Wednesday, July 08, 2009

My ACDF Surgery Experience

(Fair warning...long post)

Today is the one week anniversary of having ACDF (Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion) surgery. I had a herniated disc in my neck in the C5-6 area, thanks to an automobile accident. It was causing some pain in my neck and numbness in my left hand. I now have a small plate thingie screwed into two of my vertebrae, some adult stem-cell material living where my herniated disc used to be, and what I hope will turn out to be a cool scar on the front of my neck.

The surgery itself lasted approximately 1 hour, or so I’m told. I had it done as an outpatient procedure, beginning around 7:30am. I ended up staying in the hospital until approximately 4:00pm, if memory serves. (Please understand that morphine and other pain meds make my recollections of specific details a bit fuzzy.)

Two days before surgery, I had a consultation with my doctor and made all arrangements with the hospital. This included blood tests, urine tests, x-ray, EKG, etc. The following day, I found out that my white blood count was quite elevated. Unfortunately, this could delay my surgery. The medical professionals decided to wait until the following day and allow the anesthesiologist determine whether or not I would be allowed to have the surgery. Thankfully, I was determined to be healthy, even though the elevated white blood count indicated a possible infection somewhere that could potentially compromise my post-op health. To this day, the source of the infection remains unknown.

I woke up from surgery in recovery wearing a relatively small bandage (approx. 6” x 3” of gauze covered by a much larger piece of what felt and looked like very sticky plastic wrap) and a soft collar. I must be sensitive to anesthesia because I remember vomiting once. I was later wheeled into a room where my family was waiting for me. This is where things are really fuzzy. I think I was given morphine in the recovery area, so I was in and out for the next couple of hours. I was also given antibiotics later in the day to help with the potential infection. The next things I remember were trying to talk to my family, eating some ice chips, having a few visitors, and later being given a meal to eat. (FYI, this meal included Salisbury steak, cornbread, red potatoes, turnip greens, milk and applesauce, I think. I tell you the menu now because this will be humorous after the next couple of paragraphs.)

Eating has been the most interesting challenge. For the first couple of days particularly, I was unable to eat “normally”. Swallowing was just downright painful, even with pain meds. Also, I felt like I was going to choke or inhale bits of food after swallowing…like fluids or food was resting on a little shelf above my airway and would be sucked in on the next breath. It was a very panicky time for me. Even swallowing water was difficult – my throat was swollen, and more often than not, all of the water, even when I took smaller amounts, wouldn’t go down with one swallow. I definitely have had to take smaller mouthfuls of food and drink. I also found myself taking large breaths before swallowing, just in case I needed to cough something out that fell into my airway. I have also been using a dessert spoon instead of a regular spoon so that my bite portions are smaller. (I can’t open my mouth as far as I normally do, either.) When I get especially panicky, I stand up, really straight, to eat. I don’t know why exactly, but for some reason I feel more in control should there be a choking problem…like everything is now in a straight line down to my stomach with a lessened chance of choking. (I have no idea why my mind has chosen to fixate on this choking thing.)

My diet this week has been modified to soft, small-particle type foods. For example, my breakfasts usually include a combination of a couple of soft foods like a half of a banana, jell-o, a frozen fruit popsicle, fruit cocktail (preferably peaches), pudding, etc. I also keep a cup of water nearby, just in case. I have also been able to add spaghetti-o’s with meatballs, tomato soup, oatmeal, cheese and macaroni, and mashed potatoes to my menu choices over the past few days. Everything with any substance must be chewed thoroughly, else larger food particles get stuck in my throat. (Unfortunately, I discovered yesterday that I could eat Peanut Butter M&M’s, too!)

