NECK SURGERY | posterior cervical laminectomy 2 week followup after surgery PCDF PCLF

An update at the two week point after my neck surgery - posterior laminectomy with fusion. Levels c3 - c7 (I misspoke on the video). I share my progress after cervical spine surgery. I was diagnosed with cervical stenosis with myelopathy.
My recommendations in the video include zero gravity chair and bendable straws. I have not worn an aspen collar after this surgery.
Here's a zero gravity chair that I have (but many are available): amzn.to/3Ru1cLZ
Here's a neck heating pad that I use (I prefer non-weighted): amzn.to/3GMoasP
If you're on Facebook, I really encourage you to search for this group and ask to join:
Posterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (PCDF)
Lots of people who have had this surgery or ones very similar - all willing to help.
Check my channel for additional update videos.
Some links above are affiliate links - but I only recommend products that I have personally tried and endorse. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

[@lisakrieg3076]

Thankyou so much for sharing. Im getting surgery in July.. 5 in cspine and 2 in tspine. Im DYING and beside myself! You seem so positive and made me feel better. I have paralysis and numbness from this on left side hands and left foot. Im praying the feeling comes back. I wish you all the very best. Your a strong woman. Bless you...

[@themessycrafter5679]

My brother was just diagnosed with severe cervical myelopathy. Your video has brought some great information to us. Thank you

[@DianeMoore]

Glad it helps!

[@ratterrierdogma]

So grateful that you’ve posted this. I’m having the surgery in a month with an orthopaedic and a neurosurgeon for C4-7. I’m a little scared, but am comforted by the informative posts that you’ve shared of your experience. Hoping after 2+ years, all is healed and you’re doing well.

[@DianeMoore]

Hope you've found some encouragement in the videos. Yep - I'm doing well these days - glad I had the surgery.

[@carend7010]

Thank you Diane for posting these videos. I found you today and have been watching. I am getting a laminectomy with fusion C2 through C-5. I previously had surgery anterior discectomy with fusion on C4 through C7 in 2010. I have a huge bone spur that is at the top of my first surgery level pushing on my spinal cord. So this will be the second time going through a major surgery on my neck. Doc says I will not be solving my pain but will be avoiding being paralyzed from the neck down. Your videos are a nice indicator of what I’ll be facing with some great tips and best of all hope... I appreciate you posting them. Thank you. God bless you.

[@DianeMoore]

So glad they can be an encouragement for you! It's tough but worth it.

[@avfan967]

Thank you for sharing!

[@user-uw8dr1rw9v]

Thanks for your videos. I'm feeling hopeful--going for this procedure this week.

[@Sharles714]

I just love your videos so much. They are making me feel so much better today as I lay here in recover.

[@DianeMoore]

Hi Sharla - glad you found them encouraging. How's recovery going?

[@theroadtohealing8892]

Thank you for making this. I am having the same surgery next Monday. This is my 3rd cervical fusion but my first posterior cervical fusion. You video is awesome and I appreciate it

[@DianeMoore]

Glad it brings you some encouragement. God bless you as you go through the surgery and get to the recovery side!

[@patfallon3395]

18 month recovery range. Great info. Thank you.

[@DianeMoore]

Yep - takes some patience :)

[@MrBenjaminrroy]

I am so glad that you are doing so much better just 2 weeks post-op. I for all that it is worth an not doing as well only 9 days post-op. The neurosurgeon that did my surgery said that I have a very muscular neck and it took a while just to the laminotomy he removed 2 and 1/3rd sections C6, C7 and 1/3rd of T1 to decompress the spinal cord as I have a significant bulge at those levels. He has stated that my recovery this time will be greater that my last as the damage is far worse than the MRI showed. I have hope that I will recover in due time. I thank you for you video's they have been great to see that someone has gone through the same as me. I pray that you will continue to get back to normal and will be able to do some of the things that you loved to do. God bless you and Keep you.

[@cindyjohnson9078]

Thank you for posting this. It's really helpful. I am going to be having c3-c7 posterior laminectomy and c3-t2 fusion with rods and screws. I have had a serious case of bronchitis so will be putting off surgery until my lungs are recovered. Anyway, thanks again and I hope you post more follow-ups.

[@barbaraheller3461]

Thank you again, I should have started from 1st video, but I’m happy to be more aware. Have a pre-opt mtg. On May 19th and it’s really getting real.......deep breaths..👍💕

[@DianeMoore]

You can do this, Barbara! But I understand what you're saying.

[@barbaraheller3461]

@@DianeMoore my nerves are not too bad as I’m a detailed oriented person, so just having my home ready with the immediate items like ice packs for neck & shoulders, heating pads, my push up recliner, walker etc, it will be what will be, it’s in Gods hands...thank you for your support 👍❤️

[@nancymcnally1972]

I’m in for C 2-7 on May 18th. Thanks for your info❤️✌️

[@DianeMoore]

Thanks for commenting, Nancy. Hope you've found the info to be helpful. You'll be glad to get this surgery behind you and start the healing process!

