feeling so emotional...discouraged.... - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

bamohio · 07-26-2003, 07:34 AM

Okay guys..on my 3 1/2 week mark...I just got so discouraged these past few days...and wondered...I am on only tylenol extra strength, and Ibuprofen..but..I am still achy in upper neck/back...dr. told me at 2 week postop that I do not need my brace only in the car..but have found that wearing it makes me more comfortable. But...how many of you are still on pain pills and going on with your life? I am not out and about yet, not even making it to the store...of course the way my hair looks and no makeup does not make me want to be out and about....How long does recovery take? I had no idea it would be this tough...I am not exaggerating, I am feeling discouraged, though I believe God has this all under control...please tell me...are others regretful for the operation of their cervical spine??????? Thanks...needed to vent...husband has been having it a lot lately....smile...

Memer · 07-26-2003, 07:50 AM

Hi Ohio Girl,

Welcome. What you described sounds typical for many of us. Some do better than others. It was a shocker for me. I wasn't prepared at all for what I would face. The neurosurgeon made it sound like a piece of cake. It was for him

.

I found this board after my surgery, too. I was so happy to have found people who understood what I was going through because no one who hasn't been there could possibly understand everything involved with this particular postop process. I hope this board helps you, too.

Welcome

firefighter_101 · 07-26-2003, 08:23 AM

Hello bamohio,

Memer is right, the neurosurgeon makes is sound like a walk in the park but.... when you come home, nothing is like the picture he painted. I was told I'd be fine in two weeks, when I wasn't I thought something went wrong with my surgery because my doctor said I would be fine by now! I'm at 12 weeks post-op and still have problems. I'm not wanting to scare you, just want you to know it takes TIME.. lots of time to heal. Please don't try and rush your recovery. Your body is trying to heal and depression from just being "wore down "from fighting to get well is common. It will pass..... I promise.

Recovery time is different for everyone but for me, I was worlds better after 8 weeks. For most, like me it's a gradual process. Hang in there.... get all the rest you can and post messages when you feel like it. We've all been through it and we're here to help you recover.

I'm sorry your feeling sssooo terrible and I hope your worlds better real soon.

Harvey

AngelicMoon · 07-26-2003, 08:43 AM

I too am at my 3 1/2 week mark.(wearing a collar 24/7 )
I am having a rough time too. I am still taking Vidodin for the pain . I wake up almost every day with new symptoms. This is the worst I have felt. I am glad I found this board, the encouragement I have gotten here in just a few short days is amazing.

I guess we have to just wait and see?????

lacydoll · 07-26-2003, 12:10 PM

Hi Aj
It's me again ,,lol from Medford or rather Phoenix just south of Medford Oregon.
I just love these boards and spend much of my time here ,,maybe because I can't do much else,,forget the housework.Good thing I have a daughter living here lol!!
I was wondering if you had your surgery at OHSU. I had the spot removed from my lung here in Medford and then last year as I kept getting worse, I had Neurosurgeon Burchiel from OHSU do the Laminecotomy. All he told me was he was trying to remove the damage done by the first doc , and Burchiel just made me worse.He did tell me it should relieve some of my pain !!HA!!! He done T4 through T9, whatever that means. I know I have a long scar in the center top of my back and I tell you, he nearly ruined me.I had at least 8 or 9 nerve blocks before they ever done the Lamineotomy. I was better off if I had left it alone but I was in such pain for 3 years and now this makes 4 years,,non stop pain. I sleep sitting up in a hospital bed in my living room.
As I told you , I had talked to Doc Jacobs that has the MSM , DMSO, and Dusa Gel, and the only one I never tried was the MSM, which I will do. The DMSO broke me out and doc Jacobs sent me a free bottle of Dusa Gel, but it made a rash also. I am going to get the tablets of MSM.I am so tired of not having any life for so long, but I see others on here who are so much more worse off then I , sometimes I feel ashamed to complain.
But after 4 years of non stop chronic pain, I just about feel like giving up, but can't do that.

It is so wierd how the Methedone works on me. It does nothing for my pain nor the hard pushing pressure I have in my left back and under my left breast, but it does help the raw sore feeling I have inside there non stop.It sure does make me constipated though BAD!! Meth only helps with the soreness ,,not pain..From all of this I have lost 40 pounds and am not on a diet, I just don't have any appetite.I did weigh 170 pounds 4 months ago and now I stay in the 135 range.For some reason , the pressure in me makes my stomach bloat but the docs can't tell me what causes this.
Well,,now that I have vented forever , will quit,,was just wondering if you had your surgery at OHSU, and by the way,,,I just hate Portland lol....I was born in Klamath Falls Oregon
Arlene