I sensed I needed to be careful about what I ate because some foods create more mucus in my throat than others. To me, mucus = additional swallowing, possibly choking. I find myself drinking water more than anything else. Though some of my foods are liquid, or liquid based, like soup and popsicles, water tends to cut the mucus created by other foods best. Things that are milk-based, like ice cream, isn’t so friendly to my throat. While the cold feels good, the mucus that’s left behind isn’t worth it to me. Not everyone has mucus problems after milk products, but for me, it’s just something I get to look forward to. Carbonated beverages don’t feel so great to me. The bubbling is something of a burning sensation, and any resulting burp has been a little painful…it’s a relief, but it hurts. I’m not a real fan of carbonated beverages on a normal day, so maybe that has something to do with it, too.

Now, you need to understand that I’m no svelte model. I’m VERY…‘healthy’. Let’s just say that I weigh more than my 6’ tall husband, and I shop from women’s sizes. So, not being able to eat was a disappointment and a shock. In my mind, considering nothing was cut inside my esophagus, I figured eating would be a whole lot simpler than it has been. Though I don’t know for sure, my guess is that the swelling from the surrounding tissues is hampering normal swallowing. I hoped that this would calm down after a few days, but my guess is that it won’t return to normal until after around 4 weeks, when the swollen tissues are far less inflamed.

Bathing was interesting for the first couple of days. I was told not to get the bandages wet under any circumstances, but I knew I needed to bathe and wash my hair. What ended up working best for me was to take a shower and bathe as much as possible by myself. Then, here’s where I enlisted help. I asked either my mother or my husband to wash my back and my hair (because lifting my arms was difficult). Thankfully, we have one of those shower heads that has a long hose and hangs from a little holder – similar to a sprayer on the side of the sink. I bent over approximately halfway, folded a thick towel up and held it over the front side of my neck, covering my bandages very well, and had my Mom or husband carefully wet my head, wash my hair, and rinse me as quickly as they could. (FYI, my post-op orders said to limit bending and lifting.) This worked very well, in my opinion. As long as we avoided allowing the water to flow over my neck excessively and moved the process along fairly quickly, the towel absorbed any water that did run towards my chin before it got to the bandages.

By the way, ladies, since lifting my arms has been difficult, getting a sports bra that hooks in the front and one of those mu-mu style house coats with the front snaps has been a wonderful decision. I look like heck run over, but I have been completely and utterly comfortable and well-covered for visitors.

Sleeping has probably been one of the toughest things to figure out. I don’t know if I am wanting a different position for comfort each night, or what. I have been sleeping on the couch since the surgery. It allows me to sleep upright much easier, and this is how I feel most comfortable. I have slept in my soft collar every night but one (and I try to keep it on about half the time during the day, just in case). My preferred sleeping position seems to be VERY elevated from the hip up, keeping my neck as straight as possible. This usually involves about 5+ pillows against the arm of the sofa. Normally, I am more of a side sleeper and have a difficult time sleeping on my back. So, sleeping in a recliner is out. I found that if I laid on my back in a recliner or against the elevated pillows, I would either frequently wake up because I was uncomfortable or because I am snoring. I am just following my instincts on sleeping for now, even though sometimes it takes me about an hour to get situated into a comfortable position.

Speaking has been different. The larynx is unable to move as freely because of the swelling, I assume, so higher pitched speaking has been impossible. It’s also been difficult to speak louder. I also seem to walk with my head down a bit if I’m not wearing my soft collar. It feels like my head weighs more than it did before surgery, and my shoulders could use a massage to relax a little. (Of course, the thought of someone pressing on my neck and shoulders at the moment makes me queasy, so I’ll just put that massage on hold for now.)

After removing the outer bandage, I noticed that my incision is covered by a few pieces of surgical tape – the kind with strings in it. I saw no stitches but some clear sticky stuff below the surgical tape, so I am assuming that my incision has been glued shut. This is my first experience with glue (and only my second surgical experience, my first being a tonsillectomy), so I am curious how this will go. I was told that I could remove my outer bandage on the 5th post-op day, but I am not allowed to remove the surgical tape over the glue. This should all be allowed to come off on its own.

