ACDF Surgery Diary-1 week post op-Honest discussion of outcome so far

[@lynintx]

Thank you for sharing. I am 51 and 3 days post-op. Yesterday I developed an extremely painful headache across back of head and pain down both sides of neck. Pain meds won’t take it away. It’s horrible. I can’t sleep, can’t lie down. So incredibly uncomfortable. I hope you recovered. I’m going to keep pushing through.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I am feeling your pain right now. I know what that is like but it will get better even though it may seem like an eternity. It’s been almost 10 months and I feel like I am still recovering but doing much better. I wish you the best in your recovery! (I posted an update video a few weeks ago if you are bored.)

[@jessicaarthur9941]

Thank you so much!!! Every other video makes ACDF sound like a walk in the park. I’m 8 days out and I’m in pain! I’ve had this surgery 2x before on the levels below this one and I know it does get better! God’s grace is sufficient!

[@bstephens600]

I'm scheduled for a two level ACDF in November. I have no pain whatsoever but have lost the use of my right arm. Being right handed it's a big issue. I'm 67 and have health issues and am really dreading this and wondering if it's worth the pain since I experience no pain at all at this point. Glad I found your video. There are so many out there but most are from several years ago. I hope you continue to improve.

[@raine123ish]

Wow you have described exactly what I’m experiencing. I’m on day 3 post op. I had C4-5 and C5-6 done. I was expecting the shoulder blade pain and difficulty swallowing that people talk about but I have serious pain on the right side of the back of my neck in addition to the “normal” pains that people talk about. I can’t find a comfortable position to sit or sleep in. I’m taking opioid pain killers but they just barely make it bearable. I usually have a high pain tolerance but I feel like a wimp because so many others seem to have breezed right through it. I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this but thank you for making me feel better about it.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I am glad the video helped. I wish you the best in your road to recovery!

[@missnadieya2]

I had my acdf surgery c4-5 on 19/4/2024. my severe back pain gone now. only shoulder stiffness left. my doctor said it was normal having muscle pain. I went for shoulder massage ,it did help relief the stiffness .

[@LearnAtMyExpense]

I had four level ACDF (C3-C7) 8 weeks ago and my recovery has been smooth - no pain aside from shoulder ache/upper back ache the first two or three days. No pain meds (including muscle relaxers) aside from some OTC tylenol the first two days post surgery. I remember watching the first few minutes of this video prior to my surgery and clicking off of it due to it being so negative. I urge anyone who must get this surgery (i.e., those with severe cord compression) to research and find the best surgeon they can and stay positive. While some pain and especially swallowing issues due to the swollen throat are to be expected the first two weeks, unfortunately many surgeons don't tell their patients about it.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I am glad to hear that you have had an easy time especially after a 4 level. Unfortunately, not everyone is that lucky and this surgery is no joke. It’s been a year now and things are better as per my update. I hope you continue to do well and don’t hit any set backs after a few months that many experience.

[@neenee7362]

I don’t think she was being negative. She was informing people that it MIGHT NOT BE A WALK INTHE PARK, like all of the other videos. I for one, am very grateful she told me of her problems. Now if I do experience problems on a weekend, or in the middle of the night, I won’t panic thinking something is wrong. Maybe you shouldn’t be so judgmental.

[@topang3l]

THANK YOU for your honest update. I am 5 days out from 2 level c5,c6,c7 acdf. Note: I am very healthy and have a high pain tolerance...but this...I did not have pain prior to the procedure. I had a severe spinal cord compression. Surgery on Wed, d/c from hospital on Thursday. Did ok, but Friday afternoon I walked my driveway 2 times and by the 2nd time, I had debilitating pain shoot down my right arm and then my palm and inner wrist went numb. Saturday was no better. Meds would not control it.ying flat with my arm on a lofty pillow helped. I had to stand and hold my arm up at 90 degrees to alleviate the pain. Also looks like my incision may be developing a seroma. This has not been an easy 5 days at all. Like you, I could not find info on complications or post op issues from this surgery. I did call the Dr today and they make it sound like it's normal. There is nothing normal about my right arm situation. Thank you for sharing

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I hear you! I am now about 6 weeks out and the pain got better at about 3 weeks. I am still numb on and off and still using muscle relaxers to help the muscle/nerve pain since they don’t want you to take NSAIDS. I wish I could tell you at 6 weeks I am doing great but I am still struggling and am back to about where I was before surgery. Btw-they told me it was normal, too! Anyway, I did go from crying every time I took a shower the first week to being happy I could wash my own hair without excruciating pain by the 3rd week. I hope your pain gets better, too. They say it takes up to a year. The jury is still out on whether decompressing the nerve was worth it. Time will tell.

