aspen2cody
09-20-2004, 12:52 PM
06/05/2004 I woke up with sharp pain in my left shoulder blade area which progessively got worse. The pain started down my arm and into my hand(no numbness). But the worse pain was in my medial deltoid muscle. After chriropractor, accupunture, steroid packs the doc sent me have mri which showed left posterolateral disc extrusion at C5-C6 with cord contact. I then went to 2 NS both said I need cervical fusion. I chose the one that everyone recommended( nurses,dentists, my chiro,my PT, etc. at least 15 people)I had the surgery on 09/13/2004. Finally, My question is I have numbess below my chin all the way down to my incision.( Is this normal?) My trapezius muscle all the way across the top of both shoulders hurts like crazy. Its really tight and hurts when I am on the computer or just going for my walks. Also it feels like my left shoulder is very unstable like its seperated or something. I also have pain under my left arm that radiates to my chest muscle sometimes.I am 43yrs old. I was very active person before that lifted weights everyday and ran.I had been doing this routine or something similiar for the last 20yrs. I am scared to death I will never be the same. Has anyone else had these symptons?
Sponsor
aspen2cody
09-20-2004, 02:46 PM
The numbness under the chin to the incision really has me worried has anyone expierenced that? thank you for any comments
dennisgb
09-20-2004, 03:33 PM
Hi,
I had ACDF C5-6 and C6-7 on 06/30/04. I had some numbness that came from the incision area, and a little in my chin.
I also had a pain that started in my shoulder and radiated out the front of my chest. Docs said this was the nerves that were still healing. I am 12 weeks out and still feel the pain in my chest occasionally.
Most of this is/was due to muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, from the neck brace and from holding the muscles in a position that is not normal (I hold my shoulders up more trying to "protect" myself).
Try ice or heat on the neck and shoulders. Also, I found that Benedril releived the spasms and helped me sleep. Check with your doc before taking this as your meds may react with it.
I also massaged the tight mucles after applying heat.
If the chin doesn't feel better soon, contact your doctor.
I had ACDF C5-6 and C6-7 on 06/30/04. I had some numbness that came from the incision area, and a little in my chin.
I also had a pain that started in my shoulder and radiated out the front of my chest. Docs said this was the nerves that were still healing. I am 12 weeks out and still feel the pain in my chest occasionally.
Most of this is/was due to muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders, from the neck brace and from holding the muscles in a position that is not normal (I hold my shoulders up more trying to "protect" myself).
Try ice or heat on the neck and shoulders. Also, I found that Benedril releived the spasms and helped me sleep. Check with your doc before taking this as your meds may react with it.
I also massaged the tight mucles after applying heat.
If the chin doesn't feel better soon, contact your doctor.
aspen2cody
09-20-2004, 04:12 PM
thank you for your response
dennisgb
09-20-2004, 04:27 PM
Your welcome.
You will feel better soon. I started to feel much better at about 6 weeks. Now, I am about 75-80%, without any of the original pain. I still have to be careful and not over do things.
I find that the spasms are worse after driving for long periods. I didn't do that until about 8 weeks.
Also, if you don't have a contour foam pillow, get one (or even two). THey really help with sleep, as they will form to the collar (if you are wearing one).
I bought mine at Walgreen's drug (USA if your not from here). Check your local drug stores. I also have a horse shoe shaped neck pillow for sitting, reclining and riding in cars.
You will feel better soon. I started to feel much better at about 6 weeks. Now, I am about 75-80%, without any of the original pain. I still have to be careful and not over do things.
I find that the spasms are worse after driving for long periods. I didn't do that until about 8 weeks.
Also, if you don't have a contour foam pillow, get one (or even two). THey really help with sleep, as they will form to the collar (if you are wearing one).
