24 Hours Post-Op: Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement C5-C6 Prestige LP

[@clyoung777]

Thanks for this. I am having it done on 2 sections of my neck in a couple of weeks. It makes me feel more at ease to see how everything was this quickly after surgery.

[@wojciechg792]

I hope it went well!

[@clyoung777]

@@wojciechg792 Thanks! It is going well. I am in PT now and can say that it is totally worth it. I still have a lot of work to do in PT, but my neck is so much better than it was. Hope you’re doing well too! Thanks again for your videos!

[@mybrotherskeeper111]

Glad to hear everything went well!

[@JJbro-rt5zu]

@@clyoung777 how are you today

[@curtispalubicki9671]

About to have disc replacement surgery at c6-c7. Been a little nervous but after watching your videos my mind has been put at ease. Thanks for sharing these updates!

[@wojciechg792]

Glad to help, good luck!

[@FranciscoRamos13]

how did it go? Have you done your yet?

[@curtispalubicki9671]

@FranciscoRamos13 no surgery yet. Still waiting on insurance 😒

[@FranciscoRamos13]

@@curtispalubicki9671 so sorry to hear that, insurance is the biggest issue.

[@curtispalubicki9671]

3 days post op now and still don't have my voice. Still painful to swallow but slowly feeling better. Definitely feeling still feeling sore in my neck. Seems like it's mostly muscle tension. Overall, I'd say the most frustrating thing is the fact my voice is still really weak.

[@DavidZeitz]

Thank you!! I have a Mobi-C on C6/C7 in less than 24 hours. I really appreciate this!!!

[@mrjaybro123]

How did your surgery go? I'm getting my C6/C7 done tomorrow morning.

[@DavidZeitz]

@@mrjaybro123 Unfortunately, I did not qualify for the disc replacement (too much arthritis) and the surgeon did a fusion. But it went exceptionally well. Very minimal pain/discomfort after 24 hours and minimal to none after 36 hours. The neck incision did drain a bit excessively at first, but subsided. No real pain from incision much at all. The arm pain (like mentioned at 2:03 in the video above) went away like he said...right immediately after waking up. Still some numbness in my left index finger that persists to this day. That could take months to years to "re-wire". All in all, you are in for a great relief if you have the pains in the arm as bad as I did!! Good Luck!!

[@mrjaybro123]

@@DavidZeitz I don't have a ton of pain in my arms. I have a little bit of radiculopathy that gives me numbness in my left hand/index finger, but the pain is moreso in my neck. I have a congenital fusion in my C5-C6 and it has caused pain below it including arthritis, but the doctor is confident with the disc replacement and is going to clean up the arthritis area. I'm confident about it. I'll just take it easy and not push myself until I feel better. Thank you for the well wishes!

[@DavidZeitz]

@@mrjaybro123 I'm confident you'll do well!! Yes, take it very easy the first 4 weeks, try to get your PT consult scheduled around week 4 or so so you can start by mid week 5 or early week 6 post-op. DO THE HOMEWORK, too!!! 🙂

[@MadBreeze72]

How did your surgery go? I only discovered the Mobi-C disc replacement option a few weeks ago when I decided to seek out a 2nd opinion. I live in Reno, NV & was shocked to learn there is only ONE neurosurgeon that uses this option. 1st available consult is in January & he requires new CSpine & Lumbar MRIs & X-rays 1st. 1st available MRI appt is in early December… I’d hoped to have already had this surgery done a year ago after 1st MRI showed large bone spurs growing into nerve sheath around my spinal cord. This is apparently the major concern requiring surgery. Also, I’ve got DDD so needing discectomy w/ fusion & cadaver bone - blech! I’ve been treating w/ same neurosurgeon for other DDD/ bulging discs & schwanoma removal in 2017. I’ve always adored this DR/ Neurosurgeon - however - my last visit w/ him (MRI F/U) I just didn’t get that warm fuzzy feeling like in the past, even being passed off to a NP for any questions/ concerns. I’m also currently in pain management w/ a phenomenal spine doc over 16 years so I asked him for a 2nd opinion referral which led me to a Neurosurgeon I just read is using the Mobi-C options vs solid hardware/ bone graft. Sadly, I’ve got a long wait just to get the updated MRIs/Xrays & his 1st avail consult in January. I’m all prayers that my DDD/ discectomy/ fusion qualifies for the Mobi-C. I’ve now seen a few videos & the recovery & recovery time/ process seems amazing compared to the old school option. Thank you for sharing your journey! It truly gives me hope facing such a scary surgery!

