Thanks Robert, I hope so too! A couple of links that I got, first one is for the actual procedure which talks about the post surgery Bone Stimulator Collar I was referring to. You can link through the actual article of I linked it below.
Take care, I will let you know how it works (or doesn't). According to this article, it isn't that it doesn't work but aids in the fusion. Insurance policy if you will :)
http://www.neurospine.com/spine_acdf.htm
http://www.orthofix.com/products/spine_cervstim.asp?cid=25
web addresses allowed by site administrator
Take care, I will let you know how it works (or doesn't). According to this article, it isn't that it doesn't work but aids in the fusion. Insurance policy if you will :)
http://www.neurospine.com/spine_acdf.htm
http://www.orthofix.com/products/spine_cervstim.asp?cid=25
web addresses allowed by site administrator
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The overnight sleeping is getting better and better. Third night without a collar, probably only use the soft collar again for support traveling to my Post-Op visit next Thursday.
Eating is back to normal, still some soreness only when I try to eat to big of a portion/bite. Iced my neck this morning to see if the neck is swollen or maybe the muscle in the front is just rounded more than I remember it being.
I walked over a mile yesterday afternoon and my upper body and legs feel like it. Shoulder's are still alittle sore, but all in all it has been a pretty decent day.
Anitbiotics are done with as of 9:30pm tonight. Hope everything is ok inside.
Nothing much more to report, the incision hasn't leaked since the first day home. Everything looks normal (if that's possible), and strength is returning, slowly but surely. Forearm is still numb, as well as my thumb and finger on my hand. No pre-op pain in the right side as of yet. I am without muscle pain or spasms.
Bicep and Tricep do get sore if I do to much lifting with right arm. I haven't utilized that arm for over 2 months, I would think after therapy begins, this will start coming around. I will keep you informed.
Good Luck to all.
Tom
Eating is back to normal, still some soreness only when I try to eat to big of a portion/bite. Iced my neck this morning to see if the neck is swollen or maybe the muscle in the front is just rounded more than I remember it being.
I walked over a mile yesterday afternoon and my upper body and legs feel like it. Shoulder's are still alittle sore, but all in all it has been a pretty decent day.
Anitbiotics are done with as of 9:30pm tonight. Hope everything is ok inside.
Nothing much more to report, the incision hasn't leaked since the first day home. Everything looks normal (if that's possible), and strength is returning, slowly but surely. Forearm is still numb, as well as my thumb and finger on my hand. No pre-op pain in the right side as of yet. I am without muscle pain or spasms.
Bicep and Tricep do get sore if I do to much lifting with right arm. I haven't utilized that arm for over 2 months, I would think after therapy begins, this will start coming around. I will keep you informed.
Good Luck to all.
Tom
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Thanks for the links.
The Bone Stimulator Collar was not mentioned by my surgeon but after going to those sites it does look interesting with strong possibilities for success.
The reason I am replying to this though is to recommend anyone who has to go through an ACDF surgery that they take a look at the above posted links.
That collar may speed your recovery time.
Thanx again Tom.
The Bone Stimulator Collar was not mentioned by my surgeon but after going to those sites it does look interesting with strong possibilities for success.
The reason I am replying to this though is to recommend anyone who has to go through an ACDF surgery that they take a look at the above posted links.
That collar may speed your recovery time.
Thanx again Tom.
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Robert, not so sure about speeding it up....but it seems to show that it is more probable of a good fusion. It sounds like to high risk you are, the high probability of the fusion not taking hold. (ie smoking, and multiple levels)
My surgeon is a 32 year veteran at this, and what he thinks has major weight to my recovery. He told me about this collar, and they ordered it - not me. Actually wasn't even asked if I would wear it, made it sound like it was what everyone does part of their recovery and this was no different then him writing me a prescription for Vicodin or Theraphy.
Either way, the links had some good information. As soon as I know something new, I will post it up.
My surgeon is a 32 year veteran at this, and what he thinks has major weight to my recovery. He told me about this collar, and they ordered it - not me. Actually wasn't even asked if I would wear it, made it sound like it was what everyone does part of their recovery and this was no different then him writing me a prescription for Vicodin or Theraphy.
