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8 weeks postoperative C4-7 ACDF

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 8/1/2014 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Greetings,
Eight weeks seems to be a turning point for me. I have more energy and on some days can get through the day without a nap. But it does make me prone to over doing it a bit too, then the trapezius muscle spasms and neck ache return and I have to lay down. But those moments are fewer and farther between.

I still hate this collar! I woke this morning and found myself laying on my side, with a neck/ headache from that position. Wondering if it is because it is just a new position or if it is a bad position that has caused the pain?

I will start working from home next Monday, we will see how that goes. For those of you suffering your first weeks post op, I can tell you there is a shimmer of light out there at around eight weeks.

I know I still have a long ways to go and set backs along the way - but at last I can do some things! Thanks to this support forum for helping along the way!
Posted 8/1/2014 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
That is some awesome news out of you. I am sure things will just keep getting better & better for you. It is always great to see something positive being written by a member. It gives hope to others who are either just having surgery recommended or just had it.

I know you are so tired of that brace & probably will burn it the day it comes off, wouldn't blame you a bit. When do you get to take the thing off for good? Will you be weaned to a soft collar for a short amount of time since you have been in this one so long?

Keep up the good work it sure is paying off.
Posted 8/1/2014 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Susie,
Thanks, I feel like there does need to be some good news and hope for those who where I was at one time. I go for X-rays on August 20th and depending on my progress fusing will determine how much longer I have to wear the hard collar. And once I can get out of the hard collar I will transition to a soft one. I don't have big expectations and will be surprised if I have good progress fusing since I have osteoporosis. A couple of years ago I broke my fibula near the ankle, it was not a big area to heal and I ended up in a cast for 4 months because my body doesn't like to heal bone. I have been eating high protein and vitamins etc to help and wear the bone fuser 4 hours a day too. My swallowing is getting better but it is so much work to eat and swallow that I don't eat much and still all soft food.i read a scientific paper and it said for one level fusion the average time for the swallowing difficulty to go away is 12 weeks.

I hope you are doing well?
Posted 8/2/2014 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
So glad you have more energy now, but I also understand about how that can lead to trouble. I overdid it yesterday filing some papers with my head bent down for too long. I had one of those times where I said I'm finished! The recovery time is much faster now.

Did you get to go swimming? I'm hoping working at home goes very well for you.
Posted 8/2/2014 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Abilene,
I am sorry about your filing thing. I guess that will continue to happen, but for how long? Year, two years? I understand the recovery is better, i have noticed that too. I over did it yesterday as well, went out with some friends and by the time I got home I was in awful pain where my husband had to help me get packed in ice and in bed. It is so frustrating to do well, try to do normal things, then bam!

I didn't get to go swimming again. Not sure when my friend will be around for me to go again. I think today I will spend resting so just maybe I can feel better tomorrow. Have a good weekend.
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