nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

We want to hear from you: please tell us about your experience of the online community.

ACDF surgery and already disabled with other issues

MansfieldSticks

Hi all, I have been told I need ACDF surgery for a problem I've had for 2 years in my shoulder & arm, and its around the C7 area but told I need 3 discs recovered, caging inserted and fusion. I was only diagnosed in April and I've already had my preoperative assessment and now awaiting an op date. The problem I have is I already have issues with my mobility, having Sponylolithesis in my L4/L5/S1 vertebrae with a grade 2 slip, plus I have a lot of weakness in my leg and knee due to another issue and cannot walk unaided, my bipolar and anxiety is also playing a major part.

Has anybody also had this surgery with other mobility disabilities and use walking aids? If so, is it A major disruption to normal daily life?

I try to be as independent as I can although it is a struggle and that's before the shoulder/arm problems. I was wondering about the recover time and how long before I can be independent again.

I'm due to see my surgeon in the coming weeks to discuss my fears and aftercare following the surgery as it has all moved fast since my diagnosis. I am considering delaying the surgery as my mental health has declined since the diagnosis too.

Thanks in advance ?

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

janer1967

Hi there

I had shoulder surgery a few years ago for a calcification not what you are having I don't know what you are having

I was in a sling for 6 weeks then slowly started using it again and having physio

Personal opinion would be to get it done and not put it off

I do understand your concern though you may feel better after discussion with your surgeon

Good luck with what you decide

Ross_Alumni

Hi @MansfieldSticks

Welcome to the community, good to see you join us and sorry to hear about what you're going through. You mentioned your mental health a couple of times in your post and said it has gotten worse lately, do you receive any support from your GP to manage your mental health?

MansfieldSticks

My GP not really but I'm in good contact with my psychiatrist and the local mental health team under him

mariequirk

hi I’m sorry to hear how you are suffering, I have not long been diagnosed with almost the same as you, I’m awaiting a consultation with surgeon at the end of this month to discuss surgery as I can’t continue in this pain and on pain blocker all the time. I also suffer with anxiety, depression ptsd, so I sure do know where you are coming from. I wish you well and will post later when I know more on my situation. Pain causes low mood and low mood doesn’t help the pain. I wish you well for the future.

MansfieldSticks

Thanks Marie, I'm sorry to hear that too. I've spoken to my mental health team who is with me for every step and now requested to be included in it. They are also looking to help me sort aftercare out as I live alone.

I hope everything goes well with your treatment too. You can always chat to me on here if you need support, take your mind off of it or to vent, etc as it's similar treatment.

Take care and fingers crossed for you.

mariequirk said:

hi I’m sorry to hear how you are suffering, I have not long been diagnosed with almost the same as you, I’m awaiting a consultation with surgeon at the end of this month to discuss surgery as I can’t continue in this pain and on pain blocker all the time. I also suffer with anxiety, depression ptsd, so I sure do know where you are coming from. I wish you well and will post later when I know more on my situation. Pain causes low mood and low mood doesn’t help the pain. I wish you well for the future

mariequirk

Thanks very much. Fingers crossed we get on top of our physical and mental health. Take care. ?