Day of ACDF Surgery | 2nd and 3rd days post ACDF Surgery | Dealing with Dysphagia

Short clips from right before my 2-level ACDF, and clips right after. Explanation of first 3 day's post ACDF.

[@milanpintar]

thank you so much for sharing your journey and including updated in the comments below.

[@FusedandFit]

You bet, and thanks for chiming in. I'll post an update again in the near future, but in short, things are going great.

[@DipperDownUnder]

Cheers for Shari this mate. I just had ACDF as well, so it was good to watch someone else’s experience 👍👍👍

[@FusedandFit]

Thanks for chiming in, and good luck. I'll make a short update video in the near future. Things have been going great. Not perfect, but very few complaints.

[@frankdrebin5587]

How is your throat? Just had it yesterday and it is killing me. Also got a microdecompression in my lower back. I'm miserable.

[@FusedandFit]

@@frankdrebin5587 Thanks for chiming in. These are routine, bug big and invasive surgeries, so it's definitely normal for your throat to be hurting now. Mine hurt for a few days, but all is well now. The first few days are no fun for sure, but with each passing week you'll note big improvements. It's tough to be patient, and it's tough to hurry up and wait, but that is literally all you can do It will all get much better soon. Good luck!!

[@DipperDownUnder]

@@frankdrebin5587 Hey mate, I’m nearly two weeks since the op and feeling a million times better than what I was for the first week afterwards. My throat was very saw but that literally gets better by the day. When you say decompression, do you mean discectomy? Did they remove the disc to stop it compressing on the nerve and/or spinal canal?

[@frankdrebin5587]

@@DipperDownUnder thank you, I'm looking forward to getting past this 1st week.

[@Jax2Ash]

Thank you for sharing.

[@angelapeppers4767]

Having the surgery. Thanks for posting.

[@FusedandFit]

Good luck...keep me posted please.

[@fadedillusions867]

Have yet to watch your video; but, going in for my three level in less rhan a week... Off to watch your video...

[@fadedillusions867]

Ok, awesome... Everything went pretty much as planned. Not looking forward to the issues sleeping. Already have a hard enough time sleeping to begin with.

[@anthonymisell8845]

I had an ACDF surgery in 202I and I was in hospital for a week and a week in rehab, I had to wear a ridgid neck brace while up and a soft collar in bed fo 6 weeks I had all the swallowing problem as well, my second ACDF and lamanectomy opp in 2021 I had to wear a ridgid neck brace and soft neck brace for 6 weeks and this time I was in hospital and rehab for a month, the problem with ACDF operations are that they only last 10 years before all the parts that are placed and screwed into ones neck move and get out of their original alinement, and have be replaced

[@FusedandFit]

That sounds like a rough go of things for sure. I've heard of hardware coming loose after many years as well. I also know if cases as long as 20 years ago that are holding up just fine. There are so many things that go into determining how successful it is going to be, it's a very individual thing for sure. I hope yours trends in a better direction for you. All the best and blessed to you.

[@BearAmps]

Thanks, my doc has given me the news and I have to get mine done

[@FusedandFit]

Good luck! I'll post another update soon. November will be two years since mine, and everything is great. I'm really happy with the outcome.

[@BearAmps]

@@FusedandFit that's so good to hear!

[@gsmith5523]

I had c5,6,7 done in2019 it was very well worth the pain.

[@FusedandFit]

Glad you can say that! And I agree.

[@randiratliff5023]

Did anyone of you that got this surgery apply for SSDI to get help?, and if so did you get approved?

[@alfredgaitan1201]

Appreciate the input. I'm day 5 c4-7. My spinal chord was being dented too so I understand your position. Thanks bud

[@FusedandFit]

Good luck with your recovery. It feels like it takes a while, and it does to heal correctly. Even after that, you will have weird episodes reminding you your neck is perfect anymore but, all that said, it sounds like you'll be happy you had it done.

[@alfredgaitan1201]

@FusedandFit thanks, your input it has been great. I've learned it's hard to not over do it as you heal, little motions accumulate. Thanks again

[@TomDeloge1]

I had the same c4-7 three weeks ago yesterday. My biggest problem is reminding myself to not overdue it and it's cold out so for the walks I tense up a lot. My right trap is where I have most of the pain but never had a sore throat and actually ate a chicken sandwich in the hospital the night of surgery. Hope you are doing well. I guess the next several months we'll be in the same boat!

[@alfredgaitan1201]

@TomDeloge1 my surgery was 12/12 😆 🤣 yah that right trap most common Dr said. We are frozen over and I'm afraid to fall on the ice, so I'm not going out much either. Glad you're doing well take care from Thompson Falls mt.