[@uncool13]

My condition is in my arms and legs but mainly in my head. I am having this done, C6-C7 on March 26. 2024. Thank you for sharing this.

[@ConeyIsland1952]

god bless you keep getting better you put my mind at ease

[@mybrotherskeeper111]

Good to hear and see your quality of life is improving. Thanks for posting this! Take care, bud.

[@AriPhilLara]

Thank you so much for sharing!! I just had my 2nd opinion and I'm a candidate for Disc replacement C3-C4 .

[@juliosandoval8244]

Good to know your doing better

[@jenaccess4luv]

I am having this surgery at the end of April. I was shocked when my surgeon said no collar....hard or soft.

[@wojciechg792]

I was too, which is why I decided to wear a soft collar for at least car rides and sleeping for a couple weeks. But it seems like personal preference to me!

[@user-wq5ws1qs7x]

I just had this done April 3rd. C6/C7. Absolutely wear a soft collar. I was given one and also bought a second one off Amazon. Same exact stuff the hospital gave me for $14. It’s waaaay more comfortable especially for car rides and sleeping. Also, take the pain pills and use the next brace to help you nap propped up on the couch. Getting out of bed supine sucked for 2 days and the brace helped stabilize my neck as I rolled out. I’m 2 weeks out and feel like I could skip it, but I want to be safe. 4 weeks to go.

[@pricklypear6887]

No collar here as well.

[@wisco7795]

I had this surgery 3 weeks ago and I can believe how I feel

[@kyliefrancis2691]

I’m going for mine in 10 days time I’m having C4-C5 anterior cervical disectomy and fusion and iliac crest graft

[@davidcass4958]

I am having 3 lvls in 2 weeks, I will have to wear a cervical brace for 6 weeks! Just curious why you’re not required to wear one.

[@wojciechg792]

My assumption is that since there isn’t any bone fusion between vertebrae’s occurring (as with a fusion surgery) so it’s okay for the neck to have movement! Also, I only have one level replaced so maybe with 3 levels a brace is recommended. Good luck!

[@fadedillusions867]

First person Ive seen to have incision site pain and not have pain from the muscles in the back of their neck being tight... I go in for a four level ACDF, C3-7, in a month.

[@fadedillusions867]

Oh. Just noticed that you only had a single level done.

[@wojciechg792]

Yes just one level. I did have tension and tightness in my neck and scapula for a few weeks

[@JosephLock-r8m]

I'm 1 week post op, is it normal the chin to still be swollen?

[@The52rayzor]

Found your video. Just had my c5-c6 done yesterday with a prodisc c. Im 53, 4 buldging disks, between c5 and 6 is degenerating causing the same as you described (ridiculapothy) left arm. My left deltoid atrophied conciderably. I think the causation was a severe fall to the pavement i had late 2020 also injuring my lefy knee, left shouder, right elbow, left wrist and whiplashing my neck. About 2 years ago started having shoulder issues that progressed. MRI now showed partial rotator cuff tear. PT helped but pain remained. Then got MRI of neck and found the issue. I feel great now and wathing your vids is great to see what I hope to expect. Iif you don't mind, do you know or suspect what was the causation of your degenerated disc (trauma, genetics, wear and tear)? Im being told, by my companys " independant doc" that my issue is due to age and common for people over 50. Since you had issues at a lot younger age, I wanted to know for my own peace of mind. Glad to see your journey. Has helped me tremendously.

[@jonpaulison2283]

Im going in one week from tomorrow for c4 c5 .... i have had horrible nerve pain down my and other nerve pain . I am really really nervous but i guess that is normal . Any encouraging words would help . I worked 30 years Glazing working way up high and i cant beleive how nervous i am .

