ACDF C4-C7 almost 4 years later 

I had a cervical 4&5 laminectomy with fusion and ACDF all in the same surgery 22 months ago. It was a very successful surgery. All of my symptoms were eliminated. If I had it to do over again I would do it in a heartbeat. I had a Neurosurgeon do mine. Phenomenal surgeon. 30 plus years experience. I’m inclined to believe that the surgeon has a lot to do with a successful outcome.

Thanks for the update! Burn out on surgeries,Dr visits, and constant pain is a problem that unfortunately is relatable. It's hard sometimes to remain upbeat. However,I hope you can find the happy place you deserve and need. I hope you have good support of family and friends. You obviously have the support of us that follow your channel! Thank you so much for the warm , beautiful smile and personal insights. As always, stay positive and know that you are appreciated for sharing! 🌞😊

Thank you for sharing your experiences. With all the uncertainty it's nice just to know there's other people that understand what you're going through.

I hadACDF c4-6 in Dec 2020. I instantly had issues swallowing, numb jawline and pain in front of my neck when it used to just be in the back. I was told it would help to remove bone spurs, but I still have stenosis and a post surgical scan shows a disc bulge that should’ve been removed. I am getting worse arm’nerve pain now. I started physical therapy and love it……cupping, dry needling and massage are life savers. It’s sad to be in pain, but I try not to get discouraged. I broke my back while active duty military and had L4-5/S1 fused. That surgery worked, but because I still had pain…..I had to get a SCS. I just got Botox for the first time for my neck pain and constant headache/migraines. I know how you feel.

Thoughts 💭 1. Cervicogenic headaches 2. Since COVID lots of computer work = forward head posture 3. SCM as well a trapezius muscle tightness causing referred pain 4. Watch your posture/ screen time Finally your strong 💪 courageous and a role model for many 😊 Best of wishes and prayers to you

Dr. Raymond Hah and Dr. Milan Stevanovic at Southern California's USC Keck are wonderful. Not sure if you have access to them, but my tri-level ACDF and Oberlin Transfer after three years is smooth sailing so far. And I walked in with a paralzed right arm. Now my right arm is curling 10 pounds (with great effort, lol)

I had ACDF c4-c7 in july 2023, still have pain and all kinds of complications, I appreciate your videos, they me give me insight on what i have to look forward to.

Thanks for the kind response. I too am up for a C4 to C7 but not until early August, can't wait, the finger and shoulder pain are the pits. I hope you get that additional surgery soon and it gives you some well deserved relief. I'll keep you posted and will hold you in my prayers.

I appreciate you sharing, it's helpful. I watch the videos and the 'years later' ones are as mixed as fresh ones. And yet I'm proceeding. All the best, your sharing does matter and it sounds like I'm not the only one rooting for you!

I’m sorry to hear about your issues- I can relate to the pain and discomfort- I have cervical stenosis, arthritis, and degenerative disc disease- my symptoms are progressing- I’m now looking into craniocervical instability, I hope you find your answers and get to feeling better soon

Oh Kim! I’ve been following your journey! You were such a comfort to me for my 6/22 ACDF surgery. Being a Jersey girl… although virtual~ I’ve felt a connection to you💜 Please look into the Lyrica (pregabalin)! There are other medications that some people do much better on. My personal experience, my symptoms continually got worse while on Lyrica ( the numbness, pains down the arm, the extreme weakness in my hands~ forget having any grip!) I do hope you find answers, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, relief!! Thank you for thinking of us with all your going through! You look absolutely beautiful, and I/we appreciate your updates!!

C4-6 fusion 11 years ago. Everything was good up until about a month ago when I had sudden onset of bilateral arm burning, tingling and numbness. My chiropractor is sending me to see a neurosurgeon since the MRI indicated adjacent disk disorder in my C6/7. Sucks!!

