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+--- Thread: ACDF recovery time (/showthread.php?tid=6845)
ACDF recovery time - tpm - 03-08-2009 03:28 PM
Hello again
Tomorrow (Monday) I am going back in for another ACDF of my C4-5. I had previous surgery on my C5-7 back in May of 2007. My first surgery the doctor gave me a minimum of 12 weeks to recover before going back to work. What can I expect this time providing he only does one of my 2 bad discs? Should I be thinking if it is only one disc the recovery time will be less OR because of previous surgery I can expect a least another 12 or so weeks. The one question I forgot to ask the surgeon.
Thanks and Be Well
RE: ACDF recovery time - jayne - 03-08-2009 03:54 PM
you can bet at least 12 weeks...maybe longer as he will want to be really sure you are ok
RE: ACDF recovery time - tpm - 03-08-2009 04:22 PM
OK Jayne Thanks much
Guess I'll know soon enough
Be well
RE: ACDF recovery time - jayne - 03-08-2009 05:18 PM
TPM be prepared to really take it easy for awhile you have had 2 major operations in 2 years on your cervical....please be very careful
RE: ACDF recovery time - tpm - 03-08-2009 05:31 PM
I'm planning on it Jayne
Thanks
RE: ACDF recovery time - Bad Boy Bad Boy - 03-08-2009 06:01 PM
It's only my Opinion. Is since only 1 of two known bad disc are in the picture, I would see a time of way more than 12 weeks here. I don't understand your surgeons plan with you, knowing there are 2 trouble disc in this picture. I don't understand how he/she is seeing this. Other than looking at another surgery soon down the road.
RE: ACDF recovery time - Babebahn - 03-08-2009 06:13 PM
I agree with Bad Boy. I would expect once he is inside he is going to be looking at everything else, you know poking & prodding...I bet your recovery period will be about 6-9 months...wishing you all the best.
RE: ACDF recovery time - tpm - 03-08-2009 06:16 PM
I agree with you Bad boy. I think he is trying to buy me time with minimizing my rom and whatever else. But I will plead my case again before the surgery tomorrow.
As for the recovery time if in fact I am able to resume driving a truck again I can afford to be out as long as October, later than that I won't have a job.
I have to remain optimistic and Thank You
RE: ACDF recovery time - Bad Boy Bad Boy - 03-08-2009 07:25 PM
And I of all people want you to be (optimistic) and (positive).
I must say, I don't know what kind of truck your driving, or what kind of CDL License your holding? But, there are some Rules, in the big CDL book, on this kind of work being done to your body, which prohibits you from driving with a CDL. Plus the fact, your employer, is to have you perform not only an FCE, but a full DOT (medical & physical ability) work up. And Re-certified for the DOT. Most companies Insurance Carriers require this. If none of that is done, and you do drive, you and the employer could be sued if you were in an accident, and your medical gets found out.
I had told you before I carry a CDL also. I drove 18 wheelers and down. When the Attorney's performed a Depo on my Surgeon, they asked him if I was able to drive a truck again. He stated flat out no, and that if I did drive a truck now, that he would not want to share the road with me. Then they requested the same information from my W/C treating doctor, which is occupational Medical, and does do DOT certifacations. he pointed out I could not possibly pass the DOT requirements now, and he copied the pages from CDL Laws and Rules, showing I should not be allowed to drive trucks.
Needless to say, I am trying to help you prepare for the possible (what's) next issue for you soon. Hopefully everything works out well for you.
RE: ACDF recovery time - tpm - 03-08-2009 07:42 PM
Bad Boy Bad Boy Wrote:And I of all people want you to be (optimistic) and (positive).
I must say, I don't know what kind of truck your driving, or what kind of CDL License your holding? But, there are some Rules, in the big CDL book, on this kind of work being done to your body, which prohibits you from driving with a CDL. Plus the fact, your employer, is to have you perform not only an FCE, but a full DOT (medical & physical ability) work up. And Re-certified for the DOT. Most companies Insurance Carriers require this. If none of that is done, and you do drive, you and the employer could be sued if you were in an accident, and your medical gets found out.
I had told you before I carry a CDL also. I drove 18 wheelers and down. When the Attorney's performed a Depo on my Surgeon, they asked him if I was able to drive a truck again. He stated flat out no, and that if I did drive a truck now, that he would not want to share the road with me. Then they requested the same information from my W/C treating doctor, which is occupational Medical, and does do DOT certifacations. he pointed out I could not possibly pass the DOT requirements now, and he copied the pages from CDL Laws and Rules, showing I should not be allowed to drive trucks.
Needless to say, I am trying to help you prepare for the possible (what's) next issue for you soon. Hopefully everything works out well for you.
I hear what you're saying Bad Boy. I went back to work after my first double ACDF back in 2007 and passed my DOT recert. even with a couple of meds that had to be approved by the DOT. My concern is that I won't physically be able to do it any longer. I drive an 18 wheeler also and must "couple and uncouple" a few times a day. Pulling that pin is not the best with an upper injury. I also have limited movement with looking out the back window while moving the tractor around the yard or in the building or even hooking up for that matter.
I'm taking it one day, one challenge at a time. I listen to everything you have been saying over the past couple of years and respect your knowledge and Thank You