[@TomDeloge1]

@@alfredgaitan1201 mine was the 14th! I’m happy I made the decision so far. Good luck with your recovery as well.

[@cementmason822]

Thanks for sharing going to have mine done in two weeks March 11 of 24 like you said people say oh you shouldn’t do that well my first question to them is have you ever had it done and if you’ve tried every conservative option as I have, you ain’t left with much of a choice

[@FusedandFit]

Yep, I was left with no choice. I for sure didn't want to do it, but the neck was in the condition it was in. For me, I'm glad I did it...quality of life was upgraded big time. Good luck with yours! Keep me posted please.

[@damn_it_janet215]

Thank you for sharing. This procedure has been recommended and i am terrified. I am 53, 2 extrusions/termination. The swallowing issue sounds kind of concerning...did they use a bone graft? Thank you.

[@FusedandFit]

Hey there, it is a little terrifying wondering about it all and worrying, totally normal. They used my own bone for grafting. My swallowing is fine now except I choke on almonds sometimes. I'll do another update soon, but it's been nearly two years and I'm thrilled with the results.

[@jimmie305]

I've always been freaked out about having breathing problems if I get sick or something. Now I have spinal stenosis c5 c6 disc is pushing on my spinal cord. And hearing you had issues with breathing while in the hospital, is there going to be issues with breathing for now on. Is that a symptom they tell you for long term? Or will it heal and no breathing problems after it all heals?

[@FusedandFit]

@@jimmie305 nope, absolutely no issues with breathing. Everything heals. Mine occurred because I laid-back too far. After I adjusted there weren't any issues with it.

[@Dominus_Maximus]

Does that feeling of having a quarter in the center of your throat go away? I feel like I have so many questions. I commented on another video of yours, but I have the surgery on 13 February and watching your videos help but at the same time, leave me with so many questions. I had no idea about the blood clot that could form or what would feel like a foreign object in the center of your throat. Thank you for all these bits of information. It’s good to know and have something to go off of if I’m feeling the same symptoms.

[@FusedandFit]

Thanks for chiming in, and good luck! Everything bad went away. It does not feel like a quarter is there anymore. I don't remember how long it felt that way, but it doesn't seem like it was very long. As far as I can tell, that was pretty unique to me. I've known of a few others that had similar experiences, just not as pronounced as mine. It doesn't seem likely you'll experience that. Blood clots are unlikely too, and they later told me it was just extra swelling in my situation, not a clot. I'm great now either way, and I'm very happy I did it. Not happy I had to do it, but given the circumstances, I'm very glad I did it. My quality of life is far better than it would have been if I didn't do it. That being said, it is of course a very individual decision. Keep me posted on your progress.

[@Dominus_Maximus]

@@FusedandFit thank you, I’ll definitely keep you posted. And thank you again for posting these videos. They really do help.

[@BlueNeptune85]

Thanks for sharing, I'm having my procedure done on 9/11

[@FusedandFit]

Good luck!! I'll do another update soon, but I'm doing exceptionally well and glad I did it. November will be two years since mine..

[@user-hb4nx9qv3r]

How long did you have numbness before your surgery and was it your whole body that was number or just your arms

[@FusedandFit]

Hey there. I don't remember for sure how long it was dealing with numbness before my surgery, but it seems like it was close to a year. It was mostly in my arms and hands, but at times in my face and lower extremities.

[@nadeenpowell6210]

Had c3/4 fused on 4/30/24. Trouble swallowing afterwards and it felt like I was going to choke off the phlegm that was coming up. I have severe pain in my neck/shoulder area and the pain meds and muscle relaxers are not working. It feels like something is stuck in the middle of my chest when food goes down and it feels like I need to burp but can’t. I can’t sleep as it is very uncomfortable due to the pain. I have no pain at the incision site just in me neck/shoulder area. No numbness or tingling feeling though.

[@FusedandFit]

Sorry to hear that. Everything you are experiencing, I also experienced. There are often tough side effects with this surgery, and those are some common ones. All of those will improve in the coming days. I wish you the best...you got this!

[@K4LKDana]

Was ACDF surgery your only option or was disc replacement available?

[@FusedandFit]

Replacement was an option but fusion was my best option. My surgeon does both, but the type of instability I had was too much for an artificial disc to handle in that area.

