ACDF SURGERY: 3 months post ACDF C4-C7 (multilevel)

[@wvunut1]

I work in physical therapy and I have suffered for 30 years and I am going to have multi-level acdf surgery in the fall.. I've done every type of treatment out there and nothing else work so I'm praying this works. Thank you for a great video and by the way you're absolutely beautiful.. 😊😍

[@KimWright]

@@wvunut1 I hope you get some relief. Let me hear about your journey.

[@wvunut1]

@KimWright Thank you dear, and I will definitely do that.. 😁

[@lindamari1000]

Hi Kim. Great, you did this. I'm one wk out of having the acdf. How it happened was I was encouraged to see an Osteopath for my low back pain. He pushed on my upper spine nearthe neck. I heard cracks. I was seeing a spine surgeon to check me out. I told him I went to a Dr and he messed me up. Two disks were shoved into my spinal cord. I had the acdf. Im glad I did it 5 months later. I did the 2nd opinion and he said I could do nothing. Like he wasnt concerned. I had the best surgeon. I'm glad to hear all of your experiences. Take care. I am pro surgery.

[@robertloftin3656]

I'm so glad I found you. I've been told I need same surgery but C2 through C6. Scary. But hearing your journey, I'm encouraged.

[@KimWright]

im 3 years post surgery. not a big fan of it.. maybe there were things I could have done better, but I guess I needed it to stay safe- but the pain-- eh ..

[@KimWright]

keep me posted on your journey

[@ebo7310]

Same here. I have some regrets​@@KimWright

[@JasonStone-m5i]

Had 2 level done on 7th this month. August. Hope heald well. Feel better already in some ways and in others I do not. Hope your still doing well today.

[@camm4473]

So glad I watched this. I am 2 months out of c5 c6 c7 fusion. I was feeling great and this past week I am feeling pain in my trap area. I am glad to hear this is common. My doc told me that I would have aches and pains for a few months. I was thinking I was overdoing it in my workouts but you validated what I was feeling. I also have really good neck mobility. Swallowing is a problem once in a while mainly when I eat bread. Overall I am glad I did this too. Still hoping I get feeling and strength back in my left tricep and 2 fingers. My doc said I should within 6 months. But, like you said, for me it's only been 2 months. Again, so glad I saw this. Thanks!

[@KimWright]

Thank you - i hope you have a speedy recovery

[@corlisslarks8235]

Thanks for the info. I was numb on my whole left side. I'm so grateful for having this surgery 🙏

[@joanna-mariarugg5191]

Just had C5-7 on 7/13/23 but had a paralyzed vocal cord so lost my voice for 6 weeks. I'm only out 2 months. Everything good but night time and Yes the Weather. Thank you for your info. Appreciate Your Words. One Day at a time or a second. We're Warriors ❤️💯

[@KimWright]

right! ugh.. i hope you're doing better

[@biffgoldstein6904]

Glad to hear your experience as I have had trouble finding others with a multi level beyond one or two levels. I had C3-C7 on November 9 and had a great recovery, other than tons of muscle pain in back of neck and shoulders. Was told that was due to the position they put my arms and torso during surgery and the length of surgery, 3 1/2 hours. Like you no throat or swallowing trouble which is all I read about! Also agree to not procrastinate and let situation deteriorate further as the surgery is as safe as any other and well worth it. PS - nice hair!

[@KimWright]

Hey. That’s good. Please watch other videos. Newest isnt great - might need laminectomy which scares me ...

[@jlutie2943]

Next month I'm having acdf c3-c7 5 level i can't move my neck with out pain i was wondering how your neck movement is after he i will probably lose some movement

[@CliftonAnderson-ei6uh]

Hi Kim, I had 3-4-5 done in December. Overall I’m doing better though the Neurosurgeon said I might have to have 6-7 or back of cervical. I do have fatigue when I sit long periods with head support. Sometimes the back of my neck is sore and I keep thinking my other areas are getting worse. But overall I’m better and can do all daily living things Btw, I’m 70 years old

[@KimWright]

You got this!