I was given a prescription for Tylox 5-500mg capsules, a combination of Tylenol and oxycodone, to take 2 capsules every 6 hours as needed. I never took the maximum amount of pain medication, usually taking only 1 pill every 5-6 hours. Honestly, I never felt like I needed it. My last dose of tylox was the evening of the 3rd or 4th day. Just before bedtime, I sensed that the previous dose had worn off, so I took one to help me sleep that night.

Since stopping my pain meds, there has been discomfort, but it’s certainly nothing that has kept me awake or hampered my abilities in any way. There is still some discomfort swallowing, but it gets a tiny bit better every day. If I can settle into a comfortable sleeping position, I can sleep through the night and usually only wake up once…this has been the case for the past 3 nights. My neck and shoulders hurt, but I think it’s because I’m holding them in a tense position to try to keep my chin/face aligned with the center of my chest to avoid turning my head.

At one point, I wondered if I was “normal” in my recovery. So, I got online to read about the post-op experiences of other people. I found that most of them had procedures that were more involved than mine, for example, they included reparations/fusions including more than one disc/vertebrae and required more hardware. To be honest, these stories didn’t help me at all. In fact, they just scared me. I got the impression that I was reading the “worst case scenarios,” so I quit reading and decided to just pay attention to what my own body was experiencing. I’ve been much calmer since, and I find that I can notice my own healing a whole lot better when I’m only comparing MY current experiences to MY previous experiences. Don’t get me wrong – I think one should be fairly well educated, especially about surgical procedures and expectations. I just think that in this day and age of computer information availability, we can get too much of the wrong information just as easily as we can get the correct and helpful kind. I have decided that as long as I am better today than I was yesterday, I am happy and calm.

The time has passed quickly since the surgery, once I got through those first couple of days. I would definitely recommend that you have help for at least 2 days afterwards. Stock up on soft foods such as those listed above. Don’t try to yell or speak louder – keep the remote with the mute button nearby, along with the phone. And just know that as soon as you swallow something you’re trying your best to eat carefully, that phone is going to ring. J

If you have any questions or if something is unclear, please feel free to write me. I’m a no-surprises kind of person, and if I can help, I surely will.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

This was great. I had the operation 7 days ago and thought I would be leaving the hospital the day after. Nope! I was there for 2 more days. I also vomited - 3 times. Funny but now I am home and thank heavens for my best friend AND roommate (one in the same) who has been very (overly!) attentive. I only wish I had found this blog sooner. I am actually having more problems now than before but my Doctor reminded me of the swelling, etc. One of my biggest fears also became the possibility of choking. My friend went out one day and I thought "what if...?" But all seems to be fine now that my throat is opening up. My biggest wonder now is the incision scar. At the moment it is raised and looks like "a lip", so my friend said. I hope it goes down. That is what I was surfing for when I stumbled upon you. So, thank you again; so much for sharing. Hope you are doing well.
Michael

Kristy said...

I am 7 weeks post op and still unable to eat solid foods. I had an ACDF 4 years ago level C5-6, 6-7 from a rear end collision. I was rear ended again in March of this year. C4-5 disc was blown. My first surgery I missed 4 days of work and that was waiting for the doctor to say it was ok to drive. I am still unable to work. Just this typing exhausts me. I also love food. I have lost over 20 pounds.
As far as reducing the scar, plastic surgeons recommend Premarin Vaginal Cream. I used it the first time and it worked. I am using it again this time. Thanks for sharing your story.

Natalie said...

6/24/2012. Wanted to thank you for your post as your experience has been similar to mine. I'm four days post op also from c5/6 acdf. Pain is tolerable and pretty much manageable without medicine. I am having trouble both with sleeping position and ability to sleep for anything other than a few hours. Feeling confident overall and wanted to add an additional comment to help others with any fears. I also managed a day two shower by leaning back on my own with the same type of hose/shower. Thanks for sharing your story - still valuable advice years later!

Lael said...

