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Have you seen improvement 15 month+ post ACDF for C3 -5 recovery?

Posted by jackwfrench @jackwfrench, Oct 15 8:02am

I had C3–C5 ACDF and posterior decompression/laminectomy for degenerative cervical myelopathy approximately 15 months ago. I still have hand numbness and stiffness, balance and walking limitations, and some upper-arm symptoms. I would like to hear specifically from people who were still symptomatic at 12–15 months after a similar operation. Did you experience meaningful additional improvement between 15 months and two or three years without another cervical operation? Which functions improved—hands, sensation, walking, balance or pain—and what rehabilitation were you doing?

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jackwfrench | @jackwfrench | Oct 15 8:09am

One additional factor in my situation is that two spine surgeons have recommended another cervical operation: posterior decompression and fusion extending through C6–C7 and C7–T1 and connecting with my existing upper cervical construct. I am trying to understand whether people in a similar situation continued to improve beyond 15 months without another operation, or ultimately required additional surgery.

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adele18 | @adele18 | Oct 15 8:21am
In reply to @jackwfrench "One additional factor in my situation is that two spine surgeons have recommended another cervical operation:..." + (show)
Profile picture for jackwfrench @jackwfrench

One additional factor in my situation is that two spine surgeons have recommended another cervical operation: posterior decompression and fusion extending through C6–C7 and C7–T1 and connecting with my existing upper cervical construct. I am trying to understand whether people in a similar situation continued to improve beyond 15 months without another operation, or ultimately required additional surgery.

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I have a herniated disc from C3 to C7, and my hands, feet, and legs are numb，Have your surgical symptoms improved after the surgery?

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steve161 | @steve161 | Oct 16 9:06am

I'm 80 and last year in August I fell backwards off a 30" high platform landing on my neck and left shoulder. The MRI indicated a crushed C4 disk and slight issues with C5-C7 disks along with a separate problem with the left wrist. During the next 2 months in a neck brace I had medium to severe pain events in shoulders and arms and different degrees of atrophy in the neck, shoulder and wrist muscles. ACDF surgery replaced the C4 disk and installed a titanium plate connecting C4-C7 eliminating most if not all medium to severe pain spikes in arms and shoulders. Months of deep muscle massages and stretching exercises has helped with minor nerve spikes and some numbness in both arms and hand. Today I continue with walking, strength and stretching exercises and have from time to time noticed slight improvements in stamina and strength issues. The numbness issues have decreased some but slight pain in hands still persists. I weaned myself off the Gabapintin last spring and found a CBD cream that is helpful in releaving me of that pain in my hands for a few hours, just enough to get to sleep. Sounds like we've had some some similar experiences. One note, I have mostly returned to my list of things like gardening, home repairs, farming, cooking and baking chores that I enjoy. Good luck with your journey...

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adele18 | @adele18 | Oct 17 4:11am
In reply to @steve161 "I'm 80 and last year in August I fell backwards off a 30" high platform landing..." + (show)
Profile picture for steve161 @steve161

I'm 80 and last year in August I fell backwards off a 30" high platform landing on my neck and left shoulder. The MRI indicated a crushed C4 disk and slight issues with C5-C7 disks along with a separate problem with the left wrist. During the next 2 months in a neck brace I had medium to severe pain events in shoulders and arms and different degrees of atrophy in the neck, shoulder and wrist muscles. ACDF surgery replaced the C4 disk and installed a titanium plate connecting C4-C7 eliminating most if not all medium to severe pain spikes in arms and shoulders. Months of deep muscle massages and stretching exercises has helped with minor nerve spikes and some numbness in both arms and hand. Today I continue with walking, strength and stretching exercises and have from time to time noticed slight improvements in stamina and strength issues. The numbness issues have decreased some but slight pain in hands still persists. I weaned myself off the Gabapintin last spring and found a CBD cream that is helpful in releaving me of that pain in my hands for a few hours, just enough to get to sleep. Sounds like we've had some some similar experiences. One note, I have mostly returned to my list of things like gardening, home repairs, farming, cooking and baking chores that I enjoy. Good luck with your journey...

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@steve161 Thank you so much!I haven't found a doctor yet, and I don't know which one to look for to see my cervical spine and hand？

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robn3 | @robn3 | Oct 17 9:57am

You definitely need a neurosurgeon!!! Have had 2 on my cervical, one with a neurosurgeon one with ortho. I have spinal stenosis too and you need a neurosurgeon. Many blessings to you!

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adele18 | @adele18 | Oct 17 3:41pm

I am new one in this website,I am very helpless.Who can help me?....I feel like I can't live anymore.....

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adele18 | @adele18 | Oct 18 6:02pm

My fingers are severely numb and have difficulty bending，I don't know whether I should undergo surgery？I am worried about having post-operative complications...Who can help me？

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