[@roytsusui1761]

Thanks for posting, I'm having four levels done on November 30th 2023. I watched a video earlier and the individual had this procedure, after he had been told that he was dehydrated! The guy presented with all of the symptoms, my hands are numb and my right arm, also I have almost no balance! This all started with minor creeping numbness in my right hand and after three years of physical therapy, fortunately I was referred to a doctor that has helped figure this out, if your instincts tell you otherwise, do get a second opinion. They cannot guarantee that I will regain feeling in my hands and right arm, I DID NOT LISTEN TO MY INSTINCTS FOR 3.5 YEAR'S! I made a terrible decision believing my primary care physician, thanks a lot for NOTHING because I TRUSTED YOU Dr. Brown? 🙄🤬😡😠😤

[@FusedandFit]

Man, that is tough, very sorry to hear about it all. You keyed in on something very important and that is to trust your instincts. We have to be honest with ourselves though and not try to deceive ourselves. Our souls really do know...a lot...we are equipped (by a loving God/Heavenly Father) in my view. There is a lot of noise out there, so we need to be in tune with our instincts as you say. Good luck with everything, and keep me posted please. All the best...SNAPP

[@marciaheuer6457]

Many years ago I learned (from an eye doctor) to BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE. Agree w you re: trusting your gut feeling!

[@debraryan3300]

I hope your surgery will help you. My neck was a wreck for years. My Neurosurgeon found my neck issue when I went in for my lumbar. I had both spine fusions my cervical in February and my lumbar in April. My neck is awesome. I has a 4 level fusion with an artificial vertebrae. My neck is doing great. The worst part of that surgery was wearing the cervical collar for 5 months. My lumbar is doing well.. just a slow healing process for stiffness. Good luck to you !

[@user-wq5ws1qs7x]

How did it go? Im currently in the hospital post 1 level and had tricep weakness. Feels a little better, but can’t tell for sure yet. Im a paramedic and I tell you…. You have to be an advocate! I went 5 week prior to surgery.

[@dennisbrun2000]

Does anyone have symptoms of muscle tension inflammation and migraines with This problem in neck?? Im told i need this surgery c5-c6, just curious if others have these symptoms as well thx

[@FusedandFit]

I had all the above. I have migraines 2 or 3 times a year now, before the surgery it was once or twice a month.

[@adriennem1003]

Just had mine c-5/c-6- Day 3 for me...feel like crap pain seems unbearable.

[@FusedandFit]

Hang in there! It will get better, and soon. It's a game of hurry up and wait right now, but you got this. Time will pass even though it doesn't feel like it right now. Sending positive vibes your way and tossing up prayers for you. Keep me posted on your recovery.

[@adriennem1003]

@@FusedandFit thank you for the advice.

[@susanb2979]

My turn next month.I will be in hospital 1 or 2 nights.Asthma and Afib too,well controlled

[@FusedandFit]

Good luck Susan, all the best and blessed to you. Keep me posted.

[@katheinireland8431]

Hi Susan, how are getting along?

[@susanb2979]

Nov 27 will be my turn

[@Sherralyn]

I just had ACDF yesterday C3-4 with spacer and titanium plate. The pain,for me, is huge. Mostly muscles in neck and shoulders. My throat is horrible, and i can't swallow. Mild incisional pain. I'm really hoping it will get greater later😊

[@FusedandFit]

It will, it will be so much better. It sucks to wait, but it will. Keep me posted.

[@Sherralyn]

​@@FusedandFit They started me on IV dexamethazone 4mg. Not long after the first dose, my swallow function improved. Enough to were i wasnt scared to death. The best thing though, no pain! None. Still early days yet. So two nights in hospital. The second due to inability to swallow. Got home this evening😊

[@FusedandFit]

@@Sherralyn so glad to hear. The worst is behind you. The next couple weeks you will notice big improvements with all of it, then it will seem to slow down and you will mostly be waiting in the bone to fuse, and you can't feel that progress. Follow doctor's orders 💯 and things will keep going well.

[@AliBabaZumba]

Hey how long were you having symptoms before getting this done?

[@FusedandFit]

Hey there...minor symptoms started about two years before surgery. That was more generalized neck pain. About a year before the surgery I had pain down the stems and into the hands. Then shortly after that the numbness. So about a year with the more concerning symptoms. I take it you're having symptoms?

[@AliBabaZumba]

@@FusedandFit I just had a microdiscectomy on 3 discs in my neck but it was 18 months or so leading up to it. Was curious what all your symptoms had been. Mine were similar and they're finally going away 4 weeks post op. The nerves take some time to heal.

[@FusedandFit]

@@AliBabaZumba Hey, good luck! I had a microdiscectomy a couple times in my back before further injuring it and needing the back fusions. A Discectomy would've worked on my neck if I would've realized sooner what was going on. And you're right, the nerves take a while to heal. No doubt keeping up your Zumba will help you. Hasta...

