Anterior Cervical Discectomy - Recovery Time?

Heynow · Newbie Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 2

I had a Anterior Cervical Discectomy last August 2006 and still have a lot of pain in my back (shoulder blades), neck and head. My last MRI came back with everything looking normal (says my doctor), so does this mean I'm still recovering or most likely have nerve damage?

Pain management also told me they're not going to prescribe pain meds 3-4 Vicodin a day) anymore and the Neurosurgent said he would not prescribe any med at all. Why? I know there is a problem with people abusing pain meds, but this seems inhumane to make someone suffer. I now am worried about how much I will be suffering without any pain relief. It's really depressing.

Thanks,
Bill

greg rose · Newbie Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 2

ksf · Supporter Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 254

Having this surgery over two years ago and being on pain meds since I honestly do not know how people can survive the pain without them.

Every time I walk into the pharmacy I am treated like a "drug addict". Could they ever imagine the pain I am in? And would they take pain meds if they were in "my pain"? I for one am tired of judgemental pharmacists. I'm sure there are millions of people that do abuse these drugs. They make it hell for the people that really need them. But wouldn't you think if a reputable doctor was prescribing them that there must be a reason?

I know these are not good for me~ I am not stupid!
I do not have a life without meds, the pain is so severe. With meds a have a little bit of life. I can at least move about somewhat without being in extreme agony.

All I can say is try another doctor.
There are lots of people having the same problems after this surgery as us. They have got to know the pain we are in!

Matt_1988 · Newbie Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

hi, im 19 yr's old. i had this surgery two weeks ago, fusion of the C1 C2 bones using metal rods, and a bone graft, the second surgery i've have had, before i had a screw fixation, i now have a lot of metal work in my neck. on painkillers at the moment twice a day 2 paracetamol + 1 tramadol capsule. when the painkillers wear off i do notice a pain, a dull ache in my neck which is kinda annoying, i must admit it does limit the tasks i can do at the time. i guess its still early days, but i am noticing an improvement, the time between taking painkillers is gradually increasing every day, and i guess age is on my side. I'm sorry to hear its been two yrs and your still on medication, can i ask which bones were fused in the surgery. it's unfair being treated in that manner. i hope things improve for you.

Matt.

Guest · Guest

hi, matt. my sister will have C1C2 fusion surgery on July 18. she was told that if she doesn't go for this surgery, she will risk breathing problems and fatality. i am so afraid that the surgerywill not turn out and that she will suffer with post op discomfort and pain. what do you think?

Anterior Cervical Discectomy - Recovery Time?

LIFEFORM SOCIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK