PsychLea
06-30-2003, 02:28 AM
For all of you way ahead of me in recovery, how long did it take for the pain to go away?
I am going into my 8th week and still having problems. Tonite I felt like my head was going to fall off my shoulders :eek: Thank goodness for hydrocodone and Soma. I have a lot of burning and pain in my left shoulder, which was absent until I returned to work last week.
This week I am going back to full time. It's a little disappointing, ya know? I was doing so well the week before I returned to work.
I am really enjoying being back at work though. I really do love my job and like helping people. My coworkers are wonderful and funny. So even though it is extremely stressful, it is still an enjoyable atmosphere.
They have one more person to hire before I can go to part time and hopefully my husb will have a job by then. I'm not depressed or anything, just really annoyed http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif
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God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
I am going into my 8th week and still having problems. Tonite I felt like my head was going to fall off my shoulders :eek: Thank goodness for hydrocodone and Soma. I have a lot of burning and pain in my left shoulder, which was absent until I returned to work last week.
This week I am going back to full time. It's a little disappointing, ya know? I was doing so well the week before I returned to work.
I am really enjoying being back at work though. I really do love my job and like helping people. My coworkers are wonderful and funny. So even though it is extremely stressful, it is still an enjoyable atmosphere.
They have one more person to hire before I can go to part time and hopefully my husb will have a job by then. I'm not depressed or anything, just really annoyed http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
Sponsor
lifeonhold2003
06-30-2003, 04:56 AM
Lea,
I can't answer your question, because I've just passed my 9th week and still no improvement. I too am still having that burning pain in my left shoulder, in addition to the pain, numbness and tingling all the way down my left arm. I also am having terrible pain in the back of my neck which travels upward across the top of my head over to my forehead.
I applaud you for being able to work. I can't seem to do anything for very long. I too am very disappointed.
I sure hope you begin to feel better real soon.
------------------
AKA: Julie
4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op
I can't answer your question, because I've just passed my 9th week and still no improvement. I too am still having that burning pain in my left shoulder, in addition to the pain, numbness and tingling all the way down my left arm. I also am having terrible pain in the back of my neck which travels upward across the top of my head over to my forehead.
I applaud you for being able to work. I can't seem to do anything for very long. I too am very disappointed.
I sure hope you begin to feel better real soon.
------------------
AKA: Julie
4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op
winged phantom
06-30-2003, 10:07 AM
Hi Lea,
Glad to hear you are back at work, although I did read a few days back about your DH's troubles with work... or lack of it. In spite of all the headaches with tension and worry, etc., I hope you can get some good R&R when you are "off duty" (oh, yeah, right!). Don't do heavy lifting and gardening (deja vu)...
Finally at about 8 weeks I was able to get off my major meds, but I was on Soma until just a few days ago; only manages to take it every 12 hours, though, not every 6! I'm doing ok... just doing a lot of walking, though, so not the usual stuff that life throws at us. Except that tonight I have to "move out", essentially, and do a thorough cleaning of the apartment. Well, that should not take long.
Baby yourself a bit longer, Lea, or if you notice things are just not right or much worse than they have been, call the doc and ask about it all...
wr
Glad to hear you are back at work, although I did read a few days back about your DH's troubles with work... or lack of it. In spite of all the headaches with tension and worry, etc., I hope you can get some good R&R when you are "off duty" (oh, yeah, right!). Don't do heavy lifting and gardening (deja vu)...
Finally at about 8 weeks I was able to get off my major meds, but I was on Soma until just a few days ago; only manages to take it every 12 hours, though, not every 6! I'm doing ok... just doing a lot of walking, though, so not the usual stuff that life throws at us. Except that tonight I have to "move out", essentially, and do a thorough cleaning of the apartment. Well, that should not take long.
Baby yourself a bit longer, Lea, or if you notice things are just not right or much worse than they have been, call the doc and ask about it all...
wr
janie francine
06-30-2003, 01:34 PM
Hi Lea,
Sorry you're having a rough time. I can't help with answers as I haven't had surgery. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. Take it easy, OK?
