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ACDF scheduled for Wed: How did you manage sleeping post-op?
Spine Health | Last Active: Mar 5, 2022 | Replies (31)Comment receiving replies
It has been about 10 days since my 3-level C3-C6 ACDF procedure. It has been rough, as you can see from my prior posts. But I know that it is still very early, and I think there is a small amount of light ahead.
Yesterday I had my first PT and I feel hopeful that it will help restore my right arm movement, which has already improved since the day after surgery.
I have really only taken about 3 Percocets (325mg) per day (at 8 hours or so), and want to cut that back to zero soon. Unfortunately, Extra Strength Tylenol does nothing for me. I wish I could try Ibuprofen but that is not allowed.
I have my 2 week followup with my surgeon next Thursday. It will be interesting to see how he views my situation.
Replies to "It has been about 10 days since my 3-level C3-C6 ACDF procedure. It has been rough,..."
@birdman518 Mitch, that is very good news... so you just keep on believing this is the beginning of your arm having a total recovery. My physical therapist just posted an article that says that patients who believe they will get better, do get better, and patients who believe they won't get better, don't. Your mind and beliefs are very powerful. This I know to be true from my own surgical experiences. I will be rooting for you all the way! It is a long recovery and that takes patience. You will get there. Thanks for the update!
Jennifer
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Yes it will get better… Hang in there! The worst part for me was the surgery recuperation. Like you, I did not take any ibuprofen and Tylenol didn’t help and I weaned myself off the OxyCodone with an appropriate amount of time because I did not want to have to deal with withdrawal. Everybody kept telling me though be sure to take your pain medication as it helps you to heal. So I did. The sore throat and difficulty swallowing was and still is a challenge but less of a challenge each day. I still take one 5 mg of baclofen and two Tylenol in the evening as it seems worse in the evening although it’s not bad. I plan to be off the baclofen this week. My surgery was December 2 so you see it does take time. I had many symptoms but I woke with the two major ones being relieved ( left thumb that was totally numb and I couldn’t walk a straight line as I was so off balance. ) But little by little the other symptoms are easing up. So thankful as I have had nine and a half years of shortness of breath upon minimal exertion and that seems to be getting better too!!! Hang in there. So happy for you that the arm seems to be better already !