Shelly, thank you so much for your post. I am scheduled for C5-7 fusion next week and am scared to death. Silly as I have had a lot of surgery in the past but I was not prepared for this at all.I know it will be ok but I think I am afraid of the pain after. I think I am fairly pain tolerant but for some reason this has me concerned. Your story helped me. Thanks again.

Unknown said...

Well,I had a two level disc removal on Tuesday 11/06/2012. C5-6 and C6-7. Everything went well. I went under at 10:30am and was awake by 2:00pm. I was able to talk normally and was in no pain just had a few problems swallowing dry food like bread and hamburger meat. I was releaed 11/07/2012 around 10:45. Still no pain or problems until I took a nap at home. I guess the morphine had finally wore off. I Woke up very stiff and felt like I couldn't swallow. Especially with the rigid collar on properly. Called the Dr. office and asked if I could take muscle relaxer with my pain medicine and they said yes... This has help tremendously and I had a hot shower on Friday and that made my muscles feel much better. Now today Saturday 11/10/2012, the muscle stiffness in upper and lower arms has gome away. Only top left shoulder is stiff with a little bit of numbness in my left fingertips. So 4 days post op and I'm feeling much better. Getting comfortable to sleep seems to be the most difficult and the stiff collar aggravates me alot. Found I could sleep halfway on my left side with lots of pillows and it is comfortable but still sleeping on the recliners in the living room. My head feels too heavy to lay flat down. This day has been the first day that I have been able to stay awake and move around for a few hours instead of just 15-30 minutes. I have been up since 10:30am and it is 1:28pm. Going to make some beef barley soup, attempt to get comfortable, and nap now. I will write some more later.

txlins said...

This is FANTASTIC!!! There is also a great POSITIVE video about someone's progress easy to find on you tube. I wish I heard more about the next few weeks. If you know of anyone who did a longer blog....I would love to see it. I go in Monday for acdf c5-c6.

Lizzie Christian said...

Hi there Shelly, I was just searching for post op ACDF recovery and nutrition and came across your inspiring blog which I read and by sharing your experiences on all levels will help considerably inspiring. As I have just being placed on the waiting list here over the Pond in the UK, so I am looking at this experience as a Journey and I know the Lord will bring me and my fiance through this time for sure. I have been waiting since May 2010 for this operation, after all the meds morphine and living in chronic nerve pain, like yourself, with I very little use of my left arm and little and ring fingers respectively, the chronic nerve pain and swelling in my neck at C5/6, C4/5. But the main problem is the C6 root nerve compressed between the dengerative and compressed Cervical discs. I thank the Lord that I found you and keep you in our prayers indeed. How has it been all these years since your ACDF? I think I am having a titanium cage placed where my C6 will be removed. I also thank the Lord for my beautiful man of God, heaven sent who is my fiance. And yes our puss cat Daisy May is our rock as the Lord. We have been discussing in getting some cosome made up and other I think like you I tend to listen to my body so will start putting things in place and packing a suitcase for when I receive my op date. I will also set up a blog site, I already have a blog in blogger, but also in wordpress.com will keep in touch, for sure. Blessings and Prayers Shelly, Love n big warm hugs Lizzie, Joshua and Daisy May Purrrrrr xxx

Karin said...

Liked the blog. Am 2 days post op from ACDF 1 level fusion between c6-c7. I am also having some pretty good anxiety over choking - it's nice to see that I'm not the only one who's dealt with this fear. I'm off the pain meds because the Percocet gives me a big fat migraine headache. In general, my symptoms prior to the operation (persistant weakness in L arm, numbness) is much better. Its actually the first time in 6 weeks I've been able to lay on my back without my arm hurting/spasms. But now my throat is so uncomfortable/feels like i'm choking I don't even want to lay down on my back/side. I'm hoping this will get better in the next few weeks. Thanks again for posting this information on your blog. It was great to read about someone who has had similar experiences.

Karin said...

