I just had my second ACDF surgery last week. My first was 4 years ago. I had immediate relief of my symptoms in my arm. My swallowing trouble only lasted about 4 days. I still have that nagging pain between my shoulder blades up to my lower neck, but I know it will go away eventually. I have 2 other levels with small disc bulges, so I may be in for more surgery someday.
I had ACDF back in May 2018 C6/C7 and developed swallowing issues right away after surgery following an injury to my neck in August 2017. The surgeon tore the lining to the nerve because the bone and the disc had adhered to the nerve in the 9 months it took to have the surgery and the surgeon told me that the overall surgery took 2 hours as opposed to the 1 hour he said it would take because of this... A follow up MRI in 2019 showed no compression of the exiting nerve C6/C7 and everything looked good. It's now 2021, four years on in and I still have swallowing difficulties and when I talk in conversation for an extended amount of time my voice changes (slightly hoarse). I still have ongoing (stabbing) shoulder and arm pain (left), the best way I can describe what my shoulders (trapezius, triceps and deltoid muscles) feel like is when you do a work out with weights and get that lactic acid build up pain, this is 24/7... If that makes sense? I am diabetic (T2) and developed bi lateral frozen shoulders about 2-3 months after this surgery which is now attributed to my diabetic state ..I disagree with this finding after all I have been a diabetic for 20yrs and on tablet medication and not insulin. Also I now (since 2019) get muscle twitching in the index finger and middle finger occasionally in both hands (mainly the left) and down the back of my upper arm (left).. Is this a failed surgery or am I just one of the unlucky ones? Could you shed some light as to what I am going through, and will it ever get better because this predicament has turned me into a recluse because of the constant throat clearing etcetra? Thanks for your time and I appreciate the video.. Rob
@@headcrabbed7796 I have had never ending problem with my Osopagas and wind pipe with the continual coughing up of Phlem, I have seen throat specialists, breathing specialists but to no avail, I have only just discovered between you and others that this is a common problem, as the surgeon does not cut a bigger hole in ones neck to do the ACDF operation, as he thinks it is more important to have the smallest cut, as people don't want a large scar, well bugger the scar I want to be able to swallow and not have to cough up all the rubbish
@@anthonymisell8845 my incision was 5 centimeters and on the right side of my throat and yes the phlegm all the time. Everytime I go to see a doctor or specialist they make you feel like your lying and it should be fixed by now. I have to be conscious of every mouthful I swallow so I don't choke.
@@headcrabbed7796 sorry to hear your problems. so after the surgery, you have swallowing and shoulder pains. Before the surgery, can I ask what were your symptoms?
My cousin got c-4-7 fused and lost 60% use of the left side of his body. I just had the same surgery 7 days ago. My surgery was a success so far, but his story was so close uno it really made me scared to go through with it. But when it hurts enough youll cross that bridge
I had a C6 7 T1 fusion and laminaplasty on my neck. My esophagus feels like the plate/screws are pinching it. Also I have a reverse curve that my surgeon did not recognize. Now I am dealing with vagus nerve compression. Very scary don’t know what to do. Is chiropractic care safe after this kind of procedure?
Do get the surgery because if you don't then your overall outcome will be that you'll be worse off. I was told that if I don't have the operation done it would eventually affect my walking. Even though I am going through what I am now, don't let my story sway your decision. Had I known then what my outcome was going to be, I would still have gone ahead with it, I know it doesn't sound right, but I couldn't keep living like I was back then... Remember, not everyone has a bad outcome like I did!
Skill skill skill and tons of practice. Thank you for your due diligence.
I just had my second ACDF surgery last week. My first was 4 years ago. I had immediate relief of my symptoms in my arm. My swallowing trouble only lasted about 4 days. I still have that nagging pain between my shoulder blades up to my lower neck, but I know it will go away eventually. I have 2 other levels with small disc bulges, so I may be in for more surgery someday.
Your gonna get more spinal fusions 😊
@@imveryhungry112 I have since that was posted. Never ends....
@irishman4671 the doctor wants me to do acdf. 😢
@imveryhungry112 I've had lots of operations and ACDF is by far the easiest. It seems scary, but it didn't hurt much at all.
