donteventhinkaboutit
06-03-2003, 05:31 PM
hi everyone,
i just thought i would put in my note to say i wish i knew this place when i had my surgery in feb. 98, fusion in c5-6 and c6-7 with plate and my own bone graft. everyne is so nice here and the answers to questions that can be found are just absolutely amazing!
well my surgery has been like i said in 98 and i was never really relieved of any pain it was either mild or just totally unbearable. well needless to say i got a not so friendly doc and he has put me through hell ever since. after all this time i finally decided to show up at a different hospital without my records. i felt like other docs would read my file first and make their determination on my file.
well no lie i think i waited about an hour i was sent to xrays and believe it or not they found the problem that no one else seemed to find. between c6-7 never healed so this whole time my neck has been unstable and the cause of my pain. it got so bad for me that after all this time and everone saying everything is ok i thought i was going crazy. i actually went to counceling! i started to think that i was going crazy.
anyway i will be going in for more surgery soon and hopefully this will give me better results.
i just want to add that this board is just the best thing i ever came across, because even though you try to explain to people how you feel it just doesn't seem that some people really understand unless they have been through it. the depression that this alone caused was just awful. but i have been on here the last couple of day and reading some messages and it is nice to know that after all this i am not going nuts!!!
i wish everyone well
thanks for listening
andrea
i just thought i would put in my note to say i wish i knew this place when i had my surgery in feb. 98, fusion in c5-6 and c6-7 with plate and my own bone graft. everyne is so nice here and the answers to questions that can be found are just absolutely amazing!
well my surgery has been like i said in 98 and i was never really relieved of any pain it was either mild or just totally unbearable. well needless to say i got a not so friendly doc and he has put me through hell ever since. after all this time i finally decided to show up at a different hospital without my records. i felt like other docs would read my file first and make their determination on my file.
well no lie i think i waited about an hour i was sent to xrays and believe it or not they found the problem that no one else seemed to find. between c6-7 never healed so this whole time my neck has been unstable and the cause of my pain. it got so bad for me that after all this time and everone saying everything is ok i thought i was going crazy. i actually went to counceling! i started to think that i was going crazy.
anyway i will be going in for more surgery soon and hopefully this will give me better results.
i just want to add that this board is just the best thing i ever came across, because even though you try to explain to people how you feel it just doesn't seem that some people really understand unless they have been through it. the depression that this alone caused was just awful. but i have been on here the last couple of day and reading some messages and it is nice to know that after all this i am not going nuts!!!
i wish everyone well
thanks for listening
andrea
Sponsor
IonMan
06-03-2003, 06:33 PM
Welcome to the board. I hope things work out better for you this time round!!
Cheers
Cliff
------------------
Cervical myelopathy with frank cord compression from bony impingement.
22 Apr 03 C5 corpectomy, a C4/6 strut graft with allograft bone & titanium hardware.
15 May 03 Heart Attack, 16 May 03 Balloon Angioplasty & Stent implanted.
Cheers
Cliff
------------------
Cervical myelopathy with frank cord compression from bony impingement.
22 Apr 03 C5 corpectomy, a C4/6 strut graft with allograft bone & titanium hardware.
15 May 03 Heart Attack, 16 May 03 Balloon Angioplasty & Stent implanted.
KeithEugeneW
06-03-2003, 09:31 PM
I'm so glad you finally got the fresh look at your neck so that they could find the obvious. Too many doctors who had preconceived notions of what was there could not see what was the problem, it was easier to say you were nuts instead. I know from my own experience that I suspect that my wife and a couple of friends thought my neck and shoulder pain were all in my head. After my wife went to the surgeon's office with me and saw the x-rays and MRI's, and heard what the doctor had to say, she finally saw what the train wreck in my neck looked like and maybe she finally understands. I was even starting to doubt myself at the beginning, before I had the MRI, thinking maybe this whole thing wasn't really that bad and that it was all just my imagination taking over and causing the pain. Now if I could just get my mind to believe nothing is wrong and ignore the pain, I could dump all these pills and I'd be all set! :D Good luck to you on your second fusion attempt. I know they have some devices out now that you can wear that help aid the fusion process, so you probably want to ask about those. I understand smoking hinders fusion also, so if you can, try to quit smoking for at least the healing time, if you smoke. Please keep posting and let us know how this works out for you!
