Post Cervical Surgery - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

ExARMYPILOT · 05-11-2008, 06:26 AM

Hey all.

I have posted here a bunch in the past - mainly for back surgery (L3-3/L4-S1) two operations.

I had a cervical fusion C4-5 done the last week of march. I was doing ok - until about 2 weeks ago. I now am in more pain than before the surgery.

My doctor said that C5-6 and C3-4 look iffy during the first surgery, but wanted to see if the first surg would fix - it didn't.

If you may recall, I was injured in Iraq, and now face the possibility of an 8th surgery.

What I would like to know is if anyone has undergone a C3-5 cervical fusion - or experienced the same as I am.

I have intense "hot poker" pain at the site of the first surgery - it radiates down both my arms. If I sit for more than about 5 minutes, the pain gets worse. I can't lay down - there is no comfort.

I take HydroCodone in the morning, 3 800 MG motrin to get me throgh the day, and a Vicodine at night - which only helps to let me fall asleep.

I have a Tens which is usually cranked to about 11 that provides my only relief.

Thanks

Andy

PNo · 05-11-2008, 08:34 AM

Hi! I am fused c4-c7 and understand what you feel.I probably need another level fixed. It may be too early to to say you won't improve more from your surgery. Your nerves need time to wake up and settle down from surgery and swelling. Have you ever tried neurontin or lyrica for nerve pain? These type meds help a lot with pain you describe.

ember919 · 05-11-2008, 11:14 AM

ExARMYPILOT,
*********** is right, in that there probably hasn't been enough time to really tell. I'm sure it seems like forever since the last week of March to you, especially if you're in so much pain, but less than two months is practically nothing in terms of nerve healing.

I'm really surprised to hear you mention taking Motrin. Most surgeons ban NSAIDS for at least several months after a fusion surgery.

I agree with asking about Neurontin or Lyrica. Also, you don't mention anything about taking muscle relaxers. You might benefit from those. If you can't tolerate them during the day, take them at night (will also help you sleep).

Can you manage a low dose of Hydro 3 or 4 times a day rather than just twice a day? (That's sure to generate some controversy, but I believe you can't heal if you're in pain)

The radiating arm pain you describe is familiar to many here and can be really, really brutal. Just in general, the muscle and nerve pains that occur after surgery are varied and strange as the body heals and adapts to the mechanics of the cervical plate.

Are you working during the day? Are you getting any rest periods, specifically time when you can take the weight/pressure off your neck and let "things" relax? Even just everyday activities have an impact and can affect how you feel. You kind of have to start out with baby steps, just doing.......anything.......for short periods of time with rest in between. Even (yes) typing on the computer is something that can cause your neck/shoulders/chest/arms/hands to flare up. (in fact, computer use is one of the top pain complaints with cervical issues)

Sorry, not trying to minimize what you've described or ask a gazillion questions. Just sympathizing and trying to get a better picture of your situation. Surgeons are FAMOUS for not explaining beforehand what recovery will be like, and for having little/no sympathy once they've "done their job".

Hope you find answers and relief soon.

ExARMYPILOT · 05-11-2008, 11:24 AM

Hey Ember - I was put back on Motrin the first of May. I know I'm early in the recovery - and I am still recovering from my second back surgery in October.

I see the neurosurg Monday afternoon and am going to ask about those two drugs Neurontin and Lyrica.

"Also, you don't mention anything about taking muscle relaxers"

I'm taking 10mg Cyclobenzaprene at night - it does help me fall asleep, but does nothing for the pain.

As far as maxing out Hydro - I was taking 4 a day from October until mid January - and am down to the onex because of wicked bad headaches I was getting. So we adjusted the dose - and the Hydro induced headaches stopped - but the pain came back

I started back to work last week - and quickly realized that even going in and doing piddly stuff was a burden - so they have let me come back home.

But yes - I realize that I am way early in the recovery - but it still sucks!

I'll report what the neuro says tomorrow.

ExARMYPILOT · 05-13-2008, 03:02 PM

OK, well I had my visit yesterday. He said, like many of you here, that it has still been just a short period of time since the operation. And this recovery overlapped with my back fusion is making it take a while. He said realistically, 1 year for complete bone fusion for the cervical operation.

I go back in July - with a fresh MRI to see where I stand and what it looks like. He also put me on Lyrica. I started it last night - am pretty darn dizzy and will continue. So far I notice nothing different with regard to the pain in my neck.

More to follow.