Thank you Laura! I just discovered your channel. You can probably guess why. I am scared a little less after watching some of your post op videos. I would love another update, if you can.
I thank you for sharing your experiences. 28 years in the military has caused me quite a bit of neck damage. Therapy didn’t work, medicine worked temporarily, now surgery is recommended by my doctors. I’m a little hesitant, but more optimistic now. Thanks again. Please keep us informed.
Such a relief to see your posts. I was scheduled to have 4/5-5/6 ACDF next week but now have to wait a few more weeks as the Covid #’s go down. I used to row and compete in regional events but haven’t been able to the past 2 years. Then I had to give up jogging and swimming. I’ve had this problem for about 20 years before it became so bad that everyday activities became compromised. Relieved I will be getting it done but still a bit nervous. Your posts on your progress have been reassuring.
Your incision looks great already! I'm having this surgery done in 3 days and I'm excited to get this in the rearview mirror after suffering from neck pain so long that I don't even remember when it started.
Hi Laura. I'm so glad to see you doing well. I been watching your videos. I've been so scared to have it done. I'm going in to surgery in 6days. My anxiety have been high the closer I get to the day. Thank you so much. Take care!!
It’s great to see you doing so well. I love to exercise, I’ve trained & competed in all kind of things all my life so I’m praying to get back in the gym soon after my surgery xx
Laura, glad to see you are better! Was wondering if you could do a video showing your range of motion ? Would be great to see how far you can bend your neck back and down, and turning left and right
I'm scheduled for a 3 level ACDF surgery on March 3. Your videos and experience, help me not to be terrified anymore and thank you for that!! Wish the best for you and your beautiful family!
I had 2 artificial disc replacements between C4 & C6. I am 16 weeks post op and appreciate your video so much. After the surgery, I was not given the option of physical therapy and I had to ask if I could wear neck support so it wasn't so difficult to hold my head up while watching TV or working at my computer. I started an exercise program about 4 weeks ago and I'm going at my own pace. But my body is resisting. Tight muscles starting at the base of my skull which result in a domino effect down my back and arms. It's not entirely pain but a lot of discomfort and sleeplessness. Endless stretching isn't enough. Waking up each morning has been so hard. But knowing that the discomfort and tight muscles each morning isn't just me getting old at 49 gives me hope. I obviously don't ask my doc enough questions. I was feeling great and thought I was out of the woods but once I started doing cardio and lifting light weights, my muscles curled up into tight little balls. Thank you so much for telling your story. I will not give up. I'll keep pushing through and get back to being the active productive woman I've always been.
You're so active so I'm surprised they didn't recommend disk replacement vs acdf. Less risks to adjacent disks for active people or younger people. Less recovery, pain and better mobility. It's relatively new but that's what they are doing a lot now. Most surgeons are now doing the replacements unless it's just not possible due to space issues and too much arthritis.
Well done Laura. I'm in decision making mode with a variety of opinions from fantastic surgeons. Wondering if you do another update if you can show any range of motion loss you may have had. Thank you!
I had c5-6 and c6-7 everything was a nightmare surgery nov 8th and to today still struggle and I am in physical therapy 3 times a week I had the hard c collar for 4 months ....I don't think I will ever get better .....wish I could smile and look as happy as you ...nice video
Thats so awesome! Thank you for posting this video, its been so helpful... I have a cervical herniated disc, c5, its so painful! I'm thinking about having the surgery but all the videos I've seen on TH-cam are so negative... you have great energy! Upbeat! And so positive! I know recovery takes time but you look great for week 14... this video was very encouraging.. thank you!
Hi. Thank you for your videos. I realize your normal activities are different than others. I work in and office and also have to travel. I was trying to get a feel for how long I will have work or travel restrictions (general idea ). How long didyou have to wear the neck brace? When were you able to fly?