Either way, the links had some good information. As soon as I know something new, I will post it up.
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I see. In my case it was 2 levels with not many risks other than my age and that I used to smoke if that matters after 4+ years of being smoke free. But I did smoke for 22 yrs. I must have just misread things on that site... sorry. :$
My surgeon can't have as much experience as yours since I don't think he was even 32 yrs old. But from my internet research of his credentials I see he is very respected also. This falls into the category of, Every case is different.
Thanks for correcting me. And so nobody thinks what I said was true.. Here is a quote from the first link:
"Despite a high eventual fusion rate, certain conditions increase the risk for "non-union" such as smoking and number of fused levels. This risk can be somewhat counteracted by applying an external Bone Growth Stimulator (Orthofix®) after the surgery."
I really must read more carefully or do so when I am not on so many meds.. lol
later,
Rob
My surgeon can't have as much experience as yours since I don't think he was even 32 yrs old. But from my internet research of his credentials I see he is very respected also. This falls into the category of, Every case is different.
Thanks for correcting me. And so nobody thinks what I said was true.. Here is a quote from the first link:
"Despite a high eventual fusion rate, certain conditions increase the risk for "non-union" such as smoking and number of fused levels. This risk can be somewhat counteracted by applying an external Bone Growth Stimulator (Orthofix®) after the surgery."
I really must read more carefully or do so when I am not on so many meds.. lol
later,
Rob
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So far, the only problems I have been experiencing as of today is stiff neck (occasionally), pains in the shoulder/neck muscle area, muscle soreness in the front at the entry point and numbness in my right arm and hand.
All above stated problems are considered MINOR, comparing to the unbelievable pain the 8-10wks prior to surgery. The only thing that I can say is that I tried to limit the pain pills as of day before yesterday. Feeling good, I decided to skip one to see the results. Two words: Not Good! I went some 9-11hr between pain pills, it is wasn't very good. I have limited to around 8hrs instead of the 6hrs (as needed) prescription. It wasn't that the pain was so bad, unable to sleep comfortably, awoke crabby (not enough restful sleep) that kind of stuff.
I will attempt to back off the pain pills another 60mins or so, once I have a couple of good days with only three pills in the day.
Another than that, things are good - thankfully! Strength is increasing (slowly) in the right arm but it is usable.
Therapy right around the corner, probably within the week. I'll post again after checkup.
Take Care, Tom
All above stated problems are considered MINOR, comparing to the unbelievable pain the 8-10wks prior to surgery. The only thing that I can say is that I tried to limit the pain pills as of day before yesterday. Feeling good, I decided to skip one to see the results. Two words: Not Good! I went some 9-11hr between pain pills, it is wasn't very good. I have limited to around 8hrs instead of the 6hrs (as needed) prescription. It wasn't that the pain was so bad, unable to sleep comfortably, awoke crabby (not enough restful sleep) that kind of stuff.
I will attempt to back off the pain pills another 60mins or so, once I have a couple of good days with only three pills in the day.
Another than that, things are good - thankfully! Strength is increasing (slowly) in the right arm but it is usable.
Therapy right around the corner, probably within the week. I'll post again after checkup.
Take Care, Tom
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My Set Back
Had my 1st set back on this day. Hit my head getting into my wife's SUV. And to say that it was painful would be the understatement of a lifetime.
I had to use painkillers every 6hrs for the next 2-3 days to combat this setback. But the only thing I noticed after the fact was that my shoulder muscles as well as down my left side of back is sore. Almost a rough football (the next day) game feel.
Now for the Post Op Office Visit:
Dr is really happy with the improvement. I got my $1500 Bone Stimulator Toy this afternoon. It appears that I have to use this collar for 5-6 months depending on the fusion. I was told that monthly appointments were necessary up to the 6th month. Xrays are also required just prior to the office visit to verify that the fusion is on track. He prescribed therapy today, 4wks 3x of week. Won't start talking going back to work until after the therapy is done and the fusion is on track.
He also took the tape off of the incision, and everything looks cool. No pain around incision with full range of motion once the tape came off.
