#13 ACDF 1 Year Post Surgery 

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My surgery was made 3 days ago, I am much better today, free after 20 years of pain. Still in the hospitol in the Emirates my Dr is a great man may Allah bless home. I had to do the do the surgery as my c5 stopped my right shoulder of lifting things

Barry - just wanted to thank you for your videos. I had four level ACDF done ten weeks ago and it's been a great recovery so far for me. Once I knew I needed to get the surgery, I kept looking for positive experiences on RU-vid, etc. and there were very few multilevel ones. Yours was one of the few I found, and it really helped me remain positive and I am certain you've helped many others as well. To "pay it back" and counter all of the negative videos out there regarding ACDF I decided to record my own progress videos on my channel (ru-vid.com). Again, thanks for sharing your experience. The only issue I have had since getting out of surgery, similar to you, is muscle tightness, and like you emphasized - walking is the key. I walked a lot, which was not convenient during the hot summer in a hard cervical collar : ) But it helped so much and continues to do it as I will get muscle tightness if I overdo things, which I tend to do. Again - thank you! Now I'm off to go order some of those products you recommended!

Thank you so much for this video. I really needed to hear this. I met with a neurosurgeon last week & he said I needed this surgery. Just the thought of it made me want to cry even though I have been in severe pain for years. I also have severe lumbar stenosis that also needs surgery, but he said the cervical surgery was more urgent. It's all so overwhelming & my anxiety has been through the roof. I know not everyone will have your positive result, but it's comforting to know that it's possible. I'm so tired of the burning pain, tingling & weakness. I'm only 50 years old, but my body feels so much older. When you said "you deserve to feel better", it really hit home for me. I know it should be obvious, but having been in pain so long, I had really given up on the idea of having a normal life. Thanks again & I hope you continue to do well in your recovery. ✌

Thank you for this! I have surgery in the beginning of November. I have so many mixed feelings but you answered a lot for me. You provided a lot of answers. Praying for a safe surgery.

thank you for the positive outlook!! I am 42years old and 5 weeks post op c6 c7 fusion. I ve been feeling pretty good! We will see what the doc and x-rays have to say next week at my 6 week follow up!

enjoy your coffees, My husband has difficulties on moving his lags as well. he needs to stay in rehab for 4-6 months, did you staid in rehab or you went home right after the surgery?

Did you have arm weakness and atrophy pre surgery? Thansk!

I’m having ACDF (C6-C7) surgery soon. Just awaiting date for surgery. Most videos on RU-vid are so negative! I had just about talked myself out of getting surgery because of all the negativity even though I’m in discomfort 24/7. I’ve been really scared. And then I found you! Finally, some positivity! You have taken my fear away. You talked me through it. I know there’s going to be pain. I know it might take some amount of time in the recovery process. But, now I know I can do it. Thank you so much for sharing all this information on the whole process from beginning to end. I truly appreciate it!

Just had C3 through C7 spinal fusion on Monday. What can I do to relieve the soreness in my shoulders?

Hello. So glad you did so well. Out of the many consoles I've had orthopedic surgeons as well as neurosurgeons, the last two guys have recommended ACDF over ADR. This is confused the hell out of me. I was curious as to why you chose a ACDF.

Hi Barry, Im so nervous! Im having C4, & C6-C7 ACDF fusion, I feel sick with angst & nerves. Im 55, I had severe whiplash in high school I was dropped on my head, my chin whipped my sternum & 40 years later, here I am in a wealth of pain & misery Ive carried for decades! I was diagnosed fibromyalgia in 2000 & have had many treatments for my pain in neck, thoracic & costachronditis in chest. My arms are very weak, I was a chef & nowadays I only cook rarely. I played guitar, after the accident I could only play 1 song. Ive carried so much pain since a teenager. It almost cost me my life on many occasions, thinking whats the point of living with this chronic horrific pain 24/7! Back in 2016 I had L5 S1 fusion & prosthetic due to revolting sciatic nerve pain, I used a stick for a while, I still feel pain down my leg to this day since that surgery. Im sick with nerves. My partner who has thyroid cancer is weak himself & I worry about post surgery if he will be able to look after me. Thanks for reading, I appreciate all your videos about your ACDF & poositive outcome a year later. Having so many issues from my neck down both arms esp forearms, awful shoulder pain & a halo of inflamed swollen muscles 24/7 is hard to live with daily. My surgery is on 30th November this year. I was to have it on the 11th Nov but after dental work I had an open wound in my mouth, my surgeon refused to operate until its healed. All the best to you & thank you for sharing your ACDF surgery with us all. Kind Regards, Cathy (sydney australia) xx

I had this done back in April this year. I’m so much better myself. I don’t have sciatica anymore or Amy back issues as before the ACDF. Blessed to have gotten this done. Still have issues resting at night get sore. Still but it’s well worth it

Hi. I am scheduled for ACDF of C4-5 and C5-6 on November 29. Excited and nervous at the same time. But am looking forward to not so much pain after doing what I love to do. Thank you for your advice!

Question for you Barry - when you first started back with physical activity aside from walking, e.g. tennis etc., did you find the back of your neck muscles to get very tight later in the day? I was ordered to wear a hard collar for the first 7 weeks post-surgery whenever I was not sitting or sleeping, and so I think my neck muscles are just weak. But I expected it would take only a week or two max to get them back to full strength. Been three weeks and still have tightness increasing as day goes on. My doctor has prescribed a PT prescription at my request so I should be able to start PT this week.

Me too, couldn't wait for this surgery I was tired of the pain. I just had lower lumbar surgery in Oct 2021. S-1,L-1,L-2,L-3,L-4

The key comment that helps me is that "you need to feel better"

8 weeks ago I had ACDF surgery between C2 and C3 involving a Hangman’s fracture of my C2 from birth by forceps delivery. I went to ICU for the next 12 hrs overnight, and returned to surgery for fusion dorsally from skull (occiput) to C3. The anterior portion fixed to the dorsal to make my neck stable for the first time. I live in Australia, so surgery performed by the wonderful Dr Rao, who was so courageous in doing the surgery for the first time. Thankyou for your videos. I couldn’t survive any longer with CCI AAI, and I’m doing much better. The scars are good, and each week feeling better. Was the most intense pain and whole body trauma going through this. But out the other side I look forward to one year down the track.

I am Also ACDF C5-6-7 one year early November. I agree scary but relatively easy surgery and recovery. Excellent video and I love the products. My balance was off for years and I didn’t realize how much I was dealing with until I got checked for sleep Apnea and started using a Cpap machine. Two months later full balance restored!!! Worth checking into.

Thank you, looking forward more positive.

I viewed most of your videos even started my channel...we all want to give back when others share with us ...I'm 7 day Post Op I walked a combination of 6.25 miles yday NO WAY could I have done that before ACDF even my lumbar pain has gone ... Not 100 % but I'm getting there

Barry, thank you so much for your videos. I had the same procedure done to 4 vertebrae on Nov 4th. C3 through C6. Like you, I am a half full glass kind of guy. However, I have been bit frustrated with my slow progress and not knowing what is ahead. Coming from someone that has been there, your video has greatly helped me understand what went on in my neck during surgery, what is going on now, and yet to come. I now understand that I am "doing ok". Given that I had 4 discs fussed, my doctor wants me in a hard collar for 6 weeks. Sleeping with that thing on is a challenge, but as you say, "suck it up!" The time will pass before I know it. I had many of the same symptoms as you did prior to surgery. The surgery has eliminated them. Thanks again and God Bless you.

Thank u for the updates. I'm still apprehensive about getting this surgery since I need 3&4 plus 5&6 fused. I'm 65 yrs old & have other medical issues but I am grateful for your progression thru this type of surgery. God Bless & Keep Smilin!!

Thank You for posting that video. How are you doing now? Im where you were I guess a couple of years ago. I’m tired of living with constant neck pain and tingling and pain in my left hand and arm. Like everyone else I’ve been putting it off. Have to say though, I’m a little nervous about the whole thing.

Happy New Year to you and your family from the UK. 6 weeks... A marathon not a sprint!!! 🇬🇧🙂

Glad I stumbled across you videos. It's no lie about anxiety and pain. It took me awhile to really grasp those two things and how bad my anxiety got from the pain. For me, I wasn't really sure which was worse out of the two, probably a tie.LOL It sure is hard to find positive videos on neck surgery. 6 years ago I had artificial disc replacement at levels c5-c6 and c6-c7. Did great until almost 2 years ago. Started having really bad neck and trap pain. Thought it was from that neck surgery or from golfing. Went and saw the neurosurgeon who did my surgery. They took xrays and said that everything related to those discs looked great. Had me do PT for about 6 weeks but that didn't help at all. Pain has been affecting my daily living to the point of I quit playing guitar, quit lifting weights, quit doing woodwork (my left arm would overreact when I'd slip using a screwdriver or doing detailed work), finally quit golfing. Still nothing has helped. He had me get a CT and MRI. I have a bulging disc at c3-c4 and a herniated disc at c4-c5 which is pushing on my spinal cord causing some balance issues and pushing on the nerve root. He ordered a selective nerve root block for C4 nerve just to confirm my symptoms matched the imaging. That did cut down my pain from a 7 to a 4. I still have neck pain and am noticing my left shoulder is getting weaker. I can't lift my arm more than horizontal from the front or side. I will be seeing him next week to discuss surgery options as well as review how the nerve block worked. Not sure what he has in mind, although it was mentioned about having ACDF surgery. Not sure how many levels and if that will also include fusing my disc replacement levels. If I hadn't had the previous surgery I would be scared about having another one. I just know that everything I've tried hasn't worked. The whole waiting to see what the plan is has been driving me nuts for the last month. I'm only 53 and not ready to give up all the hobbies I love as well as just daily things that I can't do right now. Speaking of the swallowing issues, I had that for a week after my first surgery and then it went away. Over the last year or so I noticed I would start having trouble again. I'm pretty sure that is because of all the inflammation that is going on from the neck issues I'm having currently. A week after my c4 nerve block my swallowing was back to normal and over the last few weeks the inflammation has returned and so has the difficulty with swallowing certain foods.

My surgeon said I didn't need surgery. My MRI from 2 years ago looks the same, infact, he said looks better. WHat a burden off my soulders.

Love your videos and helpful tips! I'm almost a month out of C4-C7 ACDF and very happy with the improvements I'm seeing already!

Hi Barry, thanks for your ACDF videos; I've watched them all. I'll know in a few days when my ACDF C4 - C6 is scheduled. Your videos answered some of my questions. They also put me at ease in thinking of the reality of life after (It has to be better than this!). Thanks too for your tips and info on scar care, muscle tightness, and swallowing, and the product links too. I'm normally a very active person and I can't wait to be able to DO something again!

I need 3 level fusion C4-C7 , scary as hell. Not sure what to do and your videos are super helpful , thank you.

Hey... thanks for the video! I think I was SO focused on the severe nerve pain... and on the surgery... that I never read anything or watched anything on post-op. The first day was amazing... I felt surgical pain but the pain down my arm was gone. BUT, I somehow got vertigo during that first recovery day and that has made life hard... as I can't lay down on my side without getting dizzy and I can't sleep on my back. Plus, the pain behind my scapula is awful. So, I'm feeling really discouraged. I have hardly slept.

Thank you. I do deserve to feel better. Mine is c3 c4 cervical..one level, waiting for insurance to approve after denying and having me go for more pt, not working.

Hello Barry I have watched and rewatched your videos. I have to get acdf of c7 sugery is scheduled for oct 24th at cleveland clinic. I got hurt in mid may had one of the grandkids on my shoulders and I knew something happened. Went to chiropractor tried to tell myself this is working just have to be patient. Till one day I woke up in so much pain running down my arm I ended up in er. After that was sent to an orthopedic doctor and physical therapy. Finally got a mri to see my c6-c7 disc basically exploded with material pressing on my spinal cord and bone spurs causing stinosis. I keep asking myself if there is another way but the loss of feeling in my fingers and nerve pain down the arm keeping me up at night I see no alternate. While I know everybodies results will be different I want to thank you for putting these videos out. I hope you are still doing well

did you have anything going on at C4-C5, and choose not to fuse that level? I'm in a situation where I for sure need to fuse C5-C7, but it's a judgment call whether to do a third level, so I'm curious if you were also in that situation. I have some herniation there, and some spondylolisthesis, but it's nothing I would seek surgery for on its own, unlike the lower to levels

I have having an another MRI this week. Like you i had injections and physical therapy, which did nothing. Once the surgeon and my PPD review the results with me, I'll decide if this is a viable solution. I'm 78 but I don't want to continue with his pain and numbness in my left hand fingers. Had you tried Lyrica for the arm pain? It gives me some relief, but like the tramadol, it also causes constipation. I'll keep you posted as I progress with my decision At this point if I need the surgery, I'll probably do it.

I just caught your video. I'm glad you're doing great.

What about sleeping positions? Any issues there?

I appreciate you sharing your journey. I finally was brave enough to have ACDF done in March 2022 at Barrows in Phoenix. I am doing extremely well. No significant pain now. Some numbness down my right arm if I overdue upper body lifting. My quality of life is so much better. If you have exhausted all the less invasive treatment options and still have pain and numbness, I recommend this surgery be done by a neurosurgeon.

Hi My day 8. Amazing Barrootz. New woman! Thank you again! 🙂No collar... mmm?

Do you think you could be able to play guitar with those two fusions. I play lead guitar and had 5-6 fusion. Now need 6-7.

Oh my gosh…..your videos have been SO incredibly helpful you have no idea!!!! I am having the exact same procedure on 12/8!!!! I would love for you to message me via email??? I am 54, and have watched multiple videos but THANK YOU for this!!!!!! I have my pre op next week, and have been extremely anxious however looking forward to being able to live life again. Can’t even pick up laundry detergent or even shoot a basketball with my son anymore…..and I have always been an active mom & wife so this has been a long time coming!!!!

hey! I'm one year too C6/C7, still get cortisone shots & take Gabapentin, but am def better off than before🙂

Barry - do you remember having headaches or the feeling of head pressure after your surgery? I am about 5 weeks post op and have developed a lot of head pressure. Was curious if you have experienced that. Appreciate your videos and updates!

Thanks for the info. Getting ready for it mid December 2022 and not looking forward to it. Watching this helps. Again thanks.

Thank you for sharing. I like what you said you deserve to feel better ❤️‍🩹

Hi, I'm at four days post-surgery. Still in pain but I have meds to help. Thank you for piating this informative video!

i love this. thankyou. i know i need to suck it up and just do the surgery but i just had brainsurgery not even a year ago and im still dizzy and nauseous ….now im hit with this no way im me tally ready for this. i hope i can postpone for a year or two until i start feeling better. thankyou for you encouraging words sir this has helped me in so many ways. i prob will watch your video another 100times preop 🙏🏻

Stay blessed. Good to know you are doing well.Been following your videos. I have unfortunately discovered couple of months back that i have cervical stenosis.Its a confusing world trying to find your way through this as so much seems relative to personal condition even the surgeons seems to have different approaches in dealing with this. Lets see. It's a journey.

I really thank you for your series of videos. I am about to have my second corticosterioid injection (the first did'nt help much) and if this doen't work I'm off to the surgeon for ACDF surgery. My damage is mostly at C6 so I was curious about how much mobility I will lose once the plate is installed. You really clarify this in your one year video. Thanks, go hit the courts!!

Thank you for this video of your positive outcome. A lot of what I have been seeing on line was not as positive as yours and I was getting discouraged. I will be going through this in the near future and I really needed to see this!

Bryan, I might be needing this surgery. I have neck pain that comes n goes just dancing around my neck n back ... I don't Have much of arm pain ...yet. . I'm very positive, optimistic guy .. But when u said "u deserve to better" ... I legit broke down ...I try to be so positive n ignore the pain.. but.. ur right I do deserve to be better!

Thank you so much for your kind heart! I really appreciate your calmness in your sharing! I am having a 2 level surgery in a little over a week and I am a bit scared. I am wondering how long did it take to be able to swallow properly? Did you feel a lot of pain? Thank you ❤Jura

Wow thank you so much for sharing your journey. I’ve only seen this video but now I will go back and watch the others. I have a high pain tolerance but this has really knocked me down. I need 2 discs done, c4-5 and c5-6. I’m a person of strong faith and usually a positive attitude but this has me so depressed and incredibly afraid. Today you have taken away some of that fear and for that I am truly grateful. I go for my surgery consult on 3/18/24 and watching your video has eased my anxiety somewhat. I appreciate your honesty and positive outlook. So thank you again. I’m so glad you’re doing well.

Thanks for this video sir. Do you have any limitations at this point? Can you lift weights now?

Thank you Barry! My wife has a pending ACDF surgery and has been very anxious about the whole process. Your video has helped allay most of her concerns and is now more upbeat about the surgery.

Hi Barry, I have had second level acdf cervical 5 months ago. I also had my left knee replacemented almost 6 weeks ago. Doing well, doing PT and stairs. Regarding my acdf. I stopped having "zingers" nerve pain in my arms, just around my left ear occasionally. Now I just have stiffness around my neck and arms. PT stated that was normal and still in the healing process and can go away. I am not in pain, stiffness feels weird since it was not there before. Wondering if you have or still experience stiffness or tightness? Since the arm "zingers" are gone, took awhile, hoping this stiffness/tightness leaves. Also wondering if this may be happening due to the continual fusion process.

Barry, who was your surgeon at HSS? I'm in NYC so I might want to schedule a consultation with him. Thanks.

I am glad I found your videos. They are very encouraging and helpful. I go for my surgery in a few weeks.

Very inspiring Barry! I am 3 weeks now post op today and feel good. Every day gets better and better!

Did you have an lost of sensation on your upper back from the surgery?

Thank you so much you don’t know how much you’ve helped me today. I also had a lumbar procedure done on last week. Thanks again for the invaluable information shared.

Thank you very much for your videos, it is giving me hope and courage. I am 30 years old and was told I needed an operation because I suffer from Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) the compression is taking please between C5,C6,and C7. I have all the systems and also lost strength in my arms, which caused the loss of muscle on my chest and triceps. I had decided to go against the surgery because I was afraid but now the pain has become unbearable. My question to you is, did you regain back your strength and how long did it take for you to recover and get back to work and sports ?

that is encouraging. I've had cervical radiculopathy twice in the past year for months at a time with this last time being worse as far as pain went. although the pain has mostly gone away, I have very little strength and dexterity in my left hand, and the side of that hand and my pinky finger are always numb. I'm afraid of not getting use of my hand back, but I'm also nervous about any adverse affects of the surgery. glad it worked out well for you.

🙂 Greetings from the UK!!!! 54 Yr old x lecturer. Many thanks for your informative testimony...sound advice indeed. It so helped me too! I was petrified, truly. But I finally got my discectony c5/c6 with fusion last Friday and was home the next day with my family. Feels like I may never swallow solids again but hey early days.🙂 You hit exactly on the walking /legs issues. I could walk better at once. Decompression is such a relief. So grateful to the amazing team at Royal Orthopedic Hospital Birmingham UK for my outstanding care and for your calm positive blogs. Winning team! Thank you so much coach! Life changing!

Thank you for this video. I have been told by two neurosurgeons that I really need to have this procedure done, fusing C4 - 7. I'm really anxious about it. I'm curious what vertebrae you had fused.

Bro, having this surgery done on same levels in late February. Thanks for the video series. Well done.

Did you have loss of strength in hands? Atrophy? Did you gain strength back?

Hi Barry, this is such a great video, thank you for taking the time to make it. I’m only 6 weeks into excruciating pain from a ruptured C6/7, so nothing like what you experienced, but apparently due to other factors I have a 50/50 chance of requiring an ACDF. Seeing a neurosurgeon soon to confirm, so it’s great to hear your story to have an idea not only of what to expect, but also what questions I should ask the surgeon if indeed the surgery is recommended. Thank you!

hi, did you get a second opinion? this stared two years ago, i was good for a year, now its back. i'm in ct also. i see dr abbed and dr tomack both have great reviews , i have bd discs and foraminal stenosis. does the acdf take of both problems?

Were you allowed to sleep on your side or only on your back? Thanks!

I'm glad to see your progress. I would like to ask you why did you wait for 20 years to have this surgery despite your nerve problems and why are most people afraid of this surgery and delay it many years?

Hi Barry. I was wondering if I can reach to you with some questions. I’m not sure how I can connect with you. If you’re still checking comments please let me know. Thanks!

Hi Barry. Well, it's been 4 weeks since my C3 through C6 fusion, so here's my update. I did get permission from my doctor to use a soft collar for sleeping. That change has allowed me to get a good night's sleep. I'm not really taking any pain medication at all. Only occasional Tylenol for aches in my shoulders. The walking and stretching has helped. In fact, I feel like I could resume my regular activities, but I understand that I have to wait for approval from the doc....and my wife! My biggest problem is still not being able to swallow as I used to. Progress there is very slow. I can eat some food that is cut into tiny pieces or pureed. How long did it take you until your swallowing was restored back to normal? I'm dying for a slice of pepperoni pizza and a cold beer! Thanks again for all of your guidance. It really has been helpful being able to talk to someone that has "been there, done that".

