anterior cervical disectomy

[jawsdogj]

have to have this operation and am afraid will i get crippled?how long to be able to do things again?anyone had this surgery i can talk to??

[fosstang]

I had my ACDF surgery of C4-C7 on May 29, 2008.
Felt ok after surgery.  Had to wear hard collar for 6 weeks and then soft collar for a week or 2. Now if I am in a vehicle.  I have had neck pain reoccur the last few weeks and same numbness in left hand, with severe headaches.  I have been goint to PT for the last 3 weeks with no results of neck movement up/down, left or right.  My PT thinks that maybe C2 &C3 are a problem.  Back on some muscle relaxers until my next MRI in 2 weeks.  I am afraid myself of the condition "crippled" I will be in.  I can not do much for any kind of house work or I am in pain.  Sleeping is very uncomfortable.  I sit / lay for short periods of time.  Reading these posts this sounds normal as if it's happening to everyone that has had this surgery.   I myself am very scared and I am only 42 yrs old and dont feel the outcome will be good in the long run.

[richmill1]

I had the surgery c5-7..got my life back..I'm 57 , very active, started playing golf again
6 weeks post op...very little pain.  I know 5 other guys who have had this done, pretty routine..you will be fine