[@neenee7362]

I am having this surgery in October. Will be 74 in November. I am so thankful for your information. You were right. All of the videos I have watched have been mostly positive. At least if I do have those problems I won’t panic. Thank you again!!

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

@@neenee7362 Glad to help! Best of luck with your surgery!

[@jeffarmstead9182]

I had the surgery 1 week ago today. My post op appointment is in two days. I am having problems sleeping. I am having difficulty swallowing my regular medication. I am a very active 75 year old. I run , cycle and bowling. I can't wait to get back to doing those things.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I remember those first couple of weeks vividly. Hang in there. The swallowing should get better soon.

[@fmcia2]

Hi. I hope you are doing better by now with your ACDF surgery. I can totally relate to what you went thru. I have been dealing with my neck and post C5-C7 ACDF surgery issues for two years. After my first surgery in Dec 2020 my life was turned upside down with chronic pain. Right after surgery I felt so much pain on my neck, that no medications, or positions, stretching would take it away. After starting PT at 3 months it improved some but was never the same. Fast forward to this year, Jan 2023 and after many treatments, PT sessions, nerve ablations, epidural injections, I was told I needed a revision surgery since the fusion didn’t take at C6-C7. Today, 9 days post opt I feel so much better already. No pain in my neck, or issues with swallowing, I have pain in my shoulder blades from 2 years of not doing much exercises because of the chronic pain but I am more active than 2 weeks before. ACDF surgery is serious and you really need a good doctor. And yes, I agree with you, many of them do not turn out good, so you hav3 to weight the risks versus the benefits. I sincerely hope you are feeling better by now. I am still in this journey towards recovery.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

Thank you so much! I am doing somewhat better. I am so glad you are feeling better! You have been through so much. I don’t know what I would do if I was told I needed a revision surgery right now. I am so happy that you have found pain relief! ❤️

[@fmcia2]

When I was told I needed to fix the non-fusion my heart drop. It took me weeks to comprehend and process. But I am 50 and I really didn’t want my life to be so limited. I am hoping for better days ahead. I hope you find better days also. ❤

[@monaliceke]

@fmcia2 Hi, I hope you are recovering well now. I am 2 days post op at the same 2-levels ACDF as you had. Have exactly the same pain as you’ve described, right after surgery. I also have swallowing issues and coughing much. It’s a struggle as I’m not able to sit, stand or lay down comfortably. I hope it will be over soon. You take care!

[@co1838]

You are 💯correct! At about I week in my trapezoids, especially the problem side were excruciatingly painful. I don’t not have problems swallowing. It is NOT a little ache! I would’ve been fine with it had I been forewarned.

[@techsaz3270]

Thanks for sharing! I know exactly how you feel because I am post OP 5 days. First few days the throat pain and swallowing was no joke. I can say at day 5 my throat is better. Wishing you healing and improvement daily!

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

Thank you! I am feeling much better now but still having spasms. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery!

[@Impressionsbymonea]

I just had the procedure two days ago and I am experiencing more pain now than before the procedure. I guess this is to be expected and I probably need to allow time to heal. The shoulder pain is what I was not expecting.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

It does take some time for the pain to get better and the shoulder pain was the worst. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks you may have either along the way. I wish you the best in your recovery!

[@henrybrant-z4l]

I had ACDF at C5-7 four days ago, no reduction or change in arm or hand symptoms. Hoping the nerve needs time for recovery after years of being compressed and irritated. Doc said that nerve itself was reddish where it was compressed.

[@Frederick-e8d]

I had terrible trapezius muscle especially on the right side and in the shoulder joint. Been applying ice packs to the back of my neck.

[@aliceelbradey6278]

I feel the same way can’t swallow cramps headaches four days later

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I wish you a speedy recovery! ♥️

[@StepvanDan]

thank you for sharing ,i am doing a 4 to 5 disk and 8 screws and to rods ,to say the least i am freeking out a bit ,thank you again,big hugs from MN

[@Frederick-e8d]

Thanks for your honesty with how you feel. I had surgery April 5th, had terrible pain in the back of my neck. Pain meds they gave me didn't help, they started with percocet and then fetanyl. Got home Saturday and pain continued in the back of the neck as well as the Trapezius muscle, mostly on the right side. Have swallowing problems and trying to get food to go down. Swallowing is worse as soon as I get up. Difficulty with swallowing meds. I had C4-C6.