Fingers are still numb, along with the top of my forearm. Which is to be expected for awhile longer. Strength is marginal, yet is has increased since the surgery. Therapy will help the comeback of this problem.
Other than that, everything is good. I will update periodically with any changes or to answer any posts. Will update with therapy, which I am sure won't be all that fun.
Had my 1st set back on this day. Hit my head getting into my wife's SUV. And to say that it was painful would be the understatement of a lifetime.
I had to use painkillers every 6hrs for the next 2-3 days to combat this setback. But the only thing I noticed after the fact was that my shoulder muscles as well as down my left side of back is sore. Almost a rough football (the next day) game feel.
Now for the Post Op Office Visit:
Dr is really happy with the improvement. I got my $1500 Bone Stimulator Toy this afternoon. It appears that I have to use this collar for 5-6 months depending on the fusion. I was told that monthly appointments were necessary up to the 6th month. Xrays are also required just prior to the office visit to verify that the fusion is on track. He prescribed therapy today, 4wks 3x of week. Won't start talking going back to work until after the therapy is done and the fusion is on track.
He also took the tape off of the incision, and everything looks cool. No pain around incision with full range of motion once the tape came off.
Fingers are still numb, along with the top of my forearm. Which is to be expected for awhile longer. Strength is marginal, yet is has increased since the surgery. Therapy will help the comeback of this problem.
Other than that, everything is good. I will update periodically with any changes or to answer any posts. Will update with therapy, which I am sure won't be all that fun.
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Just wanted to add my two cents about post surgery pain control. I had fusion of C4-C5-C6 in December, 2003. Despite severe pain and several prescriptions for pain meds, I never took pain meds prior to my neck surgery.
After the neck fusion, I had severe post op pain for several months, long after my doctor thought it should have subsided. It was different and worse than my pre-op pain, so I was forced to take pain meds. Here's my experience with pain control -- morphine didn't help very much. I was quickly switched to Percocet (oxycodone and Tylenol) which DID help, but after a couple of months the doctor refused to prescribe them and I was switched to Vicoden, then to Darvocet. I also took the muscle relaxant Soma.
Here are the results. Morphine didn't work well, for me. The Percocet worked great, but only for short periods of time. The Vicoden worked OK, but only when combined with Soma. The Darvocet worked poorly, not much better than sugar pills. I've also tried Tramadol, which worked no better than Darvocet.
Now my neck is doing better, though it still has problems and may need further surgery in the future. But it's not nearly as bad as the previous, pre-surgery problems, and most (but not all) of the pain has subsided.
However, my lumbar spine now needs fused at multiple levels and I take pain pills on a daily basis due to the pain and difficulty walking. Nothing works perfectly, but hydrocodone mixed with Soma allows me to function, to some degree, for a couple of hours at a time. I take less than the prescribed dosage because otherwise it makes me sick to my stomach, and also because I worry about addiction. I sometimes add some ibuprofen to this. I also use a moist heating pad, very often. Physical therapy was somewhat helpful, too.
I will probably be having lumbar fusion surgery in January, 2009. My first appointment with the surgeon is on January 5 because I've been trying to delay surgery until after Christmas. I have severe stenosis at L3-L4, as well as other problems, so I probably have no choice but to have surgery.
After the neck fusion, I had severe post op pain for several months, long after my doctor thought it should have subsided. It was different and worse than my pre-op pain, so I was forced to take pain meds. Here's my experience with pain control -- morphine didn't help very much. I was quickly switched to Percocet (oxycodone and Tylenol) which DID help, but after a couple of months the doctor refused to prescribe them and I was switched to Vicoden, then to Darvocet. I also took the muscle relaxant Soma.
Here are the results. Morphine didn't work well, for me. The Percocet worked great, but only for short periods of time. The Vicoden worked OK, but only when combined with Soma. The Darvocet worked poorly, not much better than sugar pills. I've also tried Tramadol, which worked no better than Darvocet.
Now my neck is doing better, though it still has problems and may need further surgery in the future. But it's not nearly as bad as the previous, pre-surgery problems, and most (but not all) of the pain has subsided.