[@AliBabaZumba]

@@FusedandFit Oof what a journey you've been on. It is very hard to figure out what the heck is going on!! I spent about a year teaching & fooling around before I finally got an MRI. The micro discectomy I found is actually a bit different than the typical MD. It's called "Deuk Laser Disc Repair". They go in through the front of the neck, in through the disc itself to get to the back, with a camera & laser & "debride" the annular tear. So they take out the herniation, clean up scar tissue & then help the mouth of the tear to close up. They can see pretty much everything going on so they're very thorough. Reherniation rate is 1%. I've gotta take it easy for a year before I'll consider getting back into Zumba. :) The annular tear needs about a year to fully heal / close up. Normal MD just grabs whatever they think they can get and doesn't close the mouth of the tear so rehernation rate is 10-30%. So it might be worth looking into if you ever have issues in the future, if an adjacent discs decides to blow out or something. If you've kept the disc in where the fusion is & just stabilized the segment, sometimes that remaining disc could continue to herniate. Only downside is it's out of pocket.

[@cyndih.8063]

Just had my acdf in C5-C6. No significant pain in neck . Swelling making swallowing a but sticky but eating what I want.

[@FusedandFit]

Swallowing was rough for me for quite a while. Hope you continue to heal well. Keep me posted please.

[@debra2700]

Is there a reason you had a fusion and not a simple disc replacement which has really become the norm now?

[@ebo7310]

I'm 1 week post op. C4-6. My throat was sore forever, and it's hard to swallow. I can take my dressing off tomorrow. I'm in an aspen collar.

[@FusedandFit]

Good luck with it all, all of that will improve.

[@oldman9154]

How are you doing now having this done345 on neck Nov 29 surgery date thanks

[@FusedandFit]

I'm doing really well! Would have been nice not to have needed it, but it is going very well. I'll post an updated video soon. Good luck with yours!

[@oldman9154]

@FusedandFit got mine done can't raise right hand up go wednesday to Dr see what he thinks but no pain at all that got fixed.thanks.

[@tammypacenza1308]

I'm having this done in 4 days. I'm terrified.

[@FusedandFit]

If I remember correctly, I wasn't too worried the day of the surgery. For a few days leading up to it I was pretty worried. Surgery on our neck just feels scarier than other areas. Nothing is going to happen to you during surgery, so don't worry about that. You will be uncomfortable for awhile after the surgery, I was, but everything improved. All the best and blessed to you...good luck, and keep us posted.

[@pamelacooley6457]

I’m having this surgery…2 levels 5 and 6 ….im pretty scared to be honest…..I have a neurosurgeon doing the surgery. 2 more weeks before the surgery.

[@FusedandFit]

That's the same two levels I had done. You will still have good range of motion. The first week won't feel so great after the surgery, but things will start to improve quickly and consistently after that. I was nervous the week leading up to it, but not the day of. It has all worked out awesome. Good luck!!

[@michflig]

Did you have a neurosurgeon or a orthopedic Dr. perform your surgery?

[@FusedandFit]

Hey there, I had a neurosurgeon do it. By the way, it's now been 15 months and it's going great. Are you needing surgery?

[@michflig]

My neurosurgeon said no surgery, my MRI was a 5 with 10 being the worst. He plans to do a EMG and injections. I have two one spurs and 1 central protrusion C 4-5. He wants to rule out carpel tunnel🙄 I’m tired of the pain. Thanks for your response.

[@whitetailsup760]

Having this surgery this Friday wish me luck buddy glad to see u doing better

[@FusedandFit]

@@whitetailsup760 absolutely, good luck. I need to do an update now that it's been a year and a half. Everything is so much better. Keep me posted on yours.

[@whitetailsup760]

@@FusedandFit just got out of surgery just a sore throat so far but doing great 👍

[@andreAGZ1975]

How are you feeling today? I will go trow the same operation 😊

[@FusedandFit]

Today I feel crappy, but that's because I had my toe fused three hours ago. I'll put that in an update video soon. But my neck feels great! I have had fantastic results. It's honestly been a very good thing for me. I'll post the update video early next week. Good luck with yours! Keep me posted.

[@patriciaturner7264]

What does acdf stand for?

[@FusedandFit]

It stands for Anterior Cervical Disectomy & Fusion (Anterior = front, cervical = neck, Disectomy = partial or complete removal of disc, fusion = screws and other hardware to immobilize the joint).

[@debra2700]

@@FusedandFit Why did you have fusion instead of simple disc replacement? I had the c6-7 disc replaced and it was a breeze. I am having some of the pain I had before the surgery but both the surgeon and pain management feel that my nerve was compressed for nine months until I had the surgery and is inflamed but will calm down in time. Even with that, fusion looks like a much more difficult recovery than a simple disc replacement which was done out patient.