[@n8gr891]

Are you able to lift weights or run down the road after the surgery? Are you able to do all the same physical activity you were doing before you were injured?

[@wojciechg792]

I am able to run and lift normally for over two years now, and also played hockey for a bit. I’m probably even more active now so it’s going well!

[@kyliefrancis2691]

I’ll about to go for mine in 25 days I’m getting all pain before pre op I’m getting all of them pins and needle in lefted hand

[@sujitbairagi837]

Hi, how are you doing now with your neck, it is very nice to see you very relaxed just after 24hrs. How about your swallowing problem now. What type of disk was used...

[@wojciechg792]

Doing very well now! I posted a 1 year update a month ago with more information but living my life normally now. I have the Prestige LP

[@sharoncox1975]

Getting my c4-c5 c5-c6 done in a few weeks... I have the pain in the back of my neck.. I also have lower back pain.. and slight spinal stenosis... did you have lower back issues preop and if so what are you like post op? ty for the video..

[@wojciechg792]

I did not have low back pain prior to surgery, just my neck and shooting pain down my arm. Good luck with your surgery!

[@apollopettv3750]

Did you have surgery in a hospital or at outpatient facility???

[@GhostKiller421]

Hey, thanks very much for the info. I 'm researching on doctors and information about cervical fusion. I would like to do Disc Replacement, but not sure if the VA will pay for it. Any suggestion will be appreciated thanks

[@wojciechg792]

I'm not familiar with the VA on whether they approve disc replacements or not. I will say that I know getting the disc replacement was absolutely the best decision for myself. In my case it worked out really well because of my age, activity level, etc. I would suggest meeting with multiple doctors and get each of their opinions based on your medical history, and ASK QUESTIONS! Don't be afraid to speak up and be an advocate for yourself, as this is your life and you are the one that makes the final decision on what procedure you are comfortable with, if any. After meeting with the doctors, choose the doctor and procedure you are most comfortable with, and trust your gut. Good luck to you!

[@Trx450Rider01]

Had this done 7 weeks ago on 2 levels. The nerve pain for the first 10 days was gone but a little nerve pain came back in my arm pit and bicep soon after that. Hopefully that goes away in time. Did you have any nerve pain come back after surgery? The nerve in my tricep still isn't firing. Tricep is still just as weak as before the surgery.

[@wojciechg792]

I have recently had some minor nerve "pinching" depending on my positioning, but that is coming from another disk that flares up here and there (C7-T1). But from C5-6, have not had any issues. I do know that there was an expectation that the nerve can be quite sensitive for some time after surgery. It's different for everyone. I had relief right away and pain never came back. Hope you are feeling better.

[@Trx450Rider01]

@@wojciechg792 Thanks man. I started working out again but the arm weakness is not getting any better yet. I've read it can take up to a year for the nerve to heal. I need to ask my surgeon on my next follow up if I can do any neck decompression. That might help the remaining nerve pain I get when I turn my head to the right. It's always worked on my lower back so I want to give it a whirl on my neck.

[@ladyboywonder9139]

How are you doing now buddy ? I just got an MRI with bad news too

[@kyliefrancis2691]

Very scary now doing my head in big time 3 weeks to go for mine it’s taking a totallly now

[@Lisamarievalerio]

Just had this done a week ago from today and mine was also at the C5-C6. One thing I’m concerned about is being left with a scar. Did your incision heal smoothly? Also how long did you wear your bandage? My post op nurse was new and told me I could take the bandage off in 24 hours post surgery and shower, but basically not to scrub hard where the incision is (duh, haha) As I mentioned prior it’s been exactly a week since surgery and my incision is looking rough. It’s still swollen and I have a post op follow up next Tuesday, but I wanted your experience with the incision healing. Thanks!

[@wojciechg792]

My scar healed better than I expected, to the point where it is really not visible unless looking for it. I think I wore a bandage for 2 weeks since that's how long it takes for the incision to heal, and I wore a waterproof dressing in the shower so I didn't get it wet. One item I bought that I think really helped the scar appearance was a silicone gel called BioCorneum Scar Treatment, which I bought from Amazon. The swelling will go down over time so that's normal! Good luck!

