Arm Pain - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

miir1 · 09-09-2004, 01:46 PM

Hi, I am new to this board and have gained alot of knowledge and helpfull tips. I had my acf September 16, 2004 on c5 & c6 with titanium plate and was sent home without a collar. My biggest fear has come true and I am now in more pain than before the surgery. My Doctor assured me the pain and weekness would go away in a couple of days and that it was due to swelling and from the nerve root decompression. I am also still having trouble swallowing my meds and some food. Has anyone else had arm pain that lasted this long or longer and does anyone have any tips that may help me. Also, yesterday for the first time since my surgery my right hand went to sleep and started to cramp up like it used to before the surgery, should I be worried? Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.

Dawn

dennisgb · 09-09-2004, 01:57 PM

Hi,

I had ACDF C5-6 and C6-7 on June 30th. During the first few weeks to a month, some of the symptoms re-occurred, arm pain, hand numbness. I think your doctor is right, the nerves have been irritated for so long, it take them a while to settle down.

I still feel faint symptoms if I get in certain positions (sitting or sleeping).

I am 1000 times better than I was before surgery.

Just be patient, it will get better. It took until week 8 before I started to feel better.

Also the swallowing problem is normal. It took a while for mine to improve. I had to go back to emergency because throat closed off. It will get better too.

It's not fun for the first month or so, but you will feel better.

JERRY 104 · 09-10-2004, 06:43 PM

Hi, I also had the surgery in Jan. 2002 ,and after my arm and elbow still hurt, I thought the surgery didn't work but the pain finally went away but took some time. I had the pain for a couple years before surgery . They also went through the throat and was sore for awhile and hard to swallow. The plate in your neck has to bond to the neck bones takes about 2 months, also Im shocked that the doctor sent you home with no collar, my doctor was very strict on me wearing it for at least 6 weeks. just give it some time to heal, you will feel better soon!!!

solardust · 09-10-2004, 06:59 PM

yep I am as surprised as Jerry, I had surgery aug 13th and will be in this hard collar untill nov 1st,I too have re,inders of the pain, and if I over do like car rides it is worse,hang in there, and keep good thoughts everyone is very helpful here, so dont be afraid to write, as you see, I am a blabber mouth,haha Diana

CTmom · 09-11-2004, 09:53 AM

Hi!

I had ACDF in February of 04. Also went home with no collar - doctor was adamant about not using it - said it would weaken neck muscles and cause more pain and that hardware would hold bone graft in place.

Anyway, I went in with horrible pain in my left arm and came out with horrible pain in my left and right arms. I was sure the surgery hadn't worked but was also told the nerves were just inflammed. Both arms and hands became extremely weak and were almost useless - and I had the numbness you talk about as well. Actually, the worst of the pain was about two weeks to a month out from surgery. I started physical therapy at one month and found that the exercises helped regain strength but mostly, it just took a lot of time. I'd have to say it was six months before the pain was gone. I still have flare ups every other month or so for a few days, but most of the time I am happy to say I lead a completely normal life and forget I even had the surgery.

Odds are, things will get better - be as patient as possible. I found it helpful to keep a pain journal. Then I could see my progress - slow as it was - and believe that things would eventually get better.

CTMom