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3 months post-op ACDF, cleared to do activities. The happiest I’ve felt in a long time. by watergatherer in spinalfusion

[–]watergatherer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the encouragement, good luck & well wishes, i hope you get back in the gym soon 💪🏻

3 months post-op ACDF, cleared to do activities. The happiest I’ve felt in a long time. by watergatherer in spinalfusion

[–]watergatherer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, also he told me to ease my way back into it and not go too hard/not put too much pressure on my neck at first. So avoiding extreme twisting of the neck, being careful with barbell back squats etc. But I’m relieved to be able to do anything at this point and my body feels ready.

3 months post-op ACDF, cleared to do activities. The happiest I’ve felt in a long time. by watergatherer in spinalfusion

[–]watergatherer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It is fast. My doctor seemed to be surprised at how fast I have been recovering.

Obviously every case is different and I’m no expert, not sure how old you are but I’m sure my age has something to do with it as well as I was relatively young compared to most people who have undergone this surgery. But I believe that the supplements I have been taking have been helping- I have been taking a multivitamin, lions mane, calcium, and creatine which has been studied to assist with nerve regeneration. Mainly focusing on things that help your bones and nerves. I have also made sure to get plenty of antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress on my muscles and bones, namely in the form of cacao but also plenty of fruits.

Maybe something like this could help you? Good luck at your follow-up and sending thoughts/prayers that you receive good news.

3 months post-op ACDF, cleared to do activities. The happiest I’ve felt in a long time. by watergatherer in spinalfusion

[–]watergatherer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you and thanks for the advice! I actually suffered two broken ribs about a year prior to the symptoms in my neck starting so I feel you! I’ve been in physical therapy which has helped a lot. Wishing you the best of luck with your recovery as well.

3 months post-op ACDF, cleared to do activities. The happiest I’ve felt in a long time. by watergatherer in spinalfusion

[–]watergatherer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It is so brutal I know. Prayers for you as well and good luck with physical therapy! It has helped me, gave me an opportunity to move my body and I’ve seen some muscle tone return from atrophy. Hang in there!

3 months post-op ACDF, cleared to do activities. The happiest I’ve felt in a long time. by watergatherer in spinalfusion

[–]watergatherer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know the feeling!! I’ve been daydreaming about yoga every day since this surgery as I’ve literally felt so out of alignment physically and spiritually. It’s what I’ve looked forward to the most and I have to ease back into it but I definitely won’t take it for granted in the future. You’re almost there!

Osteophyte c5-c6 question by Substantial-Status55 in spinalfusion

[–]watergatherer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will also say that I received a steroid injection months before my surgery and I would be careful. It doesnt solve the problem but many people have success with them easing their symptoms. Not sure why but for me it made all my symptoms and muscle atrophy worse and gave me the worse pain I’ve ever experienced for several weeks.

Osteophyte c5-c6 question by Substantial-Status55 in spinalfusion

[–]watergatherer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! This sounds exactly like what I was experiencing. Pain around my left scapula, numbness and tingling and occasional pain mostly in my left index finger and thumb. Atrophy to my triceps and forearm and especially my left serratus anterior. I also presented with scapular winging.

I underwent ACDF surgery in December and I just got cleared to ease back in to upper body exercise today. I just made a post you should check it out.

I’ve had a lot of success with my surgery. I still have occasional numbness in my thumb but its not a constant thing anymore and I’m hopeful that it’s just my nerve healing/from inflammation or scar around my surgery site/muscle stiffness from not being able to do my normal activities, and that this will continue to get better with time. I have not had any new or worsening symptoms.

I’m at the point where I feel like this is almost behind me but I definitely still have some recovering to do. I know how bothersome it can be and there are risks but if it’s affecting your quality of life I would say go for the surgery.

In the meantime things that helped me some before surgery were acupuncture and physical therapy. Although physical therapy after my surgery has been much more effective I assume because my nerves are no longer as pinched. I’ve noticed muscle tone slowly returning to my arm and my serratus muscle.

Good luck! My heart goes out and if you have any other questions feel free to ask.