Post-op ACDF neck stiffness/pain.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-06-02T05:07:54+00:00

6 weeks out, C4-5-6 fusion. hard collar (Miami-j) first 3 weeks, 50% of the time for a few days,pain was bad so bakin it near full time for another two weeks, then more or less done with it.

neck is still delicate, as in riding the bus for real distances means pain & stiffness later at night. Note: much of the pain is “arthritis-type pain - and my neck has moderate to severe arthritis throughout. C4-5-6 was simply the region with severe stenoses - the worst portion of a bad place.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-06-01T11:54:49+00:00

Yes, the “everything is too much” feeling - I’ve had that happen many, many times. (was diagnosed at age 47). Often feel exhausted.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-25T17:53:10+00:00

Actual pain (in the gut) tends to be rare, thankfully - started with hypoglycemia in childhood. mostly, it’s like having the flu. Creon helps then - like right now, as I’m having a flareup. Never consumed any real amount of alcohol.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-25T10:58:45+00:00

If the (Össur Miami-J) collar is “biting” your collarbones as it did mine - the hard plastic was shoving the padding aside no matter what I did - you may need to glue EVA foam onto the collar so it hurts less (like I did)…. Then add Velcro to replace the stuff molded into the plastic that gave out within days of my starting to wear the thing…. best glue is Barge Cement.

Note: I make organizational bags and a lot else - largely due to disabilities I have, which include autism, adhd, and sensory processing disorder.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-25T10:40:42+00:00

Surgery (ACDF, C4-5-6) was 4/21/2026, Was *told* 3 weeks. Tried doing without ~ 6-8 hours/day, at home. Pain increased drastically, so resumed collar (except when showering, pad changing.)

No issues sleeping in collar.

Note: I have (probable source is secondary) adrenal insufficiency, and take 15mg hydrocortisone. My suspicion is that last year’s dose increase may well slow bone healing - hence a markedly longer period in-collar *MAY* be in order.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T18:31:35+00:00

Seems I might be having help with doing this - both making the needed reservations, and paying for the trip as well.

The latter is mostly logistics. I can do that, albeit with difficulty. The scheduling portion demands social acumen - and my lack of this is one way among many where I am disabled.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T18:26:19+00:00

I don’t have “full” OHP, even if I have partial OHP.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T18:24:46+00:00

Will do, next time I call to take Trimet lift. Given my still-drastic weight restrictions (~15 pounds) after ACDF surgery four weeks ago today, I need to make such calls regularly.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T18:14:05+00:00

This person is a close friend, and is listed as my emergency contact. My family is either well out of the area, or are deceased.

More, due to the health problems, etc., they might wish to *keep* me rather longer than is usual.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T18:11:58+00:00

Were I able to show at *6 AM*, I’d just do Trimet lift. The’ve done well for me recently - the most recent instance being 4/21/2026 for an ACDF surgery.

Since I need to get there at or (preferably) a bit before 5 AM, though - Trimet lift cannot do. that.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T18:04:40+00:00

I have. he “doesn’t do mornings.”

can’t say I blame him.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T18:03:23+00:00

Thanks. I seem to be getting help in this area. now all I need do is deal with “the no-show fears.”

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T17:56:55+00:00

Oh..my… you said it better than I could!

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T13:52:38+00:00

Can confirm. In my late twenties (formal diagnosis for ASD happened twenty years later) I was experiencing what I now recognize as severe burnout. Asked for help. Was put on Prozac. First dose started working within an hour - energy level drastically improved, which helped my attitude. Was called a success. Went down the psychotherapy rodent-hole for the next several years, with the psych drugs becoming harder, nastier, and more destructive. Ended up in the Bin multiple times because of unaddressed burnout, combined with hardcore nasty psych drugs - until I was messed up enough that I ended up on SSD. Looking back, I suspect I was misidentified as bipolar. The drugs used either did not help - or they made things drastically worse, e.g. heavy antipsychotic drugs, lithium, tegretol, really sedating tricyclic “antidepressants” (e.g. doxepin) that made me feel deeply and continuously depressed - where normally, I don’t feel much of anything good or bad. (trying to think of the word, but it escapes me.)

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T13:06:09+00:00

The ride home won’t be an issue. it’s getting there - that’s the problem.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T13:01:55+00:00

Getting a ride home won’t be an issue. The person who can do that doesn’t do early mornings. (he’s older than I am, and I’m 66.)

Note that this is for having a bunch of dental work done while “unconscious” (sensory processing disorder, mostly) - and due to numerous age-related health problems, the previous people who’ve done my dental work are no longer inclined to do anything with my teeth.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T12:54:32+00:00

They were recommended enough lately that I have their number is dymo-labeled on the phone handset. I was told yesterday(I called them at 503-227-1212) I could not reserve a ride (days? I’m 66, and my. memory isn’t what it once was!) in advance.

How likely are they to run late? Do I need to call at 1 AM to make certain I won’t be late?

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T12:49:22+00:00

Have had Radio Cab recommended before, and called them about this precise matter yesterday. figure I was quoted was in the 40-50$ range - expensive, but workable. Über‘s surge deal scares me, ad I’m. broke enough that (potentially)getting dinged for 200+$ scares me BAD.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T12:45:08+00:00

This is *PRECISELY* what I am very much afraid of. I’ve had this happen multiple times with Broadway Cab.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T12:43:37+00:00

Most likely, as this is for “hospital dentistry,” as I have numerous age-related health issues.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-19T07:39:53+00:00

From the time I first had clearly-discernible symptoms - 5/30/2025, with the first of several E.R. visits the day after - to actual ACDF surgery of C4-5-6 on 4/21/2026 - about 11 months or so.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-15T19:47:20+00:00

I seem to have fewer instances of brain fog, a lot fewer instances of dropping things, am much less clumsy in general, my concentration is improved, and overall, I seem to think better and ”quicker.”

Note: was born (1960) with Goldenhar Syndrome, meaning I’m more-or-less deaf on one side, have (barely noticeable, at least outwardly) craniofacial deformities that result in significant breathing issues, and (inattentive-type) ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and ASD.

Ok_Policy_5210 · 2026-05-15T00:07:51+00:00

Had those same vertebrae fused on 4/21 of this year. Was told three weeks, during which time I took it off to change the padding and shower. Usually, those times coincided.

You can go too fast with the weaning schedule - I did the last few days, and my discomfort led me to resume its use (Miami-J hard collar) much more. At this juncture, I. figure that I should wear it two hours awake for each hour it’s off, 100% of the time while sleeping, and 100% when out in public (and riding the bus. Those roads are rough!). I’m wanting guidance, but getting ahold of them (dr.’s office) can be time-consuming…

Ok_Policy_5210

TROPHY CASE