"Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusion (ACDF)"

I was referred to Mr Abhinay Kamat Consultant Neurosurgeon, following an MRI scan. I had suffered from back and shoulder pain for years and had always been told it was muscular, I was totally unprepared to be referred to a neurosurgeon.

Mr Kamat, instantly put my husband & I at ease, taking time to explain what was causing my pain and actually confirmed many of my my symptoms, the headaches, numbness & tingling in the fingers etc. Mr Kamat explained I required an ACDF, at C5,6,& 7. In layman terms he took the trouble to state exactly how the procedure would be done, how long I would be in hospital, and agreed I could still go on holiday.

I recently went for my pre-admission check at the Thornbury Hospital. The nurse was lovely but caused me concern as she thought I was being very optimistic at only being in hospital for 24 hours, (I hate hospitals).

Later, as a very scared patient I was admitted to the Thornbury Hospiatal, Mr Kamat and all of his team could not have been more understanding. Immidiately following surgery I had no pain in my shoulders, & I could feel my fingers for the first time in 10 years.

To my delight I was allowed home the follwing day - 24 hours and it was all over. I was advised to undertake physio with just a couple of exercises to do, to walk and take pain killers regularly.

Once home I took my pain killers for a couple of days reducing them to only when needed or just before going to bed. The exercises I did them throughout the day but I ensured that I was taken for a walk from day 2. To start with not far, but I quickly built up to walking 1/4 mile then to a mile or so.

Eight weeks later there are still some things that I cant do, but other than being a bit stiff I am pain free.

If only I had met Mr Kamat 10 years ago!!!!!!