Thanks again for the updates! Going into my week 3 post op, so far so good! How are you feeling going into 2 years? As you can imagine I am hopeful the fuse is successful. Thank you
I had just watched you 1 week post op then noticed this happened while ago great to hear your well. I had the same surgery back in 2018 . It was great for a while but I also have other issues with my back and out of commission. They could fix my neck but didn’t want to chance the back.I’m just now hurting in my neck again . They said with the damage I have it will progress and get worse. But that’s me, I’m so happy to hear your doing so well and back at what you seem to love to do , dive from 3 stories?? Your crazy !! Jk 🤷♂️👍 I hope and pray you’ll stay safe and healthy . Sincerely steven Loriot They fused 3 of mine c4 to c7 it’s limited movement but I got used to it. Anyway by
Hi Laura! Not sure if you're still on youtube but I've been looking for answers about ACDF recovery everywhere. I'm only 20, and was struggling with extreme pain from a herniated disc at C5-C6 for almost 2 years, beginning when I had just turned 19. Since I'm so young I don't know anyone else who has had this surgery, let alone many people who have had surgery in general! Tomorrow is my 6 week mark post surgery and I'm definitely feeling better, but still having some muscle pain in my shoulder / neck area. I've been struggling to feel like this is normal since my "ideal" post-op was to feel 100% immediately, which is clearly not the case or even really possible. If you could share how you felt at 6 weeks and any words of advice, I would appreciate it so much! I hope you're doing well and your pain has gone away for good!
Do u have any more recent updates? What did the doctor say about long term? Like years down the road? Will you have to get replacements or will the implants be good for life?
In your first video you talked about liquids and soft food, but did you ever feel like you would choke?. I'll be having surgery soon and thats on my mind since I have a panic disorder.
January 16, 2021 I had my ACDF c4 through c7... Today is exactly 30 days after surgery. I feel great. No pain. Tingley in my fingers at times or when I do certain movements but neurologist said that should go away in a few months & my voice still sounds like Christian Bale Batman but it is also normal & should go away within the next few weeks or up to 3 to 4 months. Other than that, I have a cool scar on my neck, no brace, can sleep through the night and sleep on my sides.
Dear Dan O'Neal, Hope you will be fully recovery soon. How is your mobility affected? Do you feel severe limitation when you turn your head up and down, left and right? Thanks.
Are you worried about having to have more wear on neighboring disks? I’m asking because I need c4/5 c5/6 ugh. Love weight lifting and have delt, biceps, and tri weakness. Stinks.
Very happy for you, here are some questions, What about neck mobility after 14 weeks?, does the fusion affect mobility? What about heavy lifting as you did prior to this surgery? Can you work out in the Gym muscle building? Do you at all feel the plate or foreign object feeling inside you? how long does this surgery last?
The neurosurgeon that I had made it sound like I would never be able to even do light exercise again maybe I should get a second opinion but the pain in my neck has gone away and my shoulder from the steroids but my left arm just shakes and is so weak I can’t even pour a cup of coffee with my left hand without shaking and I get those nerve impulses on occasion which feel weird. I am such an active person I have been snowboarding my whole life I play soccer and I don’t do extreme weightlifting but I am or was at the gym up until November 20 when the herniation happened. Do you feel I would be able to get back to the gym and do Basic lightweight workouts nothing over the head like military press or anything but I mean bicep curls and push-ups? I am just petrified to get this done but you are so inspiring
Hi Laura, thank you for sharing your story. I am scheduled to have two level ACDF soon after putting it off for several years through fear. I just wanted to ask you, a year or so on from your surgery, do you still experience nerve pain and muscle spasm across your shoulder and down the arm? Or have they gone and if so what time frame did you start to feel capable of the same things able bodied people are? Also, are you glad you opted for the surgery in hindsight?
Hi Ian. Same thing I have been scared to get this done I injured myself late November 2021 and my left arm does this weird thing where my dexterity is way off and my hand will actually shake when I pick things up the neurosurgeon said it’s due to weakness but I just hope I don’t have any permanent nerve damage thankfully the pain in my neck and shoulder has gone away from the steroids but the surgeon talked all about the negative things rather than rather than the positive I just want to be able to do lightweight workouts at the gym again like bicep curls and light weight Upright chest press and I know I probably can’t do anything over the head!
chimpy 726 I’m at 6 week post op, and I asked the same question. I’ve been easing into heavier lifting more then 10 pounds but less then 15-20. I accidentally lifted my 45 pound dog the other day, and I was not ready for that. Just take it easy and be on the safe side. Usually the issue is not the surgery sight itself but the vertebrae above and below that can get stressed, damaged and then needing more surgery. That’s the only risk that I’m aware of.