However, my lumbar spine now needs fused at multiple levels and I take pain pills on a daily basis due to the pain and difficulty walking. Nothing works perfectly, but hydrocodone mixed with Soma allows me to function, to some degree, for a couple of hours at a time. I take less than the prescribed dosage because otherwise it makes me sick to my stomach, and also because I worry about addiction. I sometimes add some ibuprofen to this. I also use a moist heating pad, very often. Physical therapy was somewhat helpful, too.
I will probably be having lumbar fusion surgery in January, 2009. My first appointment with the surgeon is on January 5 because I've been trying to delay surgery until after Christmas. I have severe stenosis at L3-L4, as well as other problems, so I probably have no choice but to have surgery.
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I know sometimes we get wrapped up in our aches and pains and forget to enjoy the season.
I hope everybody can enjoy this christmas with friends and family.
MERRY CHRISTMAS Tom, and anyone else who reads this.
I hope everybody can enjoy this christmas with friends and family.
MERRY CHRISTMAS Tom, and anyone else who reads this.
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I would imagine that some people out there wouldn't have much of a choice about enjoying anything. I am one of the lucky ones (I guess). Even the surgeon seemed relieved when our visit was ending, he said he was concerned whether or not I was going to have a nice Christmas. Which I will!
Bone Stimulator update:
I am not sure if the stimulator was making have headache (at first) but I am on my 6th day, without having to take any Tylenol. I read some of the side effects of the stimulator, maybe my heaaches were self-induced. Other than having to wear this "styling collar" if it works, that is the main thing. The only question I have (that no directions or people can answer) is what is stopping the stimulator from fusion or hardening my bulging disks or the C3/4 level that the bone is similiar to the C5/6 with the exception of the cadavor bone/plate. If the bones are really close together, what stopped the stimulator from attempting to fuse another level that shouldn't be fused!
Other then that, Robert and all, have a nice Christmas! Take Care, Tom
Bone Stimulator update:
I am not sure if the stimulator was making have headache (at first) but I am on my 6th day, without having to take any Tylenol. I read some of the side effects of the stimulator, maybe my heaaches were self-induced. Other than having to wear this "styling collar" if it works, that is the main thing. The only question I have (that no directions or people can answer) is what is stopping the stimulator from fusion or hardening my bulging disks or the C3/4 level that the bone is similiar to the C5/6 with the exception of the cadavor bone/plate. If the bones are really close together, what stopped the stimulator from attempting to fuse another level that shouldn't be fused!
Other then that, Robert and all, have a nice Christmas! Take Care, Tom
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I had fusion of C5-C6-C7 on 10/28/08. I skimmed quite a few comments in this thread and others to see how people respond post-op. One thing I noticed is the different opinions about pain, either from the surgery or from the condition. I have degenerative arthritis and have had nerve damage in the past. I wore a soft collar for two weeks and limited activity for six. After that, I was released to do pretty much anything I like.
One thing I learned is that even after surgery, some nerve damage can be permanent. I had numbness in my right hand and balance problems, but nothing to indicate the seriousness of my problem until this year. I lost all feeling in that hand, felt like someone was slamming my elbow with a sledgehammer and driving a railroad spike into my armpit at the same time. I also had a sensation of extreme heat on my left side that would come and go, but my skin didn't feel warm to the touch. I had immediate relief of the worst pain within days, but still have some numbness in my hand and the heat sensation (although milder), and it's possible that will be permanent.
The problem I have now is that I still have a problem swallowing and it makes me nauseous in the mornings. I will feel like I have to sneeze and vomit at the same time. Then I usually sneeze and start to feel a little better. I'm not working at the present, but I'm worried this is going to be a problem when I do. Not to mention, it just sucks. There are days when my neck is sore or I get a headache and have a hard time getting comfortable, but I'd much rather deal with that than feeling like I'm going to toss my cookies all the time. If anyone had some good suggestions, I'd be eternally grateful!