I bought mine at Walgreen's drug (USA if your not from here). Check your local drug stores. I also have a horse shoe shaped neck pillow for sitting, reclining and riding in cars.
zoey1
09-20-2004, 06:54 PM
you just had major surgery,
All kinds of weird things will happen, from sore throat to other weirdnesses you most likely didn't know about, to massive emotional swings to re accuring pains in areas that weren't a problem before
the healing process takes a long time for the body to realize the inflmation is not pressing on the root nerve anymore
Next 2nd month you might have burning sensations as the nerves begin to wake up and by month 3 it gets lots easier
what you may not remember to do is ask for meds and take them as the pain comes
The pain meds can make a tremdous difference in dealing with all the things that come with this surgery
There are pages on this board and back pain boards that have post op suggestions
read them during recovery and read a few pages back about others experaince even the ones that are posting down the road
at 1 month post op 2 months post op 3 months post op
there is good information
Although all our pain is different there is simularites we all share and timing progressions we have in common too
i wish you well on your recovery be good to yourself, do not over do, and take your meds and feel lots better real soon
you will be in our good thoughts
All kinds of weird things will happen, from sore throat to other weirdnesses you most likely didn't know about, to massive emotional swings to re accuring pains in areas that weren't a problem before
the healing process takes a long time for the body to realize the inflmation is not pressing on the root nerve anymore
Next 2nd month you might have burning sensations as the nerves begin to wake up and by month 3 it gets lots easier
what you may not remember to do is ask for meds and take them as the pain comes
The pain meds can make a tremdous difference in dealing with all the things that come with this surgery
There are pages on this board and back pain boards that have post op suggestions
read them during recovery and read a few pages back about others experaince even the ones that are posting down the road
at 1 month post op 2 months post op 3 months post op
there is good information
Although all our pain is different there is simularites we all share and timing progressions we have in common too
i wish you well on your recovery be good to yourself, do not over do, and take your meds and feel lots better real soon
you will be in our good thoughts
aspen2cody
09-20-2004, 07:58 PM
Yes I have one of those pillows. I talked to the NS he said that the numbness is normal.Taking your advice, I went and got some of those thermacare heat pads that you stick on your back to see if that helps with the tightness. When do you think you will be 100% and start doing the things you used to do. The NS said I should be able to start lifting weights again at 8 weeks (lightly) and build up slowly and be at full speed at 6 months. Thats the only reason I did the surgery with the expectation I would return to normal. I pray that will be the case. I just fell scared I will never live the life I was used to before this surgery. I was so happy and care free and being physical was so much a part of my life. Thank you so much for listening to me Dennisgb and answering back
aspen2cody
09-21-2004, 12:26 AM
thank you for those words of encouragement zoey
CHETNSUE
09-22-2004, 01:01 AM
I too have had the Numbness along the Scarline and also Pain in that area. I get scared sometimes b/c I think that my Throat is closing up or tightening up and hurts but eventually it does go away. Some days are better than others. My Surgery was 8-03-04 had ACDF C5-C6-C7. My Blades also twinge and ache with movement. I cannot sit long at the Puter at times, but When I take my Pain Meds I feel somewhat better. I also found that taking Aleve helps also with the pain when it is no as Severe. I still am unable to Drive or Work or even go to the Gym. I am hoping soon I can get back to some normality. I hope this helps. Sue :wave:
aspen2cody
09-23-2004, 12:55 AM
Sue, Its weird because I think with me that worrys me the most the numbness under my chin all the way to the incision site. I see my NS next Tue. When I called his office Monday his nurse returned my phone call and said that the numbness was normal its just I havent read too much of this on these boards. Just you and me and one other person on these boards. But mine seems much larger than most in that not only at the incision but all across the bottom of my chin all the way down to the incision site. The muscle spasms seem to be getting less severe especially if I take loratabs. I only take one a day. I am walking a mile a day now. Did your Doc say anything about your numbness? thanks Jerry
