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C3-T2 PCDF Recovery observations

Posted by davidh71 @davidh71, Jun 25 9:59am

71yo male experienced weakening in RH (dominant hand) and zero pain prior to surgery. Was advised by (3) Surgeons that a C3-T2 PCDF was indicated. On 11/4/25 had a C3-T2 PCDF. While in recovery i needed to scratch my nose. When I attempted my R.. hand was a "rock on a string" it fell on my nose and broke the nose. I leaned both hands were useless (paresthesia an ataxia) The next 4 day in NICU followed by 3 weeks in inpatient rehab. At this point in time I can slowly type. I can not write, tie shoes, use a Knife an Fork. All drinks must be in cups with handles. The LH shows paresthesia but, the proprioception in the LH is gone. The RH still has a proprioception issue as well as ataxia. I am numb below my waist, however, no problems with urinary or fecal incontinence. I do have feeling in my feet on some days so it's "iffy" driving. PT/OT 2x/week since 12/1/25. Lower extremity EMG revealed no reflex and absent motor nerve conduction. The Upper extremities EMG shows slightly decreased motor response. Does this mirror anyone else's experience post C3-T2 PCDF? Two surgeons have stated it takes time but no statement as to duration. Thank you for your time

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Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | 8 hours ago
In reply to @michc56 "@lisalucier Today is sore upper right arm, and general fatique. Yesterday it was sharp quick pains..." + (show)
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@lisalucier
Today is sore upper right arm, and general fatique. Yesterday it was sharp quick pains in my upper thigh - at different times in each leg, I keep reading what I can find on the internet. These seem to be common enough post surgery.

My point is that I would expect the surgeon's team of RNs and PAs to provide more information on what I might experience. They take 5-10 minutes to review X-Rays for hardward positioning, measure my arm strength (press against their hands - so precise ha ha). Physical Therapy helped me over removal of neck brace to regain strength in neck and shoulder muscles so I could turn more freely. That was it!

I would like to know more about how nerves rejuvenate and how to maximize the recovery. Nadda.

Jump to this post

@michc56 You may be interested in this web page about nerve regeneration. Peripheral nerves can regenerate and grow 1 to 2 mm per day under optimal conditions.
https://asutahealth.org/how-damaged-nerves-can-heal-understanding-the-nerve-regeneration-process/
I also checked with my husband who had lost feeling in his pinky finger after removal of a skin cancer on his hand 6 years ago. He has regained feeling in the finger, but with a slight feeling of electric shock when touching it. That is improvement, but not back to perfect pre-surgical function. Other factors that affect pain are scar tissue and inflammation and surgery does create those. For scar tissue, there is a special physical therapy called myofascial release.

Here is our discussion where you can learn about myofascial release.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
I have done a lot of MFR work with a physical therapists before and after my spine surgery and it helped me a lot. I use techniques I have learned to so self-stretches and to release the re-occurring tightness of my surgical incision.

Right now, you are 4 months past your surgery if I read that right. That isn't a lot of time and doctors usually say it takes a year for complete healing. You may be having muscle spasms that are rotating your movable vertebrae if you are experiencing vertigo. I had that when my C1 and C2 were rotating on their own. It might be worth asking that question. A physical therapist should be able to help with that.

I know it can be frustrating, but healing takes patience and the belief that things will get better. If you believe you can do it, you have more energy directed toward your recovery.

Your thoughts about this?

REPLY
1 reply
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michc56 | @michc56 | 5 hours ago
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@michc56 You may be interested in this web page about nerve regeneration. Peripheral nerves can regenerate..." + (show)
Profile picture for Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor @jenniferhunter

@michc56 You may be interested in this web page about nerve regeneration. Peripheral nerves can regenerate and grow 1 to 2 mm per day under optimal conditions.
https://asutahealth.org/how-damaged-nerves-can-heal-understanding-the-nerve-regeneration-process/
I also checked with my husband who had lost feeling in his pinky finger after removal of a skin cancer on his hand 6 years ago. He has regained feeling in the finger, but with a slight feeling of electric shock when touching it. That is improvement, but not back to perfect pre-surgical function. Other factors that affect pain are scar tissue and inflammation and surgery does create those. For scar tissue, there is a special physical therapy called myofascial release.

Here is our discussion where you can learn about myofascial release.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
I have done a lot of MFR work with a physical therapists before and after my spine surgery and it helped me a lot. I use techniques I have learned to so self-stretches and to release the re-occurring tightness of my surgical incision.

Right now, you are 4 months past your surgery if I read that right. That isn't a lot of time and doctors usually say it takes a year for complete healing. You may be having muscle spasms that are rotating your movable vertebrae if you are experiencing vertigo. I had that when my C1 and C2 were rotating on their own. It might be worth asking that question. A physical therapist should be able to help with that.

I know it can be frustrating, but healing takes patience and the belief that things will get better. If you believe you can do it, you have more energy directed toward your recovery.

Your thoughts about this?

Jump to this post

@jenniferhunter
You are wonderful!!!
This is a direct encouragement with facts so I can understand my recovery.

From my Surgical team, they review my 6 and 12 week X-rays and confirm everything is where it should be. I agree with the surgical success.

Regarding specific recovery concerns I have they are only high level - takes time. The 6-weeks of PT I received helped my neck, shoulder and arm pains and stiffness. I’m okay with that.

The surgical team deflected the Vertigo to PCP and PT. They said it had nothing to do with my cervical spine surgery.

My frustration is I do not feel I have a single point of contact to connect the various journey points of my spinal stenosis. Surgery done! Next. Vitals good. Next. PT goals achieved. Next.

The past 2weeks I have given up on directions from medical teams and I will do the best I can to regain leg strength and live with other minor complaints.

Thank you again for input and suggestions

REPLY
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