[@FusedandFit]

@@debra2700 thanks for chiming in. I looked into disc replacement, and my surgeon discussed it with me. Ultimately, I was not a good candidate for it as the fusion offers more stability which I needed in that area. It's true, recovery is much shorter than fusion is, but long-term results are better with fusion. My buddy had one level replacement in his neck about a year after my fusion, and he never got over his symptoms. He's looking at fusion now as a more permanent solution. I know two other people who have had good results with their replacements. As I recall, I had too much compression on the spinal cord, so a fusion with taller hardware was needed. So far so good.

[@debra2700]

@@FusedandFit I appreciate your reply. When I saw my surgeon a month after the surgery, I told him I felt as if I never had the surgery, that my neck, shoulder, arm and ring finger was hurting as badly as ever, he mentioned that maybe he should have done a fusion for more stability! It's now two months past my surgery and I'm on oxy for the pain and had a cortisone shot in my neck two weeks ago from the same pain management doctor I was seeing before the surgery. Both doctors told me the nerve was inflamed and it would take time settle down. How much time though? It's been two months. Do you think I should just push for the fusion?

[@FusedandFit]

@@debra2700 I am so sorry to hear this. So many things can impact why and for how long everything still hurts. With my back, it took a year for the nerve pains to all settle down, and that after more than seven years of intense pain previously. I don't know, but I feel like 8 weeks is not a lot of time (though a single day feels like forever at times). My bigger concern is that you felt no difference. I personally would not push for fusion if 1) you're not experiencing constant numbness and 2) your MRI doesn't show something pressing on the nerves or spinal cord. That being said, quality of life is so important, and your pain is precluding that right now obviously. I think giving it more time is not a bad idea...I know that sucks. I relate to your situation, it gets so friggin' old and discouraging. Chronic pain is so tough to deal with. I'll toss one up for you when I hit my knees, that you will gain the insight you need to make the best decision for you and your situation. Please keep me posted.

[@misskelly9184]

I’m getting this surgery as an outpatient 😢

[@FusedandFit]

Good luck, you got this. All the best and blessed to you...keep me posted.

[@misskelly9184]

@@FusedandFit thank you! I will ❤️

[@pamelacooley6457]

I’m having this done outpatient too in a few weeks. I do have a neurosurgeon doing the surgery. How is your recovery….i am having 2 levels done

[@Anonymouss222]

Neck surgery hurts like hell 😩

[@olympiajohnson2845]

Noooooo I’m scared now 😢

[@timoteooo94]

I'm so scared

[@FusedandFit]

I'm doing exceptionally well. My pre surgery was so much worse than post surgery. The first couple weeks I wondered if I would be ok, but things are great now.

[@budmathewspodcast]

I go in first of the year for mine...this will be my 5th spine surgery but first on my neck..little different it sounds like..the swallowing this scares me a bit.

[@FusedandFit]

The surgeon was surprised I had swallowing issues. He assumed I would be in the majority of those who don't. As bad as it was it didn't last. The odds you have any issues are really low. If you do, they will heal and not be an issue. Good luck, and keep me posted!

[@clintsprague3512]

Dude I just had five level ACDF surgery and I don't know how the hell you were talking right after that surgery or actually not stoned out of your mind basically lol

[@FusedandFit]

Dang, good luck with that recovery...that is a big surgery! I was definitely a little groggy and loopy after the surgery. I guess drugged up enough to not feel too bad, but not enough I couldn't maintain a thought. Again, good luck!

[@clintsprague3512]

@@FusedandFit Thanks man I really appreciate it!

[@clintsprague3512]

@@FusedandFit And I know exactly what you mean about trying to maintain a thought lol. It seems like that lingered like a week but then again 48 hours after my surgery I had to be rushed to the ER because of complications and was in there for 14 hours and they were going to admit me but luckily they had given me enough steroids to reduce some of the swelling and hydrated me because they were scared I was going to go into kidney failure. Yeah man this has been a total blast 😂

[@katheinireland8431]

How are you feeling after your ACDF?

[@clintsprague3512]

@@katheinireland8431 day by day I'm slowly feeling and doing better but it seems like it's taking forever because I'm super active (but impatient lol) and right now I can't do near as much as I want to but I'm hoping in the long run it will be all worth it. I actually go back to see my surgeon this Friday to get checked out and evaluated I guess and from what I understand if everything's looking good I'll be doing physical therapy which I have no idea what kind of physical therapy that would be