Jeanine
Sorry you're having a rough time. I can't help with answers as I haven't had surgery. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. Take it easy, OK?
Jeanine
BDW2
06-30-2003, 09:14 PM
I am in week 12 and my left shoulder blade is on fire. I have been through 6 weeks of PT. All of my Docs are assuring me it is muscle pain. I am going back to work tommorrow FT. I am like you though, WILL IT END? I have been told I need to build the muscles back up on that side, but it is pretty painful. Doing alot of stretching, exercising. Doc wants me moving. On the good side, neck is doing better, great ROM, no pain. Good luck.
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ACDF C6-7 with plating and donor bone (3/28/03)
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ACDF C6-7 with plating and donor bone (3/28/03)
PsychLea
07-01-2003, 01:38 AM
:( This is so discouraging!
My nerve pain is back full force. I worked a 9 hour day today. I might be able to get the 4th off. Told my boss I wasn't doing as well as I would like and I ran out of Soma, DOH http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Will get my Rx filled tomorrow. Tried to take half a 10mg hydrocodone at work, not a good idea, made me really dizzy and irritable. SIGH!
I'm going to call my NS next week after the holiday and see what we can do. I can't miss anymore work right now.
My husb had a job interview today and another one tomorrow, so keep those prayers coming.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
My nerve pain is back full force. I worked a 9 hour day today. I might be able to get the 4th off. Told my boss I wasn't doing as well as I would like and I ran out of Soma, DOH http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif
Will get my Rx filled tomorrow. Tried to take half a 10mg hydrocodone at work, not a good idea, made me really dizzy and irritable. SIGH!
I'm going to call my NS next week after the holiday and see what we can do. I can't miss anymore work right now.
My husb had a job interview today and another one tomorrow, so keep those prayers coming.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
Catherine with a C
07-01-2003, 02:59 AM
Hi Lea,
I have been meaning to respond to you for quite some time now~~~~~
no excuse really, simply life unfolding into all sorts of wonderful & funny shapes with a 3 & 5 year old.
(Insert big sigh here!!!!)
I will be 3 months post op on July 2nd!
I still receive "reminders" in my shoulder areas some times to change postitions. Usually, I will feel a hot increased pressure in the muscles!! I know then that I have no doubt been over doing it.
But, hey~~~~~~try telling that to my 2 kids!!
I must say that I shudder at the thought of having to go to "work" even at this stage of the game.
I am a stay-at-home Mom~~~ which in itself is a full time job; but, still~~~~
I am happy that you are happy at being back to work.......please, though.......take it easy!
I will send good vibrations to you & your hubby that situations will change!!
I want you to know that each day that I recover from this "event" brings me one day closer to nearing the end of the recovery! There is life after fusion.
It took my body a long time to get "sick"~~~
it will take a bit of time for it to heal!!
Be gentle with yourself.
Mentally, physically, spiritually!!!!
Know that you are not alone!
Hugs,
Catherine :wave:
I have been meaning to respond to you for quite some time now~~~~~
no excuse really, simply life unfolding into all sorts of wonderful & funny shapes with a 3 & 5 year old.
(Insert big sigh here!!!!)
I will be 3 months post op on July 2nd!
I still receive "reminders" in my shoulder areas some times to change postitions. Usually, I will feel a hot increased pressure in the muscles!! I know then that I have no doubt been over doing it.
But, hey~~~~~~try telling that to my 2 kids!!
I must say that I shudder at the thought of having to go to "work" even at this stage of the game.
I am a stay-at-home Mom~~~ which in itself is a full time job; but, still~~~~
I am happy that you are happy at being back to work.......please, though.......take it easy!
I will send good vibrations to you & your hubby that situations will change!!
I want you to know that each day that I recover from this "event" brings me one day closer to nearing the end of the recovery! There is life after fusion.
It took my body a long time to get "sick"~~~
it will take a bit of time for it to heal!!
Be gentle with yourself.
Mentally, physically, spiritually!!!!
Know that you are not alone!
Hugs,
Catherine :wave:
mel333
07-01-2003, 11:23 AM
Hi Lea,
Just wanted to say hello and I hope things improve soon. Please try to take it easy, yet somehow I don't think you will!