[@KatNFla]

I am having 3, 4, 5, 6, I am scared to death. Thanks for the honesty.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

Good luck with your surgery! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[@carolsipala1639]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I am due for a cervical procedure and they will be going in from my anterior spine and posterior to work on C3 to C6. You described the shoulder spasm pain and that concerns me. When I get shoulder and neck pain spasms it sends me into a sweat and the pain is excruciating. I don't know how I would manage that with the neck having limited range of motion. Part of how I manage it now is by bending my neck sideways and rotate my shoulder. This will not be possible once surgery has been performed. I can't describe how horrific this shoulder pain is that runs up my neck. But I hand it over to God because he is my place of refuge and my helper. . I just said a prayer for you ! +++++ Fyi .. Praise God and thank him even with your pain. Tell God that your thankful because there are people who can't eat at all. Praise him for what function you have and he will complete the healing for you.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

Thank you for comment. I struggled with severe spasms before the surgery, as well. My surgeon recommended handling the problem with muscle relaxers after surgery and that really helped me as my body acclimated. Even after surgery I continue to have spasms when I overdo things, so I pray you find complete relief as your body heals and wish you the best.

[@monaliceke]

I just had my 2-Level ACDF yesterday. It was a tough decision and I’ve documented my journey on my KZbin channel leading to this surgery. I totally agree that I have much more pain on my neck and shoulders now. I hope it will go away soon. I’m also sensitive to opoids, so I can only take some paracetamol to manage my pain. I really didn’t expect this as my brother-in-law was very positive about his experience. I guess everyone is different.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery!

[@monaliceke]

@@TheWellEducatedArtist Thank you so much!

[@trishsuchy]

I am 16 days out from ACDF surgery. The muscle cramps have been excruciating for me too. No opioids for me either. Nothing to add to your comments except that it sounds very familiar. What I wouldn’t give for an uninterrupted night of sleep.

[@monaliceke]

@trishsuchy How are you feeling now? I am 2 days post op from c5-6-7 ACDF and am struggling with extreme neck and shoulder pain. I also have problem swallowing and coughing. I can’t handle opoids too, and have to rely on small doses of paracetamol as I have experienced drug induced liver injury prior to the surgery.

[@Dink1963]

Thanks for. sharing. How do I sleep after ACDF - sitting up? Do I need a recliner?

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

It’s hard to find a comfortable sleeping position after ACDF. I tried every position possible and ended up lying more flat. I’m sure some prefer a recliner or sleep sitting up.

[@Dink1963]

@@TheWellEducatedArtist that’s helpful. Thank you. Feel better.

[@key2lifeinkrst629]

It is real! I’m on day 4 for C5 & C6 thinking what did I do? I was looking for a video bc most was saying ohhh they are so great. Me: 🤔 So, thank you for sharing!!!

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I hear you! That is why I felt the need to make that video. I was like, “Who are these super human people?” Trust it will get better but never as fast as you would like. Blessings to you this season!

[@stevewilliams6489]

I'm almost 6 weeks post op.I was in hospital for 5 days after 2 levels ACDF..(C4-5 & C5-6).I have had severe arm pain and major loss of hand skills since.Also problems swallowing(several choking episodes) and sleeping.I am having to lie propped up with pillows. I have underlying hiatal hernia,which also messes with my swallowing at best of times.I still need discectomy/decompression surgery between L2 and L5.

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I feel for you. I would’t wish that pain on anybody. Neck issues make life so difficult. It has taken me a full year to get some normalcy. I pray for your recovery and a decent nights sleep which I know you need right now.

[@Gins75]

So sorry to hear this. I'm about to have the same exact two levels done on Thursday. I'd like to ask why you were in the hospital so long? They tell me I'll be in 1 night.

[@stevewilliams6489]

@@Gins75 I was also told that I would only be in for 48 hrs maximum.However,there was a problem with my oxygen levels and I was on oxygen for 5 days until the levels became normal.I had also developed a chest infection and was on antibiotics.

[@Gins75]

@@stevewilliams6489 oh, okay, thanks for the response.

[@monaliceke]

@stevewilliams6489 I’m so sorry to hear your story. I hope you will fully recover very soon. I’m 2 days post op on c5-6-7 and also experiencing swallowing issues and coughing; and lots of neck/shoulder pain! I also have synovial cysts on L4 and L5. Hope it doesn’t require surgery.