Hi I am going for almost the same surgery but on 4 of my disc... how does it feel after the surgery do you feel the plate n screws!! Your head movements are limited than before !! 4 kids 😳😳god bless you I can’t deal w my 2 girls 🤪🤪🤪
CONGRATULATIONS 🎉!! You are soooo INSPIRING!! Just hoping I can get it together enough in the morning to go to church🙏🏼 Today I am 5 days post-op and still having muscle spasms in my shoulders. Uuuugh😝
Hi I just made cervical acdf c5. Immediately after the surgery and after 7 days I have a bit of difficulty swallowing and pain between the shoulder blades. I hope it passes. Did the pain in your shoulders pass to you? Hi god help us
Hey how are you doing? I'm getting the same surgery soon, I'm 33 so young and like you have had issues for around 10 years and had no idea I had these issues. I've got problems in my legs, arms, everywhere, but also like you less pain and more nerve issues like twitching, spasms, plus headaches, blurry vision, problems concentrating. I used to be super active, and I've just felt more and more weak and vulnerable for such a long time. I'm really excited to hear how you're doing now, a few years after, and whether you got to do the 10m drop again!? I know nobody is the same, but I'm looking for inspiration and good stories to help me to feel positive about it. Did you have any nerve pain that didn't heal? And do you need further surgery yet? What happened to the new, different nerve pain in your right arm after a few years of healing?
![CAMPปลิ้น | EP.83[1/2] เปิดแคมป์หลอนต้อนรับ 2 ตัวพ่อแห่งวงการผี!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2uPuHYHgwiI/mqdefault.jpg)
![โรงเรียนห้ามรัก โดนจับได้ตาย...!! [เอิร์นไดเม่]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4u02Sbr556Q/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been so scared to have this done! Thank you so much for sharing your positivity!!!
March 22 2019 I had ACDF c5-6 c6-7 I felt relief the minutes after I woke up from surgery! Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you Laura!
I just discovered your channel. You can probably guess why. I am scared a little less after watching some of your post op videos. I would love another update, if you can.
I thank you for sharing your experiences. 28 years in the military has caused me quite a bit of neck damage. Therapy didn’t work, medicine worked temporarily, now surgery is recommended by my doctors. I’m a little hesitant, but more optimistic now. Thanks again. Please keep us informed.
Such a relief to see your posts. I was scheduled to have 4/5-5/6 ACDF next week but now have to wait a few more weeks as the Covid #’s go down. I used to row and compete in regional events but haven’t been able to the past 2 years. Then I had to give up jogging and swimming. I’ve had this problem for about 20 years before it became so bad that everyday activities became compromised. Relieved I will be getting it done but still a bit nervous. Your posts on your progress have been reassuring.
Your incision looks great already! I'm having this surgery done in 3 days and I'm excited to get this in the rearview mirror after suffering from neck pain so long that I don't even remember when it started.
Hi Laura. I'm so glad to see you doing well. I been watching your videos. I've been so scared to have it done. I'm going in to surgery in 6days. My anxiety have been high the closer I get to the day. Thank you so much. Take care!!
It’s great to see you doing so well. I love to exercise, I’ve trained & competed in all kind of things all my life so I’m praying to get back in the gym soon after my surgery xx
Wow you healed well, Thxs for sharing, I’m having the ACDF this month 🙏🏽
Thank you for making the videos. I'm not so nervous anymore.
Thanks for the updates. I'm 3-weeks post-op from the same surgery. Nice to see you've had a great outcome.
Laura, glad to see you are better! Was wondering if you could do a video showing your range of motion ? Would be great to see how far you can bend your neck back and down, and turning left and right
Thank you for sharing. I am two days shy of three weeks Post op of three level. c4-c7
You give me hope. Thanks again.
Hi Laura. You are my hero. Thanks. God bless you.
I'm scheduled for a 3 level ACDF surgery on March 3. Your videos and experience, help me not to be terrified anymore and thank you for that!! Wish the best for you and your beautiful family!
Hi. How are you? Surgery go well?
How are you recovering? I'm going in next Wednesday for a 3-level ACDF. Hope all is good.
I had 2 artificial disc replacements between C4 & C6. I am 16 weeks post op and appreciate your video so much. After the surgery, I was not given the option of physical therapy and I had to ask if I could wear neck support so it wasn't so difficult to hold my head up while watching TV or working at my computer. I started an exercise program about 4 weeks ago and I'm going at my own pace. But my body is resisting. Tight muscles starting at the base of my skull which result in a domino effect down my back and arms. It's not entirely pain but a lot of discomfort and sleeplessness. Endless stretching isn't enough. Waking up each morning has been so hard. But knowing that the discomfort and tight muscles each morning isn't just me getting old at 49 gives me hope. I obviously don't ask my doc enough questions. I was feeling great and thought I was out of the woods but once I started doing cardio and lifting light weights, my muscles curled up into tight little balls. Thank you so much for telling your story. I will not give up. I'll keep pushing through and get back to being the active productive woman I've always been.