I'm sure it probably is, but is the pressure on the back of my esophagus that causes issues swallowing normal? I'm 3 weeks post-surgy for ACDF C5-C6.
Good information but the music distracted from what you were saying.
I had ACDF back in May 2018 C6/C7 and developed swallowing issues right away after surgery following an injury to my neck in August 2017. The surgeon tore the lining to the nerve because the bone and the disc had adhered to the nerve in the 9 months it took to have the surgery and the surgeon told me that the overall surgery took 2 hours as opposed to the 1 hour he said it would take because of this... A follow up MRI in 2019 showed no compression of the exiting nerve C6/C7 and everything looked good. It's now 2021, four years on in and I still have swallowing difficulties and when I talk in conversation for an extended amount of time my voice changes (slightly hoarse). I still have ongoing (stabbing) shoulder and arm pain (left), the best way I can describe what my shoulders (trapezius, triceps and deltoid muscles) feel like is when you do a work out with weights and get that lactic acid build up pain, this is 24/7... If that makes sense? I am diabetic (T2) and developed bi lateral frozen shoulders about 2-3 months after this surgery which is now attributed to my diabetic state ..I disagree with this finding after all I have been a diabetic for 20yrs and on tablet medication and not insulin. Also I now (since 2019) get muscle twitching in the index finger and middle finger occasionally in both hands (mainly the left) and down the back of my upper arm (left).. Is this a failed surgery or am I just one of the unlucky ones? Could you shed some light as to what I am going through, and will it ever get better because this predicament has turned me into a recluse because of the constant throat clearing etcetra? Thanks for your time and I appreciate the video.. Rob
I hate to tell your but I had an ACDF in 2012 and still have a swallowing problem that wont go away
@@anthonymisell8845 Ok...Do you also have the problem of constantly clearing your throat? Because I do and it drives me and everyone around me nuts :(
@@headcrabbed7796 I have had never ending problem with my Osopagas and wind pipe with the continual coughing up of Phlem, I have seen throat specialists, breathing specialists but to no avail, I have only just discovered between you and others that this is a common problem, as the surgeon does not cut a bigger hole in ones neck to do the ACDF operation, as he thinks it is more important to have the smallest cut, as people don't want a large scar, well bugger the scar I want to be able to swallow and not have to cough up all the rubbish
@@anthonymisell8845 my incision was 5 centimeters and on the right side of my throat and yes the phlegm all the time. Everytime I go to see a doctor or specialist they make you feel like your lying and it should be fixed by now. I have to be conscious of every mouthful I swallow so I don't choke.
@@headcrabbed7796 sorry to hear your problems. so after the surgery, you have swallowing and shoulder pains. Before the surgery, can I ask what were your symptoms?
Why the music
Well how do ya fix ix it?
My cousin got c-4-7 fused and lost 60% use of the left side of his body. I just had the same surgery 7 days ago. My surgery was a success so far, but his story was so close uno it really made me scared to go through with it. But when it hurts enough youll cross that bridge
Very informative! Thank you!!! Keep info like this coming, we need it.
I had a C6 7 T1 fusion and laminaplasty on my neck. My esophagus feels like the plate/screws are pinching it. Also I have a reverse curve that my surgeon did not recognize. Now I am dealing with vagus nerve compression. Very scary don’t know what to do. Is chiropractic care safe after this kind of procedure?
You probably just need another fusion 😊
Just how do you know if your surgeon is a " capable " surgeon ?
i dont know if to get this surgery now
Same 😟
Do get the surgery because if you don't then your overall outcome will be that you'll be worse off. I was told that if I don't have the operation done it would eventually affect my walking. Even though I am going through what I am now, don't let my story sway your decision. Had I known then what my outcome was going to be, I would still have gone ahead with it, I know it doesn't sound right, but I couldn't keep living like I was back then... Remember, not everyone has a bad outcome like I did!
I've had it twice. It's not as bad as it seems, and gave me total relief
I had it done a month ago..c4 to 7 you'll be fine.
The long term prognosis of relief cannot be achieved with a surgery.