ACDF Surgery 1 Year Update -Does it take a year? (Update 3)

I made this video one year post Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery for those who wanted an update. Thanks so much for your support and well wishes!

Some things I found helpful with my recovery:

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[imveryhungry]

Thank you for being honest about the procedure. Some people dont need to make a decision about.the surgery because their pain is absolutely unbearable, or they are facing paralysis. But for most people the surgery is elective. And its important for us patients to really understand what were getting into.

[susiebaker]

Thank you for sharing this. It is very helpful. I had my second ACDF fusion surgery in December 2024. I am five months post op. My first was in 2010.C5-C7 and recovery went pretty smoothly. This time it was another two level fusion. C3-C5 with some stenosis repair. I have been very frustrated with how long I have continue to deal with pain. It’s not as bad as before my surgery and it definitely was better right after my surgery, but the muscle tightness and pain in my neck, traps, in between my shoulder blade has been very frustrating. Like you said there are some good days and some bad just when I think that I’m really starting to make great progress and get back to normal, I overdo it or sleep wrong or something and I’m hurting again. My surgeon hasn’t been great with communication and checking up on me which has also frustrated me. This does give me hope that maybe I will be OK ultimately

[melaniecarlson]

I had this yesterday, the pain is horrible! Equal to stabbing with an ice pick in your shoulder blades. Good luck to all having this! I watched so many of these, people saying no pain. And I have a pretty great pain tolerance. Thanks for this I wish I would’ve watched you first.

[mancello]

I hope you're feeling better these days. You have a beautiful soul.

[SandraAnnEvans]

THANK YOU FIR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH COMPLETE HONESTY. HOPE YOU ARE MUCH BETTER NOW.

[ecinaz]

Glad you're doing well. I recently had the same level (c6 c7) on March 3. I joined an acdf group on Facebook. Some people have insanely successful recoveries, but I think that most people take a while to heal. Maybe not a year, but certainly more than the people claiming they're better than ever 2 weeks after surgery. That sounds like bs to me, like putting on a happy face for social media. I'm one month post op, and while I don't think surgery hurt me, I don't know how much it has helped me either. Time will tell.

[ArabellaGrindstaff]

Glad you’re doing well! Congrats on 100 videos!

[irinadanieva]

Hello! I am 8 months out 2 levels C567, still have pain in my shoulders en upper back, but since a couple of months I have burning filling in my hands, tingling and a little bit numbness in my fingers. I worry a lot about nerves in my arms, hopefully it get better. I do have a appointment with my surgeon in a few weeks

[georgannmartin-kumm]

Glad you are doing better, neck surgery is never a quick fix. Keep your chin up and blessings to you.🤗

[lph]

Thanks for the video. I’m 6 months post c4-c6 ACDF and pain comes and goes. You’re absolutely right, the recovery has been tough. I’m 53 and had bi lateral hip replacement 10 years ago, recovery was much easier. Hope you’re feeling better.

[jbaggettful]

So happy to see your update and positive progress. Your honesty and humor is appreciated especially when we see those that are superhuman as you mention and bounce back in a short period of time. Still dealing with discomfort at 3 months but feeling better every day and testimonials like yours give hope and optimism for the future. Thank you again for sharing your experience 🙏

[AmandaGaines-rt]

Thankyou. I had surgery 9 weeks ago (c5-6) and i still get tired. Which is why i was googling. Its so reasuring to know its normal. Thanks again x

[jking]

Wow I respect her honesty and telling both sides of the story

[fmcia]

Glad you are doing much better! You sound happy! I totally can relate to you. My first ACDF surgery experience was horrible and the Dr never explained realistic expectations of what was coming. I am 2 weeks post revision surgery for my C6-C7 ACDF and the experience has been very different. Still have some pain but able to manage it better. Praying we are pain free soon! As you said, nobody really understands the pain associated with this surgery unless yours e gone thru it! God bless🙏❤

[veronicamamiful]

I had my ACDF surgery in March and I still have some pain. I have good days and bad days but they told me it takes a year and a half for a full recovery. I have the best doctor in CT . He is absolutely wonderful and he did an excellent job. I hope as time goes on I will be completely pain free. Thank God it’s not as bad as before the surgery. Praise Jesus I’m still here .

[brink]

I had it done and the pain was gone the next morning. It's been 3 weeks, and my throat is still sore, but the excruciating pain in my neck, shoulder, and right arm are gone! I'm 56 and I feel better than I have in years. Toughen up Nancy!!

[deborahreeves]

I’m 4 months out and still in pain. You’re right about good and bad days. I’m trying to take it one day at a time

[mildredgrossman]

I have been very fortunate....I had this done at four has been successful....only minor discomfort due the neck being fused and
and loosing some mobility of the neck.

[sweetsunshineplaytime]

I got approved to have level 2 ACDF surgery this week. I am anticipating relief.

[debbieeagan]

Thank you for your information. I had my surgery almost 3 months ago and thought I made a wrong decision to have surgery. I had 2 Disks replaced and am a little older. My pain is still there and may have a day or two OK, but shoulder, upper back and some neck pain still persists. I hope in a year most of that will be gone. Thank you for being open.