[@dianewier8546]

I'm amazed at your head movement at only 2 weeks out! I had a tumor removed along with the laminectomy 3 weeks ago and I am still so very stiff. I'm confident it will improve- it's definitely a marathon. Thanks for sharing!

[@DianeMoore]

As I read other people's experiences, I kind of am too. :) My surgeon is definitely in the "no collar after surgery" camp, so I just naturally gained strength (while being careful of course.) Hope your progress continues to improve.

[@dianewier8546]

@@DianeMoore thank you!

[@jamesnugent6547]

Hi All and especially Diane, had my appointment w neurosurgeon today and we decided to do an anterior 3 level discectomy and fusion. He originally thought a posterior approach would be best but after talking to him more and considering I’m in good shape (for 69 this month) he thought it would be best. Plus, it will be in hospital so I’ll be well taken care of. Hopefully, visitors will be allowed in 6 weeks when I have it.

[@DianeMoore]

Great - glad you have a plan that you feel comfortable with James. Hope everything goes smoothly!

[@betteryourgerman]

.... have taken your tips on board, ....after 6 weeks , I have some advice too !!!

[@DianeMoore]

Hope your recovery is going well!

[@betteryourgerman]

@@DianeMoore ..thank you Diane ... 2 more weeks first checkup !!

[@angeladarnall4405]

Thank you for sharing, I’m needing surgery on my c6-7 & t-1 I’ve had previous neck fusions but that’s been many yrs ago I hope the neurosurgeon can get me fixed up As I heard you say you was a bit wobbly and dropping things I’m also doing that but did realize the wobbly part was any connection with my neck. Obviously it could be. I’m having numbness in left arm and hand. It’s starting to happen in my right hand too Praying everything can be fixed up as well as getting out of every day pain. Ty for sharing your story hope you are doing well now that’s it’s been 2 years for you 😊

[@DianeMoore]

Hope you get a good solution for it all, Angela!

[@angeladarnall4405]

@@DianeMoore thank you very much 😊

[@Christinejs]

Hello how has your surgery come along.

[@11mearns]

You’re wonderful to post these helpful and encouraging videos. My husband will have a very similar surgery in 2 days. We have heard that there is discomfort with swallowing for about a week. Did you find this to be true?

[@DianeMoore]

That didn't happen to me, but I have read comments from others that that did happen to. I know that's very common with the anterior surgery (as opposed to posterior). God bless your husband and your family as you go through the process and best wishes for speedy healing!

[@kirstylynn3723]

Did you have rods put in as well?

[@butcheinsel8722]

Hello Diane, Ive had may posterior fusion as I mentioned before, 2 wks out I have some right arm pain with numbness in fingers and toes , I see the surgeon Wednesday for my postoperative visit . Did you experience any of these symptoms? Now after watch the video again I see your had numbness , your videos have been helpful and an inspiration

[@DianeMoore]

Hi Butch - I don't think that's that unusual. I had different pain/numbness experiences in those first few weeks. I think as the spinal cord gets into its new way of existing, there are corresponding reactions. But by all means ask your surgeon. Glad you've found the videos to be helpful!

[@13Bravo77]

Thanks for this information, I'm looking at having a full fusion after a previous done fro the front , this was very helpful and have me confidence in the recovery , how long was it before you could drive long distances?

[@DianeMoore]

Hi Butch - glad it's given you some confidence. I started driving (after some physical therapy) at maybe 6 or 7 weeks post-surgery for short distances. It all depends on what kind of stamina you develop... and that can take a long time, so not quite sure how to answer the "long distance" part.

[@billyhamlen9610]

I had laminoplasty done 6 weeks ago, opening up c3 to c7, my nuro symptom was worse than b4 the surgery! I cant walk for long with my hands down on the side, my fingers will go very numb, my neck becomes very stiff and tight....

[@wepininthecupin2907]

Thanks for these videos Diane, very informative. I have a C7-C5 ACDF back in 2013 (which went well) and and scheduled for for another C5-C3 coupled with a one level (4-5) laminectomy in a couple weeks so I'll wind up with 4 fused levels like you. My question is you mentioned you weaned off of Oxycodone and were taking Tylenol and Advil (this is the 2 week video). I've never been allowed Advil (or any NSAID) after any surgery for weeks if not months due to bleeding/healing issues. Just wondering if you mispoke or your surgeon really allowed you to take advil? (I'm curious because I have bad reactions to opiods and wish I could take advil).

[@DianeMoore]

Hi! My surgeon was ok with Advil, but I know that not all are.

[@kirstylynn3723]

Would love to hear more updates! Could you show a link to your zero gravity chair?

