after acdf surgery

I had acdf surgery 2 levels with a plate 4 screws also have a pinched nerve under my collarbone I had been in pain for 2 years and in the 2 years never had a MRI of my neck only a nerve test for my collarbone but as time went by the pain become worse and I ask for a MRI of the neck I lost the feeling in my hands I drop stuff when I woke up from surgery I could feel my hands I praise the Lord right there in the hospital wonderful feeling I have got some better but sleep that has been very hard for me because of the pain I have tried just about every pillow I cant lay down and I went shoping and had to get back home it was very hard for me to walk around the stores because of the pain is this normal it been 18 days ?

I agree with WB. You should expect some discomfort to still be lingering but at 2 and a half weeks out I would think it should be improving and not keeping you awake at night!

I also think you should speak to your Dr as none of us can be sure the exact nature of the surgical procedure done. Not sure why they've not done an MRI but have you asked?

Hi country I Well I certainly can understand and empathize with what you have been through and continue to go through! I have had both C6/7 and C5/6 fused but not at the same time mine was about 25 years apart, I had allot of problems after my first ACDF in March 1985 I woke up after surgery with my hands and head totally numb and had no voice! They damaged the nerve going to the vocal cords in the surgery and my vocal cords were paralyzed for over 3 months. I had difficulty swallowing during that time, my voice eventually came back, But I found out in September of 2009 just before I had my second ACDF at C5/6 that my vocal cords on my right side were still partially paralyzed from my first ACDF. I still have an abnormal gag reflex that periodicly acts up and causes me to gag and wretch and when it happens I get the feeling of needle sticks and electric shocks across my shoulders front and back, it is very painful. This was all caused from my first ACDF.

Countryj I can't lay flat when I sleep and I slept in a recliner for many Years before getting an adjustable bed. Have you tried using pillows to prop your self up to sleep to maybe help relieve your pain? I still would try and talk with your doctor about it to see if there is something going on to be causing you so much pain. It is best to play it safe..

This is an excellent place to come for understanding and support, and yes even to vent! We all do that here once in a while because there is always a compassionate ear willing to listen and give support! So come here as often as you like when your here on this forum you are a part of our CP family!

White Beard

I haven't been here in awhile but just wanted to say that I am doing much better but I still have some pain and my left hand it numb on the side again but the doctor said things look pretty good yet I wonder if I will be back like I was I just take it one day at time.

My throat in the back feels raw not really sore it seams like it not going away is this normal for it to feel that way?I am still having trouble sleeping all night I wake up and I can no longer lay in the bed I am up by 3 am or 4 am the pain is better than it was doing better but I not feeling well just not feeling well, my doctor he put me on PRN if something goes wrong come back I feel like 6 weeks he should have seen me more I guess .I seen my family doctor he said well I guess that all he could do for you and that was why I know I am doing better but just don't feel good does anyone after surgery feel like that 6 weeks after?

I had acdf in July and still have awful neck and shoulder pain (5 months). I had removal of broken bone spur, a chunk off C3, removed burst disc, plate and screws fusion C3-C4. I only had a stiff collar for a couple of weeks, then nothing.

I've had muscle and shoulder injections, also C5 facet joint injection. The last did help the shoulder in a narrow strip from neck to shoulder tip for a month. I know the shoulder tip pain is from neck. I've had it before and it went away when a lumbar injection migrated up to head and stopped all shoulder pain.

I'm only given tramadol TID and occasional Norco 7.5 for breakthrough by my pain doc. They don't help with the neck pain much. I've got a soft neck brace I use when my neck gets tired. My surgeon discharged me soon after surgery. That hospital's rehab doc only sees me when I nag after 4 months.

Since surgery is from front, and they shove everything off to the side, I've got horrible voice, worse trouble swallowing (was bad enough from polio). The front of my neck above the incision up to jaw is numb. I have to stretch the tendons in my neck every morning because they tighten up at night.

It's January again and new deductibles and higher co-pays have kicked in. I can't afford to see the docs right now. Can't get to see the rehab doc until February anyway. I'm re-trying Lyrica, but not sure if the small relief of pain is worth the side effects, but that's something you might want to consider.

Best wishes.

I am new to this, never blogged before. But had c4-7 acdf surgery 7 days ago. Plate and screws. I have osteoporosis so I was told must wear hard collar for at least 3 months 24/7. I am amazed that the nerve pain I had from arms, legs, mid back, head and neck pain are all gone! I do have a hard time swallowing and pain and muscle spasm across my shoulders. Doctor said he added an inch to my height since I had no discs left, lots of spurring, and two vertebrate pushing on spinal cord. Sp the pain now is less. But I am very tired and normally hyper person but not now. And this collar is awful. They said I should take short walks several times a day, but lucky to get 2 or 3 in. How long before energy comes back?

Members, please do not post here, lets give Taller Now a chance to make an intro thread.

Thanks.