[@clyoung777]

Thank you for your videos. I am about to have ACDF on 2 levels. I am so ready to get it done. I have seen videos of people that had few problems and some that had quite a few. I figure the average is somewhere in between. I have anxiety so I am a little worried about if I will be able to keep it under control, especially with the possible swallowing problems some people have had. Hopefully I won’t even have it and then handling my anxiety will be easier. I appreciate your honesty in talking about anxiety and how it affected you at the beginning. I will try to remember that and hopefully it will help. Hope you are doing well!

[@KimWright]

Thank you! Please keep me posted on how you are healing!

[@clyoung777]

I am now 3 weeks post surgery and doing good. My 23 hour stay in the hospital turned into 3 and 1/2 days though. I had some problems the day after surgery but since then, it is has been getting better. Not gonna lie. It was a little rough for a little bit, but I already feel so much better than I did the last couple of months before surgery. I will start PT in a couple of weeks. Hopefully it continues to get better. I hope you’re doing well and your neck is doing good! Best wishes.

[@ArthurMatthews-om5cn]

Thank you for sharing. I just had the exact same procedure at the end of August 2023. Giving myself grace, but I'm in the game.

[@KimWright]

hope its healing

[@kravmaga7427]

Just had the surgery 3 weeks ago and the pain relief was immediate. My surgeon is a neurosurgeon and I could not be happier. That pain was the worst I ever felt in my life and I did not sleep for 5 weeks prior to surgery. I have experienced the same post surgery pins and needles and soreness. The good days are great and the days I still feel slight pain freaked me out. Watching this video and knowing you experienced the same thing helped me stay out of my own head. Best part of it all? If all goes well, I can go back to Jiu Jitsu! I too recommend this surgery anyone is horrific pain.

[@KimWright]

wow, I dont think id ever be able to go back to MMA.. esp JJ Please keep me posted... but I am way to scared to have anything near my neck now esp chokes etc id be really interested to see/hear how you make out! please keep me posted!

[@antoinenguyen4262]

I am scheduled to have ACDF and PCDF from C3 to C7 in June. I am a little nervous about it. If you can go back, would you elect not to do it?

[@ChantayMarker]

Love you candor! ✅my 9/04/24 Acdf 4 spinal stenosis, mylomalacia, 5-6-7

[@tenerifehasbeen]

Hi Kim I had C6 fusion with 5 & 7 possibly required in the future. At the moment I'm about 10 Years in, but am getting a little more discomfort mainly when I'm laying down. Anyway i know the pain.

[@KimWright]

Ugh. On Monday I lifted 2 heavy boxes and since then I’ve been having a pinched pain in my neck on the left side. Pinched/pain then radiates into shoulder blade and armpit and down arm. Praying I didn’t ruin anything and fingers crossed it’s just muscle inflammation. It’s constant and doesn’t feel like a muscle. Hoping to get an X-ray this week Send some positive healing my way

[@nybockers]

Oh gosh! Is everything okay? I’m looking at c5-7 and too nervous to schedule.

[@cinnabuns7]

Hi Kim! Glad you’re doing so well! Was wondering if you could do a video to show how far you could look left right up down and side to side?

[@KimWright]

Hey. I think I go into that in a video. But ROM is so much better than before surgery. I can lay on my belly for a little now Couldn’t before bc couldn’t turn head enough to lay on pillow

[@KimWright]

I do get a little stiff if hold a position for too long. Also can’t do quick movements. Like snap head to side or back. So I go slower or turn my waist

[@madhatter219]

I had c5c6 2months back. I felt it was a smooth surgery. Bone fusion. Swallowing hard food is still difficult. Done in Malaysia

[@KimWright]

Wishing you a speedy recovery :)

[@DannyPacheco-to4fi]

Im going in for a 3 level acdf tomorrow. My pain lately hasnt been that bad lately except at night with my lower back and some numbness due to the spine compression. I was given the option of surgery primarily and as recent as 2 weeks ago. So i said sure lets do it not realizing what i just signed myself up for. What prompted me to decide to do it so quickly is becauae i was told the myelopathic issues could become worse and lead to paralysis. I havent been in any car accidents or had any trauma so the whole thing weird and im only 39 relatively healthy etc. So yea idk if im making the right noice here. Toughest thing has been right leg heaviness and not being able to run but the prospect of jt getting worse scared me enough to where I was like ok i need to do this atleast for my kids (age 3 and 1).

[@KimWright]

how are you ?