To echo the sentiment - Merry Christmas to all, and wishes for an outstanding 2009 for everyone. :-D
One thing I learned is that even after surgery, some nerve damage can be permanent. I had numbness in my right hand and balance problems, but nothing to indicate the seriousness of my problem until this year. I lost all feeling in that hand, felt like someone was slamming my elbow with a sledgehammer and driving a railroad spike into my armpit at the same time. I also had a sensation of extreme heat on my left side that would come and go, but my skin didn't feel warm to the touch. I had immediate relief of the worst pain within days, but still have some numbness in my hand and the heat sensation (although milder), and it's possible that will be permanent.
The problem I have now is that I still have a problem swallowing and it makes me nauseous in the mornings. I will feel like I have to sneeze and vomit at the same time. Then I usually sneeze and start to feel a little better. I'm not working at the present, but I'm worried this is going to be a problem when I do. Not to mention, it just sucks. There are days when my neck is sore or I get a headache and have a hard time getting comfortable, but I'd much rather deal with that than feeling like I'm going to toss my cookies all the time. If anyone had some good suggestions, I'd be eternally grateful!
To echo the sentiment - Merry Christmas to all, and wishes for an outstanding 2009 for everyone. :-D
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According to my surgeon, if you have a pinched nerve it take twice as long to repair it. Figure out when you had your first symptom. Me, it was around 4th of July to the 5th of December. If his calculations are correct September is my month. I hope he is wrong, that is a long time for me to be out of work.
Same as you, I still have my numbness in my forearm as well as my fingers. Right arm is still very weak, but I hope that time will try to bounce it back. I haven't begun therapy as of today. I got 13 more days before I could even get an opening for the therapist.
As for the shooting pain and burning sensation, it sounds like the pain I was experiencing pre-surgery. The reason for my pain was attributed to my herniated C5 disc onto the nerve. Coughing and sneezing would render you to tears. The only thing that would help me was to ice down my neck at the C5/C6 level for 10-15min per hour. It was time consuming but it sure helped to relieve the pain at least temporarily. Since you are post-op, you are not allowed anti-inflammatory? Or are you? Inflammation is an omen for all of us, but for the record I feel your pain.
I am not a doctor, but the pills my neurologist prescribed me was Gabapentin 300mg. Which is generic for Neurontin 300mg. This drug is to aid your signals that are sent through your nerves. I was told that if the signals are stronger the possibility is better for recovery as well as it would limit the possibility of permanent nerve damage. Although, there is NO guarantee that nerve damage is not permanent. Not sure if it would make a difference post-op, but this drug was the medicine of choice for pre-op as a non-evasive maneuver to avoid surgery if possible.
Not much help here, but you are 6wks ahead of me. I am in fear that without a right arm, my going back to driving (trucking) will be limited at best.
Take care, and try to have a decent holiday season. I know at times it seems to take over. Hell, it does take over! Try the ice; maybe it will get you past the hill. Good Luck!!
Tom
Same as you, I still have my numbness in my forearm as well as my fingers. Right arm is still very weak, but I hope that time will try to bounce it back. I haven't begun therapy as of today. I got 13 more days before I could even get an opening for the therapist.
As for the shooting pain and burning sensation, it sounds like the pain I was experiencing pre-surgery. The reason for my pain was attributed to my herniated C5 disc onto the nerve. Coughing and sneezing would render you to tears. The only thing that would help me was to ice down my neck at the C5/C6 level for 10-15min per hour. It was time consuming but it sure helped to relieve the pain at least temporarily. Since you are post-op, you are not allowed anti-inflammatory? Or are you? Inflammation is an omen for all of us, but for the record I feel your pain.
I am not a doctor, but the pills my neurologist prescribed me was Gabapentin 300mg. Which is generic for Neurontin 300mg. This drug is to aid your signals that are sent through your nerves. I was told that if the signals are stronger the possibility is better for recovery as well as it would limit the possibility of permanent nerve damage. Although, there is NO guarantee that nerve damage is not permanent. Not sure if it would make a difference post-op, but this drug was the medicine of choice for pre-op as a non-evasive maneuver to avoid surgery if possible.
Not much help here, but you are 6wks ahead of me. I am in fear that without a right arm, my going back to driving (trucking) will be limited at best.
Take care, and try to have a decent holiday season. I know at times it seems to take over. Hell, it does take over! Try the ice; maybe it will get you past the hill. Good Luck!!