Mel
Just wanted to say hello and I hope things improve soon. Please try to take it easy, yet somehow I don't think you will!
Mel
ladyblue
07-01-2003, 04:55 PM
Lea,
Girl you gotta take care of yourself!!! You are way ahead me week wise, but I have to hope it will get better for you because, well, I need the good thoughts myself.
I am so tired of all of this. I want to click my heals together and go back to where I was whole and healthy.
I often sit and try to remember what is was like to be pain free, but I cant remember. We take so much for granted I suppose, dont we?
Prayers winging your way,
Lisa
Girl you gotta take care of yourself!!! You are way ahead me week wise, but I have to hope it will get better for you because, well, I need the good thoughts myself.
I am so tired of all of this. I want to click my heals together and go back to where I was whole and healthy.
I often sit and try to remember what is was like to be pain free, but I cant remember. We take so much for granted I suppose, dont we?
Prayers winging your way,
Lisa
FBK
07-06-2003, 05:37 PM
Lea...good luck to you.
It's been suggested that I have a procedure similar to yours (see "a pain in the neck"), but at 4 levels, so you're way ahead of me, and I would like to hear about "if you had to do it again..."
i.e., what symptoms/degree of problem did you have.
pls see my posting. Hang in there.
Thanks, FBK
It's been suggested that I have a procedure similar to yours (see "a pain in the neck"), but at 4 levels, so you're way ahead of me, and I would like to hear about "if you had to do it again..."
i.e., what symptoms/degree of problem did you have.
pls see my posting. Hang in there.
Thanks, FBK
PsychLea
07-07-2003, 12:17 AM
hey guys,
:wave:
The pain is a little better, but still really annoying with the nerve pain and muscle spasms. My stamina is better , but honestly the sometimes 10 hour days are killing me. I am just exhausted, plus for some reason I am still having alot of trouble sleeping.
I went swimming with my son and now I am really tired. Hopefully I will fall asleep before 3 a.m. tonite.
I don't remember if I told you guys or not, but my husband did find a job and starts tomorrow. I am still waiting to go part time. They have to hire and train one more person. Hopefully in September or late August I can cut my hours down. Just can't do this anymore, ya know? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif
FBK,
This was my first go round, but since I have multiple degenerated discs, it probably won't be my last. Good luck to you. Fortunately, I only had one level done.
:wave:
The pain is a little better, but still really annoying with the nerve pain and muscle spasms. My stamina is better , but honestly the sometimes 10 hour days are killing me. I am just exhausted, plus for some reason I am still having alot of trouble sleeping.
I went swimming with my son and now I am really tired. Hopefully I will fall asleep before 3 a.m. tonite.
I don't remember if I told you guys or not, but my husband did find a job and starts tomorrow. I am still waiting to go part time. They have to hire and train one more person. Hopefully in September or late August I can cut my hours down. Just can't do this anymore, ya know? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif
FBK,
This was my first go round, but since I have multiple degenerated discs, it probably won't be my last. Good luck to you. Fortunately, I only had one level done.
Catherine with a C
07-07-2003, 12:56 AM
Lea,
I hope that the swim tonight aids in lulling you to sleep before 3!!
Hurray for your Hubby! Great News!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
If you feel that you must cut back on your hours~
then you go girl!! Be nice to yourself!
This is not a dress rehearsal remember!!
Keep us posted!
Until later,
Catherine :wave:
I hope that the swim tonight aids in lulling you to sleep before 3!!
Hurray for your Hubby! Great News!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif
If you feel that you must cut back on your hours~
then you go girl!! Be nice to yourself!
This is not a dress rehearsal remember!!
Keep us posted!
Until later,
Catherine :wave:
mel333
07-07-2003, 11:57 AM
Hi Lea,
That's great that your husband found part time work. Whats this 10 hour days! You truly are amazing to work this way after surgery. I hope you can take a rest soon, you deserve it.
Mel
That's great that your husband found part time work. Whats this 10 hour days! You truly are amazing to work this way after surgery. I hope you can take a rest soon, you deserve it.
