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Upcoming ACDF C4-7 Surgery

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Cocker Spaniel Mom
New Member
Joined : Jan 2021
Posts : 6
Posted 1/7/2021 6:57 AM (GMT -7)
Just joined the group today. I’m having ACDF C4-7 surgery January 26th. My surgeon said I’d be in a hard neck brace 6-8 weeks before he would even consider physical therapy.
I’ve been reading and researching a lot about the surgery trying to calm my nerves. I’ve had knee & elbow surgeries but never a surgery to this extent.
I also told my surgeon I understand the radiologist pointed out where my carotid artery is located because it doesn’t sit in the normal position and to assist the surgeon but it still makes me very nervous.
I know I’ll have initial pain and problems swallowing and talking right after the surgery. I’m not sure what to have my husband tell his work about whether he’ll need to be home to help me or not. We have a single level ranch style home with exception of 2 steps down into the family room. I think I can get from the family room to the kitchen to get coffee, water, food and to the other end of the house for bathroom by myself but I really don’t know how much I’ll be able to move right after the surgery. I know I’ll need my husband to feed and water the dogs and cat. I know I won’t be able to cook or houseclean for a while. Work is anticipating me to be about about 2 months. I’m a claims examiner for federal workers comp so I average about 9-10 hours a day on the computer and about 5 hours a day on the phone.
I’m also wondering if I’ll be able to crochet while I’m recovering. I don’t have a problem sitting (years of knee arthritis got me used to it) as long as my hands are doing something.
I’m also a little concerned about our dogs. We have 3 cocker spaniels (siblings) about 8 1/2 years old and they are definitely mommy’s babies. They don’t leave my side and when I sit 2 are in my lap and the other is as close to in my lap as he can get. If I lay down to sleep they curl up next to me to sleep. Two of them need their FaceTime (I must have my face cleaned) at least once or twice a day and that’s what concerns me the most post surgery.
I think I rambled a lot but I’m really nervous about this surgery. I need it and I’m hoping it relieves the pain. I also have trigger fingers, trigger thumb, De Quervian’s, moderate to severe arthritis at base of thumb, and carpal tunnel all in my left hand. Ortho can’t do anything until I have this surgery because the nerves are being pinched on the left side so Ortho can’t tell how severe any of my left hand issues are. I’m hoping they aren’t severe and it’s the pinched nerves aggravating the left hand issues.
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 18240
Posted 1/7/2021 10:25 AM (GMT -7)
Hello & welcome to the forum. While these surgeries are commonly done today, it's still a major surgery. If at all possible see if your husband can take the first week off after surgery. His help will be invaluable to you. Yes, some people have no choice & go it alone, but if you have the option of him taking off, go for it.

I'm not sure what type of bed you have, if it's an adjustable bed great. If not, many of our members found sleeping in a recliner a few weeks was much easier than trying to get up & down out of a bed. Consider borrowing one or even renting one.

Time & patience will be your new best friend. It's a lengthy recovery & you don't want to take any short cuts. Follow your post-op directions to the letter. Take your medications on a schedule, set a timer on your phone. It's better to stay on top of the pain rather than letting it get out of control. As far as work goes, this needs to be played by ear. Going back to work too soon will not help you at all. Far too often we see drs releasing patients to go back to work far too soon.

Make sure to have plenty of easy foods that can be heated in the microwave, plenty of bottled water if that is what you drink. Invest in getting a reacher/grabber, this is a hand held device that can pick things up off the floor. You will not feel like leaning down to pick something up off the floor. You can find these at drug stores & Walmart. Do not use heat on your neck & shoulders, invest in cold packs. Heat will aggravate the inflammation.

You can try to crochet, however, don't be surprised that your arms & shoulders will give out. Try to find some good movies on the tv. Do not lay on a couch, this is why I suggested the recliner, keep your head & shoulders straight.. Your dogs may be a problem for a bit. I suggest keeping them off of you for awhile. Careful not to let them get under your feet. I am a dog lover too, lol.

I feel like I am leaving some things out. I will post more if I think of some more things. Above all, be kind to yourself during your recovery.
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Cocker Spaniel Mom
New Member
Joined : Jan 2021
Posts : 6
Posted 1/7/2021 10:49 AM (GMT -7)
Oh I didn’t think about a grabber. I’ll invest in one for sure. While we have a brand new bed & mattress it’s not adjustable. My couch & love seat in the family room are reclining. I imagine I’ll spend my first week there.
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oceanfisher58
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2017
Posts : 306
Posted 1/7/2021 5:28 PM (GMT -7)
Miss Mom,
I had a two level fusion C5-C7 about four years ago. This will be a life changing surgery. At least it was for me. I want to tell you to run away and don't have the surgery. This message is not to scare you but to make sure you absolutely need this surgery. I had this surgery because I was losing the use of my left arm due to nerve damage. There are reasons to have this surgery but PLEASE be sure you do this for the right reason.

