Spinal Cord Disorders: ACDF tri level what help will I need?
I have been fighting neck and anerior throat pain and headachesfor about 6 years. I lso had arm pain which I thought was severe flare up f Fibromyalgia. Up until this year I was told there was no compression on my spinal cord and my headaches and neck/jaw pain could not be caused by my neck. I had nerve blocks at c2-3 and 3-4 that did not help. Then nerve blocks at c4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 which did help for a short while. Then I had radiofrequency ablation of these and worse pain for 2-3 weeks - then got on Diclofenac and pain was reduced by 70% I was taking Norco times a day. I could barely do anything that required turning my head or sudden movement or rocking movement. If I needed to do something I took 2 Norco. Percocet stops my GI tract dead...I get colon inertia.
Last June I was told I had bone spurs at c5-6 and 6-7 that were impinging on my spine along with other degenerative changes. But I wasn't in danger of paralysis immediately and it wouldn't help my neck pain. So I've seen three surgeons all of who say about the same thing except one wants to do 3 levels and since 4-5 is where I really hurt and he sees spurs he says it is likely pressing on nerves. He says it may or may not help with the neck pain. However doing just 5-6 and 6-7 probably won't help. I saw a TMJ specialist and it's not my jaws. I have lumbar problems and limited mobility because of my feet and knees and have just about gotten used to not having a life.
I do not want this surgery. I am terrified of the post-operative pain. I am terrified of being worse (but I can't do anything now) Last week I heard a pop and since then have been in agony. I have pelvic floor dysfunction which might be related but no one can say for sure. I have to take 15 mg of Percocet and valium for relief. And wear a collar and not look up or down.
I have hyporeflexia and I have to keep reminding myself of this over and over in order to force myself to the surgery. I have to keep reminding myself I am doing damage. Most of the people I know waited until they were dropping things. I hurt to bad to do that.
Re: ACDF tri level what help will I need?
Hi..I am also a newbie to this surgery,although I have had neck pain and limited rotation for the last nine years. Was diagnosed last week by a NS to have ACDF at C4-5 and C5-6 as soon as possible. He mentioned that I should also begin meditation! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!
Just wanted to let you know you are not alone. I told my husband that he should support me in this(he thinks I am indestructable)or else he may have to be applying my make-up for me!!!!!
Hiring someone for about 8-12 weeks is a really good idea. Reason I am going that long is because your first follow up appointment won't be until the 4-6 week mark & then you will have your PT to start as well.
You will also need help around the house for at least the first week to help get in & out of the recliner or bed. Also to go to the bathroom is a guaranteed pain to get up & moving around.
With the dogs the first 2-3 weeks I would think about having them in a different room where they can't jump on you. Believe me I have 3 smaller ones & they hurt also.