ACDF - Road to recovery: Part Eight - 8 weeks

Just got back from seeing the Neurosurgeon for my 8wk check-up at the hospital.

Got Good News, Mmmmm News, Bad News and some Shocking News...

First the Good News: The Neurosurgeon is very happy about how things have gone and says I can get back to living my life. Can now drive, go on public transport and more importantly, take the camera :)

The Mmmmm News: The numbness in my hands may or may not heal. Only time will tell as there is no way of knowing. Already knew this so no real change. At least the pain is gone and I've got movement in my neck again.

Now the Bad News: My voice might be staying like this for some time. One of the things that can happen during the surgery is one of the veins taking blood to the voice box can become compressed and that can cause "Vocal Cord Paralysis". I'm being referred to specialist for assessment and treatment, but been told to expect the voice to stay like this for about a year!

Finally, the Shocking News: During the talk with the neurosurgeon I asked if there was anything I had to look out with carbon fibre plate, tell-tale signs of something going wrong. He looked at me, looked at my notes and said, "We didn't put a plate in. Weren't you told?"

Apparently they decide during the operation if they are going to put a plate in. They look at the situation when your neck is open ans assess if it is needed. In my case, they thought I wouldn't require a plate screwed in to my spine as I was young, physically fit and active before the problem. I should've been told the day after the operation, but I wasn't!

So, I'm happy that all has gone well and that I can get back to 'life', but a bit shocked about not having the plate put in. Part of my is a little disappointed about that, but mostly I'm happy about not having a plate in there as it could just be something else to go wrong. Also if I need further surgery on my neck at a later date, not having a plate there will make it easier.

My next appointment with the neurosurgeon is in two months. Hopefully by then I'll have seen the vocal/speech specialist.

ACDF - Road to recovery: Part Seven - 4 weeks

Four weeks today since I went under the knife!

It really doesn't seem like it was only 28 days ago, seems a lot longer. I guess that's because I'm bored out of my mind not being able to do anything.

I'm able to go for walks, but not take my camera gear with me as it's too heavy and I can;t use my rucksack yet.

Oh well... soon be out there.

Progress - My voice is slowly coming back, but it feels like something is at the back of my throat when I shallow. Whether this is inflammation or the carbon fibre plate I have no idea. Something to ask the neurosurgeon when I see him at the end of October!

I've got full movement in my neck without any pain and the strength is coming back to my arms and hands. Some slight discomfort when lying down, but nothing too bad.

The scar is healing nicely, which reminds me I must get the photos uploaded. I'll do that tomorrow if I get a chance.

A couple of days ago I was washing the area of the operation and I noticed a piece of stitch poking out of the skin. I rubbed it and a piece of stich, 3cm long came out! Felt very weird seeing that! But everything seems to be okay, my head hasn't fallen off yet ;)

Numbness - Still having a bit of numbness in my left hand, but not as frequent or as strong as before the operation. Hopefully that is a sign that the damage wasn't permanent and things will get back to normal in time.

Next: ACDF Recovery Part 08

ACDF - Road to recovery: Part Six - 16 Days

Well, it's been 16 days now and the wound is healing really well.

Most of the swelling has gone down and the actual wound has fully closed. The scar is going to be a thin line following the line of my neck. I've got a photo, just not transferred it from the camera yet.

My voice is still very husky and breathless and talking really tires me out. It's not as bad as it was, but it's got a long way to go yet.

Energy levels are still quite low and I tire easily. I'm getting very frustrated as I feel okay in myself, but still unable to do anything much.

The pain I was suffering before the operation has totally gone, which is fantastic. I've already got more movement than I had beforehand.

Had a bit of a problem yesterday morning. During the night I'd rolled over on to my front and my head was turned to the left. I woke up and my neck was very stiff and hurting. Not a good position to be in!

By the afternoon it was a lot better.

Next: ACDF Recovery Part 07

ACDF - Road to recovery: Part Five - 10 Days - On Video

Recorded a video entry at YouTube



Next: ACDF - Recovery Part 06

ACDF - Road to recovery: Part Four - Healing Progress

I've taken a series of photographs of the operation wound to show the progress of healing.

Photo one was taken the day before the staples were removed.
Photo two was taken just after the staples were removed.
Photo three was taken this morning, two days after they were removed.








Next: ACDF - Recovery Part 05

ACDF - Road to recovery: Part Three - Staples Out

I had my staples out yesterday. Just went to my doctor with the pliers that the hospital supplied and se took them out.

Took about five minutes. The wound looks really good and is healing well.

Next: ACDF - Recovery Part 04

ACDF - Road to recovery: Part Two

We had to replace the dressing today. I got Caroline to take a photo of the staples!



Next: ACDF - Recovery Part 03