I finally had c5-c7 after putting it off 2yrs. It was horrible pain afterwards and 6 weeks later starting to get numbness in left arm and hand with deep pain. Then the little strange things that happen. I’m glad you’re here so we can all know we aren’t alone. You’re so cute and positive also. Thank you

Hi Kim, so sorry to hear about your continued problems. The neck is substantial because it connects the rest of our body. 366 days later from my C3..4 & 5 & I still have neuropathy on my left leg! No walker now but, just being careful when I walk. Please keep us informed. I'm worried about you😘💕

Thanks Kim for the update. I texted or commented about a year ago with my issues. I believe you commented not to pursue an ACDF unless necessary. I have also experienced what you experienced with your hand and fingers going numb and locking up. I'm leaning more to looking into a less evasive procedure with laser.

You poor thing, I'm scheduled for ACDF surgery and I just watched all your videos. I am so sorry to hear of all your pain and aggravation, and on top of it all you have tinnitus as I do. God bless you and I wish you a rapid improvement and some good health. On a side note, you're beautiful!

I hope you get some answers soon. Thank you for documenting your journey

Hope everything gets better I have spinal stenosis in my lumbar thoracic areas and have trace retrolythesis in my cervical area. Trying to get surfy done myslef. The anxiety it’s giving me is insane. But trying to stay positive

I have watched all of your videos. To see how you have handled all of this has been so inspiring. I am lucky that my surgery seems to have been a success but the recovery was still much harder than I expected. Still though, so happy that it worked. Please keep the videos coming. I am sorry that you are going through all of this but you really are helping people. Wish you the best!

Oh……..and the scalene and front muscle pains are off the charts. The muscles in front near my scar never relax or settle down, always on fire. They wrap around my shoulder area and back to my shoulder blade. I’m sorry for your pain too sweetie.

I know exactly how you feel I've had three surgeries on my neck The second one they had to go back in because one of the screws were broken and one was coming out just recently last month they have to go back in again for the third time to put another plate and now my neck is hurting down into my shoulders and headaches and numbness on my left side down to my fingers

Wishing you the best. I am going to have an ACDF in July... So many other things have been uncovered...it's a bit disheartening. Thank you for sharing, 🙏🏾 and wishing you the best

I have had 3 separate disc replacement and fusion on C5-6, C4-5, C3-4..over the last 4 years.. it's been a nightmare.particlarly with the pain, headaches and lack of sleep...on the road to recovery now again but terrified if another one goes...hope your keeping well.x.

What can I tell you Kim. you are a superwoman. Dealing with all this pain and still be functional. I have been living cervical disc generation for 27 years due to a severe trauma to my neck. 27 years of non stop pain and suffering. Every spinal surgeon I have seen have recommended ACDF from c3-c7. Guess the only reason why I haven't done it was sheer fear from side effects. I have heard and read enough horror stories to keep me away. But desperation is a bitch. I think I am there now. I have no more fight in me. The headaches have become crazy 24/7. pain down my shoulder and knives going through my scapula. I found refuge however in some treatments that made thing a little bearable. I did an RFA from c2-c7 which helped a lot. Last week I did cortisone shots in my neck muscles for the headaches. They did give me relief. Three major muscles, the traps, the occipitals, and the splenius capitis ( the main culprit of cervicogenic headaches). I have been wearing a soft cervical collar to sleep which is doing wonders to relax my muscle spasms, and no pillow. Like you I'm on a cocktail of meds , ( muscle relaxants, Tramadol, and Lyrica). I only take them before I sleep , otherwise I'm a vegetable the following day. You're videos have been so helpful and so thank you for documenting your journey. I guess, people like us have to take on the pain and just deal with it. We hear you're pain. We feel you're pain. We know. God bless and keep on living

I am getting ACDF in July. I appreciate your videos. I hope you can get some relief. When I had pulsating tinnitus, I found Magnesium supplements helped some.

Thanks for posting this. I hope that you are able to find an expert surgeon and can get some relief! Knowing what you know now, if you could go back in time would you have opted for disc replacement instead of ACDF?

Chiropractor hurt me more so I dont recommend. You cant just go to an orthopedic doctor for spine surgeries. They must be a neurosurgeon as well because of all the nerves surrounding the spine. So they deal with both bone and nerves. You really have to make sure you pick the right doctor for this type of surgery. Like open heart surgery you want the best and sometimes you may have to travel to get it like a vacation spot on you list.

