|
Did you find posts in this topic useful?
|
 
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
Message |
Guest
Guest
Report abuse
|
 Posted: 07/07/08 - 13:48 Post subject: Post op pain after having an ACDF |
  |
|
| I had my surgery on July 2nd and today is July 7th and other than this stupid aspen collar that I truly believe is causing my irritability, the discomfort is not at all what I have been reading thus far from a ot of you. I'm sure no 2 peope are the same,and also I am a healthy 43 yr old woman, BUT I try and not let things get to me..is it uncomfortable? ummm yes..slightly aggrevating becuse i cant lead a normal life just yet? yes..BUT honeslt the worst part to all of this was the pre-op.I FREAKED, had an anxiety attack, wanted to pull out the IV out of me and run from the table..it's over now, the slight discomfort from my left hip is there from them using my own bone, the hoarse feeling and swallowing issue well its comes and go..but seriosuly the most aggrevating part to all this is this ASPEN collar...if i could rip this thing off I so would in a heart beat..but other than that..the rest is baby steps, I can't wait to get bac to being ME again! Oh one other thing, seriously,,he narcotics AREN'T your friend, I ahet those things, stick with SOMA ara muscle relaxant that will be your friend, and just alot of good people around you..Good Luck everyone! |
|
|
Back to top
|
|
Did you find this post useful?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Guest
Guest
Report abuse
|
| Posted: 07/08/08 - 17:44 Post subject: Re: post anterior cervical disectomy recovery concerns |
|
|
| msboop48 wrote: | June 5, 2006, I had anterior cervical surgery because I fell down 15 cement steps at work on may 25, 2005 and began experiencing increasing numbness in my right arm and hand, and shooting pain from the shoulder to the elbow. An MRI indicated that I had herniated the C5/6 & C6/7 discs. So, my neurosurgeon replaced the discs between the C5/6 & C6/7 with cadaver bones and screwed on a titanium strap to help fusion take place and keep all in place while healing.
I am experiencing post surgical pain and it was suggested that I maybe try a chat/support group to see if what I am experiencing is normal or something I should really be worried about. I am on some heavy drugs but I will try to get all the facts in so that someone out there can maybe respond with some helpful suggestions and encouragement for me.
I am a healthy 54 year old female who could run circles around my family members, until the fall. I was a light-weight smoker before the surgery, but I a proud to say that I quit cold turkey 1 month before the surgery and have not smoked since. Anyways, I was doing fine hours after surgery until the morphine that was given to me intervineously was switched to NorCo 10/325s apporoximately 7 hours after surgery, which made me begin to vomit every 1 to 2 hours. Needless to say, I had to stay another night in the hospital. I was vomiting stomach bile for the most part, which went on for the next 12 hours, and then I was sent home with instructions that I could shower the next day and clean my incision with alchohol. The incision looks goods - it does not hurt and there is no oozing or dicoloration. I was told to walk around the house often and avoid lifting over 5 pounds until my next post-op appointment, which is scheduled for June 23, 2006.
I find that I can't lay down or sit up without experiencing neck discomfort and extreme muscle pain between my shoulders. I feel like the muscles between my shoulder blades are on fire. They cramp to the point of experiencing charlie horses - which are just out of my reach - of course.
I rely heavily on the NorCo (yes, they prescribed the same med that made me sick in the hospital) for pain management, but it does not take care of all the pain. It could be because I cut the pills in half so I do not get sick on them again. I can swallow okay now, but for the first 2 days my throat was raw feeling and it hurt to swallow, and then for 3 days after that it felt like the food and pills would get stuck in the sternum area when I would swallow. But that is getting better now. I attributed that to the vomiting - but of course could be very wrong about that assumption.
To explain the muscle pain - imagine the Hulk repeatedly beating you between your shoulder blades causing your muscles to become totally tensed up and inflamed to the point that you experience extreme muscle spasms between the shoulder blades, just below the C5/6 & C6/7 area.
Now you know why I am freaking!! Is all this pain and the muscle spasms normal? Are they induced from all the complications I experiencd after surgery? I find that heat from a hot shower or a towel put in the dryer for a while and wrapped around my shoulders and neck really helps. Is this okay?
I was given two foam neck braces when I left the hospital. I began wearing one when I am in the shower and the other when I am up and about. I was told that i did not have to wear it when laying down, but I find that I can lay for at least 30 to 45 minutes to rest when it is on - without it I can lay for about 20 to 30 minutes and experience more discomfort so I have to use my hands to lift and roll my head around to get comfortable in a prone position. I get only about an 1 hour max of rest at any given time - I am up and prowling the house with muscle pain the rest of the time. My kids say that I remind them of a raptor looking for prey to release my pain on. Like I said, the drugs help a little, but don't take all the pain away - just enough to let me rest well.