CHETNSUE
09-23-2004, 02:28 AM
Sue, Its weird because I think with me that worrys me the most the numbness under my chin all the way to the incision site. I see my NS next Tue. When I called his office Monday his nurse returned my phone call and said that the numbness was normal its just I havent read too much of this on these boards. Just you and me and one other person on these boards. But mine seems much larger than most in that not only at the incision but all across the bottom of my chin all the way down to the incision site. The muscle spasms seem to be getting less severe especially if I take loratabs. I only take one a day. I am walking a mile a day now. Did your Doc say anything about your numbness? thanks Jerry
He says that the numbness for the most part is normal due to the healing. I see him on Saturday :confused:, but I guess that is good because there are not too many people that day. I did a stupid thing tonite by going up the stairs and tripping in the dark on one of the steps and I am hurting soooooo bad from that right now that I can't even get relaxed to go to bed. My head is killing me and my scarline is aching the numbness is the least of my worries right now. I am sorry if I am rambling but sometimes it helps. I hope that the Dr helps us and figure out as to Y we r like this. I am hoping that it is just due to healing process. :angel:
He says that the numbness for the most part is normal due to the healing. I see him on Saturday :confused:, but I guess that is good because there are not too many people that day. I did a stupid thing tonite by going up the stairs and tripping in the dark on one of the steps and I am hurting soooooo bad from that right now that I can't even get relaxed to go to bed. My head is killing me and my scarline is aching the numbness is the least of my worries right now. I am sorry if I am rambling but sometimes it helps. I hope that the Dr helps us and figure out as to Y we r like this. I am hoping that it is just due to healing process. :angel:
dennisgb
09-23-2004, 10:44 AM
Aspen,
Not sure about the lifting weights thing. My doc has been real conservative and just moved me to 10-15 lbs after 12 weeks. I am doing pretty much normal things but not lifting much.
I feel about 75-85%. From most I've heard it takes about 6 months to feel normal.
Not sure about the lifting weights thing. My doc has been real conservative and just moved me to 10-15 lbs after 12 weeks. I am doing pretty much normal things but not lifting much.
I feel about 75-85%. From most I've heard it takes about 6 months to feel normal.
solardust
09-23-2004, 12:11 PM
Sue, Are you doing ok????Somehow I missed the falling down part,gee's I bet it got you worked up,I find myself fretting if I sit down to hard!!!so yep I understand how easy it is to get in a tizzy and yep it does help to ramble!!!!!I do it all the time.Diana
Aspin, I get some numbness that comes and goes, it does extend into the chin, but seems to get chased away when I rub it, I honestly thought it was due to the collar I am wearing,but maybe not,I suppose it could be a nerve that got irratated from the incision,prolly a wrong way for me to look at it, but as long as it does not hurt, I am fine with it,I think you have a great outlook and will do great, dont let all this get to ya(easier said then done)like dennis says , everyday brings you a bit more closer to normal,someone else I am sorry I forget who, mentioned keeping a diary, that way you can look back and see the progress you have made,I even think back and find it hard to believe how much better it has gotten,keep us posted ,Diana :)
Aspin, I get some numbness that comes and goes, it does extend into the chin, but seems to get chased away when I rub it, I honestly thought it was due to the collar I am wearing,but maybe not,I suppose it could be a nerve that got irratated from the incision,prolly a wrong way for me to look at it, but as long as it does not hurt, I am fine with it,I think you have a great outlook and will do great, dont let all this get to ya(easier said then done)like dennis says , everyday brings you a bit more closer to normal,someone else I am sorry I forget who, mentioned keeping a diary, that way you can look back and see the progress you have made,I even think back and find it hard to believe how much better it has gotten,keep us posted ,Diana :)
CHETNSUE
09-23-2004, 12:38 PM
Sue, Are you doing ok????Somehow I missed the falling down part,gee's I bet it got you worked up,I find myself fretting if I sit down to hard!!!so yep I understand how easy it is to get in a tizzy and yep it does help to ramble!!!!!I do it all the time.Diana
