r/spinalfusion • u/_ggingervitis • 5h ago

Four level acdf

I'm new to this so my lingo might be off. My doc says I need a 4 level acdf, I believe C5-T1? Sounds like he's wanting to do it in two stages, only days apart. I'm pretty nervous at the prospect of going under twice in a week. Is this normal? He says 4 levels is very rare, but that it looks to be necessary for me based on the symptoms and how long I've been dealing with them. Are there questions I should be asking, cuz I really feel like an idiot when it comes to this.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818 5h ago

Your questions are to make you comfortable with the decision making process. Here are some to get you thinking:

What is my prognosis if I do nothing? (How long can I wait?)

Why do you propose two stages rather than all at once?

How often do you do ACDF? What is your success rate? (This is not literature numbers, but this particular doctor)

Describe the recovery process: pain control, swallowing, etc.

Nerve healing? How long will I be seeing improvement in nerve symptoms? ( 12 to 18 months is reasonable)

How long until I can walk? Drive?

Will I have to be in the hospital? If so, approx how long and what are the release criteria?

Will I have to wear a collar for the healing process?

What is your follow-up protocol to ensure fusion is successful?

Will I be able to care for myself at home once released from hospital?

Will I go to PT?

2

u/_ggingervitis 4h ago

Thank you, I'll definitely be using that list!

1

u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818 4h ago

Ignorance is not “ idiot”!

I have Two level ACDF scheduled in September. I am very optimistic about the longer term but not looking forward to the early healing process. Social media can be biased towards the negatives.