Has anyone had ACDF/Discectomy & Spinal Fusion surgery?

[nurseblue]

Has anyone had this surgery? I’m a potential candidate for this is have large herniated discs in C5-6 & C7-8.

My Neurosurgeon said that first option would be a nerve block of pain wasn’t improving (it isn’t) but I feel this would only help pain and wouldn’t sort out the problem itself.

I’m a 30 year old young woman, a nurse and a hopeful mother to be in the near future. I dread the thought of leaving the career I’ve worked too hard on, and also can’t bear the thought of not being able to carry a pregnancy due to my back being as bad as it is (my back is in a BAD way, and it’s more than just the above discs that are herniated, but those are the ones causing the main pain)

Any advice would be amazing.

Thanks everyone 🥺

[Ilmoran]

Hi I have had L4/L5 discectomy plus fusion it was after a fall, it's been a long battle with further op's (total of 5 ) I now have a spinal cord stimulator for the pain caused by scar tissue.

See a pain specialist I can recommend the guys at Tommy's London they have made my life less painful.

I feel your pain so stay positive and hope you have understanding people around you.

[Sonic2016]

Hi,I had this surgery because of herniated discs C5/C6. It made a massive change to the quality of my life. I was in chronic pain before the surgery. Every case is different but it worked for me. If you go ahead with it I wish you luck.

[Sdpage]

Hi it’s the worse pain ever and I’m so sorry your getting it. I woke up one day with a pain in my left leg that got worse. Pain was so bad that all I could do was walk and I could not go to the toilet. I could not sit down or lay down. I was rushed to hospital with a herniated S1 and S2 disks and Corina equina. . They operated straight away. They removed both disks but I was only the first of 7 more operations. Pain does get better and promise I you that. Your back will never be the same again because it’s weaker and certain times it will get painful plus stiff. I spent 2 years in physio because it really does help. your young and your be nursing again but just not able to do any lifting. I wish you well and chin up it will get better.

[Neckback]

I have had ACDF anterior cervical discectomy and cage plate fusion surgery in those areas, I also had a nerve block before surgery, so shoot away with any questions you have...

[Binky68]

Is your pain in your arms? I’ve been offered this surgery but am avoiding as multi level disc surgery can create more problems later on . I had a massive flair up because I literally looked the wrong way, was off work for 6 months. Tramadol cured my pain and I’ve been pain free for 12 months. I’m very careful about turning my head when driving etc and no heavy lifting . You need a RA at work to say no lifting

[DesertDeuces]

I had that surgery, about 20 years ago. So far, so good. Unfortunately for me I have osteoarthritis there too, so I still have pain. But the pain is not from the surgery. After a while I got good range of motion in my neck. I was able to drive my car shortly after surgery. If you have a good surgeon, there's no reason to be worried about it. I would recommend looking up his credentials and see if he has had complaints. Also helpful would be to read the comments his patients have made about him.

[RH72]

Hi, I have a disc out at c5-6 with impingement on the nerve. Totally understand your pain. Have been in pain for last 6 weeks which was unbearable. They kept telling me it was muscular until I told them I could not take it anymore. MRI confirmed diagnosis. Currently on pregablin 150mg twice a day, Palexia 50mg sr twice a day, vimovo twice a day and paracetamol 500mg two twice a day and pain still not going away completely. Have managed to get appointment to see orthopedic doctor next week, fingers crossed he can get me out of pain. Unable to do anything.

[debbiejayn in reply to RH72]

Hi..hate to jump on the bandwagon but I have new back issues and trying new tablets to control pain.. About 3 yrs ago I managed to fall spectacularly a d land with my spine on the kerb stone.I had a compressed fracture at t6..It healed ok and didnt have any problems until a couple of months ago when twisting a spade in the garden .and literally feeling something "go"..Its left me with a deep bone pain in t6 area and muscle pain down right side..It eases for a week or so then ramps up massively..better when I wake up and gradually worsens as the day goes on..feel my arms are weaker and almost affects breathing..Had a zoom call with Physio who thinks I may have further moved my fracture..Anyway I'm on pregablin and just been given Naproxen to try..Cant take amtriptyline due to glaucoma so just waiting to see if new tabs work..Having MRI soon..I really hope you get your pain sorted..its so debilitating..Good luck..

[RH72 in reply to debbiejayn]

Hi, thanks hoping I get it under control soon. Oh no it doesn’t sound like your having much luck with your back. The MRIs are really good and normally show what exactly the problem is. Good luck and hopefully you get your pain under control and also see what is happening soon.

[debbiejayn in reply to RH72]

Thankyou.currently watching tv with an ice pack on my back..I find it's not too bad when I wake but gradually as I do thing it gets worse..Anyway thanks again..D.

[RH72 in reply to debbiejayn]

Totally understand he you feel. I’m the same use ice and hot packs and as soon as I start to do anything the pain kicks in. Take care