alex12
10-04-2007, 08:48 AM
What do you do when everything fails to heal your pain? I am so lost, my pain management Dr. said my only option is surgery on c5-c7. Two neuro's said the same, and I am terrified since there are no guarantees! When I don't work I dont get paid and I just don't know what to do. I am in tears! I cant handle the pain and am stuck in a corner.
:(
The pain, the pins and needle and shocks in my head, i can't focus, can't deal witht he drugs! It's a mess I know all of you deal with too.
Thanks for reading my vent!
:(
The pain, the pins and needle and shocks in my head, i can't focus, can't deal witht he drugs! It's a mess I know all of you deal with too.
Thanks for reading my vent!
Sponsor
sunshine221
10-04-2007, 09:22 AM
Yes there are no guarentees about surgery and there are mixed results. Remember that many of the long time posters you see here are people with ongoing problems but the vast marjority have their surgery, it helps and they move on. I was totally scared going into surgery, I had never had anything major like this and there was a minor problem when I came out of anestesia (when they took a neuro probe out of my skull it started bleeding there) but all in all it was an ok experience and while my results werent 100% many of my issues were resolved.
It sounds like you are at a point wherre I was at a different time (long story for another time) but the bottom line is that it sounds like you are at a point where "doing nothing is not an option"
Good luck in your decision process.
It sounds like you are at a point wherre I was at a different time (long story for another time) but the bottom line is that it sounds like you are at a point where "doing nothing is not an option"
Good luck in your decision process.
alex12
10-04-2007, 09:28 AM
Thank you sunshine... I really am terrified!!!!! I am just so dpressed over this and am wondering how I got llike this, what did I do wrong?? Ugh!
I know all of you understand. I just need the courage!
I know all of you understand. I just need the courage!
babsinga
10-04-2007, 10:24 AM
Hi Alex,
I feel your pain. Some days I wake up and say, why do I need surgery??? By the end of the day when my arm is burning, my fingers are numb, I have the worst occipital headache known to man and my shoulders are spasming and I am on my third valium, I then wish I had a neurosurgeons cell number so they could operate on me the same night.
I finally made a decision to have 2 level fusion. I still dont know which doc is gonna do it yet, since the one I like is knife happy, but very good and the one who I like the most is not the right surgeon for me. I am meeting with a new one on monday. Have faith that you are making the right decision. I am in the same boat. I own my own company and dont make a dime if I am not working.
HUgs!!! BB
I feel your pain. Some days I wake up and say, why do I need surgery??? By the end of the day when my arm is burning, my fingers are numb, I have the worst occipital headache known to man and my shoulders are spasming and I am on my third valium, I then wish I had a neurosurgeons cell number so they could operate on me the same night.
I finally made a decision to have 2 level fusion. I still dont know which doc is gonna do it yet, since the one I like is knife happy, but very good and the one who I like the most is not the right surgeon for me. I am meeting with a new one on monday. Have faith that you are making the right decision. I am in the same boat. I own my own company and dont make a dime if I am not working.
HUgs!!! BB
Jessarr
10-04-2007, 01:54 PM
Hi Alex12, Scared, itis very scary and you have every right tobe scraed, I was before I had my 3 level ACDF. It took a month from when I found out I needed the surgery to havingthe surgery. I stay home with my kids and had time to research and research and get opinions form several neuros to feel as comforatble as I did with my choice tohave surgery. I cried for the month but knew I could not live with the thought that one day I would have to fix myself if not by choice then in the E.R. Speak to your Doctors ask questions ask questions to the patience in the waiting rooms (peopel like to tell their story) listen to what the doctors have told them, this was a great way for me to get a feel about my surgeons. I wish you the best and always try and forsee a successfull result for your choice.
neckpatient
10-04-2007, 03:08 PM
I bet every person on this board remembers the agony of making a surgery decision.
Being a person who has had 2 now and still has problems, I would tell you it was still the best decision I ever made. I didn't get complete recovery, but I did get relief. I waited too long and pushed myself too hard, I did influence my poor outcome.
ACDFs have a good outcome rate, if you research studies you will find good numbers. The surgery itself has been done for years and isn't a very bad surgery pain wise. If you are miserable now, you might even find you immediately feel better after. There are some nuisance problems but recovery goes well for most people.
You will find the right decision for yourself, but don't let fear hold you back from something that could help you. Make an informed decision and ensure you have a good dr.
Being a person who has had 2 now and still has problems, I would tell you it was still the best decision I ever made. I didn't get complete recovery, but I did get relief. I waited too long and pushed myself too hard, I did influence my poor outcome.
ACDFs have a good outcome rate, if you research studies you will find good numbers. The surgery itself has been done for years and isn't a very bad surgery pain wise. If you are miserable now, you might even find you immediately feel better after. There are some nuisance problems but recovery goes well for most people.
You will find the right decision for yourself, but don't let fear hold you back from something that could help you. Make an informed decision and ensure you have a good dr.
alex12
10-04-2007, 06:47 PM
I am so happy to have this board. I am int ears and am so scared to make the wrong decision. Like one poster just said, its the end of the work day and I am in so much pain that if I could I would have the surgery today right now!!!!! I think I am going to have to have it, I cannot foresee living like this!
THank You all!
THank You all!
SpineAZ
10-08-2007, 10:30 PM
Alex:
In NJ there is state disability insurance. This is provided by the state (as long as you are not self employed). You may want to look into this should you need to be off work. In addition, check with your employer to see if they offer any kind of Short Term Disability above and beyond the state disability insurance.
In NJ there is state disability insurance. This is provided by the state (as long as you are not self employed). You may want to look into this should you need to be off work. In addition, check with your employer to see if they offer any kind of Short Term Disability above and beyond the state disability insurance.
alex12
10-09-2007, 09:29 AM
Thanks Kross, its funny you say that because I was just talking about that.
