2 Week Post Op ACDF Setbacks

While I have not had an ACDF, I do have fragile health and can empathize with your emotional and physical status.

Good health is the foundation of a full and engaging life. Good health is the bedrock from which a person: goes to school and learns and profession or trade; is extended a job, works diligently, and sustains employment; finds passion and joy in hobbies and avocations; engages with family and friends and companion pets; marries; has children; contributes to one's community.

We all suffer. Some people suffer more. But we all suffer.

You will get through this difficult passage. Sometimes I need to go deep within my self in order to find the fortitude to continue on. Meaning: I go deep within my own psyche, disquieting the exogenous noises around me.

Go deep within yourself and fine your inner strengths to sustain you and see you through to the other side. You are stronger than you think you are.

Above all, be gentle with yourself. What ever emotions you may feel, honor them. And then pick up the pieces to move forward.

Look at your progress as one of small stepping stones, a progression of small successes, rather than large mile stones of progress. That path to reclaiming health is rarely a straight upward trajectory. Rather it has hills and valleys, peaks and troughs. '

I am on Palliative Care. My body is broken and can no longer be "fixed." It is a strange place to be. Not healthy enough to be co-mingling with larger society and its hustle and bustle. Not sufficiently unwell to be on hospice care. It is a sort of no-mans land. Each day, I find a purpose for being and act with integrity.

I am sorry to read of your necessary emergency room visit but brightened to hear that all is OK.

It's 2 am PST as I write this. Perhaps you are awake, as well, and just need to know that someone hears you and validates what you say.

Surgery and its recovery can be daunting experiences to go through.

Keep a forward looking orientation. Look for signs of small progress and build on these small successes.

Nameste, (my spirit honors your spirit)
- karen -

CreatureLover I am sorry your having such a hard time and I do (Empathize) with you! It's hard and allot of things goes through your mind when your going through all this! The healing process is slow and is a (real son-of-a-gun!) to suffer through it! I am glad that you can share your feelings, just doing that sometimes helps...... Just remember your not alone in this, I and many of the others, read your post and share in your pain and despair, and we are here for you! Even though it might not seem like it now, it will and does get better, and you will get through this and I think will probably be allot stronger because of it!

I know that might be of little consolation to you right now, but hang in there, you'll get through this! Keep your friends close and don't withdraw from them, ( that can easily happen in situations like this) you need them more than ever right now, so let them know that! You can regain your independence later! Right now rely on your family and friends and let them help you, and ask them for help when you need it! And don't feel like your putting a burden on them! Your Not!

Peace be with YOU CreatureLover!

White Beard

When I hear you saying I still have a hard time holding my head up or I have to take breaks while typing this....I'm thinking Yes and you will for a lot longer. My own surgery was Posterior which is different, there are trade offs on which is easier. Basically we've had our necks fused, it's not going to turn much at all and it's not even going to hold upright very well for quite some time. Did you read my story? It's titled just like in my signature. My own timeline might give you a better idea what to expect in your healing. Two weeks or even two months post op will still find you working through all of this. It takes lots of patience! That's hard but it just can't be rushed. Then adding other issues and having to go to the ER adds time and stress to an already bad situation. You certainly know how valuable your nest is now!

I'm really glad you found us and feel free to share your thoughts and feelings. It will help the next person to understand this better and perhaps someone can help you, too. Keep on keeping on!! Think Fusion!