Posted: 02/26/07 - 09:05 Post subject: cervical fusion
I need some advice. Four months ago I had a cervical fusion at two levels-c6-c7 and c7-T1. Everything went well- I was sent home with some muscle relaxers and pain medication and I felt pretty comfortable the first three weeks. Then I started experiencing terrible muscle spasms in my neck and down my back. I could not move my neck at all and could not sleep because of the pain. I called my doctors office and was told by the nurse that the doctor does not prescribe medication this far out from surgery. She said that this was most unusual - that most of their cervical patients did very well and told me to relax and take a hot shower. I continued to have terrible pain and called them back a few days later. At this point I had not slept for four days at all and I was crying. She said I should just relax - she said she could tell I was "wound up" and that my problem was just how I was "perceiving the pain." The doctor did agree at this point to give me a mild muscle relaxer and a few days worth of sleeping pills. But they made it clear to me that I should use these sparingly because I was "not getting any more." I felt like I was being scolded for not being a good patient. MY husband then insisted the doctor see me to amke sure everything was alright. He did agree to see me - took an xray- told my "spine was okay" and then said "i know you've been asking my nurse for medication but I think you are just suffering from "Anxiety". He did not examine me or asked me how I was feeling or what my problem is. Well eventually, after I was able to start physical therapy I did begin to feel better. I have worked very hard and I believe it's paid off for me. My question to you all is this - Should I go back for four month check up? It is scheduled for next week and I am feeling extrememly anxious about it. I do not want to face this doctor or his nurse ever again. I feel humiliated by the way they treated me - I am not even angry - just hurt, really. I know I will never go back to this doctor if I have any additional problems. So -is there a point to me going back now. Seems he wouldn't help me if I did have a problem.
How important are the follow up checks and what dod they actually do? I am so tempted just to call and cancel and forget about my whole experience. Any advice?
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