I am recovering from an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion that I had about five weeks ago. The nerve pain has become very intense. While I'm unsure if the surgery was the right choice, I had been suffering from chronic pain for years. Now, my left shoulder, arm, and hand are in severe pain, including severe migraines and neck pain. 🤷🏽🤦🏽‍♂️🤯

Praying you’ll get better

Hey, I'm just over 2 years post ACCF c3-5 and my symptoms haven't improved, so I feel your frustration.I wasn't believed by some of my treating team when I said a year ago that my symptoms weren't improving and after finally insisting on an MRI, I have a worsened C5/6 compression that needs a ACDF to prevent further worsening, but won't bring improvement. C spine symptoms have a constant and fluctuating presence that I think those of us with these injuries just have to accept and get on with......as frustrating as that is.

I’m 3 months out and I feel like I herniated another disc and something is poking into my throat. This has been so tough. I had the laminectomy 3 years ago, and did better with recovery then. Thanks for sharing your story. Sanity is compromised for sure with all the doctor appointments and suffering from pain. I just ran out of oxy and they won’t refill. It was the only thing that helped.

Wow. So no hard amd true ansewrs? I am post c4 thru c6 acdf 12/23. Not pain or sx free for sure and possible issues. Waitimg for imaging for new onset of right sided pain. Was told I was off amy restrictions in May. Am very active and think O have irritated things and hopefully not hurt things! What a difficult journey. Thinking of you! I work out a lot! As you mentioned, always scared I will mess things up though! Take care! Keep keeping on.

I had a Laminectory & Cervical Fusion 15mons again, I was cut in the back of my neck, still have alot of numbness in my rt forearm an hand, still getting headaches in the back of head, I go back 4 X-rays in Feb. 2025, sure hope to hear better news😂

Not sure if you ever tried this but do "cervical traction" it could help with your symptoms. Sensations in the hand wise and neck

Look into Occipital headache. I had the same headaches as you describe. The doctors and neurosurgeon had nothing for it. I do know an excellent chiropractor and she resolved the Occipital region in less than one minute ie. Base of skull C1-C2. She mainly decompressed the muscles and ligaments. After 2 years with Occipital headaches to find someone that exactly knew what to do in less than an minute after all the MDs had known answers. I did not have C3-C7 surgery. The chiropractor has stabilized my spine. Since surgery you have had, chiropractic care requires a very special healer. Good luck.

I just LOVE you! and your videos! Thank you ❤ I also had acdf C4-7 You can come stay with me in Tucson Arizona anytime. Three bedroom, two bath, live alone, have a pool 😊 invite others, bbq, whatever 🤣

Im having that "claw" thing also, but it comes and goes away. Week or two problems and then about two months ok. I would say that this is because of muscle atrophy, but I don't know. Also, those spasms in triceps and lower arms, they came and go in time. I'm sorry for what you're going through, hope that you get some relief.

Hi Kim, Have you tried FUNCTIONAL PATTERNS? It's going to save your life. It did for me. Hope you feel better soon!

I'm sorry to hear you are having so many issues. I hope they get better or find a solution. I'm having 4-7 done next week. I have the headaches all day every day and nothing really helps. It's exhausting, I get it. I'm hoping my symptoms stop or get better but it is soooo scary.

Try a bite guard during sleep (and even during the day) from your dentist or orthodontist to reduce jaw and neck tension and tinnitus

I had c2 to t2 I used ice wrapped in towel for the pain and headaches my biggest issue now is muscle spasms now my surgery was from the back. In September but I don’t recommend it I didn’t have a choice I lost a lot of movement in my arms and nerve damage

Kim, so sorry you are suffering. I am just now seeing a neurosurgeon for severe neck, spine and face pain. One thing you maybwant to check is to see if you have Eagle Syndrome and or ponticulus posticus. Praying for you miracle.

Thanks for sharing !