Hello how are u doing these days? Are u feeling better??????
Awesome you're back in the water. Great recovery time. Thank you for sharing your journey. 🌻🌻🌻
You're so active so I'm surprised they didn't recommend disk replacement vs acdf. Less risks to adjacent disks for active people or younger people. Less recovery, pain and better mobility. It's relatively new but that's what they are doing a lot now. Most surgeons are now doing the replacements unless it's just not possible due to space issues and too much arthritis.
Glad to know you're able to go back in the water again and have a little more freedom as well 🙌🏽😁
Well done Laura. I'm in decision making mode with a variety of opinions from fantastic surgeons. Wondering if you do another update if you can show any range of motion loss you may have had. Thank you!
I had c5-6 and c6-7 everything was a nightmare surgery nov 8th and to today still struggle and I am in physical therapy 3 times a week I had the hard c collar for 4 months ....I don't think I will ever get better .....wish I could smile and look as happy as you ...nice video
How are u doing buddy?
How are you doing now? Did you have fusion or disc replacement?
Thats so awesome! Thank you for posting this video, its been so helpful... I have a cervical herniated disc, c5, its so painful! I'm thinking about having the surgery but all the videos I've seen on TH-cam are so negative... you have great energy! Upbeat! And so positive! I know recovery takes time but you look great for week 14... this video was very encouraging.. thank you!
Where did you have your surgery and where are you taking your physio sessions? And have you resumed free style swimming?
Hi. Thank you for your videos. I realize your normal activities are different than others. I work in and office and also have to travel. I was trying to get a feel for how long I will have work or travel restrictions (general idea ). How long didyou have to wear the neck brace? When were you able to fly?
Thank you so much for sharing this, Curious to know how you're doing 2 years later?
Thanks again for the updates! Going into my week 3 post op, so far so good! How are you feeling going into 2 years? As you can imagine I am hopeful the fuse is successful. Thank you
Hello,thank you for sharing. I know it's not easy with so much on your hands also God bless. I'm to go for my surgery next month. Thanks!!! 🌹
I had just watched you 1 week post op then noticed this happened while ago great to hear your well. I had the same surgery back in 2018 . It was great for a while but I also have other issues with my back and out of commission. They could fix my neck but didn’t want to chance the back.I’m just now hurting in my neck again . They said with the damage I have it will progress and get worse. But that’s me, I’m so happy to hear your doing so well and back at what you seem to love to do , dive from 3 stories?? Your crazy !! Jk 🤷♂️👍 I hope and pray you’ll stay safe and healthy . Sincerely steven Loriot They fused 3 of mine c4 to c7 it’s limited movement but I got used to it. Anyway by
Hi Laura! Not sure if you're still on youtube but I've been looking for answers about ACDF recovery everywhere. I'm only 20, and was struggling with extreme pain from a herniated disc at C5-C6 for almost 2 years, beginning when I had just turned 19. Since I'm so young I don't know anyone else who has had this surgery, let alone many people who have had surgery in general! Tomorrow is my 6 week mark post surgery and I'm definitely feeling better, but still having some muscle pain in my shoulder / neck area. I've been struggling to feel like this is normal since my "ideal" post-op was to feel 100% immediately, which is clearly not the case or even really possible. If you could share how you felt at 6 weeks and any words of advice, I would appreciate it so much! I hope you're doing well and your pain has gone away for good!
How are you doing now Karly?
MAM WHERE DID YOU HAVE YOUR SURGERY? AND WHO WAS YOUR SURGEON?
Do u have any more recent updates? What did the doctor say about long term? Like years down the road? Will you have to get replacements or will the implants be good for life?
Laura I would love to know five years later if you have had any problems or new ones?! As an athlete..
In your first video you talked about liquids and soft food, but did you ever feel like you would choke?. I'll be having surgery soon and thats on my mind since I have a panic disorder.
January 16, 2021 I had my ACDF c4 through c7... Today is exactly 30 days after surgery.
I feel great. No pain. Tingley in my fingers at times or when I do certain movements but neurologist said that should go away in a few months & my voice still sounds like Christian Bale Batman but it is also normal & should go away within the next few weeks or up to 3 to 4 months.
Other than that, I have a cool scar on my neck, no brace, can sleep through the night and sleep on my sides.
Dear Dan O'Neal, Hope you will be fully recovery soon. How is your mobility affected? Do you feel severe limitation when you turn your head up and down, left and right? Thanks.