Im supposed to have this after the new year , Ihave had 4 back surgeries , and this is really freaking me out , This has been goiing on for about 4 years. Now in the last 6 mths , just did another MRI a mth ago, and one of the vertebre has collapsed , so now I have even more pain !!!!! I go back to the NS Dec 26 ... ....................sigh

This video is great ty

Any ways to sleep on back easier without neck pain

How long did it take for muscle mass to come back?

Thank you . But you could still swallow a little ?

Did you have trouble breathing

Thank you for this channel. Been down in the Shitter for 8wks now. Big physical fitness enthusiasts. Being injured has taken my gym time(therapy) away from me…..I’m ready to get my life back man!

Thanks for your video. Glad you're doing well. At what point were you able to confirm a successful fusion? Did the MD confirm with an x-ray?

hello, i am writing from Turkey, i have a mild spinal chord compression between C6-C7. i am resisting not to have surgery because my symptoms are soft, sometimes some burnin on my feet, occasionally little bit of numbness on my right hand fingers, no pain. it’s been going on for 2 months since i fell from showjumping horse. i hope the hernia will heal itself in time. using collar etc. do you think that i am on a right path avoiding surgery? because i feel ok, no power loss. but surgents tells me that i need acdf surgery

Yes just had mine done 10 days ago it's been tough I apparently am allergic to the tape on my throat. They gave me steroids bc the NP didn't think I should have the tape removed. I have so many hives...I go back to my dr in a few mote days.

Thanks Barry. I am going to have surgery 30th of July. Your calm demeanor is very reassuring. Cheers!!!!!

Good seeing you .

Hello Question How long you used the bone growth stimulator? Thank you.

I'm curious as far as being able to do any type of exercise or being able to be active is there anything that you don't recommend doing?

Thank you for sharing, excellent news and continued success to you🙏

great video. thanks, it helps a lot.

I'm having this surgery in two weeks. Watched your videos, and I feel better about the road ahead. Thank you for making these videos friend.

Thanks you so much for sharing your story. What was your diet like before the surgery?

Thank you for doing this. I am scheduled on 3/28. You have made me feel better about it.

Hi Barry. Glad you are doing well. I am terrified to have this done. I have not been suffering the same symtoms as you described. After falling through my attic floor I hurt my rotator cuff. After a year of meds, PT xrays, nerve tests, MRI, i was diagnosed with myeloma because I had some balance issues, and the shoulder hurt more and then the fingers started tingling. So now a spine surgeon gives me the cervival stenosis diagnosis and tells me I need ACDF or I could end up paralyzed eventually. He told me to schedule the operation the next week. I couldn't get outta there fast enough. So I come to RU-vid. You are the first of about a dozen people who has given this surgery a positive review. Right now I am opting for traction, PT, excercise, dietary supplements and eliminating red meat and wine. I also wear a soft collar at night for sleeping. I have that shoulder massager with the arm holes too. I feel loads better. Thank you so much for such an uplifting report. Continued healing!

You understand,you get it.

Why did you delete my last message...mind you it figures when you saying your costs 200+ American and same procedure in Australia change out of 10 000 dollars wonder how long for you to delete this 😂

Did you have trouble with gait/leg strength/balance? Seems like at the four month mark, my lower body is the remaining issue.

Hello sir thanks for update n all the vedioes are giving motivation to others . U guys are really amazing . I understand how painful life with cervical disc problem n then also you were making vedioes. N when people in their 40’s get this problem they get motivation . I really don’t know abt my life I got cervical disc potrusion n with medicine right now it’s cure but it will come again that dr told and from that day to till today I living in fear crying I have lost contacts with friends my all active life is stopped I don’t know whr life is go n each even every day are like one year . I forget to smile

I’m O- I’m turning B+

Thank you for the video..... God bless Just one thing to ask how much is d scar visible where the cut was done

I had cervical disc replacement - different from what you had done. It's supposed to be a quicker recovery, but that hasn't been the case with me. I'm over four months out, but still in therapy. I also didn't have the severe conditions you had going into the procedure, but felt like it was getting worse, and the x-rays/MRIs showed it was getting worse (the narrowing of my vertebrae). I had numbness in my fingers, pain in my arm, and growing tightness/pulling in my neck. I don't have a cage and bolts in my neck, but I'm sure you know about cervical disc replacement. I am still having stiff muscles/achy back bones - I'm hoping it continues to feel better. Is your neck/skin protruding on one side? I used Vitamin E oil on my scar every night. I don't think you can see the scar now, actually. But it's still red and I still have some numbness in the area.