Real Patient Shares Her 5-Month ACDF Recovery: What to Expect After Neck Surgery

If you’re preparing for spine surgery, hearing directly from someone who has been through it can be incredibly reassuring. In this patient interview, Vicki Nelson shares her honest experience with ACDF recovery, answering the questions many patients ask before surgery.

Introduction

Ever wonder what spine surgery really feels like and what to expect afterwards? Not from the textbooks, not from your surgeon, but from the people who’ve lived it. I’m Dr. Kelly Bridges, board-certified neurosurgeon, patient advocate, and a firm believer that every scar has a story. In this series, I ask my own patients the questions you want answered. Today, we’re going to discuss anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Let’s start off with a brief introduction.

Hi, I’m Vicki Nelson and I’m 5 months post anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Now, let’s get into the questions people want to know.

How Bad Was the Pain Right After Surgery and How Long Did It Last?

I really didn’t feel much pain after surgery. I felt they had a pretty good pain management going there in the hospital. And when I left and came home, I believe it was 3 days after surgery that I resorted to only Tylenol and muscle relaxers.

How Long Did It Take Before You Could Swallow Normally Again?

I’d say within 5 to 6 days again the doctor prescribed some pretty good cough drops that helped and I ate a lot of ice cream and drank a lot of fluid. Within 5 days I was eating food again.

Did Your Symptoms Actually Improve Like Neck Pain, Arm Weakness, Numbness?

Immediately my pain and numbness improved.

Was Your Pain Relief Immediate or Did It Take Time to Notice Improvement?

My pain relief was immediate. And since then, being 5 months post, I’ve noticed that I’m not in chronic pain anymore. I have periods of soreness when I overdo or, you know, maybe I talk too much and I use my neck and I look around a lot or whatever. I notice there’s a difference between soreness and chronic pain, which I am not in chronic pain anymore.

What Did You Feel When You First Woke Up?

Happy. Happy that I woke up.

How Long Did You Wear the Neck Brace and Was It Uncomfortable?

I wore the neck brace for 3 weeks. There were periods of uncomfortableness, but even after the 3 weeks when I didn’t have to wear it anymore, there were times when I would put it back on for the comfortableness of it. Like to relax, I would put my neck brace back on. So, it didn’t bother me.

What Was the Hardest Part of Recovery?

The hardest part?

Well, I don’t know. It’s actually not been hard at all, I don’t think.

Hi, this is Vicki Nelson again. I wanted to answer another question correctly this time. What’s the hardest part about recovery? Well, for me, it’s abiding by the limitations considering how great I feel. I mean, for the first time in many, many years, I’m actually pain-free. And so I feel like I should be able to do more, but to make sure my surgery is a success, I’m doing exactly as I’m told for a year. So yes, that’s the hardest part.

When Were You Able to Drive, Return to Work, or Do Normal Things Again?

The minute I took that neck brace off, I was driving.

Did You Have Any Complications? Trouble Healing, Hoarseness to Your Voice, Nerve Issues?

None. None whatsoever.

How Did You Sleep After Surgery and How Long Until You Could Sleep Flat Again?

I was sleeping pretty good. Fortunately, I have an ergonomics bed that I can raise. And so with that, the whole entire time I had my neck brace on, I slept in an upright position. And as the days went on, I could lower it and lower it. Like I think within 5 weeks, I was sleeping flat again.

What Was the Biggest Surprise, Good or Bad, About Your Recovery?

When I realized I could look up, I could look up unassisted. I don’t have to hold my head and bend my knees to look up. My range of motion is my biggest surprise.

What Helped You Stay Motivated on Hard Days?

Knowing that I never want to experience chronic pain like that again. I want this surgery to be a success.

How Long Did It Take You to Feel Normal Again? Or Did You?

Oh, I feel normal. All right. I feel like very normal. What? Eight, six, eight weeks, I’d say. But still limited to my weight limitations and, you know, things you can and can’t do. But normal, yes, I feel normal.

If You Had to Do It Again, Would You?

Sooner. I would do it sooner. Yes, I would.

Do You Have Any Tips or Strategies for Patients to Help Them Recover?

Listen to your doctor. Do exactly as they say. I highly recommend physical therapy. It helped me tremendously. You can also learn more about ACDF recovery questions and answers on our FAQ page.

I still resort back to some of the exercises they’ve taught me to strengthen my muscles and my shoulders and that sometimes yeah, I highly recommend physical therapy.

Any Tips for Patients Who Are Scared or Unsure About Surgery?

Well, I was scared. I was that patient. When you look at the quality of life and the chronic pain, it was a no-brainer. And you have to trust your surgeon. And I did. I trust her.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey with us. It takes courage to speak honestly about recovery, and I believe that honest answers from real patients will help countless others feel more prepared and less alone.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering neck surgery, cervical spine surgery, or another type of spine surgery, we’re here to help answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelly Bridges to discuss your symptoms, including chronic neck pain, and learn about your treatment options.