Are you worried about having to have more wear on neighboring disks? I’m asking because I need c4/5 c5/6 ugh. Love weight lifting and have delt, biceps, and tri weakness. Stinks.
Very happy for you, here are some questions, What about neck mobility after 14 weeks?, does the fusion affect mobility? What about heavy lifting as you did prior to this surgery? Can you work out in the Gym muscle building? Do you at all feel the plate or foreign object feeling inside you? how long does this surgery last?
I HAD ACDF C-3 TO C-7 AND I AM RIGHT BACK WHERE I STARTED, THIS WAS A WASTED MOVE!!!!
Terry Moore same with me
Can you please elaborate?
@@cedchung PAIN, NUMBNESS , WEAKNESS IN BOTH ARMS!!!
The neurosurgeon that I had made it sound like I would never be able to even do light exercise again maybe I should get a second opinion but the pain in my neck has gone away and my shoulder from the steroids but my left arm just shakes and is so weak I can’t even pour a cup of coffee with my left hand without shaking and I get those nerve impulses on occasion which feel weird. I am such an active person I have been snowboarding my whole life I play soccer and I don’t do extreme weightlifting but I am or was at the gym up until November 20 when the herniation happened. Do you feel I would be able to get back to the gym and do Basic lightweight workouts nothing over the head like military press or anything but I mean bicep curls and push-ups? I am just petrified to get this done but you are so inspiring
Hi Laura, thank you for sharing your story. I am scheduled to have two level ACDF soon after putting it off for several years through fear. I just wanted to ask you, a year or so on from your surgery, do you still experience nerve pain and muscle spasm across your shoulder and down the arm? Or have they gone and if so what time frame did you start to feel capable of the same things able bodied people are? Also, are you glad you opted for the surgery in hindsight?
Hi Ian. Same thing I have been scared to get this done I injured myself late November 2021 and my left arm does this weird thing where my dexterity is way off and my hand will actually shake when I pick things up the neurosurgeon said it’s due to weakness but I just hope I don’t have any permanent nerve damage thankfully the pain in my neck and shoulder has gone away from the steroids but the surgeon talked all about the negative things rather than rather than the positive I just want to be able to do lightweight workouts at the gym again like bicep curls and light weight Upright chest press and I know I probably can’t do anything over the head!
That's awesome to hear. I am 9 weeks feeling a lot better. When did you start lifting heavier stuff in pt or in general
chimpy 726 I’m at 6 week post op, and I asked the same question. I’ve been easing into heavier lifting more then 10 pounds but less then 15-20. I accidentally lifted my 45 pound dog the other day, and I was not ready for that. Just take it easy and be on the safe side. Usually the issue is not the surgery sight itself but the vertebrae above and below that can get stressed, damaged and then needing more surgery. That’s the only risk that I’m aware of.
How are you doing today?
Please take care dear you are doing great .🙏🙏😇😇❤️❤️
Hi I am going for almost the same surgery but on 4 of my disc... how does it feel after the surgery do you feel the plate n screws!! Your head movements are limited than before !! 4 kids 😳😳god bless you I can’t deal w my 2 girls 🤪🤪🤪
How are you doing now?
CONGRATULATIONS 🎉!! You are soooo INSPIRING!! Just hoping I can get it together enough in the morning to go to church🙏🏼
Today I am 5 days post-op and still having muscle spasms in my shoulders. Uuuugh😝
Hi I just made cervical acdf c5. Immediately after the surgery and after 7 days I have a bit of difficulty swallowing and pain between the shoulder blades. I hope it passes. Did the pain in your shoulders pass to you? Hi god help us
How are you feeling now that your 6 months out of surgery
When did your pain stop
I just got one of your signed cards!
Hey how are you doing? I'm getting the same surgery soon, I'm 33 so young and like you have had issues for around 10 years and had no idea I had these issues.
I've got problems in my legs, arms, everywhere, but also like you less pain and more nerve issues like twitching, spasms, plus headaches, blurry vision, problems concentrating.
I used to be super active, and I've just felt more and more weak and vulnerable for such a long time. I'm really excited to hear how you're doing now, a few years after, and whether you got to do the 10m drop again!? I know nobody is the same, but I'm looking for inspiration and good stories to help me to feel positive about it. Did you have any nerve pain that didn't heal? And do you need further surgery yet? What happened to the new, different nerve pain in your right arm after a few years of healing?
Hi Stephanie , how are you doing now ? 😞🙏🏻
@@tanyar6711 hi! I got a double disc replacement using Simplify discs and am doing really well!
Hi I’m from wda!!!