[@HurricaneTroy]

Omfg you just described where I am right now. I've already had C4-7 ACDF but it was 10 years ago and now I am day 5 on a C-2-C4 ACDF ... my shoulder opposite the side that was hurting in the first place, I'm very horse, hurts to swallow anything and my shoulders and traps are so so sore or Im 55 btw. Yes the skull crushing pain I had which is what got me to decide to have the surgery in the first place is gone but damn this is more difficult than I remember it being 10 years ago and I have sleep apnea so I only sleep 1 hour at a time

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

So sorry! I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone! And you have done it twice. Not a great way to spend the 4th!

[@HurricaneTroy]

@@TheWellEducatedArtist lol And I also had a lumbar fusion 10 years ago no words to describe that level of misery but I think just being a little older is making this one more difficult. I just don't remember my shoulders feeling like a constant charlie horse like damn

[@terriliggett544]

What kind of treatments did you try before you had surgery? Epidurals? RFA?

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I personally did not have RFA or an epidural. I had had PT multiple times, muscle relaxers and traditional meds for pain management, as well as homeopathy and natural herbs and supplements, chiropractic work and alternative mechanical treatments, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, multiple orthopedic devices, and was told steroid shots would be only be temporary help in my case.

[@Crayhan66]

Hi, I had ACDF surgery C5/6 3 weeks ago. I have had pain in my shoulder blade, shoulder and neck for the second week. Everything on the right side. is that normal. I also had the pain before the operation. Does the pain last until the cage has fused? Do I still have to be patient? 

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

For me, the pain continued for a long while from the surgery. Some have relief from a pinched nerve right away and others do not. The muscles take time to adjust in the back and neck and for me tingling was still there for 6 mos. Eventually, it got better. I was told it was dependent on how much damage was done to the nerves….For many, it takes a full year to really see the full result. Most aren’t cleared to drive for 2 weeks and I can tell you there is no way I was driving after 2 weeks because I couldn’t turn my head and had extreme muscle pain. My surgeon prescribed muscle relaxers to help. Personally, I saw my surgeon for 2 years and had X-rays every time I saw him. I believe that most surgeons will want to see you periodically for at least a year to make sure your neck is fusing properly. I wish the best in your recovery!

[@Crayhan66]

@@TheWellEducatedArtist Wow, thank you for your quick response. I come from Germany and had to translate the text first :). I watched your videos with subtitles. I also received this information. Even though it's only been 3 weeks for me so it's way too new to judge anything, I have the feeling that I had the operation for nothing and I always think of it as if the pain came from somewhere else.

[@njarvis2888]

Thanks for this.

[@emeryperez1699]

Use ice helps collagen

[@acegrindstaff2892]

Very educational!

[@ImreadyforJesus]

What can you eat I had an acdf 6 days ago and evetything Ive tried to eat get stuck in my throat. I have to crush my pain pills to swallow the.. I told my husband this morning that I should probably stickbto smooyhies and milk shakes.Also Im in sevete pain as wrll. Somehow in my sitting up sleep last night, I jerked my neck and I heard a crack. I feel like my head is going to fall off and even though I hate eearing this C collar, im afraid to take it off...and im losing my voice more each day..help please

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

I feel your pain. I used a lot of protein shakes (Orgain). I also drank Chicken broth, ate Jello and eventually mashed potatoes. It does get better but it is hard to eat for a while. I remember starving and not being able to swallow well. I didn’t lose my voice but my understanding is that some people do lose their voices. A complication is voice loss because of the cutting near the vocal chords. Some doctors don’t tell you that. I wore my collar constantly for a while for support. It should get better after a couple of weeks. Talk to your surgeon if you think something is wrong. People do injure themselves after surgery.

[@amiraama8275]

Hi how are you feeling

[@amyburns9755]

Thank you for your video . I am 50 yrs old and I just went through acdf three days ago, I'm hurting and my shoulder kills me. Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone and being crazy. 😢

[@wandagreen8214]

I have neck and shoulder pain after my surgery it been 3 months and can't sleep in bed I don't like pain pills because I don't want to get addicted to them have had some rash and I have hand, leg pain sometimes can't walk can't get up out off a chair alone need someone to help me

[@TheWellEducatedArtist]

So sorry, Wanda! Sleeping in a bed and laying back was horrible. I remember that well. I still sleep on a wedge with a pillow under my knees. Hopefully the soreness will get better. Magnesium and muscle relaxers helped me a lot. Hopefully it will get better over the next year. I feel your pain!

[@emeryperez1699]

You don't look happy no thoat paon just bavk of neck upper shoulders but nothing like musical shares on my back. Prayers 🙏 Jesus dhow them trust and faith.