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ACDF post-op question
First Dr. Tran, thank you for taking the time to answer people's questions. These types of injuries are all unfortunate, and at times, so is the treatment. Three months ago I was diagnosed with 2 herniated disks, C6 & C7. Surgery was the only option for me, due to extreme loss of muscle in left arm. I had the acdf with allograft and titanium plate. It has been 5 weeks since my surgery and I feel wonderful. I am no longer taking any meds and I have full use and function of my left arm, with no pain. Just minor swallowing hesitation, but I feel like that will ease with time, and for me, it is a small price to pay to regain my life back. I feel for all of the people who have to deal with any type of back/spinal injury, pain, or problem. There are alot more people with these injuries than I ever could've imagined. I know from reading some of your previous answers that you are pro-conservative treatment vs. surgery, where warranted. Surgery was a tough decision for me, because realistically, I could have other future issues. But to me, I would rather have 10 good years of using my arm and feeling no pain, vs. 20 of horrible pain and loss the use of my arm. I have 3 kids and a husband, and hobbies.......I feel lucky to have such a wonderful surgeon, and just that everything went so well, and that I feel good now. I don't know how long it will last, so my question to you is how can I futher safe guard my neck/back? What type of exercises should I be doing to really be easy yet strengthen by neck/back. My Dr. said I could pretty much do anything, and I do not need any PT, but honestly, he is not the one with the injury, and I am wanting to more cautiously protect this area. Thank you for reading, and for all of the advice to others. It is extremely beneficial as well as theraputic to know that we are all not alone.
Sincerely
-- Lori
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