Tom
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I can really sympathize with your work situation - I drove long haul for six years with my husband. The arthritis in my knees was what caused me to go back to an office job. He still drives and is gone sometimes for weeks. He always makes it home for Christmas, though which is important. :-) What is ironic about the work situation is that I was terminated the same week I found out about the surgery and I know it was because my arthritis had become inconvenient for my employer. If I had still been in the truck, the "boss" would never have fired me!
Anyway, I think reading what some of you are going through, I'm surprised at how casual my post-op has been. My physical therapist told me that my MRI was the worst case he had ever seen. I had PT for months before surgery - mostly traction to straighten my spine because the disks were almost totally deteriorated and bone spurs were putting a lot of pressure on my spinal cord. Plus I had a traction device to use at home every day. That did help with the pain quite a bit. I'm told I won't need therapy again unless I still have problems after six months.
I'm on Salsalate for pain and inflammation; I have to be careful because I started to get stomach ulcers on other nsaids. My doctors take the conservative approach to medications, probably because I have six other prescriptions that I have to take for other problems. But I have also spent years trying to find the most effective way to live with chronic pain without too much medication, so my daily routine is geared towards that. Maybe that is what made my recuperation a little easier.
Anyway, have a great Christmas, and keep reminding yourself how fortunate you are..it doesn't make the pain go away, but it helps put it in perspective.
Anyway, I think reading what some of you are going through, I'm surprised at how casual my post-op has been. My physical therapist told me that my MRI was the worst case he had ever seen. I had PT for months before surgery - mostly traction to straighten my spine because the disks were almost totally deteriorated and bone spurs were putting a lot of pressure on my spinal cord. Plus I had a traction device to use at home every day. That did help with the pain quite a bit. I'm told I won't need therapy again unless I still have problems after six months.
I'm on Salsalate for pain and inflammation; I have to be careful because I started to get stomach ulcers on other nsaids. My doctors take the conservative approach to medications, probably because I have six other prescriptions that I have to take for other problems. But I have also spent years trying to find the most effective way to live with chronic pain without too much medication, so my daily routine is geared towards that. Maybe that is what made my recuperation a little easier.
Anyway, have a great Christmas, and keep reminding yourself how fortunate you are..it doesn't make the pain go away, but it helps put it in perspective.
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Tom,
That is what my neurosurgeon put me on at my first post-op visit when he saw I was beginning to show symptoms in my right arm which was fine before surgery. I believe it has tamed down the pain from the triceps through the shoulder that felt like the grabbing the nerve and pinching it. I was in doubt about the neurontin working for the first 2 weeks, but now I think it is. I didn't start Physical Therapy yet, at my post-op he said NO exercising till after January 7th visit.
After reading your post, I think you may have answered my question. Which pertains to the effect of the Neurontin, Are the effects of this medicine permanent? My Doctor didn't tell me as much as you did Tom. I guess I didn't ask the right question. Usually that is the problem with me.
And that is why I am here. To learn what I need to ask about on my next visit.
PTatum, You had your surgery 2 days before I. You will have your good days and your bad. Your right about the different ideas of what pain is. We all have it in different ares and at different levels. And we all have a difference in tolerance levels. You only wore a soft collar for 2 weeks and I think that is a better strategy than what my doc did. I wore the hard collar for 6 weeks and now am dealing with the muscle degeneration. I think most people had more pain than I before surgery, so I was lucky there. But post-op I didn't see much relief since the left arm felt better and now the right is showing the same symptoms. I got over my sore throat in the first 2 weeks and never had nausea. Your sore neck is normal I think. I still can't sleep through the nigh due to my sore neck. Tossing and turning is not an action I much control over and every movement wakes me in pain. I sure hope someone can help you with your troubles.
Sorry for the a lot about nothing post. I just want to wish you the best.
Rob
That is what my neurosurgeon put me on at my first post-op visit when he saw I was beginning to show symptoms in my right arm which was fine before surgery. I believe it has tamed down the pain from the triceps through the shoulder that felt like the grabbing the nerve and pinching it. I was in doubt about the neurontin working for the first 2 weeks, but now I think it is. I didn't start Physical Therapy yet, at my post-op he said NO exercising till after January 7th visit.
