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  • dmcknight1
    Participant
    Post count: 3

    Dr. Corenman,

    I had an ACDF of C6-7 in August of 2016 for a herniated disc. I was off of work for 6 weeks prior to surgery and had the worst pain I had experienced in my life. I went back to work in 6 weeks. I am RN that works PACU and I do recovery children which requires lifting them when they wake up and sometimes they fight from emergence delirium.

    I started experiencing shoulder and neck pain again 6 months ago. I had an MRI and CT scan and I have a nonunion.

    I am scheduled for a posterior fusion C6-7 next month. When do you think it is safe to return to work? From what I have read a posterior fusion is a little tougher. My surgeon suggested 6 weeks which seems a little early to me. It was pretty rough last time but I was off prior to surgery and needed to go back. I would feel more comfortable I think waiting until 7 or 8 weeks postop. I only get 60 percent of my salary when I am off recovering so I want to go back to work as soon as I can however I want this fusion to work.

    Thank you.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    A posterior fusion for a non-union of an ACDF is about 8-10 weeks without loading the neck. Especially in your job, I would advise more than less.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    dmcknight1
    Participant
    Post count: 3

    Thank you. Is a posterior fusion a tougher recovery than an ACDF? I am not currently on pain meds. When should I be weaned off of them postop?
    I am trying to do everything correctly and praying I will fuse this time.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    A posterior fusion by itself takes more time to fuse than an ACDF, typically 3-4 months minimum. However, a posterior fusion will stabilize the failed (but done well) anterior fusion and both might heal faster due to that stability. Most individuals are off pain meds after 2-3 weeks.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    dmcknight1
    Participant
    Post count: 3

    Dr Corman,

    I am 5 days postop after my posterior fusion of C6-7. This procedure has been a lot more painful than the ACDF. They released me the same day last Friday. I stayed overnight for the ACDF with the same surgeon who I respect greatly.

    I am having trouble getting adequate paint meds for recovery. I was sent home with 20 pills which ran out Monday. He did add Vistaril and Flexeril which helped a little over the weekend. I do well with hydrocodone and haven’t been on any pain meds since my ACDF in 2016. Monday he wrote for 18 hydrocodone one tablet every 6 to 8 hours. He did allow me to take two tablets when I asked. Now I am out of pain meds again tomorrow. I know times have changed but I have never had an issue having enough medication until my first postop visit which will be 3-25.Am I being reasonable? I just want to be comfortable enough to move around, walk, etc with tolerable pain. Should I ask to please write for enough meds until my first postop visit? What is the best way to handle asking for more pain medication?

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    Posterior cervical surgery is much more painful a recovery than ACDF. I don’t think you are being unreasonable needing more pain meds in the early post-op period. Let him know how uncomfortable you are and he should allow further pain meds.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
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