Mel
firefighter_101
07-07-2003, 12:11 PM
Hello Lea,
I want to jump in to check on you. I hope today your doing great. Is there still a chance of you going part-time at work? That would hopefully give you some relief.
Well, I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you. I hope this finds you in less pain.
Harvey
------------------
Three Level C 4-5,5-6,6-7...Fusion, Grafts and plating.Bone Growth Stimulator worn all the time.
I want to jump in to check on you. I hope today your doing great. Is there still a chance of you going part-time at work? That would hopefully give you some relief.
Well, I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you. I hope this finds you in less pain.
Harvey
------------------
Three Level C 4-5,5-6,6-7...Fusion, Grafts and plating.Bone Growth Stimulator worn all the time.
DariusTDog
07-07-2003, 05:47 PM
Hi Lea,
Thought I'd share my experiences with you regarding recovery. I'm currently 16 weeks post op. I was feeling pretty good at 3 weeks post op, when all of the sudden I woke up one morning with terrible muscle spasms between my shoulder blades. Lots of pain relievers and muscle relaxers later, it got a little better, but, to be honest, I'm still dealing with minor spasms almost daily. I'm currently med-free (at last). No more hydrocodone, no more valium, no more flexeril, no more sleep. Its SLOWLY getting better. I started back to work 3 weeks post op. Really wish I could've taken 12 weeks off! I've started resuming some athletic activities, with moderate success. Throwing a softball isn't a problem. Going to the driving range isn't too bad, but 9 holes of golf did me in for 3 days. I've played racquetball twice (carefully) and felt pretty good. Each time I do something new, I suffer from muscle spasms for a couple/few days. I'm due to see the surgeon again next week. More X-rays. LETS GO FUSION!
Wish you the best in recovery...
Tone
------------------
ACDF C4-5 w/locking plate and allograft
3-18-2003
Thought I'd share my experiences with you regarding recovery. I'm currently 16 weeks post op. I was feeling pretty good at 3 weeks post op, when all of the sudden I woke up one morning with terrible muscle spasms between my shoulder blades. Lots of pain relievers and muscle relaxers later, it got a little better, but, to be honest, I'm still dealing with minor spasms almost daily. I'm currently med-free (at last). No more hydrocodone, no more valium, no more flexeril, no more sleep. Its SLOWLY getting better. I started back to work 3 weeks post op. Really wish I could've taken 12 weeks off! I've started resuming some athletic activities, with moderate success. Throwing a softball isn't a problem. Going to the driving range isn't too bad, but 9 holes of golf did me in for 3 days. I've played racquetball twice (carefully) and felt pretty good. Each time I do something new, I suffer from muscle spasms for a couple/few days. I'm due to see the surgeon again next week. More X-rays. LETS GO FUSION!
Wish you the best in recovery...
Tone
------------------
ACDF C4-5 w/locking plate and allograft
3-18-2003
KeithEugeneW
07-07-2003, 09:40 PM
Lea,
Please take care of yourself!!! No sense working yourself into being in worse shape than you were before the surgery. Take frequent breaks if you can and don't be afraid to tell the boss when you are hurting and need a day or two (or more) off to feel better. If you overdo something and hurt yourself, it could last a lifetime. Nobody will remember a year or two from now how Lea was such a dedicated trooper and worked her butt off while going through so much pain. That and a buck will get you a cup of coffee! I've seen friends who were so dedicated to the job end up dying on the job. When you retire, you're not likely to say Geez I wish I had spent more time at the office, you're going to say Geez I wish I had spent more time taking care of myself and enjoying life with my family and friends. Put Lea's health as priority one right now, the other stuff is trivial. I worry about you girl!
Keith
Please take care of yourself!!! No sense working yourself into being in worse shape than you were before the surgery. Take frequent breaks if you can and don't be afraid to tell the boss when you are hurting and need a day or two (or more) off to feel better. If you overdo something and hurt yourself, it could last a lifetime. Nobody will remember a year or two from now how Lea was such a dedicated trooper and worked her butt off while going through so much pain. That and a buck will get you a cup of coffee! I've seen friends who were so dedicated to the job end up dying on the job. When you retire, you're not likely to say Geez I wish I had spent more time at the office, you're going to say Geez I wish I had spent more time taking care of myself and enjoying life with my family and friends. Put Lea's health as priority one right now, the other stuff is trivial. I worry about you girl!