After reading your post, I think you may have answered my question. Which pertains to the effect of the Neurontin, Are the effects of this medicine permanent? My Doctor didn't tell me as much as you did Tom. I guess I didn't ask the right question. Usually that is the problem with me.
And that is why I am here. To learn what I need to ask about on my next visit.
PTatum, You had your surgery 2 days before I. You will have your good days and your bad. Your right about the different ideas of what pain is. We all have it in different ares and at different levels. And we all have a difference in tolerance levels. You only wore a soft collar for 2 weeks and I think that is a better strategy than what my doc did. I wore the hard collar for 6 weeks and now am dealing with the muscle degeneration. I think most people had more pain than I before surgery, so I was lucky there. But post-op I didn't see much relief since the left arm felt better and now the right is showing the same symptoms. I got over my sore throat in the first 2 weeks and never had nausea. Your sore neck is normal I think. I still can't sleep through the nigh due to my sore neck. Tossing and turning is not an action I much control over and every movement wakes me in pain. I sure hope someone can help you with your troubles.
Sorry for the a lot about nothing post. I just want to wish you the best.
Rob
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Rob, I tried four different size pillows. I had a chiropractic pillow I used prior to surgery, but cannot use it now, can't allow my head to sink into a pillow (at least not right now). Another trick I use is a body pillow; get semi comfortable and then lay into the body pillow. I guess you could say you are in the shape of a triangle. Your bed is at the bottom, you leaning one side and the pillow on the other. I hope that makes sense to you. I think it takes some of your actual weight off of your body/bed and onto the body pillow.
You have the right arm pain post-op? You didn't have any symptoms pre-op? That is a bracken nightmare; did the surgeon say that something went wrong? How about the X-Rays? Have you had your 1st Post-Op X-Rays? Have you ever had a MRI? Maybe your surgeon will order you one if the pain doesn't subside. Are you STD or WC? If you are Worker's Comp at least the MRI won't cost you as much as mine did. If your replacement bone moved inward, it could have hit the nerve, causing the right arm problem. Is the fingers numb are the thumb and pointer finger? Or is it the ring finger and pinky? I know this is a ton of questions, are you plated? I promise the last one, did your surgeon order a Bone Stimulator Collar (by Orthofix)?
To answer your question, your permanent statement is pertaining to the nerve itself, not the meds. As far as the meds, there are side effects but nothing that I noticed (personally). The meds are (should be) helping you utilize your arm because of the pinched/damaged nerve.
I remember (all to well) the pain you are describing. Tricep pains radiating up and through the shoulder caused by wrong moves, sneezes, coughing and/or just plain living - hurt like hell. The shame of it, you didn't have this pre-op. What signs did you have to warrant the surgery in the first place?
OK, ok I am done rambling. I know this next statement will be tough. Have a Merry Christmas!
You have the right arm pain post-op? You didn't have any symptoms pre-op? That is a bracken nightmare; did the surgeon say that something went wrong? How about the X-Rays? Have you had your 1st Post-Op X-Rays? Have you ever had a MRI? Maybe your surgeon will order you one if the pain doesn't subside. Are you STD or WC? If you are Worker's Comp at least the MRI won't cost you as much as mine did. If your replacement bone moved inward, it could have hit the nerve, causing the right arm problem. Is the fingers numb are the thumb and pointer finger? Or is it the ring finger and pinky? I know this is a ton of questions, are you plated? I promise the last one, did your surgeon order a Bone Stimulator Collar (by Orthofix)?
To answer your question, your permanent statement is pertaining to the nerve itself, not the meds. As far as the meds, there are side effects but nothing that I noticed (personally). The meds are (should be) helping you utilize your arm because of the pinched/damaged nerve.
I remember (all to well) the pain you are describing. Tricep pains radiating up and through the shoulder caused by wrong moves, sneezes, coughing and/or just plain living - hurt like hell. The shame of it, you didn't have this pre-op. What signs did you have to warrant the surgery in the first place?
OK, ok I am done rambling. I know this next statement will be tough. Have a Merry Christmas!
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