[@Lisamarievalerio]

@@wojciechg792 thanks so much! I actually ordered that from amazon because the reviews seemed to be better than mederma. My doctor said I can start applying it Thursday because I apparently have a “skinny neck” (haha) and the scar healing process should be quick. He actually recommended NUVADERMIS Silicone scar tape over the treatment creams. Thanks so much for sharing your journey!

[@wojciechg792]

@@Lisamarievalerio That sounds great! You're welcome, I will probably be posting an update soon! Good luck again!

[@georgemphande9643]

Did you have in pain from your coller bone redit to the chest.

[@wojciechg792]

I did not, just my neck and upper back/trapezius muscle on my left side.

[@aaronward5498]

I ride broncs for a living does anybody that has done this think it's a good idea if I want to keep going or should I wait. I'm 26 and have a good amount of atrophy in my riding shoulder and bicep. Has anybody tried decompression? I want to avoid surgery but I'm losing strength and muscle by the day

[@aaronward5498]

It's been 8 months and my arm has lost a good amount of strength

[@wojciechg792]

If it's affecting you day to day then I would definitely talk to a few doctors and give opinions on what's best for you. Good luck!

[@The52rayzor]

My be late response, but ive had been doing cervical tractiion for a few months. It helped tremedously in lowering the pain level. I had my disc replacement yesterday, feeling 100 percent better. I couldnt use my left arm very well due to ridiculopathy. Deltoid also degenerated big time. So, traction / decomp helps, but if youve got the atrophy like I did, might need to consider the surgery

[@smoak888]

Did you have any hand/arm weakness pre op? If so did it get better? I’m supposed to have c5-7 ADR later this week and started to have my index and thumb flexors at the tip go weak. I hope it gets better after my procedure….

[@pickleballnic]

How are you feeling now since it has been almost a year? Also... which doctor did you go with?

[@wojciechg792]

Feeling very well! Dr. Michael Wang from Miami was my surgeon.

[@pricklypear6887]

I had my ACDF C4-6 5/31/24 and I was miserable for 2.5 weeks. I had a fusion as well.

[@rayane2290]

Who did the surgery ?

[@howardburnham1502]

Do you have a plate and 4 schrus in your neck

[@tommygtr3571]

Shouldn't you be wearing a soft collar?

[@wojciechg792]

My doctor said it wasn't necessary, however I did buy one when in the car and while sleeping for the first 2 weeks just for my comfort.

[@tommygtr3571]

@@wojciechg792 I'm having this procedure this summer om both c5-6 and c6-7.

[@wojciechg792]

@@tommygtr3571 Best of luck!

[@GirlDaddo]

Wait…you have 3 bulges and 2 extrusions and they only replaced 1 disc?

[@chongcheekion7240]

is going under anesthesia scary?

[@wojciechg792]

For me, I wasn't too concerned to be honest since I'm pretty healthy and have low risk factors. But I can understand why it can be nerve-wracking (pardon the pun) for others.

[@geddon436]

Did you have any weakness before surgery?

[@wojciechg792]

I did have left arm weakness prior to surgery. And that went away as soon as I woke up from anesthesia.

[@geddon436]

@@wojciechg792 how long have you had weakness for? How severe was weakness?

[@wojciechg792]

@@geddon436 My arm weakness started a month ago after about 5 months of PT. I couldn’t really lift anything heavy, and if I tried I would have to set it down quickly or I would most likely drop it. It’s shocking to have the weakness go away so quickly.

[@geddon436]

@@wojciechg792 can you feel the prestige LP disc in your neck?

[@wojciechg792]

@@geddon436 Nope I don’t feel it.

[@pauletteturner8728]

Why are you out walking without a collar?

[@Caliprospecting]

Has anyone tried to let the discs naturally recover. Surgery is good for immediate relief but 10-15 years down the road you will need surgery after surgery

[@xantaramone9309]

Shitty surgery never ever do it I sued the surgeon

[@wojciechg792]

Sorry to hear that.

[@codsworth9950]

Why did you sue the surgeon? What happened exactly? My specialist has told me I need to replace 3 discs and I'm not looking forward to it.