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5 days post op acdf c5-7

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Posted 8/27/2014 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
I am 5 days post op from acdf c5-7, I have had minimal pain considering what it could have been. The biggest problem I have had is every time I belch I have a lot of regurgitation, my throat is still very sore, and I continue to sound like Kermit the frog. I have tried all different manners of remedies for my problems to no avail. Also my sleep is seriously lacking, I cant get comfortable and when I do I move my neck just right and wake myself up crying. Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated as I am at my whits end. Help please!
Posted 8/27/2014 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome! I'm sorry for the discomfort you are having. Many of us on this site have had similar surgeries. I wonder if you are having to wear a cervical collar. Ice packs provided lots of comfort for me. Also I slept in my recliner at first. It provided more support.

Bendable straws and soft foods and small meals are helpful with the throat. Just be careful. Take your recovery slowly. Many are eager to return to too much activity and don't give themselves time to heal well. I'm glad you are doing well now. We want that to continue.

You can scroll through our posts and find many other discussions related to cervical fusion. Or use the Search box at the top of this page.
Posted 8/27/2014 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I am still wearing the Miami J collar they sent me home in, at night I switch to a soft foam collar for more comfort when laying down but I just can't seem to get comfortable. Thank you for the advice! I will definitely give all suggestions a try! And you are very right, I hhave been trying to rush my recovery because I am a 30 year old single mother of a 10 and 8 year old, kinda hard to be down long lol
Posted 8/27/2014 11:02 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW and the chronic pain forum! Abilene hit it right! Slow down, we see far more success out of those who go slow and allow themselves time to heal. Ice, pillows, the travel kind, recliners versus beds, small meals that are soft, avoid meats and chewy candy, but those carmely sweet honey hard candy, can't recall the name, starts with a W been around a 100 yrs? Are great for soothing your throat! You can buy non tasting "Thick-it " at the pharmacy that allows you to thicken any drink to any consistency without changing the taste, really helps the strangling feeling.

This is a perfect time to allow the kids a chance to "help ". Kids love taking care of you so put that to use by allowing them to do tasks that are difficult, with supervision of course. They can stand on a stool beside you at sink, load dishwasher, get clothes out of washers /dryers, pick stuff up off floor, dust those down low shelves, even hold the dust pan while you sweep! Make it awesome, brag on their willingness to help you and award them something very special for all of it when its over!

Others will add to your list as it goes on and others experience is tremendously valuable and that's part of what makes HW a great forum!
Posted 8/27/2014 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hello & welcome to the forum. As the others have stated we have had quite a few members that recently have undergone cervical fusions. If you will look through the first 4-5 pages I think you will find lots of info about their experiences.

The swallowing thing is something everyone complains of at first. Some have said it has lingered as long as three months or even longer. I can only tell you that how you take care of yourself post op will make a huge impact on your recovery & the long term effects later on down the road. Listen to your body, if something is not right it will let you know. Allowing yourself the proper time to heal will pay off in the end.Trying to rush things or overdoing will only set you back. Setbacks after surgery take longer to make a comeback from. This is where we see a lot of folks have trouble. Just remind yourself you have had major surgery & you need time to heal. What may look healed on the outside does not mean its healed on the inside.

I know its tough with 2 children & being single. However, they are old enough to be able to help you out in small ways & it also teaches them responsibility & empathy. Enlist the help of family & friends if you have to. Don't be ashamed to ask for some help, it can be paid forward at a later date.

Take care.
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