4 month check-in C4-7 ACDF

Just checking in and hope that my progress report will help someone at some point and always appreciate the sage advice from my friends here.

Today is 4 months postop from my C4-7 ACDF fusion and all the other stuff they did on June 5th. I was very slowly getting better but have gone backwards the past two weeks because I have increased my hours working, gone into the office and overall increased my activity level.

I am learning what I can do and how I will pay later or the next day. But I i do it anyway because it is good for my mental health. It is frustrating but I think I have accepted this situation at last. When I called the neurosurgeon the other day and he reminded that I would be this way for at least a year because they (in short) really did a lot and it will take at least a year more to be better.

I can swallow better but notice after I eat my throat feels swollen and sore from swallowing. I have also noticed that when I talk a lot (normal day at work) it makes my throat hurt.

But I have gone for many long walks, out to dinner, and shopping.

A friend had leant me a recliner chair, but he came and got it today. I plan on buying one since I have learned the value of one. I plan on getting one that swivels since I have learned a bit more about ergonomics of this neck thing.

I have found when talking to someone to get eye level and straight on. When in a meeting I pick my spot carefully to reduce moving my head back and forth. I also found if I don't lay down at work I pay. We went to the plant nursery the other day and I looked around a lot as we were trying to find the right plants. Bad idea....

Moving forward at a turtle's pace 🐢🐢🐢🐢
Thanks for letting me vent and for everyone's support the past four months ❤️

Great update! You are making progress even if it is very slow. One of our moderators has said the slow recoveries last longer. We should be set for life, if that's correct. Is there any way a swivel office chair would work in your meetings at work?

Question: Who was it who had her surgery, felt great, was going on walks every day, then at about 2 weeks post-op paid the price? She has not been back recently and I can't find her post. New member Batman may be having a similar situation.

I am still very glad I had the surgery. Adjusting to my new normal is not as much of a challenge now. My most recent lesson learned, for the 2nd time, is that I can't sit to watch a whole movie. I will just have to excuse myself and go move around.

It's always good to hear from you. Keep on keeping on!

THINK FUSION!!

TallerNow what a great check in report. Considering everything you have already done, dealing with osteoporosis on top of it all, you have done remarkably well. I really think as more time goes by you will see even more improvement.

You pushed the buttons because you had no choice & not many could have pulled that off. I know you feel like your recovery is at a turtle's pace but that is just not true. You have taken some very big strides especially with the return to work so soon. I am serious when I say I do not know anyone doing this so quickly, so you are way ahead of the game. Are you able to take any little mini breaks at work? Just remember to be kind to yourself when you get home.

Keep us posted.

You really are progressing wonderfully! I know you don't feel somedays you are but look how far you have came since that first day home some months ago? We tend to set our surgical goals high, why else would we go through all this if we don't expect a better outcome? You will get there! You have and are doing all the right things but cervical spine surgeries are complex and intense and I its not been that long ago in medicine that surgery on that area was a Never ever do so. How far we have come!

Your moving albeit however slowly that's still progress right? We see those 5 months out who can walk no more then around the house, works out completely and pt has even began and you have overcome and surpassed all those hurdles. Don't get in a hurry now! If medical science says a woman post child bearing doesn't return to prepregnancy state for a year then I imagine the same to be said for something as complicated as a cervical fusion wouldn't you?

Thanks for updates and I'm sure the future acd's will read these and dare to hope that they too can have such an awesome outcome!