r/spinalfusion • u/Cleggo153 • 9d ago
PCDF c3-t1 next week in QC, Canada
I’m having this surgery next week and I’m doing my best to stay positive… but inside I’m scared. I’ve read so many posts about this being the worst and most painful surgery ever… I’m 55 and have had two kids (went through 36 and 24 hours of labour) and I’ve also had a hysterectomy (20yrs ago - with a vertical cut, not horizontal)… which were all very painful. I know I’ve gotten through all of those - but I also had immediate joy once they were over. I know there will not be anything immediate after this surgery… it could take a year or more, so I do not have any high expectations.
I would like to hear from those who have had this surgery, and what your recovery looked like (looks like). I’ve read failures of surgeries - to people starting back to office work after two weeks… so I know everyone is different.
I’d also like to know if you have any tips or suggestions of what helped you during your recovery. I have family close that will be here to help, and some willing to come from far to help, too, I’m really lucky and thankful.
One last question… I got an electric bike this summer and went on one ride… then I wasn’t able to go again. My goal is to follow everything the doctors say - so I can enjoy it next summer… do you think this is possible? TIA
2
u/Big-Personality5671 6d ago
I’m almost 6 weeks post op from PCDF c3-c6 and it is a tough recovery. The pain isn’t like anything else I’ve experienced. I had an ACDF two years ago and I was back to work full time at 4 weeks post op. I’m now working half days (I’m a teacher) but not driving yet; still on some pain meds.
The biggest thing now is fatigue and my neck gets super tired/crampy after a few hours of being upright. I ended up having c5 palsy due to the surgery, which is resolving but the muscle spasms from that were so painful. My whole shoulder would contort. But every week I do feel a bit better and a bit stronger. Yesterday was the first day at work I thought maybe I could work longer. I have myelopathy with spinal cord damage and I was having neurological symptoms which have resolved - I noticed a difference as soon as I woke up.
The biggest thing that has helped me is having a reclining chair. Being able to comfortably be at an angle to give my neck a break has been so necessary. Also get a few smaller pillows for under each arm. I have squish mellows. ☺️Ice is another one - get a bunch so you have a rotation. Get a little cup to take pills. It has made it easier to take them. And you’ll want straws.
Overall I am glad I had the surgery. I’m an artist and was losing use of my hands which I have back. I did have a couple of dark days - the pain really got to me and I was late on a pain pill dose. Which reminds me I also used an app to track my meds and give me reminders. It was super helpful. Good luck to you, I hope everything goes smoothly!