no fusion, why do it over again? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

cardinal · 09-09-2003, 03:28 PM

If it doesn't fuse wouldn't the plate hold it enough? My fusion is not fused, surgery March 2003. C 5-6-7, the lower is starting but not the other. My n/s did not tell me to come back? should I go back after 1yr or is that too late? (having alot of other back issues, seeing neurologist friday, could on fusion account for all the numbness, tingling and pain I am having?

firefighter_101 · 09-10-2003, 08:16 AM

cardinal,

Those are very good questions. I don't know if I'm fusing or not either. My NS has only looked at one x-ray 3 1/2 weeks post-op.( surgery was May 2nd) I called to schedule an appointment with him Monday, I wanted another MRI to find the problem . Tuesday his nurse called and said he had released me. I ask what am I suppose to do for the pain and problems I'm having. She said , and I quote: well, he's not a real doctor..... he's a surgeon!!! If your having any problems, then do to your GP and he can refer you if needed. He fixed what was wrong with you!! Is that not crazy?? If you are in Arkansas....DON'T USE DR.ZACHARY MASON WITH BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEMS!!!!!!!

Harvey

cardinal · 09-10-2003, 08:42 AM

Thanks Harvey, maybe the neurologist will shed some light on all this~ I am really hurting more now than ever! I did some "chores" Sunday, but nothing sever, but now I am in so much pain. It seems like arthritis is worse, and spreading... hands, ankles, knees, feet

my face is tingly and my ear my mouth is "locking up" like when I am speaking can't talk for a moment... very bizzare. I had it a couple times b4 surgery and passed it off as "nerves", but now my mouth feels so tight into my face, I am getting scared. I took some bextra today, alittle help. But the only thing that seems to work is beer! I'm afraid with the meds thats not a good combo... I am worried about nerve damage or ms? The paralyse thing is really getting me worried

My r eye is droopy, had that b4, but things are not looking bright. Oh well, another doctor, another day. I ain't dead yet!

lifeonhold2003 · 09-10-2003, 08:54 AM

Cardinal-I don’t get this fusing thing either. My OS told me it could take up to a year to fuse. I too am still having the same problems as before surgery. In fact, the numbness has just gotten more consistent here in the last week or so. I just left a message for my NS because it really scares me. Who knows when or if I’ll hear back from his office.

Harvey-I think all of these NS are alike. I believe that is all they know how to do is to fix it!!! Maybe we need to see a Neurologist. I don’t know, but I need to find someone who will listen to me and explain to me what is going on
Julie

firefighter_101 · 09-10-2003, 09:07 AM

Julie,

I could agree with you more! It's not like I'm asking questions he shouldn't know.... I told his nurse I'm apparently not very bright, He did the neck surgery.... I'm having problems with my neck BECAUSE of the surgery and you tell me he isn't the doctor I should see? You just have to laugh or otherwise, I'd be in jail for what I'd really like to do! lol

Cardinal,

I sure hope friday brings you more answers.I wished I could answer them for you but I'm in the boat with you...and Julie is sitting in the middle!

Please keep me posted on what you find out.

Harvey