there!!! I have had these episodes and I retch like I am vomiting but my stomach is not involved at all it is all in my throat, and when it happens, I turn bright red and my nose runs and I get needle sticks and electric shocks across the front and back from shoulder to shoulder and it hurts like the dickens! And it comes on for me usually if I have strained my neck in some way? or turned my head just right, but it is often difficult to know what actually sets it off. I have had this problem and it developed shortly after my first fusion at C6/7 In fact I had a episode this morning with it. Your surgeon sounds like what I went through, he can deny it all he wants but the problem comes from the surgery. Hopefully it will not be permanent! I would suggest you see another neurosurgeon, or an ENT specialist, and above all don't let them try and push it off as being all in your head!

If I can be of any help let me know as I have went through hades and back about this, and I still have problems with it! It doesn't happen near as often as it used to, but it is a horrible feeling and for me the spasms in my throat and neck are very strong and violent and intense! I had one physical therapist run and bring be a waste basket because she thought I was getting sick to my stomach, but it is all in the throat and the neck area and the vocal cords! One of the Physical therapist put her hands on my throat and muscles in my neck and shoulders, and said she could not believe how my muscles could spasm like that! Besides being painful it is also kind of embarrassing to have that happen in front of a bunch of people.

I don't know if this is like what your experiencing, but if it is, well .......your not alone!

White Beard
Posted 5/6/2014 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
Christina,

(I've been away for several days, so I'm sorry this reply is coming in late as I'm getting caught up).

First thing that came to mind was,.....................................................no way!

I'm still confounded at how your surgeon treated you. Especially with the nurses urging you on, and then even more especially after you went to the ER.

I think a lot of surgeons see their "job" as doing the procedure, and once you're released, you're on your own, their work, their involvement is done.

I've never had cervical work done, only lumbar, so I cannot imagine what you're going through, although WB has quite an extensive and knowledgeable history.....I'd stay in touch with him here while you're figuring things out.

What are your plans now? Do you know how you're going to proceed?

Please, please keep us up to date, when you're comfortable enough to do so!






M.
Posted 5/6/2014 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much White Beard!!! Pretty close indeed! However, it feels like there is someone pushing on the outside of the neck.....I don't have that feeling like something is stuck in my throat. Actually I just realized when that feeling (of something stuck) went away this gagging/choking sensation started. Surgeon said that I am still a little swollen internally and may have rushed back to basic activities to soon. Doesn't want to put me on another round of steroids just yet. Have another appt in 3-4 weeks unless I get worse. Told me I have great movement and won't push PT on me - he'll leave it up to me. Also refilled my prescription for Valium to see if that would help out some. I have a high tolerance for pain and pain meds. Nothing knocks me out, makes me sleepy, etc. I suppose the Valium might help with the anxiety attacks I've been getting for the past 2 weeks. :)

M - Not sure what I'm going to do at this point. Today has been mild (I think I just jinxed myself) with the sensations but I am having a little shoulder/base of head pain. Day by day for the moment. I'll probably just drop by the office one day this week and ask for the practice manager and let him/her know what a horrible experience this has been considering I've seen 2 other doctors in this practice over the past 8 years.

I did learn that the CT did show a small nodule on my thyroid. He suggested to see an endocrinologist but it wasn't urgent to do so right away. It just keeps getting better and better.

Wishing everyone a great day and I cannot thank you all enough for your feedback and support. It means a lot to me.
Posted 5/6/2014 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Christina, I am sorry to read about the difficulties you are having, but just floored at the attitude of this surgeon. I have always said that neurosurgeons are a different breed of medical drs.. But, this guy takes the cake. I do not blame you a bit about wanting to let this manager know about the care & attitude of this guy, there is no excuse for it. If its something he knows nothing about, then it is his job to get you to a dr that can get help you. To do nothing is wrong. Something is causing this problem & you deserve to be helped not told the magic words of "it has nothing to do with the surgery".