The reason I am so harsh about fusion surgery is because I had adjacent segment disease as a result of my surgery. I would be happy to continue this with you if you would like to.

I don't mean to imply your surgery would end as mine did. My advice is to be sure before you do this.

Best of luck to you.
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Cocker Spaniel Mom
New Member
Joined : Jan 2021
Posts : 6
Posted 1/7/2021 7:23 PM (GMT -7)
I understand. I’ve tried everything and believe me this is the last resort. I’m now to the point I only sleep a couple hours a night because if my left elbow or hand touch the bed I wake up in pain. I can’t pet my dogs without pain. I can’t type (90% of my job) without pain. I’m now to the point it’s like someone has a death grip on my funny bone, their thumb is constantly pushing down in the middle of my palm and I can’t move my middle two fingers, plus the pins & needles tingling.
I’ve tried epidurals, no relief. Physical therapy, my arm was too sensitive to even do anything they ended up cancelling my appointments because even the minor exercises caused more pain and tingling in my elbow and hand.
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oceanfisher58
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2017
Posts : 306
Posted 1/8/2021 4:20 AM (GMT -7)
Miss Mom,
I am so sorry to be a downer about all this. I can see you also have nerve entrapment. Did you do an EMG study? This will show nerve impingement better. I know all about being up nights. As I type this I have been up for a while. Post surgery my neck is always stiff. My upper one third of my back aches everyday. I have been in pain management since surgery.

I went back to my surgeon about three years post op because my pain kept getting worse. He said I was right on time!!! I said what?? He said he sees many of his patients at the 3-4 year mark needing additional levels fused. I am no exception now needing the levels above my fusion fused. Lucky for me my arm pain is nowhere near as bad. The surgeon told me to hold out as long as I could before having another fusion. I have been doing this but its just tough to do every day.

You will want to sleep in a recliner the first month or so if possible. Laying your head down on a pillow will hurt a lot. Make sure to eat small little bites of food as swallowing will be really hard. I had extreme problems with pills. The first month will be the worst. You will be incredibly tired most of the time. I am not sure of your age but rest when you are tired. Stay out of the car till you get your collar off as much as possible. A car wreck would ruin your neck at this point. Ask me any questions you like as I am here to help.

My prayers are with you. Please let us know how you are doing.
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Cocker Spaniel Mom
New Member
Joined : Jan 2021
Posts : 6
Posted 1/8/2021 4:54 AM (GMT -7)
I had an EMG which is how they found the carpal tunnel syndrome. I’ve been through pain management they did two epidurals which didn’t help at all. The last one left permanent swelling or hump at the base of my neck. Osteoporosis runs in the family and I’m lactose intolerant so I have to take vitamin D. Arthritis at the CMC or base of thumb also runs in the family. I now have pain in my right elbow and my right thumb and middle finger. I’m not sure that the right side pain is nerve related I suspect it’s probably from over use because I’ve had left sided pain for well over a year.
I am 51 and smoked for 30 years. This Sunday I will be 3 week smoke free.
Our couches recline so I plan to sleep there to begin with.
I’m thinking recovery is going to be slow based on age, former smoker, and arthritis. I already have arthritis in both knees, one foot, lower back, and my neck. Based on the CT scans we know that I have a herniated disc pinching the nerve and I have bone Spurs pinching nerves. I believe both are causing the severe foraminal narrowing or stenosis.
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oceanfisher58
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2017
Posts : 306
Posted 1/8/2021 5:20 AM (GMT -7)
Yes I recognize a lot of what you wrote as I did suffer the same. I had neural foraminal stenosis at multiple levels. Your age is not so bad as I was 58 when I had my fusion. Being a smoker will definitely be cause for concern. I also suffer osteoporosis and arthritis. Because of harsh meds and anxiety I also suffer IBS symptoms.

As you know smoking inhibits fusion so please do not go back to that. Stay on top of your pain with your meds. Believe me it will hurt. With the trend toward non opiate meds for pain I would refuse surgery if they only gave me Tylenol or advil. Nothing works like opiates for pain.
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 18240
Posted 1/8/2021 7:36 AM (GMT -7)
It sounds like you have done your homework on getting prepared for surgery. One tip I will pass on, if you buy a metal reacher/grabber put a drop of glue on the screws where the little suction cups connect. We have bought both plastic & metal ones. We like the metal ones better, however, we kept losing a suction cup. I finally got the idea of putting a drop of glue on the screws & that took care of that issue. I love using them to pick things up.

Good to hear that you have reclining furniture, you will find it much more comfortable. This should also help you with your pups since they want to be close. My husband had back surgery 2 months ago & he used his recliner all of the time.