[@vincenttorrez1192]

What kind of medication did you have to taper off from? That's so awesome I had C4 C5 C6 thank you for letting me know about the good and bad days Godspeed

[@KimWright]

Hey - Ive been on a mix in the beginning = but now tapering from an opiate - don't need it much since most of my stuff is nerve pain - which now i just got off of GABA and now only on LYRICA - it seems to be helping :)

[@vincenttorrez1192]

Yeah I stop taking my Oxys first week. God has done wonders in my life. And when I started taking nerve (Gaba) again I started breaking out in a cold sweat, so I stopped taking them. Doctor said sweating . So I stopped taking all my meds completely I'm on nothing. Thank you for replying,may God bless your life in every way💙ps Time Heals all wounds....

[@notebender5073]

I enjoy your videos. I can completely relate to your experience. Commented on another one or your videos. Was compelled to watch another. My surgery was in January this year. My anxiety was through the roof. I’m experiencing stiffness with my up and down movement, and stiffness in the throat area. Side to side is good. Did you experience that. If so, did it subside?

[@KimWright]

I have some stiffness when doing zoom calls or when it's cold or if I tilt my head for too long.. I just made an updated video - How are you doing ? I noticed you left this a month ago- hows the healing?

[@gustavojoseblanco]

Hi Kim. Hope you're doing great. Thanks for your videos I got a c5c6c7 acdf surgery a month and a day ago. They said I needed and honestly the cronic pain I was going thru was too much. Since surgery I've noticed my neck is not so stiff and my range of motion is getting better. However, my cronic pain in the back of my head and kinda in between my ears is still there 24/7 . I didn't really have pain going down my arms or in my hands like most ppl claim. It was just in the back of my head and sorta in between my ears. I was wondering if you used to have pain 24/7 and if so, did it go away fast?.

[@timharris7425]

I'm having c5 c6 acdf in 2 days I'm 53 years old, I broke my neck many years ago and healed up from it and was fine but as I got older osteoarthritis took over and progressingly got worse to the point that its pressing on the spinal cord and causing arm and some leg pain and bad neck pain

[@KimWright]

hope you are well

[@chrisvalery3678]

Was wondering how you were doing.. Looking good.. Hopefully you can get back to working out and being active.. It's hard with the weather and covid mess.. Did you get the massage ball on Amazon? Been having pain in both forearms and biceps..like someone standing on them.. Not fun! Trying to not focus on the pain but not easy to do. Keep the updates coming.. You've got a good bedside manner😉

[@KimWright]

Thank you. Yes off Amazon. Bestie ball

[@KimWright]

I am sorry that you’re still having the pain in your arms. I can’t remember, did you get the surgery?

[@chrisvalery3678]

@@KimWright No, still holding off but it's only a matter of time before.... thanks Kim

[@KimWright]

Hello. Unfortunately last week I lifted a box that was pretty heavy and since then I’ve been in incredible pain. I just had an mri and I’m waiting to see my surgeon. I hope I don’t need another surgery but this pain is insane and I need relief. I’ll do a video update after I talk to doctor :(

[@MrFarisbawazier]

I got my survery C3-C7, now already 3.5 Months.... what kind of exercise did you to to stretch your next muscle ? Please share since my neck still rigid especially when I move side flexion right and left ..

[@KimWright]

i did PT for a few months - sorta like yoga stretches - i need to get back to it bc i havent done anything since sec

[@mohanedamer5995]

I had this clicking in my throat 😂😂😂😂😂

[@TimBurdette]

I had a 4 level fusion on march 10 2022 and I have severe pain around c-2 that goes from base of head into eyes my fusion was c-2 to c-7

[@KimWright]

thats terrible! That is a big fusion. how are you outside of that?

[@TimBurdette]

@@KimWright doing as good as I can how is your fusion you had a 2 level fusion right ?

[@TimBurdette]

@@KimWright my mistake my fusion was c3 to c-7

[@laquanawilliams5265]

So your thyroid and c7 are basically together.. I had thyroidectomy now i have c7 problems

[@KimWright]

interesting

[@SusanSwofford-t1u]

I had the clicking in my nose, i think it's the sinus.