Keith
Keith
melanie dawn
06-03-2003, 09:47 PM
Andrea,
I am so glad you found the board and I would like to welcome you aboard!!This is truly a wonderful place, and the level of support and caring by members is amazing.
Good for you , going to a hospital without records. I too have been given the "it must be in my head routine". This is one of the worst offences that the medical community can do to a patient, not to beleive them, and to discredit their pain is so damaging. I am glad that you have found the answers to your pain, and that the upcoming surgery will give you the much deserved relief.
Mel
------------------
Congenital Cervical Stenosis,complicated by:
Paracentral Disc herniations ,bone spurs C4/5,C5/6,C6/7
Advanced myelopathy inc. walking difficulty, loss of gag reflex with swallowing problems, neurogenic bladder, occipital neuralgia, spacticity
[This message has been edited by melanie dawn (edited 06-03-2003).]
I am so glad you found the board and I would like to welcome you aboard!!This is truly a wonderful place, and the level of support and caring by members is amazing.
Good for you , going to a hospital without records. I too have been given the "it must be in my head routine". This is one of the worst offences that the medical community can do to a patient, not to beleive them, and to discredit their pain is so damaging. I am glad that you have found the answers to your pain, and that the upcoming surgery will give you the much deserved relief.
Mel
------------------
Congenital Cervical Stenosis,complicated by:
Paracentral Disc herniations ,bone spurs C4/5,C5/6,C6/7
Advanced myelopathy inc. walking difficulty, loss of gag reflex with swallowing problems, neurogenic bladder, occipital neuralgia, spacticity
[This message has been edited by melanie dawn (edited 06-03-2003).]
joprud
06-03-2003, 10:26 PM
Hi Andrea,
Just wanted to pop in and say WELCOME...Sorry that you too went through the "it must be in my head routine"...GRRR...I wish you all the best on your upcoming surgery...Again, welcome aboard.
Take Care, :wave:
Joanne
------------------
Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,acupuncture all to no avail.
Just wanted to pop in and say WELCOME...Sorry that you too went through the "it must be in my head routine"...GRRR...I wish you all the best on your upcoming surgery...Again, welcome aboard.
Take Care, :wave:
Joanne
------------------
Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,acupuncture all to no avail.
BamaPeach
06-03-2003, 10:33 PM
welcome from a newcomer, herself. I truly understand your relief at finding this board. Sometimes we just need that reaffirmation. My hubby still does not believe the extent of my problems and he will not be here for my preop, but maybe the surgeon will explain it to him. Anyway I hope you get the help you deserve and if I can be of assistance just say the word.
Ginny
------------------
ACF June 18, 2003 C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 with bone donor
Ginny
------------------
ACF June 18, 2003 C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 with bone donor
Debbie2
06-03-2003, 11:14 PM
Welcome Andrea, this board is great... which is why some of us are still here so long after our surgeries... we have great friendships and offer lots of support.
Make yourself at home...
Debbie
------------------
Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
Make yourself at home...
Debbie
------------------
Debbie2
ACDF fusion (c5c6) with titanium plate and screws using donor bone -
September 4, 2002.
magtize
06-04-2003, 12:07 AM
Wecome to your new UNDERSTANDING (been there done that) family.
I to have been there(its all in your head)
and at 1 point I was beginning to believe it.
This is a great group.
Keep us informed and let us know when your surgery is
Elaine
------------------
car accident 72 S2 fused 76 Surgery 96 c5-6 fused
aug pains in neck started with pain meds. had X-rays MRI Mylagram
c2-3 c3-4 broadbase buldge c6-7 buldge.pinched nerve,arthritis,spinal stenosis.Meds.Celebrex200mg 1 a day Lexapro 10mg 1 day apap/codeine 300mg as needed oxycod/apap 500 mg as needed neurontin 300mg 2 xs a day Massages,PT,PM SO FAR NO RELIEFLost job as have been off work since Sept 02 3 good days since then
I to have been there(its all in your head)
and at 1 point I was beginning to believe it.
This is a great group.
