Recovery period ACDF c4/5 and c6/7, Posterior c4-to t1 laminectomy/fusion

Hello Vernita & welcome to the chronic pain forum. So sorry to read what you have on your plate right now. I am assuming you are having a redo of your previous surgery.

Vernita several of our members have undergone cervical fusions & have actually documented their recovery & I think if you will use our search feature above you can pull their threads up & read their info. One is a member named Abilene & the other is Taller Now who had posterior work done too. Many people have found this very helpful. Also, above in CP101, there is a thread in there called things useful to have while recovering from cervical surgery or something close to that, lol. Brain fog this morning but that is also an excellent source of info.

You asked a question about having surgery & not being on pain medication long term. Yes, that is possible, I have seen many people have surgery & do fine. But, as you know with any surgery there is no guarantee that everything will be perfect after surgery. Two of the most important things towards having a successful surgery is having the very best set of hands you can find doing the surgery & then what you do once you are at home healing. Your part in the recovery process is just as important as the surgery itself. Keep in mind this is a traumatic experience for your body. Also, its important to have our heads on straight when faced with having any surgery. How you feel emotionally about the surgery can also affect your recovery.

We see lots of people go home & be afraid to take their medications on a schedule & then the next thing you know the pain is through the roof & that pain pill they finally took is not enough to get the pain back under control. It has spiraled out of sight & then the person is just miserable & beside their self. This type of situation can be the catalyst to starting chronic pain. This is why we tell people, you will be perfectly safe taking that medication on a schedule after surgery for a short while. Its vital to have a good muscle relaxer on board to take on schedule too, the muscle spasms will be a trigger with your pain. Your body needs time to heal without a lot of unnecessary grief. Its always better to be on top of the pain rather than under it.

The other big factor is overdoing. Most of us are overachievers & believe if we push our self we will be much better off. I think sometimes thats just human nature for us. That is the very worst thing to do. Once again, be patient & be kind to your body so it can heal.

Drs tend to tell the patient oh you will be healed in 6 weeks. Not so, that is nothing but textbook talk & nothing more. Things may be healed on the outside but not on the inside, it takes time for that fusion to become solid. Normally for an uneventful surgery its a good 12 months or even longer to be completely healed. It depends on the person.

What type of surgeon are you using for your surgery? I prefer a neurosurgeon because they have the best set of hands. They are more experienced with dealing with the nerves in the spine. I think if they can do something delicate like brain surgery then having one do a spine surgery is my choice. I have to have a pain pump replaced & this will involve surgery of the spine & a neurosurgeon will be doing my surgery.

Has the dr answered all of your questions? If not then make a list & go back in & get your answers. What about a 2nd opinion, have you had a second opinion? Any time a surgery like this comes a long I think its important to get a 2nd opinion sometimes even a 3rd opinion. Better to be safe than sorry later.

Keep us posted on how you are doing & of course many prayers will be said when you have surgery. Take care.

My first surgery was done by a neurosurgeon in 1991. Anterior cervical disk fusion c5/c6. Back then they did not do plates to hold the bone plug in. After being violently sick in the recovery room, the bone plug became dislodged and had to have repeat surgery. I recovered quickly with only 3 days of pain meds, and a few weeks of physical therapy. No problems until now. Everything above and below the original fusion has become a mess, so they are doing ACDF at level C4/C5, and C6/C7 with plates. Posterior cervical laminectomy fusion from C4 through T1 with rods and screws. I am petrified.
I know about the loss of mobility, will take getting use to. I definitely will stay on top of my medications schedule, I know how hard it is to bring the pain down to a tolerable level once it has gone to the moon because you missed the meds. Will try not to over do things.
I worked as a surgical technician for 25 years, neuro was my specialty, of course we only see the actual surgery not the recovery, so have no idea what goes on after. I am getting lots of info on here. I have an ortho spine specialist with neurosurgery fellowship. Had a second opinion by a neurosurgeon I worked with a few years ago, he's in another town and of course not on my insurance. Same recommendation. My original surgeon is no longer in this area.
Because of no family near me, I am relying on neighbors and friends to help me. Not sure how that will work out. I expect to be glued to a recliner with minimal activities, microwaving frozen foods, and forget about cleaning.
Felt good this past weekend and Monday. Had the epidural last Thursday, yesterday pain came back in my lower neck and shoulder and arms in the back. Tonight starting to get discomfort again in the front neck across to my right arm. I had hoped the epidural would help longer.
I keep thinking of more questions to ask the Doctor. So pre-op appointment I will have my list.
Now I'm going to read some more of the suggested info you have provided. You can never have too much knowledge. Thanks Abilene and Susie

Thanks Susie. I like to read but am curious how I will hold a book because of range of motion issues. I expect my shoulders and arms will tire easily. I have read some of the items listed, specialty pillows, over the bed tables, laptop trays, ect. My income is going to make it impossible to purchase such things. I have some friends that are on the look out at yard sales, and I need to check with insurance to see how I can get some things. My priority is get the recliner and one of the long reach graspers. Will go from there.
I am getting discouraged on how I will manage everything, just hope my friends can help me, and I am so independent I hate asking them. Really dreading this.
I will load up on those food items, thanks for that info. I notice just wearing the collar it is hard to swallow some items.
Our local library is a co-op and they will mail books to the house, and I have found a few free ebooks, loading up on those.
I am so happy I found this forum. Just having someone that has been there to chat with is a huge help.
Good health to everyone. Have a great day.