I hope someone out there in Internet land can respond and let me know if what I am experienceing is normal, particularly after the complications I experienced, or if I should be freaking and demanding to see my neurosurgeon (I did callhim and his nurse said that I should not worry, but if it gets worse to call back. I think she thinks I am a wimp too). So, tell me - am I a wimp or is this some thing I should worry about? |
|
|
|
Back to top
|
|
Did you find this post useful?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guest
Guest
Report abuse
|
| Posted: 07/14/08 - 23:52 Post subject: 3rd cervical fusion |
|
|
| I have already had 2 fusions on c-5-c6 and for some reason, the bones never healed and the fusion never took. Now I am going for a 3rd op for a posterior c-5 -c-4 fusion with some kind of twist tie between the transverse procesees. I have complete faith in my surgeon, but I have to say, this time I am really spooked. Please tell me there is someone out there goig through the same ordeal. I do not want to end up a oxycontin victim like a few people I know. |
|
|
Back to top
|
|
Did you find this post useful?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guest
Guest
Report abuse
|
| Posted: 08/14/08 - 17:05 Post subject: anterior cervical diskectomy |
|
|
Attention if you have had a spinal fusion done do not follow the instructions you have read regarding taking advil aleve or any other drug containing ibuproben, this will cause issues with the fusion according to researc, it actually prevents bone from fusing if the pain is not responding to the narcotic your physician prescribed ask about valium, flexeril and vicodin these work for me even tho' i still suffer with a burning sensation as well as throbing, when this does occur, i take vicodin and a flexeril and apply an icepack to the area for about 15-20 mins and i feel a whole lot better, also wear your soft collar all day as a reminder with allowing yourself two hours without it a day, also wear while driving if necessary, alos wear while your asleep as well so that you will have the support needed. (6wks)  most of the time the icepack works and i don't need to take the meds or just take a flexeril |
|
|
Back to top
|
|
Did you find this post useful?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SteadyHealth.com - Health Topics Forum Index -> Musculoskeletal Issues -> Spine & Spinal Nerve Disorders
|
All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Goto page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
|
| Page 8 of 8 |
Related topics: |
anterior cervical discectomy and fusion-
Is it possible to have anal sex following a low anterior res
Anterior Cervical Discectomy Surgery account . . .
What should I expect from Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?Tips?
partial vaginal hysterectomy with an anterior and posterior
ANTERIOR CERVICAL COMPRESSION symptoms
C5-6 anterior surgery
pre sacral beign anterior lesion
Questions re long term results of anterior cervical fusion C6-7
Advise of post op symptoms Anterior Cervical Decompression
anterior cervical discectomy
Long term effects from a low anterior resection
C-3 C-4 ANTERIOR DISCECTOMY WITH FUSION
anterior cervical discectomy for stenosis- can surgery be avoided?
Anterior Cervical Discectomy
multiple sclerosis and anterior cervical fusion
anterior cervical fusion/choking and swallowing issues
anterior cervical discectomy and fusion .with the dry heaves
anterior cervical discectomy and fusion C5/6
Recovery time for Anterior C5/6 discectomy woth fusion
still in pain after anterior cervical disectomy
anterial fusion of cervical discs - PHLEM
Cervical Mucus after ovulation
HPV & cervical cancer
Cervical cancer vaccine should be available soon
frequency of urination a symptom of cervical stenosis
Nerve and muscle pain along with swelling post cervical laminectomy
cervical myelopathy
cervical mucus before menstration
herniated cervical disc c5/6 and leg weakness
CERVICAL EPIDRUL C3C4 WITH DEPO MENDROL
mri cervical disc bone graft
Epidural Cortisone Injections (Cervical Neck) & Birth Co
cervical mucous implantation
Cure for cervical cancer
Numbness post-op c-5 c-6 cervical spine surgery
cervical spine problems c4-5
Ovulation and the consistency of cervical mucus
Merck cervical cancer shot gives 5-year protection
myelomalacia cervical
had a c-4 disectomy/fusion done in sept of 03
SEVERE NECK/SHOULDER PAIN 6 MONTHS POST OP CERVICAL DISECTOMY
6 days post op anterior disectomy/fusion and plates and scre
cervical disectomy fusion c4-5, c 5-6, severe cervical arthr
anterior cervical disectomy-chest pain after ten weeks in a brace
if i can have a normal sexual life and preganancy after microdisectomy???
Disectomy
cervical disectomy
? about the recovery of 2 (kidney stents) in a 25 yr old pregnant woman@25wks
c-section recovery
anterior cervical diskection with fusion . recovery and therapy suggestions
Tummy Tuck Recovery
what is the recovery time for hemorrhoid surgery
Apicoectomy and recovery!
Post hammertoe surgery recovery
I wish you a speedy recovery...
liposuction recovery edema personal stories
painful recovery of bunioctemy after 4 months.
gum grafting recovery
peridontal surgery recovery
Comments and reviews on article "Anal Fissure Recovery"
recovery bunionectomy tailors bunion
Kidney Transplant Recovery
Spinal Cord Stimulator recovery requirements
Terrified by hemorrhoidectomy recovery
varicocelectomy recovery and cathether
After sugery, and some recovery, I found out that my Doc cut off right side of my libia complitly.
what is the recovery oeriod after hemorrhid surgery
Pediatric Asthma Concerns
injured testicle should I have any concerns?
Some Concerns I Have About My Body
Health concerns from drinking or drugging
Post Vaginal Hysterectomy Concerns
Pregnancy Symptoms and Concerns.
Increase sex drive concerns
concerns about my bodys
Some concerns
Dermoid Cysts Concerns
medication concerns after surgey
I have concerns about my Ovulation cycle.
uinary concerns
epididymis concerns
cataract surgery / alzheimers & physical health concerns
Pre-cum Concerns and pregnancy likelihood
Osgood schlatters concerns
Help....First time concerns
Concerns about STDs
Epilepsy in Pregnancy…baby concerns
|
|
|