I do hope that you can get some badly needed answers & not a bunch of text book talk. Keep us posted.
Posted 5/7/2014 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
ChristinaI I have that feeling like someone is pressing on the outside of my neck too!, I get that first, usually, and I feel it more on the left front side, like someone is pressing there thumb into my neck close to my esophagus, it is after I start gagging that it feels like there is something in my throat and the gagging and choking sensation keeps going till that feeling goes away.????? Hard to describe, I know I have been fighting this for many many years! I also have some right shoulder drop, and I found out just before my last ACDF that they did in 2009 that my vocal cords are partially paralyzed on the right side from my first ACDF C6/7 in the mid eighties. Of course the surgeon denied doing anything wrong! When I had that first ACDF I lost my voice completely for over three months after the surgery, and I had a dickens of a time eating or drinking especially out of a straw, for a long time! Then that gagging, retching thing started in , and although it is not near as bad as it was, ( it doesn't happen quite as often) I still have problems with it, and when it happens it just knocks my socks off!

Anyway ChristinaI I think I understand what your going through, please take care of your self!

White Beard
Posted 5/8/2014 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
WOW! I'm so sorry you are still having issues after your surgery. I cannot believe this but yesterday my left shoulder (the top of it) starting hurting. Extreme shooting/stabbing pain. I took some pain and muscle relaxers thinking it was just a fluke as I have had amazing movement with my shoulders, neck, arms - though not 100% I'm doing darn great. about 10 minutes ago my left hand started feeling extremely numb.

Time to call the surgeon? mad I suppose he'll put me in PT.....I'm sure it'll end up being some form of nerve damage. My eye twitching is still happening. I was trying to read up on it as a side affect of ACDF but decided to close the window and not read into it.

The gagging sensation has been very light for the past two days so I feel blessed. Kind of odd how that decreases and now I have shoulder pain. I'm left handed and just sitting at my desk and reaching over 10 inches to answer my phone is excruciating!!!! Ah the joys of not knowing what the heck is wrong with my body.

Wishing everyone a good rest of the day. As always - thank you for the support.
Posted 6/5/2014 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hello ChristinaI,
Just wondering how you are doing? What about your shoulder pain? I'm amazed at the number of people who have shoulder pain after having neck fusion.

I was also told I had a thyroid nodule that showed up on my MRI before surgery. Had to have a biopsy which was not much fun but it was all ok, thankfully. Hope your news will be the same. My dr said that's a common finding when looking at the neck.
Posted 6/5/2014 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning. Thank you for checking in on me :) Like you I am amazed, beyond amazed at the amount of shoulder pain. Surgeon told me that I will need PT even though I've been doing the exercises at home. Suppose I need electronic stimulation.

I am worried about my thyroid. I also have MTHFR (2 counts of C677T). I've been sluggish for years, put on a little weight (which I thought was bc my neck situation wouldn't allow me to work out for the past 18 months - PAIN), brittle hair, nails, etc. I need to have an ultrasound done. I asked surgeon's office to order one since the "mass" was found on the CT that he ordered. It would be so helpful for me to have it done before I find an endocrinologist.

I will say it's been a struggle. Very few people to help me out or even be there. I've become so strong and stubborn in taking care of myself. The one time that I would allow the assistance there isn't anyone to help me. I am so blessed however bc I can walk and use my left arm that doesn't go numb. I am alive and thankful for each day.

I am also extremely blessed for this forum and those on my thread. It means more than you all could ever know.

:) - Christina
Posted 6/5/2014 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
I wondered why my surgeon did not order the ultrasound but had to get PCP to do that. Then went to endo and he had ultrasound in his office-could have done everything there more easily.

Hope your pain starts getting better very soon. Glad you are strong, this recovery is not for the weak. Keep up the great attitude.
Posted 7/9/2014 11:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ChristinaI, your experience has me wondering how you are doing? We live in the same general area. Hope you are ok!
Posted 7/15/2014 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I'm just wondering how you are doing now. We have a new fusion member who has also gone back to work early. Your experience could help others. Have you had the thyroid test yet?
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply