Back From NS and win't believe what he said~!!!!!! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

skych · 01-25-2008, 03:49 PM

Hello all,

Well I am so bummed and confused

When I went into my surgery I was understanding that the radiating pain in the neck and the pain that went down my neck and into the shoulder line where just at the base of the neck is that hot poker burning that I have: and the radiating arm pain and weakness would be relieved.

The things I understood that would not go away from this surgery were the deep scapula burning around the mid Thoracic area and the arm pit pain and the numbness on the back of my thoracic area.

Well some how the lines were crossed and I had that backwards!!!!

When talking to NS he always said that the lower pains would only be helped by fusion and he did not want to do that on someone my age. I am 38 yrs old.

He feels that I am doing well from my surger as the deep burning pain in the lower scapula area are gone the arm pit pain and burning is gone and some in not almost all of the myofacial stuff in the neck and clavicle side and posterior side has gone. He said my inscision looks great.
BUT He was largely irritated that when I was discharged I was not given the instruction packet that I should have been given so YES YOU ALL ARE CORRECT I AM OVER DOING IT!!!! So He said not becaseu the pain meds but because of the small range of motion that I have and the pain that I continue to have NO driving for another 30 days...Yuck but I will live.

Here is the Kicker!! He will not do anything to the C 5-6 Fusion or today he more stated that when the time came he would opt to use the cervical artificial disc. This is what he said should help or take away completley the hot poker burning that I have.

He does not like to do them because I am so young!!!!!

This is all from my car accident. If he wont do it know then I DO NOT WANT TO CLOSE THE CASE UNTILL I AM COMPLETLY AS WELL AS I CAN BE>

SO what do I do?

I cant try to go through nursing school while taking pain meds and not be able to lift and dah!!! IN CHRONIC PAIN!

This is also from an accident....i want it fixed now not later.

You know I am so tired of it all!!!
He did tell me that there was some things that would not go away with out the fusion but I misunderstood what symptoms he was talking about.

I am so totally bummed out. My Mom will be here tonight to stay a few days so that is a good thing.

Especially now that I have gotten the correct instructions of the things I am supposed not do.

One last note. In the middle of typing this my friend who as been helping me the most, Barbara form school. Her husband made me a custom eisle(sp) for my test book to be put on so that I do not have to continually look down while reading. It has a soft material on the hard wood that the book leans against with "I love my cat" all aver it. What a kind thing to do. SUch great people. He made one for me and one for his wife.

Anyway...my Mom and I will be talking with the attorney about what to do. I just want my neck better so that I can continue on the education road to mfulfil my dream of being a nurse.

I don't want to be a patient anymore.

I am so sad you guys.

Sometimes you just know your body really well and I know that hot knife burning is not going to go away.

If I did not have that symptom...I probly could be almost done taking meds for the symptoms that the surgery helped.

Please help me sort things out....

Chrissy

PNo · 01-25-2008, 09:32 PM

Good evening Chrissy, boy I had a week too. I decided to come on here and find out how everyone else fared today.

Start with something I think you are familiar with. Let's take it ONE DAY AT A TIME. For the next 2 days work on one day at a time. Tomorrow it is rest - build up strength and emotional strength. Let go of what you can't change about your physical condition this moment. Visit with your mom, do not talk about lawyers or doctors, or what is wrong for at least one day. You will be surprised if you actually just let go of your thoughts for a day (or two) how much your body will heal. You have been totally consumed by your health and that stress is taxing. The last day your mom visits, work on an action plan and figure out where to go next.

In the meantime all your friends here will be looking at what you have written and I am sure will come up with ideas to pursue.

-NP

sammyo1 · 01-26-2008, 09:19 AM

Chrissy, listen my friend neck patient has given you some excellant advice..Take this one step at a time & take some time first for a mental break. Make one decision at a time & don't do it while you are so upset. Ask your lawyer for advice. Most important take it easy make sure you are doing everything in your power to heal to the best of your ability. It is so easy to become overwhelmed & mentally we have to feel good to battle the physical side. I am glad you have good friends, they sound wonderful.
Now just take some deep breathes & enjoy your moms visit & work all of this out one step at a time. As always you are in my thoughts, how is the pain been? Sammy

monarog · 01-26-2008, 09:27 AM

Chrissy,

So sorry to hear about your struggles. I think NP hit it right on target. I think, many of us, just get consumed with the pain, symptoms, frustration....I'll tell you....it's just DAILY for me. I think we ALL could benefit from NP's advice, certainly me included. The stress of it all just exacerbates things, I'm sure. Don't get me wrong...easy to say, hard to do; but, it probably would be so helpful for you to do your best to live in the moment and take that needed day off from even discussing it. I will be thinking of you and praying for improvement with your symptoms. Please keep us posted. Mona

chablis3 · 01-26-2008, 07:59 PM

Oh my Chrissy, what a terrible time you are going through. It is no wonder you are frustrated and upset. I really was amazed you were out doing so many things after your surgery, and kind of thought you might be doing too much.....and you were, unfortunately. So, now I hope you have slowed down and are getting more rest. Please take it easy from here on! Glad your mom is there with you, and hope your lawyer can give you good advice. You WILL eventually become a nurse; you just have to concentrate on getting yourself better and stronger for now.

My best to you and hang in there.

Judy