I have several regular pillows that will have to do.
I am disabled so don't have to go to work, I have COPD, along with too many other health issues to list, also have sleep apnea, noticed you have that also. I need to call my insurance to check on medical equipment, will also ask about some help at home. I'm on medicare and really getting hammered right now on co-pays. If the surgeon has to be paid a lot up front I will not be getting surgery. I have no idea how long this could be delayed.
No one has mentioned a bone stimulator,that is another question I will have to ask at pre-op.
I ride the city bus, and am trying to get approved for the handicapped door to door pickup. But friends will be taking me around for awhile. I hate having to bother other people.

I got my insurance booklet out, and I do have home health services for up to 35 hours a week. That makes me feel better. Also covers medical equipment, so I need to see what is available. They also cover skilled nursing facilities. I should have read this book a week ago. I have just been so overwhelmed, did not expect this severe of a report. I would prefer the home health checking on me, always feel better in your own surroundings.
I imagine I will be doing the same things, tv, music, and a lot of sleeping. I love to get a 1 mile walk in everyday, so I hope I will be able to get back to it slowly.
I am really touched by what others are going through on here. I am trying to find the comforting words for them, and trying to eliminate my fears at the same time.
All in all God and life are good.

Good to hear from you. Hoping your surgical journey is a great success.
I didn't expect such an extreme diagnosis, but knew this pain was the worst I have ever felt. Spent days just crying in pain. Did not know I had DDD until the MRI. My surgery date is pending the hospital calling me to set it up, suppose to be April 27 or 28.
I am looking at the items I need to get, to help with changes that are coming. I am going on my library website to see if they have that book. So I can start reading it. Will order a copy with cd my next payday. Tough being disabled and getting paid once a month.
I am about to be 57. Seems I have been falling apart the last 15 years.
I am actively looking for a recliner. Won't be able to get a power one. Will get the best I can.
I will be looking forward to your posts, and sending prayers and blessings your way.

Hello Vernita...I just want to offer my support as your surgery date approaches.  You have been given priceless information from Susie and Abilene, and Birder Nancy.  I, too, am horribly concerned about you trying to do this "alone".  I would also ask you if rehab inpatient facility is a possibility?  Do you have family or anyone that you could move in with for a few weeks?  I don't mean to alarm you, but I don't think it's a good idea to be alone post-surgery.

I understand, however, if you indeed have no one to step in.  I have a large extended family, but sadly we are not close.  During my surgeries throughout my 30's, I would move in with my parents to recuperate.  My husband would commute from work.  I would get homesick, so they would drive me home to see my fir babies, as I improved. I am so very thankful to have had that option, as it no longer exists. Fastforward 20+ years... 

Nowadays, I know what it's like to "not" have parents (warts and all) to help me.  I thank God every day that I have my husband of 35 years.  Even so, we both feel SO ALONE when we encounter health emergencies on our own.  I just told someone recently "I need a mom".  Mine is almost 89, living in a facility.  I now play the roll of mom to her (for 9+ years).  These days she is more of "a rebelious child". I digress.

My heart aches for you, if you absolutely have to do this alone.  I truly wish I could be near to help you.  I don't know how much help I could be, in my current condition, but I don't want you to go through this alone.

These ladies that are posting have indepth knowledge and can guide you through your preparation.  We will all be here to offer moral support for you.  I just feel that you need support "in the flesh" if at all possible.

Hugs~~Dixie

Vernita, if you add your email address to your profile I 'd like to send you an email because I have something you might be interested in. Thanks!

Thanks, Vernita. I'll be sending you an email this evening.

By the way, I had my Pre-Op today and my surgery has been postponed due to the lingering cough and congestion from that awful flu I had last month. The new date is April 23.

I'm relieved because that will give me a chance to regain my optimal health and also get things in order here at home with no rushing. Yay!

Sorry you are postponed Nancy, but best to be well before. Seems the days are ticking by faster as I try to prepare myself. Got your email, thank you.
Susie I will locate Whitebeard and give him a shout out, try to get some more tips. I wish I had family around, just not there. It will be ok. I have strong faith.

Vernita, if you click on his screen name it will take you to his profile. Then you can see if he has his email address entered.

I just wanted to say hi. And I am sorry you are going through this.
I also wanted to mention I didn't find the recliner comfortable at all. Obviously we are all different, but if you are strapped, don't spend your last dollar on one. I'm glad I didn't. I borrowed one and discovered in the hospital that my neck wouldn't tolerate that position, so my surgeon gave me permission to lay on my side with pillows to keep my neck and hips aligned. It was the only comfortable position.
We are not financially comfortable anymore due to my time off and I'm so glad I didn't spend the money on something that I couldn't use.
Just something to keep in mind. Maybe one of the neighbors have one you could borrow...
I apologize if this was mentioned before, but my eyes weren't up to reading all the good advice in the other comments.
I wish you luck!!