[@jadegonzalez7322]

yes, can you tell me what zero g chair you used?

[@DianeMoore]

I just got it at Costco, Jade. They sell them lots of places - especially now that it's springtime.

[@johnnypruitt2305]

I had my c 3 through 7 fuised in November,the first 6 days the pain was close to unbearable when I had to sit upright.Had to be assisted to reposition myself laying down.Sill have some weakness in myself left arm and numbness in my hand.

[@DianeMoore]

Definitely takes time. Hoping the receovery is continuing.

[@3.0colorado21]

Thanks for this. Seems like pcdf isn’t too common. I’ll be getting a single level c3/c4 done after a partially failed acdf. Good times.

[@DianeMoore]

Yeah, well at least less common than ACDF. Hope your surgery goes well!

[@dannygoround1]

How was it after? How did you sleep?

[@3.0colorado21]

@@dannygoround1 big pharma makes sure it isn’t too bad. Pcdf was less invasive than the acdf and the recovery time was shorter.

[@dannygoround1]

@@3.0colorado21 ok, thanks for the response. Wife got the ACdf and it didn’t heal and is now in surgery for the pcdf.

[@3.0colorado21]

@@dannygoround1 definitely easier the second time around. Acdf took about 6-7 months for me ti get back to my physical job, pcdf took about 12-15 weeks.

[@TheGamble17]

How was it getting in and out of the chair?

[@DianeMoore]

as long as I took it slow, it was fine. You just have to be mindful of your balance.

[@d.gtheteech3000]

How was the pain when u woke up from surgery?

[@DianeMoore]

Hi D. G., well, my pain was pretty intense when I first woke up after surgery, but the recovery team really did a great job of getting it under control in short order.

[@jrobinson42479]

Did the procedure make your issues better?

[@DianeMoore]

Yes

[@dianaosorio7010]

WELL IN MY EXPERIENCE IF I KNEW THAT I WAS GOING TO END UP IN SUCH AN UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING EVERY SINGLE DAY ,I WOULD OF WAITED FOR A DIFFERENT OPTION THAT WILL GIME MORE COMFORT, CAUSE NOW I FEEL SOOO TENSE ON MY NECK AND UPPER SHOULDERS AND NOW I HAVE TO TURN WITH MY WHOLE BODY TO SEE BOTH SIDES, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND PEOPLE THAT ARE CONSIDERING THIS PROCEDURE TO GET 1,2,3,4 OPINIONS CAUSE THIS IS VERY PAINFUL AND VERY UNCOMFORTABLE ,AND I HAD THE SURGERY 3 YRS AGO AND STILL SOOOO TENSE AND LIMITED TO DO SOOO MANY THINGS ,SOOO PEOPLE MY ADVICE IS GET AS MUCH INFORMATION AND OPINIONS BEFORE, SCIENCE IS ALWAYS EVOLVING AND THERE COULD BE BETTER AND LESS PAINFUL AND DISCOMFORT NEW PROCEDURES. WISHING THE BEST TO EVERYONE!!!!

[@imveryhungry112]

You might just need a new updated spine fusion 😊

[@johncardaci5437]

Hi, Was wondering what lead you to seek the surgery? What symptoms were you having? How long had you been dealing with them? How was the outcome after the surgery?

[@DianeMoore]

Hi John - Thanks for your questions. I started having dexterity issues with my hands and eventually started struggling with balance. My hand issues increased over about 6 months before it became clear what the issue was. I'm doing well after the surgery. I encourage you to take a look at my other videos as I think they will answer these questions the best.

[@johncardaci5437]

@Diane Moore thanks Diane! How bad was the balance? Like you couldn't walk without falling? Or like very, very bad gait? Like ( for lack of a better term, drunk walking from side to side?) No feeling in the hands? When people say the term numb, does it mean you can't feel hot or cold? Or anything? Could you feel fine textures like coffee grains or sand on your skin? Just curious

[@johncardaci5437]

@Diane Moore oh, and lastly, at what age did you notice this? Was it something you had been dealing with over the years on and off until you couldn't deal with it anymore? Again, thank you and God Bless!

[@DianeMoore]

@@johncardaci5437 I think I cover all of these in my 3 month post surgery video update

[@henrysliwerski]

My surgeon told me 3 months 24/7 I having C2 to T3 done

[@jadegonzalez7322]

can you say more about your 24/7 ? I am having the procedure soon and I want to know all I can* Thank you* Did you mean needing care 24/7 for 3 months or intense pain, all of the above? Yikes!

[@DianeMoore]

Jade, I'm sorry I missed this comment. Hope your surgery went well!

[@Christinejs]

Hello how do you feel after 4 years from surgery.

[@Christinejs]

@@jadegonzalez7322hello I know it’s years later but how did surgery go for you