Aspin, I get some numbness that comes and goes, it does extend into the chin, but seems to get chased away when I rub it, I honestly thought it was due to the collar I am wearing,but maybe not,I suppose it could be a nerve that got irratated from the incision,prolly a wrong way for me to look at it, but as long as it does not hurt, I am fine with it,I think you have a great outlook and will do great, dont let all this get to ya(easier said then done)like dennis says , everyday brings you a bit more closer to normal,someone else I am sorry I forget who, mentioned keeping a diary, that way you can look back and see the progress you have made,I even think back and find it hard to believe how much better it has gotten,keep us posted ,Diana :)
I would advise anybody who attempts to walk in the dark know exactly what is where. When I went upstairs to get some water, someone was nice enough to put a garbage bag right in the middle of the floor and didn't realize it and tripped on it and fell hard against the wall. I woke this morning in pain and felt like a MAC Truck got ahold of me. If this persists I will call the NS. I feel like I am at week 1, not week 7. I am going back and laying down but thank you for the concern :eek:
Aspin, I get some numbness that comes and goes, it does extend into the chin, but seems to get chased away when I rub it, I honestly thought it was due to the collar I am wearing,but maybe not,I suppose it could be a nerve that got irratated from the incision,prolly a wrong way for me to look at it, but as long as it does not hurt, I am fine with it,I think you have a great outlook and will do great, dont let all this get to ya(easier said then done)like dennis says , everyday brings you a bit more closer to normal,someone else I am sorry I forget who, mentioned keeping a diary, that way you can look back and see the progress you have made,I even think back and find it hard to believe how much better it has gotten,keep us posted ,Diana :)
I would advise anybody who attempts to walk in the dark know exactly what is where. When I went upstairs to get some water, someone was nice enough to put a garbage bag right in the middle of the floor and didn't realize it and tripped on it and fell hard against the wall. I woke this morning in pain and felt like a MAC Truck got ahold of me. If this persists I will call the NS. I feel like I am at week 1, not week 7. I am going back and laying down but thank you for the concern :eek:
solardust
09-23-2004, 01:33 PM
Sue, Maybe you best get ahold of your NS right away,I really do not think you should do the wait and see method,are you in a hard collar? If not maybe your NS will take xrays and if nothing got messed up, put you in a hard collar,it would take pressure of your neck.Take care,and please call your NS,diana
CHETNSUE
09-23-2004, 01:44 PM
Sue, Maybe you best get ahold of your NS right away,I really do not think you should do the wait and see method,are you in a hard collar? If not maybe your NS will take xrays and if nothing got messed up, put you in a hard collar,it would take pressure of your neck.Take care,and please call your NS,diana
Iam not in any collar just free as could be. Really the only pain is just movig a little and as long as I lay dormant I am fine or just sit without moving around
Iam not in any collar just free as could be. Really the only pain is just movig a little and as long as I lay dormant I am fine or just sit without moving around
solardust
09-23-2004, 02:02 PM
Hi Sue,I feel bad cuz here I got ya moveing,I hope everything resolves for you,and when ya feel better hunt down the fool that left the garbage bag there!!!!haha I think it would be the last time!haha Take care, diana
aspen2cody
09-23-2004, 04:20 PM
Sue, you go ahead and rant as much as you want. Just to make you feel your not alone with the tripping thing. Last Sat nite I was in our spare bedroom playing xbox and starting walking back into the kitchen and I kicked the door with my barefoot(actually 1 toe). It made such a loud bang it scared my wife to death. I didnt fall but starting laughing(to keep from crying) it that I couldnt feel any other pain I had with my neck. My toe was hurting so bad it turned black. I then told my wife to look at the way I walk now with my bad toe, and the posture from the neck surgery, I look like (egor or hunchback from notre dame) haha. I dont want to minimize your accident with your fall just trying to give you a little laugh. I see my NS on Tuesday, I will let you all know what he says about the numbness and my spasms in my traps. The last couple of days I have been real depressed but when I come to these boards they pick me up. thank you all
aspen2cody
09-23-2004, 04:29 PM
Aspen,
Not sure about the lifting weights thing. My doc has been real conservative and just moved me to 10-15 lbs after 12 weeks. I am doing pretty much normal things but not lifting much.
