ACDF surgery

[shortcake1215]

Hi Everyone
I am scheduled to have a C4 C5 C6 anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion surgery in two weeks anyone ever had that surgery before? How long before you could walk or do normal activiites again? How is the pain now after the surgery?

[toolmaker]

The best I can remember that looking up high or trying to touch your chin to your chest is a no-no.As far as food goes I ate mostly soft food such as icecream,milkshakes,jello  popsicles, and pudding.The cold foods were soothing for my throat.The second week I was back to real food.Rent a lot of movies and kick back and take it easy.If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

Scott

[shortcake1215]

HI Everyone,
First of all thank you "toolmaker and richmill1 and LLWB" for sharing your story that helps alot.
To follow up on that and ask anyone else out there.

in terms of getting my home and myself prepared for a c4,c5, c6 ACDF surgery should I plan on not being able to bend my neck at all,or very little? Should I get all my food in everything at waist level so i don't have to bend down or reach?

I maybe alone after a few days after my surgery so I would love to hear from you out there if you have had the ACDF surgery and what all preparations I should be making?

Thank you in advance!
Kim

[toolmaker]

I had acdf c4,c5,&c6 on a Thursday morning was released on Friday morning and actually returned to work on the following Monday.My duties at work consisted of reclining in a lounge chair with my laptop of course,but I did go.Weight restriction was 10lbs.I drove at 6 weeks postop but It still hurt to turn my head.Sleeping was the worst part and the only way I could get comfortable was to lay flat on my back with a pillow under my hips.I personally do not have any regrets and would have it again if needed.

[richmill1]

was not that bad for me either..I was hitting golf balls 6 weeks post op..I'm 57...
different pain tolerance for different folks..make sure you get adequate pain meds..
good luck..it is a common procedure

[LLWB]

Hi there, I had C5-6 fused last June. I was walking around the hall of the hospital that night. I never wore a collar. My throat was sore and swollen, and I was hoarse for awhile. You will need soft foods for maybe 2 weeks.  They give high power meds to help with the pain at first. Not nearly as painful as some other surgeries I have had. Do you have your home prepared? You will need help for the first week or two. NO lifting over 10lbs. (gal of milk). I had trouble with a 2liter bottle of coke. Some people say sleeping in a recliner worked for them, but I had trouble putting it down then back up again. I just piled lots of pillows on the bed. You need some good books to read, DVD's of favorite movies, laptop on bed to watch them on works well. You would be more comfortable in a downstairs bedroom if that's possible. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, and also to walk several times a day. Don't want any blood clots forming. In 3 weeks I was driving, and back to work in 4. Your surgery is 2 level where mine was one level, but I think most of thses suggestions would still apply. Unfortunately now my C405 is going bad, why can't they fix things the first time around! I had stenosis and they knew about it. Ug!

Good luck, have a positive attitude, it really does help, and you'll be up and about, and feeling lots better sooner than you expect.