Six weeks ago today I had major surgery on my neck. Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion surgery (ACDF) is an operation done through the front of the neck (rather than the back) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves, as well as to stabilize the spine. In my case, a discectomy (removal of several intervertebral disc) was performed to release pressure off the nerves, and a fusion (joining of several bones together) was done, with a plate and screws, to ensure stability. They also straightened the abnormal curviture of my neck out to make it more normal again. On November 21st, I went to the surgeons office for x-rays and my post op consultation with one of the surgeons who performed the surgery. Although he was pleased with the x-rays, he continued to stress the severity of my particular surgery and the seriousness that is involved, on my part, to completely abide by the restrictions and instructions that are in place to help promote the healing and strengthening of my neck as heals during the months ahead. For the next two months, he said, I have to wear my neck brace and the spinal fusion device that is used to help the fusion of bone process that is currently taking place. He said I will not have therapy because of the damage it may cause to the work they have done on my neck. Realistically, I will continue to have to take pain medication when needed. He said that I can only drive my car locally, and only when Im not on my pain medication. I am not suppose to lift more than 10 lbs. All of these restrictions are for the next two months. The doctor said that normally they do not do the extensive surgery on a patients neck through their throat the way the did mine. He did, however, tell me that I should be happy that they were able to do my surgery through the throat because, had they gone through the back, they would have had to cut through muscle tissue, which could be much more painful during the recovery due to the damaged nerve tissue in the neck having to heal. All-in-all, I have a plate and 10 screws in my neck from C-3 through C-7. I have lost 20+ lbs. thus far and continue to have a loss of appetite. My biggest setbacks have not really been with my neck surgery itself, but my body fighting off fever and body aches and chills and having the gout in both my feet. My immune system has been weakened along with my neck, thus I have to be extremely careful in more ways than one. I sincerely appreciate the prayers and support that I have received since my surgery. Please continue to pray for me throughout the recovery process. I go back to surgeon in a couple of months. God Bless, David
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 10:27:08 +0000
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