I feel about 75-85%. From most I've heard it takes about 6 months to feel normal.
I was just wondering dennisgb, my NS said i should be able to start lifting 10 to 15lbs in 2 months. Its hard to believe I will be able to now with the instability I have in my shoulder joint. It just feels that my shoulder is going to fall out of the socket sometimes. I was hoping that would be the first thing I noticed after surgery that was gone (that feeling). Jerry
Not sure about the lifting weights thing. My doc has been real conservative and just moved me to 10-15 lbs after 12 weeks. I am doing pretty much normal things but not lifting much.
I feel about 75-85%. From most I've heard it takes about 6 months to feel normal.
I was just wondering dennisgb, my NS said i should be able to start lifting 10 to 15lbs in 2 months. Its hard to believe I will be able to now with the instability I have in my shoulder joint. It just feels that my shoulder is going to fall out of the socket sometimes. I was hoping that would be the first thing I noticed after surgery that was gone (that feeling). Jerry
dennisgb
09-23-2004, 08:19 PM
Jerry,
I'm not sure that the shoulder is related. I have a "loose" left shoulder, and it's still the same. My general doc told me it was normal. 10-15 lbs in 2 months is possible. My doc told me I would be out of the collar in 6 weeks, and I am still wearing it (week 13). I've learned to not get my hopes up.
I'm not sure that the shoulder is related. I have a "loose" left shoulder, and it's still the same. My general doc told me it was normal. 10-15 lbs in 2 months is possible. My doc told me I would be out of the collar in 6 weeks, and I am still wearing it (week 13). I've learned to not get my hopes up.
IzzyFuzzy
09-24-2004, 01:46 AM
Guys, I wonder if the shoulder instability is just a leftover of muscle imbalance due to nerve impingement? Check w/your Dr. about Phys Therapy and strengthening excercises - remember there is a big difference between muscle strength and muscle endurance.
Izzy
Izzy
dennisgb
09-26-2004, 08:12 PM
Izzy,
You might be right about that. For me it is my left shoulder, which was the side that was the worse before surgery. (docs told me the right side was just as bad, but for some reason I didn't have pain there until a few months before surgery).
Anyway, I had about a 40% strength loss in the left arm. Given that, lack of use...etc. It could very well be that muscle "loss" is the culprit.
I would assume that stengthening should improve this.
You might be right about that. For me it is my left shoulder, which was the side that was the worse before surgery. (docs told me the right side was just as bad, but for some reason I didn't have pain there until a few months before surgery).
Anyway, I had about a 40% strength loss in the left arm. Given that, lack of use...etc. It could very well be that muscle "loss" is the culprit.
I would assume that stengthening should improve this.
aspen2cody
09-27-2004, 01:08 AM
When I first got my initial pain in my shoulder it was just in my deltoid muscle (on the side). About 2 weeks before surgery I couldnt raise my arm like I had some injury to my joint. I told the NS about that and he said its very possible the nerve that comes from C5 C6 area affects the rotater cuff that is causing this pain. I am 2 weeks post op and I am glad to say that my muscle spasms on top of my shoulders have almost gone away completely since I listened to you guys and iced and applied heat every 20min. But I still have the instabliity in my left shoulder and pain in my left arm when I raise it over my head. Also my under my chin is still numb but I believe that the area is getting smaller. I see my NS on Tuesday, see if he releases me to drive.
terrbear
09-30-2004, 02:30 PM
I had ACDF C4-5, 5-6, 6-7 on 8/31/04. I too had numbness from incision to my chin and around the incision. It went away after about 2 weeks, then my skin was very sensitive in that area, it was hyper sensitive. My physical therapist suggested rubbing the area very gently with different things to help with the sensations, (silk scarf, flannel, soft cotton, spoons) I did this and it really helped.
