How bad can it get - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

sammyo1 · 12-05-2008, 06:17 AM

Hello everyone, I am sitting here without the ability to raise my arms past this key board. The pain is unreal & could not even lift my coffee cup with one hand. I am wondering how many of you experiance this type of thing. My entire upper back & neck hurt, kind of feels really inflammed. I could not undress myself if I tried right now, does this sound like anything you all experiance? I am wondering how much worse can it get?
How bad has it been for you? what limitations has it caused you? I am curious & really am trying to imagine 2 discs can cause all of this. Can you share your experiances with me please. Thank you all & god bless, Sammy

rayefaye · 12-05-2008, 07:24 AM

Hi Sammy, sorry to hear that you're suffering so bad without no relief. I been in your shoes so many times due to both of conditions which are not related to disc problems but with similar pain and limitations. I glad to know that a least you do have a chance to fix your problem with surgery. There's unfortunately no type of surgery they can do to fix my problem. I can relate to the problems you have with your arms and the pain in your neck and upper back though. Even though the medications help alot with my pain there are still days that the pain can be out of control and leave me unable to do anything. For the last few days I've had real bad spasms in my upper and lower back in which I can't seem to get under control and have been very painful. I wish there was some way I knew how to take away your pain. It's awful that you have to suffer this way especially everything you're going through at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you that you'll soon find some relief from this awful pain you're suffering through.

rootsy13 · 12-05-2008, 08:42 AM

hi sammy-

i'm sorry to hear you're in so much pain. have you started therapy? 6 years ago i was in an accident. i was not able to move my left arm at all! i mean it was completely limp. and, i could only move my neck in VERY limited movements. i did p.t. and it worked wonders. fast forward to 1 1/2 months ago. i was in another accident that aggravated my prior injuries. so now i am dealing with 2 herniated cervical discs, bone spurs and major degeneration in my old injury area. what's funny is this accident was not as major but my issues are still lingering. i have had 8 p.t. appointment so far and i am still in pain. in fact last night i couldn't sleep because my shoulder blade hurt. if things don't improve by next month, my doctor will be doing an emg to test for nerve damage.

all i can suggest is stay on it...let your doctors know every symptom you are having. i keep a daily log...stick with p.t. and moist heating pads work wonders!

sammyo1 · 12-07-2008, 06:37 AM

Ray, bless you, at least I stand a chance of getting rid of some of this. Thanks for reminding me to be grateful for that. My heart breaks for you, I feel alittle guilty here for complaining so much. I am just worried I guess.

Rootsy, I cant have PT, after several attempts it made matters worse. Surgery is soon & we will see how it goes. I just cant believe how it all is progressing. I am starting to worry about nerve damage with all this burning pain I know the nerves are involved. The surgeon already warned me that some may be left. I just hope its in the areas I can work around.

Ray please forgive me for being selfish here. I am just tired of it all I guess. I am trying to convince myself this surgery will work. After the shoulder surgery I was so disappointed with all the pain that was left. I really am scared. I will have to change my attitude & start having more faith.
Take care & god bless, Sammy

Hearpy · 12-08-2008, 10:36 AM

You must be in bad shape Sammy! Have you seen a Dr.? If you can't raise your arms up to reach the key board, you must really hurt. Can you lay down and type or surf the internet, such as a laptop? It may help a lot.