Looking into the Saunders Home Traction Device 💯 Gonna get a script from pain NP this week! Hope your pain subsides! Seizing pain spasms when clutching silverware requiring more intense muscular strength. I get the ‘claw’ and frostbite episodes and sensations as well! Luv your description! 😂 thanks for the reference shout out 😉

2 years since c5c6 fusion Uk Same!Same!Same!!!! Worse both arm symptoms than pre surgery! Nightmare. Exactly the same!

i wish you a full recovery. I have severe stenosis C4 to C7 and my insurance only approved one level surgery with disc replacement on C5 C6. i had it 3 weeks ago but it seems to have failed as no improvement but rather sever twitching added to the earlier list of issues. i can imagine what you are going through and what toll it has on the body and the mind. i don't think the insurance system is built to treat people properly. please try to get in touch with Deuk spine institute and send your images to them. DR Deuk had a very advanced tech that is super minimally invasive plus that he is a very reputable surgeon.

🙏🏽

Laminectomy is no sweat. First 2 or 3 weeks is toughest. I haven't had a fusion yet. You can do it.

courage it's really sad I hope things go well

It has gotten to the point where any time my blood pressure is elevated, it feels like my eyes are bulging out of my skull. I’m having a multi level acdf fusion and an additional cyst removed onT2 in my thyroid beyond the c3 through c7 vertebrae tomorrow morning. They expect the surgery to last til 1:30 from 6am

Hi Kim it’s like you are describing me to a t I’ve had c5-c7 acdf 2 years ago I also have pulsatile tinnitus and chronic daily headaches it really seems like all this stems from the cervical spine

Hello, sorry you've had so many issues with your ACDF. I have not had one....yet. I'm in the Lehigh Valley, a bit north of you. The neurosurgeon I have seen has recommended a 4 level ACDF. I'm not thrilled about fusion. I like to hike and be active. I am looking at getting some second opinions. Did you say you went to Jefferson? There are some docs there I researched and thought about contacting. Dr. Siva is one that I've been considering for several reasons. I also thought about Rothmans which is where I believe you said your ACDF was performed. This whole things is just frustrating. All the best to you....

Hi, Kim! Thanks for sharing your videos.. Wanted to know If you have any unnormal feelings also in legs/lower legs/foots due cervical stenosis?

I’m having similar issues but I’m also going through Perimenopause or menopause. The pain is so amplified there are days I swear my muscles are separating from the bone. I have numb arms and hands when waking up and tingling in my toes. It’s so not fun at all. 😢

Had same surgery and having same hand issues and cervical headache 2 years later

I have this same issue the pain in the back of my head and the forehead fells like my head is being smashed against a concrete wall and doesn’t go away and I have like pulsing in my neck and knot idk what it is I fell like this slipped disc is messing with my head I try and do so thing and it like my brain like no you can’t if that makes since I’m only 24 😭 but I haven’t had the surgery just yet I also get that cold ness I’ll wake up and my how arms and hand be ice cold to the touch and sometimes my feet also it scars me I deal with a lot of like fatigue and cold chills all the time and my neck feels very flimsy

I too have tinnitus 😢 Question, I am 8 weeks post-op a acdf C4-7 am I not supposed to take any ibuprofen any NSAID? For bone fusion? Because I have been and I just learned this, is this correct? What else can I do to make fusion more effective you know optimal?

I’m also having server stenosis on c2-c4 and c4-c5 mylomalacia. But I have no issues . Do I need to go to a surgery now or can I Waite???. If anyone knows, please help me 🙏

I will have to done soon scare like a cat 43 year old don't know what how to handle that

Could be adjacent segment disease.

Have you ever considered if a chiropractor made you worse?

Are you available to talk to?

Become a youtuber. Make a video every day or week

I had a Laminectory & Cervical Fusion 15mons again, I was cut in the back of my neck, still have alot of numbness in my rt forearm an hand, still getting headaches in the back of head, I go back 4 X-rays in Feb. 2025, sure hope to hear better news😂

I had a Laminectory & Cervical Fusion 15mons again, I was cut in the back of my neck, still have alot of numbness in my rt forearm an hand, still getting headaches in the back of head, I go back 4 X-rays in Feb. 2025, sure hope to hear better news😂