About two weeks after my surgery I started getting pain in my right shoulder, the shoulder blade and the muscles in and around my bicep, it even hurt to touch, I felt as though I had torn my rotator cuff. I found that heat and ice helped a great deal along with a lot of rest. I also started having nerve pain in my right arm down into my hand. The surgeon did not seemed to concerned and started my on a very light physical therapy. Heat and light massage. Boy does that help. I had pretty severe muscle spasms in the area too, and they started me on a muscle relaxer too. (those only lasted about 4 days). If your insurance covers this, I would suggest trying it, they give me suggestions that I otherwise would not have done.
Good luck,
Terrbear
About two weeks after my surgery I started getting pain in my right shoulder, the shoulder blade and the muscles in and around my bicep, it even hurt to touch, I felt as though I had torn my rotator cuff. I found that heat and ice helped a great deal along with a lot of rest. I also started having nerve pain in my right arm down into my hand. The surgeon did not seemed to concerned and started my on a very light physical therapy. Heat and light massage. Boy does that help. I had pretty severe muscle spasms in the area too, and they started me on a muscle relaxer too. (those only lasted about 4 days). If your insurance covers this, I would suggest trying it, they give me suggestions that I otherwise would not have done.
Good luck,
Terrbear
aspen2cody
09-30-2004, 06:51 PM
thanks terrbear its good to hear someone have the numbness I have. My NS expects it to go away and my ear, nose throat doc told me it was nothing to worry about, it was subcantous nerves and at worse they would come back at 6 to 8 weeks. Youre right about sensitive to touch, some areas under my chin are very sensitive to touch where numbness (I believe) used to be.
dennisgb
09-30-2004, 09:07 PM
Those muscle spasms can be very deceptive and mask themselves as all kinds of things.
It's hard to say it's just muscle spasms, when we just went through such a serious surgery, and we want to be in tune with what our bodies are telling us. Make sure if things don't get better, or you have other problems, you contact your doc.
I found that during the first few weeks, the combination of your body trying to "protect" the area that had surgery, and the stupid collar, I was hunching my shoulders in an "up" position. I didn't notice it, but it was very un-natural, and caused my muscles to tighten up alot. Once I realized it, I started forcing myself to "relax", and did some breathing excercises, plus the heat and cold. I also use Flexall rub on back of neck and shoulders. Gradually the muscled relaxed and i felt much better.
Also, for some reason Benadryl helps with the spasms. Ask your doc if it's okay to take. I take one at bedtime, as it helps you sleep (same thing that is in most over counter sleep meds...and Tylenol PM).
Just keep up what your doing, it will get better.
It's hard to say it's just muscle spasms, when we just went through such a serious surgery, and we want to be in tune with what our bodies are telling us. Make sure if things don't get better, or you have other problems, you contact your doc.
I found that during the first few weeks, the combination of your body trying to "protect" the area that had surgery, and the stupid collar, I was hunching my shoulders in an "up" position. I didn't notice it, but it was very un-natural, and caused my muscles to tighten up alot. Once I realized it, I started forcing myself to "relax", and did some breathing excercises, plus the heat and cold. I also use Flexall rub on back of neck and shoulders. Gradually the muscled relaxed and i felt much better.
Also, for some reason Benadryl helps with the spasms. Ask your doc if it's okay to take. I take one at bedtime, as it helps you sleep (same thing that is in most over counter sleep meds...and Tylenol PM).
Just keep up what your doing, it will get better.
wdmoor
09-30-2004, 09:26 PM
I just had ACDF 9-21-04 and I am experiencing many of the same symptoms...the numbness under the chin makes shaving very odd. My shoulder blades are killing me, but that's wearing off, and today I had my first muscle spasm/cramp in my right shoulder, but I agree with dennisgb, I'm walking around with my shoulders up to protect the wound. I have a big knot in my throat around the incision and it is still hard to swallow. Good luck.
dennisgb
10-01-2004, 11:50 AM
WDmoor,
Oh boy, you are just out of surgery. Sounds like you have a pretty good handle on what's going on. The throat will get better. That's one of the really icky parts of the surgery.