Liked the blog. Am 2 days post op from ACDF 1 level fusion between c6-c7. I am also having some pretty good anxiety over choking - it's nice to see that I'm not the only one who's dealt with this fear. I'm off the pain meds because the Percocet gives me a big fat migraine headache. In general, my symptoms prior to the operation (persistant weakness in L arm, numbness) is much better. Its actually the first time in 6 weeks I've been able to lay on my back without my arm hurting/spasms. But now my throat is so uncomfortable/feels like i'm choking I don't even want to lay down on my back/side. I'm hoping this will get better in the next few weeks. Thanks again for posting this information on your blog. It was great to read about someone who has had similar experiences.

Jami said...

I am 11 days post-op acdf of c5/c6. Symptoms started on right side- numb, burning, stinging pain on neck and down the right arm. Now my left side is in extreme pain Dr said this is a possible side effect and that the nerves are going crazy trying to reconnect. I try to stretch out the pain medication but I am miserable in the process. Dr says now he wants me in physical therapy. Don't get me wrong. I am glad the right side is no longer in pain, just can't wait for a full recovery. I have a hard time sleeping at night and my family says I snore like crazy. My voice is also a little coarse. The scar on the front of my neck is looking great. I have been taking pictures of the progress. Well, just thought I was share my experience. Thanks for sharing yours!

Anne-Kristine said...

I am 5 years post 4 level ACDF and I choked on water so bad, the last few days, it came out of my nose!
That never happened before.
Feels like a golf ball in my throat.
I had a 2 level ACDF in 2007 and it eventually fell apart, and nobody believed me.
The MRI did not show wiggly screws but it showed jagged grafting and pseudarthrosis, which means the fusion did NOT fuse.(failed fusion)
I eventually kept whining and was sent to a different neurosurgeon. He said I needed the levels above done. When he went in to fuse those two levels, he saw that I was correct.
The first fusion fell apart and he had to take that all out and make one long 4 level ACDF.
I guess my bright purple throat was not a RED FLAG? Really?

Now my scar is turning bright red in one area and this choking has started.
I had a CT SCAN in May 2015 and it showed neural foraminal narrowing and spurring from C-2-C-6 and subluxation from T-1-C-7.
They do nothing...my tricep and bicep reflexes are abnormal and I drop everything.
My gait is like I am drunk.
The EMG study was POSITIVE for radiculopathy in my left arm.
I do not know what to say or do to get somebody to address this.
CHOKING 5 years later with this new bright red spot and the tightness/spasms, are so severe, I can barely speak.
I cannot even get the neurosurgeon to call me back....meaning anyone on staff that handles immediate issues.
I guess this must be nothing to worry about?
Liquids pouring out of my nose, and they do not respond.
If this is healthcare then I have no-care insurance.
The first fusion was drunk driver related. The cops let her walk and the highway was closed for 2 hours. There was no lawsuit because she refused the sobriety test, and they allowed her to just say, I am too upset.
Whatever...that trooper ended up with 6 weeks UNPAID suspension.
All I got was an apology letter and a pile of medical bills.
Suing your own car insurance, does not mean health insurance will cover all of it.
My attorney was a lying puke.
Welcome to America where lawsuits are for the rich and connected.
There really is no justice. That is an illusion.

Unknown said...

Hi there so many messages I went In on sat morning 15/5/21 i had to travel to Sheffield 66 miles away fm home that in itself was difficult no visitors allowed I stayed in 24 hours in hospital had to travel bk to my home town I have to say the swallowing is my worse part feeling like I'm been strangled if I try to lie flatter It feels tighter in my throat i too sleep on my side so I'm cracking up the aching on both shoulders like the weight if the world um making myself get up and sit on end of bed try to do my little excersise the stiffness is bad manage a wash in the sink 8am today and stayed propped up on sofa till gone 5pm I am now on my bed dying for a good meal and a sleep mine was c5 c6 also I had a ACDF I did smoke so day 5 nicotine free too but I have faith and determination I will get some life bk ths has stole fm me for many years I could do less and less i intend to live everyday the best I can any question plz ask away I will answer anything mentally and physically best of luck to you all xxx