ms.titanium

Hello All,

I am coming back to this board with the hope I can get some advice. My history: I had an ACDF in 2001 levels 4-6 with a metal plate and my own bone. This fusion failed and in 2005 I had a posterior fusion levels 3-6 with my bone and rods installed along either side of the back of my neck. I have been to PT for about 6 weeks four different times since my last surgery and I had x-rays once about 2 years ago that did not show anything wrong inside my neck and also it appeared that the fusion was still in place. About 1 ½ years ago I tried a series of 4 sets of injections in my neck for pain containing Lidocane and dextrose (or some other form of sugar). These helped a little but wore off too soon. Last January I started taking a Pilates class once a week and that has made a huge difference in my overall health and even helped lessen some of the pain. All along I have had some nerve pain in my left hand and left foot with numbness here and there. Nothing to scream about but annoying. Yesterday I started having nerve pain, burning, stabbing, surface numbness, and flat out pain in my right hand and wrist. There is also some burning running down my right arm from my neck. At times I could not hold a pen but I could still type on a keyboard. I work full time at a computer. My neck pain has also increased over the last 3 or 4 weeks.

I guess the reason I am here is to see if anyone knows what could cause the nerve pain on the right side. I have moved away from my surgeon and I do not have an orthopedic doctor or a neurologist. My PCP is retiring and is almost never in the office so I am without much medical help. Should I wait and see if the pain and symptoms go away on their own or try and find a new doctor?

Thanks in advance for your help and advice!!!