Keep us informed and let us know when your surgery is
Elaine
------------------
car accident 72 S2 fused 76 Surgery 96 c5-6 fused
aug pains in neck started with pain meds. had X-rays MRI Mylagram
c2-3 c3-4 broadbase buldge c6-7 buldge.pinched nerve,arthritis,spinal stenosis.Meds.Celebrex200mg 1 a day Lexapro 10mg 1 day apap/codeine 300mg as needed oxycod/apap 500 mg as needed neurontin 300mg 2 xs a day Massages,PT,PM SO FAR NO RELIEFLost job as have been off work since Sept 02 3 good days since then
franjo
06-04-2003, 04:43 AM
Andrea, Welcome! :wave:
Well, I just can't say enough about the people here. It is a very unique place, with a wide variety of unique personalities. I know they've been a blessing to me.
My! Aren't you the savvy one! What a great idea to force a new perspective on your diagnosis! I'm likin' you already! :D
God Bless,
~Teri
Well, I just can't say enough about the people here. It is a very unique place, with a wide variety of unique personalities. I know they've been a blessing to me.
My! Aren't you the savvy one! What a great idea to force a new perspective on your diagnosis! I'm likin' you already! :D
God Bless,
~Teri
franjo
06-04-2003, 04:44 AM
Oops! I meant to introduce my other half:
------------------
Spina-bifida occulta; Congenital Scoliosis (dextrorotatory and 'S' curve, 42 thorasic and 57 degrees lumbar); Meningomyelocele (split cord @ L1); Diastematomyelia (re-sectioned at L2-3); tethered cord @ S-3; cysts on cord; various developmental abnormalities of the spine: narrowing of all disk spaces, defects in posterior arches, ectasia of the spinal canal and dura, segmental disease, sclerosis in L. iliac bone and adjacent sacroiliac joint, unilateral osteitis condensans ilium, hypertrophic facet disease L4-5 and L5-S1.
Surgeries include, but not limited to:
Lumbar fusion-1968
Fusion with Herrington Rod instrumentation-1970
Femoral osteotomy-1971
Tethered cord release-1987
Rod removal-1987
Chiari-type pelvic osteotomy-1988
Trochanteric osteotomy-1989
------------------
Spina-bifida occulta; Congenital Scoliosis (dextrorotatory and 'S' curve, 42 thorasic and 57 degrees lumbar); Meningomyelocele (split cord @ L1); Diastematomyelia (re-sectioned at L2-3); tethered cord @ S-3; cysts on cord; various developmental abnormalities of the spine: narrowing of all disk spaces, defects in posterior arches, ectasia of the spinal canal and dura, segmental disease, sclerosis in L. iliac bone and adjacent sacroiliac joint, unilateral osteitis condensans ilium, hypertrophic facet disease L4-5 and L5-S1.
Surgeries include, but not limited to:
Lumbar fusion-1968
Fusion with Herrington Rod instrumentation-1970
Femoral osteotomy-1971
Tethered cord release-1987
Rod removal-1987
Chiari-type pelvic osteotomy-1988
Trochanteric osteotomy-1989
OFFSHORE
06-04-2003, 08:05 PM
Hi,
I've been there in October of 2001 I had a fusion of c5-6 C6-7 with my right hip bone graft. This was done where I live in NJ the DR kept telling me I was fine and fused. I was in to much pain and went to PA and saw a DR who took x-rays and was able to tell by regular x-rays that I never fused and screws were broke.
So after hearing what I knew along that something wasn't right and I never fused and four of the six screws were fractured.
I went to NY and found an excellent DR. I just had surgery again this April I had a 2 level corpectomy, with another anterior fusion from C5-C7, cervical laminectomy and than they flipped me over and did a posterior cervical fusion and instrumentation from C5-T1. I was in ICU for 2 days than a regular room after ICU for another 4 days. I still on the morphine pain patches and pain pills, and valium plus I use a tens unit almost 24/7. I had a lot of great DR's doing this last surgery it was also very long I had a neurosurgeon, spine surgeon, and ENT. DR's. I had a lot going on it was a work injury I'm still having a lot of pain and can't stand the pain going down the arms anymore. So now I have a new plate in the front a cage in the middle and a plate and screws in the back of the neck.
Here's wishing you the best and hope all is well.
I've been there in October of 2001 I had a fusion of c5-6 C6-7 with my right hip bone graft. This was done where I live in NJ the DR kept telling me I was fine and fused. I was in to much pain and went to PA and saw a DR who took x-rays and was able to tell by regular x-rays that I never fused and screws were broke.
