WooHoo! I'm out of the Aspen! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

JenEbean · 01-23-2004, 08:34 PM

Had my six week check up today and bone is fusing really well. You could really see it on the x-ray. So I am out of the Aspen. In a soft collar for sleeping, driving and walking outside for the next two weeks then had give it a pitch. It feels soooooo good to be out of the Aspen. I am still having right much pain in my left shoulder though. The nurse practioner thinks it may be muscle spasms so prescribed some Flexaril for that and in 6 weeks if the pain isn't any better they will send me to an orthopedist. Something under my shoulder blade just grabs me sometimes and just about brings me to my knees, then my shoulder starts aching really bad. So, all in all, very good news today!

jodawa50 · 01-25-2004, 12:30 PM

Hey JenEbean, Congrats on the collar removal. I still remember the relief and freedom. I've got the same naging pain under my shoulder blade that goes to the shoulder and arm too. It started about eight weeks after my last fusion (C5-6 W/doner bone and plate W/screws), and three years later, I'm in constant pain and on perminent disability. I don't mean to scare you and hope it passes quickly. I'm still in the process of diognosis and hoping for answers. So if you find anything, I want to know about it. Oh and remember its very easy to over do it so take it easy eh.

nero · 01-26-2004, 06:55 PM

Hi there,

Super happy for you.

Two things one never forgets through this experience. The agonizing decision to have or have not surgery and the relief when the collar comes off.

I hope your shoulder pain lifts. Can you do some shoulder exercises yet? Like sit down with hand on thigh and rotate only your shoulder and elbow to relieve some of the muscle tension.

Also, someone gave me the input that HA Hydrochloric Acid in some form from the the Health store is a saviour at stopping major muscle spasms. I have experienced Flexeril and at best can take 1/4 of the pill without spending much of the day as a zombie or eating like a crazy person when it lowers your blood sugar.

Good luck. I hope you can impede the pain progression with some more homeopathic relief and exercise. Look in the mirror and pat yourself on the back - very carefully- for having gotten this far my dear.

Sincerely, Nero