Hi all, I just got through my first eval with neuro surgeon and he says my exterior is healing well from ACDF on C5-6. In 3 weeks we start the xrays. As anyone who has had this knows, you cannot take NSAIDs including arthritis meds. The problem I am facing now is that I have extensive arthritis throughout my body, fibromyalgia and myofacscial syndrome from a fall I took 2 years ago (ergo the damaged/herniated discs) and degenerative disc disease along with myelopathy in the C section of my cord and closed head injury. I am off most meds I normally take but can still take the nerve pain meds, and low dosage of Lorcet. I am still on muscle relaxers every 3-6 hours, but after 1-2 hours of sleep I wake up in absolute pain from all my joints. I had L4-5 mini dischotomy in 2002 and that is where I have the most pain along with knees and hips. How does one deal with waiting for fusion 6 months or more without taking their arthritis meds????? I am only 38, but was using a cane for several months just to get around in my home due to uncontrolled arthritis pain until they started me on Mobic. Now after being off of it for 3 weeks, having the surgery and weaning of pain meds I am really a grumpy, sleepy, hurting camper here! Has anyone else gone through this, and how do you cope? ANY suggestions would be so gratefully accepted!! I do not want to go back to a walking cane.
MimGregg:)