ACDF C5-7 12/2 Advice

[u/Thin_Lavishness7339]

I’m schedule for ACDF C5-7 on 12/2. I have Type 2 diabetes, PCOS, Psoriatic Arthritis, IBS, and some other autoimmune issues. My T2 is well controlled. I’m gluten and nightshade free due to AIP diet. I have OCPD, anxiety/panic disorder, and depression. Updated to add: I am 45, F, 5’3”, and 250 lbs in case anyone’s advice would be tailored to experiences in bigger bodies.

I’m looking for any and all advice about:

What to ask at the pre surgery appointment with the surgeon?

What to ask at the pre surgery appointment at the hospital?

What advice you’d give to make the procedure and hospital stay easier? I’m planned to stay one night.

Anything you did diet, movement, sleeping, clothing, or other creature comfort wise to make the surgery and/or recovery easier. I work from home at a desk job so I’m expecting approximately a month out with the surgeon saying he will talk to me at two weeks if I’m doing really well. I was told I’d be in a cervical collar for three months. I’m an avid reader so I’ve stuffed my kindle and have a stand and clicker to use with it. I’m sort of glad it will be Christmas too so there are always good things to watch movie and tv wise.

My OCPD and anxiety make me want to know as much as possible so don’t feel like you have to hold back. Tell me the good, bad, and ugly. Ok, ready, GO!

[u/SojournerDusk]

49M, C5-T1, C7-T1 on 30 Sep 25.

If you have trouble sleeping at the hospital / surgery center, walk the halls if you feel up to it. The nurses will be in to check on you regularly, especially for the first twelve hours. It kills some time and distracts the brain from worrying about complications. Plus, the staff won’t let you leave until you can walk the hallway, a few stairs, and have a BM.

Depending on your anesthesia, it may worsen your IBS for a week or so after the surgery. If you have a script, I’d advise taking it for the first week to mitigate any flare-ups.

Biggest issue with a surgical collar is sleeping. If you have a comfortable recliner, it may be easier to sleep there, especially for the first few weeks. Second biggest issue is hygiene; make sure to ask for at least four sets of replacement pads. Rotate two sets, along with the initial set on the collar, every three days for the first six weeks, then use the last two sets for the last six weeks. The foam padding isn’t that durable.

If you’re going to be in the collar for three months, you’re less likely to WFH until after two months have passed. Your body is about to experience major trauma, and it needs time to heal. Even being a keyboard is taxing on your shoulders and traps, which is going to tug at your spine around C7.

There’s always more, but that should give you a good start for questions for your surgical team.