What do you all do about taking care of kids, picking htem up from school etc... I just dont know how to handle the recovery.
What do you all do about taking care of kids, picking htem up from school etc... I just dont know how to handle the recovery.
chablis3
10-09-2007, 07:31 PM
Alex....I was just thinking to myself earlier.......I have had two children and went through that pain, have had two previous surgeries for women problems, had my lung collapse twice; all of which caused pain and hospital confinement. Then I thought, my sister-in-law went through breast cancer (removed both breasts), my cousin went through lung cancer, a nephew had back surgery, and my 21 year old grandaughter went through an operation to remove a tumor from her brain (cancer). I am telling myself, if I survived the previous stuff, as well as my family members getting through things, well then, if I do have to have my neck operated on.....I am going to get through it, too. Yep, I will be scared to death and cry a lot also, but I am going to keep talking to myself and telling myself I can do it. Not even sure yet if I need an operation, but, I feel that might be the only option I have left also. I was told by one or two board members that it is better to get things done early before the situation gets worse and harder to fix. That is definitely something to think about.
Thinking about you!
Judy
Thinking about you!
Judy
alex12
10-09-2007, 08:11 PM
WOw Chablis, Thanks I needed that. It really puts things into perspective... you seem to manage and get through it and hopefully life goes on! Thank you for that!:)
SpineAZ
10-09-2007, 09:38 PM
Well for me the kid thing was easy......we don't have any :-) So I only really had to think about me - my husband was able to help out when needed (doctor's appointments, etc).
chablis3
10-09-2007, 11:24 PM
Alex..I know everything I said are just words, and I know how scared you are, but, I do hope my thoughts helped you a little. It is easy to say things and give opinions, but, that is exactly what I have been running through my mind at this time. I noticed you live in Jersey......I can run over from Delaware and hold your hand when you have surgery! Wouldn't it be great if some of these good people could actually be there to support you! I know I would like that. I would be so excited meeting everyone I would forget about going to the OR....but then I would ask for something to knock me out before they take me!!
Kep your chin up, better days are coming!
Kep your chin up, better days are coming!
monarog
10-10-2007, 12:58 AM
Hi Alex12,
Yes, it's a scary decision to make. I did not make it after 7 months of horrible pain with a large herniation. The decision was really made for me...I was trying to just live and deal with the pain, keep exercising, hope I'd get better - as I was told 90% of people do, etc. Once the disc changed from compressing my nerve root and started to flatten my cord all #$##%% broke loose, ended up in the ER. It became an easy decision at that point, when my walking became difficult, balance way off, numb feet, numb face - no kidding... along with other HORRIBLE nervous system issues; surgery was a no-brainer for me. Even as screwed up as I was and still am, I too was scared to death. I am hopeful my cord is not permanently damaged or other nervous system damage. I am close to 7 months post-op, better than I was and still not well. I am hopeful I will continue to improve, it's been slow, but like I said, better than I was - I am even back to running some, swimming etc - would have been next to impossible 7-8 months ago prior to the surgery. For me, the surgery part and surgery recovery was a breeze, for me. I wanted to wake up and feel better, not the case. My understanding is once there is cord involvement it's anybody's guess on improvement. I also understand I am in the unlucky 10%...many get better without surgery. Sounds like you are really suffering; remember, many have success. I'll tell you what, for ME...should I ever have another large herniation again....I'd find someone to operate...I just would not be willing to run the risk of cord involvement again. I don't mean to sound over-dramatic, but it literally made me feel like I lost a couple of years of quality life; it's been a horrible, humbling ride. I'm hopeful, whatever your decision, you experience improvement. Keep us posted on how it goes for you. Mona
Yes, it's a scary decision to make. I did not make it after 7 months of horrible pain with a large herniation. The decision was really made for me...I was trying to just live and deal with the pain, keep exercising, hope I'd get better - as I was told 90% of people do, etc. Once the disc changed from compressing my nerve root and started to flatten my cord all #$##%% broke loose, ended up in the ER. It became an easy decision at that point, when my walking became difficult, balance way off, numb feet, numb face - no kidding... along with other HORRIBLE nervous system issues; surgery was a no-brainer for me. Even as screwed up as I was and still am, I too was scared to death. I am hopeful my cord is not permanently damaged or other nervous system damage. I am close to 7 months post-op, better than I was and still not well. I am hopeful I will continue to improve, it's been slow, but like I said, better than I was - I am even back to running some, swimming etc - would have been next to impossible 7-8 months ago prior to the surgery. For me, the surgery part and surgery recovery was a breeze, for me. I wanted to wake up and feel better, not the case. My understanding is once there is cord involvement it's anybody's guess on improvement. I also understand I am in the unlucky 10%...many get better without surgery. Sounds like you are really suffering; remember, many have success. I'll tell you what, for ME...should I ever have another large herniation again....I'd find someone to operate...I just would not be willing to run the risk of cord involvement again. I don't mean to sound over-dramatic, but it literally made me feel like I lost a couple of years of quality life; it's been a horrible, humbling ride. I'm hopeful, whatever your decision, you experience improvement. Keep us posted on how it goes for you. Mona
alex12
10-10-2007, 07:58 PM
Mona thank you for your response. I think that is a huge issue I have that give my anxiety, having hte surgery and still not feeling better....i know that is the chances. Like you said you can do more now then you gouls last year. Also the idea of living in so much pain is scary, again like you said the quality of life is diminished and unfortunately we can't get those years back :(
Chablis: You crack me up!!!!:)
Chablis: You crack me up!!!!:)