Keep in mind successful surgeries hinge on a variety of things. The two key elements are the expertise of the surgeon & the what the patient does once they go home. Yes, osteoporosis can slow the healing process down some. We've had members here in the past that has had successful surgeries, including those with osteoporosis. Time & patience is valuable. Several of our prior members recommended this book for anyone having spine surgery; Prepare for Surgery-Heal Faster" by Peggy Huddleston. They all said the book helped them so much & took away a lot of the stress & anxiety. Just wanted to pass this on to you.

I wouldn't be concerned about the surgeon not doing an EMG. A lot of drs have stopped sending their patients for an EMG study because they have less than 75% accuracy in spine cases. The MRI & even a myelogram with CT Scan are much more definitive. However, they are a great test to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.

Take care.
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oceanfisher58
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2017
Posts : 306
Posted 1/9/2021 7:18 AM (GMT -7)
I know Susie is right about an EMG being less accurate. I do feel however this test can point you in the right direction in diagnosing possible nerve impingement. Most patients are not inclined to do a myelogram due to the excessive pain it can cause.

I wish surgeons would explain the chance of adjacent segment disease after fusion. The more levels fused the more chance of this happening. My advice is to do your due diligence and research all aspects of fusion surgery.

Best of luck to you Miss Mom and please let us know how you are.
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Cocker Spaniel Mom
New Member
Joined : Jan 2021
Posts : 6
Posted 1/9/2021 10:45 AM (GMT -7)
Thank you all for the support and information.
I’ve had a long conversation with my surgeons about the possibility of adjacent disc failure and other possible outcomes from this surgery. We even discussed doing only the worst level; however there is a high probability that I would end up having to have the other two levels done sooner rather than later so instead of going into the same location for multiple surgeries and having to go through this ordeal multiple times I opted to do this once and have all three of the levels done. Again we discussed the possibility of adjacent disc failure, the possibility the surgery could affect my ability to talk and swallow long term and the options available if that does happen. We also discussed that I have quite a few issues with my left hand and there is a high possibility that this surgery will not completely take all the hand pain away and I may still have to have surgery(s) on my hand.
My surgeon is with University of Florida Health and it’s at the brand new facility 3 miles from my house (new as in the hospital portion is about 3 years old, the ER and medical offices between 3-5 years old). Ive been very impressed with the physicians at the new UF Health North facility and I really think they took the cream of the crop when they opened this location up. My Ortho, Pulmonary, and Neuro Surgeon are located there and every single one of them explains things in layman’s terms and goes over all possibilities and they make sure to answer all questions. I’ve never felt rushed and have the option to go online or through their app and message them if I think of more questions. I generally get a response that day or at least by the following day. I’m actually really comfortable with my doctors and confident in their ability. It’s calming my fears of a major surgery. Talking with all of you has helped.
Susie, I did look up the book you recommended, I looked at the sample preview on kindle. I can see how it would be very helpful for many people. I don’t think it’s my cup of tea. I’m a very matter of fact person I need the facts and I’m good. I’m finding that if I read articles about the process of the surgery it helps calm my anxiety over the surgery. I look for articles from reputable medical facilities like Mayo Clinic etc.oh and I got a grabber yesterday. Our local cash supply (like a tractor supply/hardware store) had a really good sturdy one.
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oceanfisher58
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2017
Posts : 306
Posted 1/10/2021 5:02 AM (GMT -7)
Miss Mom,
I am sure you will do just fine with your surgery. I think in both your case and mine we have to chose between the lesser of two evils. While no one wants surgery and no one can predict the outcome or complications, it is and was necessary for us both.

The surgery itself was not so difficult. I arrived at the hospital at noon and woke from my surgery at eight thirty pm. In past surgeries I awoke in the recovery room. This time however I have no memory of recovery at all. I awoke in my room. I asked the surgeon and he said this type of surgery requires deep sedation.

I was able to walk and go to the bathroom by myself. My pain was well controlled in the hospital. At home I had to stay on top of my pain meds.

My prayers are with you. Please let us know how you are doing.
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 18240
Posted 1/11/2021 10:21 AM (GMT -7)
CSM, I more thing I did think about is make sure you have button up shirts. You will not want to attempt to pull anything over your head or extend your arms to fit into a top.

From what you have posted here you have done very well preparing for your surgery. It sounds like you a very good group of drs that you can communicate with & have confidence in, this is extremely important.

Keep us posted on how you are doing. Take care.
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Cocker Spaniel Mom
New Member
Joined : Jan 2021
Posts : 6
Posted 1/11/2021 11:04 AM (GMT -7)
I didn’t think about button up shirts probably because I haven’t been able to do buttons or zippers in quite a while with my hand. I did get very loose tops that will slide over easy and some easy bras more like a training bra than a sports bra. I also have plenty of drawstring pants. I’ve been trying to make sure I have loose fitting clothes with wide or large neck hole to make it easy. I might just have to “borrow” a couple of my husbands button up shirts. He’s got a few he hasn’t worn since we started dating and we’ve been married 27 years. 😂
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