Keith
jdog
07-07-2003, 10:12 PM
Guys-
I'm 41 weeks (10 months) post-op from a 3 level ACDF C4/5/6/7 and I still hurt. I was told I fused OK, but a second MRI showed I had stenosis at C5/6 and death of the spinal cord at that location. I'm hoping that the arm pain can be reduced by some sort of minimally invasive surgery to reduce the stenosis.
jdog
I'm 41 weeks (10 months) post-op from a 3 level ACDF C4/5/6/7 and I still hurt. I was told I fused OK, but a second MRI showed I had stenosis at C5/6 and death of the spinal cord at that location. I'm hoping that the arm pain can be reduced by some sort of minimally invasive surgery to reduce the stenosis.
jdog
BamaPeach
07-08-2003, 08:48 PM
Lea, I know it is hard to take it easy, just found out I have to move an entire classroom of $*@$ in two weeks myself, but try. I am gonna have to pay some friends or something to move all my stuff. School starts Aug 9 and I am just praying I can hold up. You take it as easy as you can and let us know how you are doing.
Sending warm fuzzies your way
Ginny
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"The only thing neccessary for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing"
ACF June 18, 2003 C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 with bone donor and hardware
Sending warm fuzzies your way
Ginny
------------------
"The only thing neccessary for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing"
ACF June 18, 2003 C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 with bone donor and hardware
PsychLea
07-09-2003, 01:35 AM
You guys are so great! Thank you for all the good wishes and scolding.
It is impossible to work any less than I do right now, because of the nature of my job, BUT they are in the process of hiring the last person and I should be able to go part time in September. Just have to get through these next 2 months.
The nerve pain is better, but the muscle spasms bite. I am taking breaks from the computer and the phone. Still have trouble sleeping because it is so uncomfortable, but don't take any pain meds until I go to work :(
Keith, you are right. They don't care how hard I work. They were going to "write me up" because I missed a "mandatory meeting" that nobody told me about. Luckily, I had a valid excuse for missing it, but write me up for that? Write me up if I kill a patient, not if I miss a meeting. Sheesh! I have never been written up for anything in my 20 year nursing career. If I weren't going to part time soon, I probably would have quit right there.
I can handle anything for 3 days a week.
Well, going to go relax in front of the telly and try to get some sleep tonite.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
It is impossible to work any less than I do right now, because of the nature of my job, BUT they are in the process of hiring the last person and I should be able to go part time in September. Just have to get through these next 2 months.
The nerve pain is better, but the muscle spasms bite. I am taking breaks from the computer and the phone. Still have trouble sleeping because it is so uncomfortable, but don't take any pain meds until I go to work :(
Keith, you are right. They don't care how hard I work. They were going to "write me up" because I missed a "mandatory meeting" that nobody told me about. Luckily, I had a valid excuse for missing it, but write me up for that? Write me up if I kill a patient, not if I miss a meeting. Sheesh! I have never been written up for anything in my 20 year nursing career. If I weren't going to part time soon, I probably would have quit right there.
I can handle anything for 3 days a week.
Well, going to go relax in front of the telly and try to get some sleep tonite.
------------------
God bless,
Lea
C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
KeithEugeneW
07-09-2003, 01:14 PM
Write you up? Are they nuts? They should be greatful you even show up after what you've been through. I've been a manager for some time now, and compassion is one keystone to being a good manager. Along with a good dose of common sense. If you want people to perform, they need to enjoy what they do and get the support, training and tools to do their job well, along with coaching and encouragement. Just look what a foolish threat like that did to your morale and desire to be the best you can be. I see that kind of nonsense all the time. Some folks just need to pull their heads out of their butts and look at the big picture and remember that people come first. You take care of your people and the work will get done well.
Keith
Keith