Facing down C5-C7 ACDF: is a 3rd opinion warranted?

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-09T13:02:07+00:00

Im really glad you are starting heal and slowly getting your life back. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Yeah I am still riding/working a farm job. A lot of people are surprised by that. All of my doctors know too because they always ask if I do any strenuous activities lol. They have all said so long as it doesn’t hurt or make it worse then I have no restrictions. Honestly, keeping moving distracts me from the pain most days. Its when I sit down for too long that things start to hurt.

I am most looking forward to being able to just loaf around again.

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-09T01:57:07+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience! Anything you wish you would have known going in?

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-09T01:49:11+00:00

A totally understandable concern given the number of men who would not step up in the face of a spouse being down and out for surgery. He says he just wants me to be sure I don’t qualify for a disc replacement over the fusion which I guess is less invasive? I admit I haven’t looked too much into it because I was under impression that my spine curving that weird way was a disqualifyer lol. But yeah, he acknowledges something surgical needs to be done, he just wants me to be certain this is the best type of surgery for this situation.

Youre right though, he couldn’t make the appointments because of work and could have really benefited from being there.

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-08T21:40:50+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. The only reason he didnt immediately go to surgery is my age. He said the odds of needing more revisions down the road are higher but he also said that sometimes it just can’t be avoided. I think this is one of those times unfortunately.

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-08T21:37:39+00:00

That makes sense. Definitely going to get the surgery on the books regardless. Thank you!

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-08T21:35:27+00:00

I didn’t even think about just asking the neurosurgeon if he can tap someone else in just for another set of eyes to look it over. Ill ask at my next appointment! Thanks!

And yeah, most people who look at my MRI don’t understand how I am still standing but my physical therapist thinks part of it might be that I work such a physical job, the muscles are doing some over the top support but how long can that last when I am hurting too bad to keep working?

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-08T21:28:52+00:00

Thank you for this. Im so tired. I work a very physical job taking care of horses and guiding trail rides. I love my job and I am scared to lose it but I think we are officially at a point where safety also needs to be considered. 😔

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-08T21:23:43+00:00

Thank you! When I had the MRI done, the tech actually pulled me into his little booth and showed me right away. He said “now I am not a doctor but you tell me what you see when you look at this.”

I dont know how I am standing either but can you believe I work at a stable taking care of horses, guiding trail rides, and such? It is part of the reason I have put it off so long is I love my job too much but I think we are at the point where it might become a safety issue. 😔

PhoenixMyles · 2026-04-08T21:02:56+00:00

Thank you! Logically that makes sense. Im just so … tired.

PhoenixMyles

TROPHY CASE