Hang in there, you will get better!
Oh boy, you are just out of surgery. Sounds like you have a pretty good handle on what's going on. The throat will get better. That's one of the really icky parts of the surgery.
Hang in there, you will get better!
Mollyt61
10-03-2004, 12:19 PM
Hi,
I had a fusion done C6-C7on 9/3/04, so by now I am 4 weeks post-op, and I also have the numbness and tight rope feeling up to my chin from the surgical line which is about 6" long, but with each week it gets a little bit less, and I still have numbness and the ropefeeling, but at this point it is bareable, I think you just have to give it some time, remember, those fusions are major surgery and they really pulling on the muscles when they open up, so just hang in and give it time, you just had this ordeal 3 weeks ago. I hope this will comfer you a little bit, Take care and gentle hugs, Martina
I had a fusion done C6-C7on 9/3/04, so by now I am 4 weeks post-op, and I also have the numbness and tight rope feeling up to my chin from the surgical line which is about 6" long, but with each week it gets a little bit less, and I still have numbness and the ropefeeling, but at this point it is bareable, I think you just have to give it some time, remember, those fusions are major surgery and they really pulling on the muscles when they open up, so just hang in and give it time, you just had this ordeal 3 weeks ago. I hope this will comfer you a little bit, Take care and gentle hugs, Martina
Sara Nicole
10-11-2004, 09:46 PM
Hello,
I had my fusion C 5-6 with hardware, Aug 13 ,04.....I still have a little bit of that numbing feeling under my chin and around incision, doc says im doing good and that i dont need any pain meds, but truth is i hurt worse now than i did before, all symptoms remained, the R arm pain/shoulder and sometimes even the L side. cant sleep on either side cause shoulders hurt so bad ,by morning arms and shoulder hurt and have that dead/numbing feeling..I still have the tingling/pin and needles feeling down my neck and into my shoulder blades...the 2 things I have recieved from haveing the surgery is I do not have the stiffneck syndrome anymore as i can turn my head a little better but I now have really bad headaches, so bad my family doctor put me on migraine meds.....my NS doctor tells me its a long haul to feel better......I hope so, I just want to stop hurting and living again...im sure that what you want and i wish you the best with your recovery........I thank you and all of the ppl on this board, you have helped me alot
I had my fusion C 5-6 with hardware, Aug 13 ,04.....I still have a little bit of that numbing feeling under my chin and around incision, doc says im doing good and that i dont need any pain meds, but truth is i hurt worse now than i did before, all symptoms remained, the R arm pain/shoulder and sometimes even the L side. cant sleep on either side cause shoulders hurt so bad ,by morning arms and shoulder hurt and have that dead/numbing feeling..I still have the tingling/pin and needles feeling down my neck and into my shoulder blades...the 2 things I have recieved from haveing the surgery is I do not have the stiffneck syndrome anymore as i can turn my head a little better but I now have really bad headaches, so bad my family doctor put me on migraine meds.....my NS doctor tells me its a long haul to feel better......I hope so, I just want to stop hurting and living again...im sure that what you want and i wish you the best with your recovery........I thank you and all of the ppl on this board, you have helped me alot
kelly14
10-12-2004, 01:04 AM
I had to respond to your note.. I had acdf on 6-18-04 and still feel exactly the way you described right down to the headaches. I have been going to physical therapy for several weeks and have tried so hard to do all the stretching exercises at home during the day and still have gotten no relief. I only take zanaflex at night and I don't think that it makes any difference. I told my kids that I would be a new person after surgery and be able to attend all their sports events, etc. Well, I'm going to everything but the pain is excruciating. I realize that there are people suffering much greater pain than this but I guess I'm just frustrated since the neuro feels ther should be no pain since he relieved the nerve compression. The therapist said that the pain is from muscles that are so tight but what does it take to loosen the tightness. Just holding the steering wheel while driving is painful. If anyone has any suggestions I would be so appreciative.