I am 74 and have my C spine fused from C2-T1. I can still move my neck somewhat but had intolerable pain down both arms which the fusion eliminated. I would opt for restricted mobility over constant pain any day. . The fewer levels fused, the better motion will be. The healing time from surgery is short compared to living with a lifetime of pain. It only worsens with time if you do nothing. IMO. 83 isn’t too old if you’re active and reasonably healthy otherwise. It’s a tough decision but you will know when the time is right.
@retiredx3 Will you be seeking other opinions? There may be other factors that can affect the ability to heal after fusion surgery such as bone density and other health issues. It is worth asking other doctors if this is the case and if anything can improve your chances. Sometimes surgery isn't the best answer, and perhaps physical therapy can help ease symptoms a bit.
@retiredx3 Will you be seeking other opinions? There may be other factors that can affect the ability to heal after fusion surgery such as bone density and other health issues. It is worth asking other doctors if this is the case and if anything can improve your chances. Sometimes surgery isn't the best answer, and perhaps physical therapy can help ease symptoms a bit.
After 2 opinions with both being from same major medical school/provider, I will be seeking a 3rd opinion from a totally new doctor in a different organization. So far, no one evens considers PT an option. I'm at age 83, and previous to this debacle, have been very active in volunteering at 2 different places on a weekly basis. Currently all I see and hear is "your age".
After 2 opinions with both being from same major medical school/provider, I will be seeking a 3rd opinion from a totally new doctor in a different organization. So far, no one evens considers PT an option. I'm at age 83, and previous to this debacle, have been very active in volunteering at 2 different places on a weekly basis. Currently all I see and hear is "your age".
Just have to figure out which specialist, and find transportation to the other state. So tired of being told I'm toooooo old. Some people do keep active after 80.
Mine did not take. I went to see a different neurosurgeon and was told I should have had done a laminectomy done instead. This surgery has to be repeated every 10 years the ACDF. I have to have my esophagus regularly scoped and ballooned a known side effect. The ACDF press up against the esophagus, I had it start immediately after the surgery. It narrows the esophagus.Ask a lot of questions mine was due from a seizure it was not elective surgery.
My husband had it done May 2024. He's done better but still some shoulder pain and his voice is not as strong. He can't really yell or talk loud without straining. Other than that things are better than before. So sorry you didn't get the right surgery. I hope 10 years from now he doesn't have to have it again.
Thank you for your response. That’s reassuring and I’ll follow your recommendation about resting during recovery. I’m expecting my body will recommend that as well. Take care, Carol
My ACDF surgery (removal of C7, bone and spacer w/screws put in place) was last Wednesday, July 17th. I understood all went well. I stayed one night in the hospital, with IV painkillers, Tylenol and antibiotics, etc. and then went home, my choice, on Thursday afternoon. At home I've been on 2 Tylenol every 4 hours around the clock, and now I've changed it to 2 Tylenol every 5 hours. I haven't felt any pain since the surgery.
I haven't seen anyone mentioning, in these posts, that they're wearing a neck brace post surgery. I had one put on while I was still in recovery, and have been told to wear it 24/7 for 6 weeks. (I do get to take it off for brief 'breaks', however, and also for changing my dressings on my neck incision.) Six weeks will be a long time for the brace, but it should help the 'inside' fuse and heal faster, I've been told. My first appointment with my orthopedic surgeon is set for 6 weeks from the date of my surgery.
I'm definitely taking it easy at home, post surgery, as I pretty much have zero energy. I'm answering texts, going for an occasional walk, taking naps...and caring for my cat. My son (now caretaker) is able to be with me for 2 weeks and is doing an incredible job. (Note: I'm 80, will be 81 soon.)
My ACDF surgery (removal of C7, bone and spacer w/screws put in place) was last Wednesday, July 17th. I understood all went well. I stayed one night in the hospital, with IV painkillers, Tylenol and antibiotics, etc. and then went home, my choice, on Thursday afternoon. At home I've been on 2 Tylenol every 4 hours around the clock, and now I've changed it to 2 Tylenol every 5 hours. I haven't felt any pain since the surgery.