[@jodyj8528]

I am about to have C2 or 3 to T1. Not a choice as I have severe Lhermitte's syndrome, so spinal cord is being damaged. Can you tell me which med made you crave sugar? I have been on Gabapentin for 5-6 months and craving sugar like crazy after years of not eating it. So, wondering if that is the culprit, not that I have the option to not have it, ha. But still.

[@KimWright]

Yes, it was gabba that made me crave sugar. I switched over to Lyrica.

[@jodyj8528]

@@KimWright thank you! Did Lyrica work as well for the nerve type pain?

[@tinadytuco3243]

For how long did you wear the neck brace before the doctor told you that you don't have to wear it?

[@KimWright]

I think 2months?

[@sebastianvelvin2619]

How can I reach you. I have same surgery comings up.

[@KimWright]

Reach me? For what? I do my best to get back to ppl here.

[@tiffanymeyer5542]

Hi Kim, waiting to have the triple ACDF exactly like you did, just need a surgery date. Curious, you said before the surgery you just had tingling in your hand and up your arm a bit, I had that 2 years ago and now I shake pretty regularly. It was so bad I though I had MS and that is when we found out my bulging disks had gotten severely worse. Anyway, I have about a million things going on that I hope this surgery will help, just curious if you had any other symptoms.

[@KimWright]

Hello. Thank you so much for reaching out. What started my whole journey was I was working out pretty consistently and was having a lot of neck and shoulder blade pain that I was seeing a chiropractor and they adjusted me consistently and it was getting worse and I could not even support my head on my shoulders anymore my neck was just that weak. The pain was constant and I couldn’t even lay down or sit comfortably. That’s what took me to the hospital to figure all this stuff out and then I was on a whole regime of steroids and pain medicine. It eventually subsided but originally I wasn’t able to move my left hand much at all. They thought I had a stroke. But I did not. So after the medicine worked, I was left with pain and some tingling and my tricep would flutter on its own. It was weird. But most of my issues were pain in the neck and the shoulder blade and some issues in my arm and forearm. Please don’t hesitate to reach me again and if you want to chat directly let me know.

[@KimWright]

Hello. Unfortunately last week I lifted a box that was pretty heavy and since then I’ve been in incredible pain. I just had an mri and I’m waiting to see my surgeon. I hope I don’t need another surgery but this pain is insane and I need relief. I’ll do a video update after I talk to doctor :(

[@tiffanymeyer5542]

I am so sorry to hear that you hurt yourself, I am so anxious to hear about your MRI and surgeon visit. I am now having difficulty swallowing along with everything else, not sure if I should call the surgeons office since they have told me multiple times they have me on a cancellation list.

[@MrKennyfook1]

I have issues from c4-7 as well but herniated at 5 6. What make u went for surgery? was it worth it? i am still considering it. im from Mauritius and will need to travel to london for it. Will need to wait for covid to get better to get it done.

[@KimWright]

Hello. Unfortunately last week I lifted a box that was pretty heavy and since then I’ve been in incredible pain. I just had an mri and I’m waiting to see my surgeon. I hope I don’t need another surgery but this pain is insane and I need relief. I’ll do a video update after I talk to doctor :(

[@MrKennyfook1]

@@KimWright Hope you doing ok. u had the pain straight after the lifting of the box?

[@kencrittenden29]

How long did it take you too get back tp normal

[@KimWright]

still going through things bc the discs below got messed up- currently getting imaging done to see what's next :(

[@mmamallama1827]

How are you making out with your neck?

[@KimWright]

Doing ok. Adapting to new norms

[@mmamallama1827]

@@KimWright better than before surgery I hope. My surgery is tomorrow 🙏🏼

[@iankimbrell76]

Hi Kim, I am 3 months post op and having the same pain and numbness in left armpit and hand tingling so bad. doctors always telling me everything looks fine but my pain is REAL. going for a nerve test tomorrow to try and find out what the issue is. its so frustrating bc the dull aching pain in the armpit is there and the constant pins an needles in my hand is relentless. I too picked up something I shouldn't of had and it messes with my brain. did I do something to mess it up or what. I almost regret doing the surgery bc the pain is just like before my operation

[@KimWright]

I know 100%what you're talking about -- i wish you some relief

[@FearOfGeorge]

Why you do fusions? You could fix your neck without fusion, no big scare... do research next time... endoscopic syrgery!!