So after hearing what I knew along that something wasn't right and I never fused and four of the six screws were fractured.
I went to NY and found an excellent DR. I just had surgery again this April I had a 2 level corpectomy, with another anterior fusion from C5-C7, cervical laminectomy and than they flipped me over and did a posterior cervical fusion and instrumentation from C5-T1. I was in ICU for 2 days than a regular room after ICU for another 4 days. I still on the morphine pain patches and pain pills, and valium plus I use a tens unit almost 24/7. I had a lot of great DR's doing this last surgery it was also very long I had a neurosurgeon, spine surgeon, and ENT. DR's. I had a lot going on it was a work injury I'm still having a lot of pain and can't stand the pain going down the arms anymore. So now I have a new plate in the front a cage in the middle and a plate and screws in the back of the neck.
Here's wishing you the best and hope all is well.
janie francine
06-04-2003, 08:12 PM
Hi Andrea,
I'm so glad you're here! When I had my car accident in '85 I had the same experience. I was in so much pain and couldn't sleep or work. My job was threatening to fire me and my doctor kept telling me there was nothing wrong with me. It was all in my head! It got so bad at one point that I seriously considered doing myself in because I started to believe I was crazy, too. It was a huge nightmare, but finally found someone who helped me. I really think she saved my life. I know this sounds kind of dramatic, but I had never been so miserable or scared in my life. Anyhow...I've survived. I'm so glad you found a new doctor. Keep us posted.
Jeanine
I'm so glad you're here! When I had my car accident in '85 I had the same experience. I was in so much pain and couldn't sleep or work. My job was threatening to fire me and my doctor kept telling me there was nothing wrong with me. It was all in my head! It got so bad at one point that I seriously considered doing myself in because I started to believe I was crazy, too. It was a huge nightmare, but finally found someone who helped me. I really think she saved my life. I know this sounds kind of dramatic, but I had never been so miserable or scared in my life. Anyhow...I've survived. I'm so glad you found a new doctor. Keep us posted.
Jeanine
Catherine with a C
06-07-2003, 11:48 PM
Andrea!!
I apologise for the delay in welcoming you properly!
Greetings!!
I have been so overwhelmed with stuff these days!
Iam glad that you decided to participate in your own recovery as it were, & seek out help!
Please keep us posted.
again welcome!
You have arrived!!!
Catherine
I apologise for the delay in welcoming you properly!
Greetings!!
I have been so overwhelmed with stuff these days!
Iam glad that you decided to participate in your own recovery as it were, & seek out help!
Please keep us posted.
again welcome!
You have arrived!!!
Catherine
Wayne in TX
06-08-2003, 10:31 AM
Welcome to the Board. I have been lurking around in here for a short time. Just a new Cervie checking in
joprud
06-09-2003, 02:39 AM
Hi Wayne in TX,
Just wanted to welcome you aboard...please feel free to jump in and tell us about yourself...we love newbies and would enjoy the opportunity to get to know you...Hope to see you around.
Take Care, :wave:
Joanne
------------------
Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,acupuncture all to no avail.
Just wanted to welcome you aboard...please feel free to jump in and tell us about yourself...we love newbies and would enjoy the opportunity to get to know you...Hope to see you around.
Take Care, :wave:
Joanne
------------------
Sept‘63,fall on back on stairs,compression fractures of T6 and T8
1993 X-ray Diagnosed DDD
Nov,2002 MRI C4-C5 posterior osteophytic bar effacing ventral thecal sac, stenosis of neural foramina.C5-C6 posterior disc protrusion effacing VTS. Stenosis of neural foramina.C6-C7 posterior disc herniation effacing VTS.stenosis of neural foramina.C7-T1perineural cysts in both neural foramina.left convex scoliosis mid thoracic spine.wedging of T7. wedging of T5.degen.end plate changes at T8-T9. L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge effacing VTS.hypertrophy of facet joints,central spinal stenosis.L5-S1 posterior disc protrusion with associated tear of annulus fibrosis. hypertrophy of facet joints.S1-S2 Perineural cysts involving S1-S2 nerve roots.
So far have tried: meds,physio,acupuncture all to no avail.