I haven't seen anyone mentioning, in these posts, that they're wearing a neck brace post surgery. I had one put on while I was still in recovery, and have been told to wear it 24/7 for 6 weeks. (I do get to take it off for brief 'breaks', however, and also for changing my dressings on my neck incision.) Six weeks will be a long time for the brace, but it should help the 'inside' fuse and heal faster, I've been told. My first appointment with my orthopedic surgeon is set for 6 weeks from the date of my surgery.
I'm definitely taking it easy at home, post surgery, as I pretty much have zero energy. I'm answering texts, going for an occasional walk, taking naps...and caring for my cat. My son (now caretaker) is able to be with me for 2 weeks and is doing an incredible job. (Note: I'm 80, will be 81 soon.)
So glad your surgery went well! I had acdfc3-c6 and wore a neck brace for the first six weeks too. I was also limited to lifting no more than 10 pounds during that time. My surgery was by a neurosurgeon but all the the instructions you were given were similar to mine. Different surgeons have different ideas about the need for the neck brace but I was grateful to have the protection it gave while my fusion was taking place. Sounds like you’re doing everything you can to facilitate your healing and I'm glad your son is there to help.
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neuro cervical spine doc tells me I'm too old for successful C5-6 ACDF procedure. I'm 83 and was active until now.
I am 74 and have my C spine fused from C2-T1. I can still move my neck somewhat but had intolerable pain down both arms which the fusion eliminated. I would opt for restricted mobility over constant pain any day. . The fewer levels fused, the better motion will be. The healing time from surgery is short compared to living with a lifetime of pain. It only worsens with time if you do nothing. IMO. 83 isn’t too old if you’re active and reasonably healthy otherwise. It’s a tough decision but you will know when the time is right.
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1 ReactionSecond opinion??
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1 Reaction@retiredx3 Will you be seeking other opinions? There may be other factors that can affect the ability to heal after fusion surgery such as bone density and other health issues. It is worth asking other doctors if this is the case and if anything can improve your chances. Sometimes surgery isn't the best answer, and perhaps physical therapy can help ease symptoms a bit.
After 2 opinions with both being from same major medical school/provider, I will be seeking a 3rd opinion from a totally new doctor in a different organization. So far, no one evens considers PT an option. I'm at age 83, and previous to this debacle, have been very active in volunteering at 2 different places on a weekly basis. Currently all I see and hear is "your age".
@retiredx3 I think an opinion at a facility completely separate from where your other doctors are is a good idea.
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1 ReactionJust have to figure out which specialist, and find transportation to the other state. So tired of being told I'm toooooo old. Some people do keep active after 80.
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1 ReactionMy husband had it done May 2024. He's done better but still some shoulder pain and his voice is not as strong. He can't really yell or talk loud without straining. Other than that things are better than before. So sorry you didn't get the right surgery. I hope 10 years from now he doesn't have to have it again.
My ACDF surgery (removal of C7, bone and spacer w/screws put in place) was last Wednesday, July 17th. I understood all went well. I stayed one night in the hospital, with IV painkillers, Tylenol and antibiotics, etc. and then went home, my choice, on Thursday afternoon. At home I've been on 2 Tylenol every 4 hours around the clock, and now I've changed it to 2 Tylenol every 5 hours. I haven't felt any pain since the surgery.
I haven't seen anyone mentioning, in these posts, that they're wearing a neck brace post surgery. I had one put on while I was still in recovery, and have been told to wear it 24/7 for 6 weeks. (I do get to take it off for brief 'breaks', however, and also for changing my dressings on my neck incision.) Six weeks will be a long time for the brace, but it should help the 'inside' fuse and heal faster, I've been told. My first appointment with my orthopedic surgeon is set for 6 weeks from the date of my surgery.
I'm definitely taking it easy at home, post surgery, as I pretty much have zero energy. I'm answering texts, going for an occasional walk, taking naps...and caring for my cat. My son (now caretaker) is able to be with me for 2 weeks and is doing an incredible job. (Note: I'm 80, will be 81 soon.)
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1 ReactionSo glad your surgery went well! I had acdfc3-c6 and wore a neck brace for the first six weeks too. I was also limited to lifting no more than 10 pounds during that time. My surgery was by a neurosurgeon but all the the instructions you were given were similar to mine. Different surgeons have different ideas about the need for the neck brace but I was grateful to have the protection it gave while my fusion was taking place. Sounds like you’re doing everything you can to facilitate your healing and I'm glad your son is there to help.
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