ACDF: The Informed Patient: My Journey Undergoing Neck Fusion Surgery

In July, 2006, Patrick O. Smith was involved in a serious motocross accident. For the next six years he suffered increasing neck, back and shoulder pain that gradually made even normal activities challenging. His long road toward healing led to a diagnosis of compressed nerves due to a ruptured cervical disc, and a recommended treatment of ACDF-or "neck fusion" surgery.Patricks journey did not end there.ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) surgery is one of the most common treatments to alleviate pain from severe neck injury, with over a hundred thousand procedures performed every year in the U.S. But like all major medical interventions, its not without risk, and its not recommended for everyone. Patrick was determined to be an "informed patient"-to understand what he was about to undergo. So he dove into research on:

• The pros and cons of neck fusion surgery
• Preparing ahead of time for pre- and post-operative care
• Managing pain and accelerating recovery
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• ... and much, much more.

In ACDF: The Informed Patient, Patrick shares the details of his research and his experience undergoing neck fusion surgery-from diagnosis to treatment to recovery. Along the way readers get tips on questions to ask physicians and insurance companies and learn about frequently prescribed medications and commonly used medical terms. A physicians diagnosis is essential-but patients owe it to themselves and their loved ones to learn as much as they can to enhance their healing and recovery. Written in a personable and non-technical style, ACDF: The Informed Patient is the perfect companion for anyone considering neck fusion surgery. Patrick O. Smith is a military veteran who has also served as a law enforcement officer, federal agent, peer counselor and trained Crisis Intervention Team member. He is currently a full-time life coach, assisting those in need and specializing in crisis intervention and spiritual guidance.