39 yo female, had fusion with titanium plate (c-4,5,6) 4-28-2003. Surgery went great! Now, for the past month, all of my fingertips are nu
Loading...
Hi. My neck problems all started in 5-2002 when I was hit by a semi-truck. Initially, my c-5/6 was herniated and the bones were in pieces. I had my first fusion 8-2003. The 1st year post op was wonderful. Then, the pain returned. I had to get my c-6/7 fused as well in 5-2005. This last time, I started to experience a horrible pain on the left side of my neck on the side and towards the back and the pain went down my arm. I woke up one day and had paralysis in my left arm. I went to my surgeon, had the test done, and sure enough, I am not post-op 2 weeks from my c-4/5 ACDF. My surgeon took out all the old metal in my neck. He fused my disc this time with a plate called a "Mestique plate." Its been 12 days since my surgery, and I am now experiencing the pains I had prior to the surgery again and I am scared as hell. I still have a hard time swallowing food... and I am always in pain. So, for those of you going through neck surgerys, your not alone, I feel your pain.
Loading...
I am scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, 8/15 and I am scared to death. I am divorced and 43 years old, but with alot of help from my friends, I pray I will survive this. I would love to hear from someone post -op as well. My surgeon did not mention the swallowing issue at all ! Geez. Was this a nightmare or worth it? My goal is to get my life back and not take meds for pain in the future. Most of the blogs I have read state that you are all still on pain meds??? Was this worth it? Help .... I am freaked completely out!!!!
Jill M
Jill M
Loading...
Swallowing is a problem after my fusion with titanium plate. Singing is a major problem. My voice is so weak. I was a singer before, and now I can only sing for a few minutes. Sometimes I lose my voice entirely. My throat feels irritated all the time. ALL THE TIME!! My vocal chords were damaged during surgery as was my left eye. That was in Dec of 03. I have been through five eye surgeries and am legally blind in left eye although I can see images and colors; I cannot read anything or watch tv with left eye alone. Perplexing when unable to judge distance because of poor depth perception. My neck and back still give trouble every day. I cannot lift groceries without pain. I came off all painkillers in 03 due to horror stories of addiction. I can walk and am happy to be able to do anything, so I am not complaining, just telling it like it is. I was very active before, riding horses, motorcycles, tennis, playing ball, and in extremely good shape. I fell a short distance from a ladder onto concrete, in 02 breaking my left arm and injuring my neck. I finally went to a neurosurgeon in 03 who found major problems in my neck. Have this operation only as a last resort. Expect problems, but hopefully not lasting ones. And by the way I chose a well known and respected surgeon in a major hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Sometimes things just don't work out as planned. I am medically disabled due to physical limitations. This is not the way I planned to end my career. Social Security disability is not enough to pay the bills, so thank God my wife and I saved all our lives.
I have adjusted well considering the situation, and so can you if outcome is not as you would initially like. I would complain, but what good would that do? No one likes a complainer, and besides,when I look around, sadly there is always someone in worse shape than me.
I have adjusted well considering the situation, and so can you if outcome is not as you would initially like. I would complain, but what good would that do? No one likes a complainer, and besides,when I look around, sadly there is always someone in worse shape than me.
Loading...
I'm in the same situation as you but I do not have the eye problems (Thank goodness!). Just lots of pain, extreme weekness and loss of neck movement.
I had surgery 2 yrs ago, returned to work for a short time and couldn't do it and had to apply for disability.
I've been turned down twice and am on my third try (appeal). After working 31+ yrs it's been really hard for me too.
My question do you have any advice on the disability? What helped you to get it? I finally did hire an attorney so maybe that will help.
Thanks you.
I had surgery 2 yrs ago, returned to work for a short time and couldn't do it and had to apply for disability.
I've been turned down twice and am on my third try (appeal). After working 31+ yrs it's been really hard for me too.
My question do you have any advice on the disability? What helped you to get it? I finally did hire an attorney so maybe that will help.
Thanks you.
Loading...
ok,
I had it done on August 8th.Two weeks after I was fine. Pain is the most post op issue. swallowing is also a problem but plan on using jello, puddings, soups for a while.And of course the occasionl throwing up, but don't get discouraged. The collar(aspen) is hard to sleep with and I nwore mine for 4.5 weeks all the time after that I drove and now wear it occasionally. Recovery has to do with one's pasion mental state and ability to persevere agaisnt odds/\. don't be dependent on anyone, ambulate and get well, i was on 90 tablets of oxycodine(perkaset) and then tylenol #3 and now extra strength tylenloy. I should start working next week,\. Cronic pain is still sther, in the morns. All in all do it only if you have to and best of luck (excuse typos and spelling)
I had it done on August 8th.Two weeks after I was fine. Pain is the most post op issue. swallowing is also a problem but plan on using jello, puddings, soups for a while.And of course the occasionl throwing up, but don't get discouraged. The collar(aspen) is hard to sleep with and I nwore mine for 4.5 weeks all the time after that I drove and now wear it occasionally. Recovery has to do with one's pasion mental state and ability to persevere agaisnt odds/\. don't be dependent on anyone, ambulate and get well, i was on 90 tablets of oxycodine(perkaset) and then tylenol #3 and now extra strength tylenloy. I should start working next week,\. Cronic pain is still sther, in the morns. All in all do it only if you have to and best of luck (excuse typos and spelling)
Loading...
All,
I would like to say that I am 2 days post op and am feeling better than I have felt in the past 7 months. I had numbness and shoulder pain on my left side, which included pain that radiated down my left arm. Last night was my first night home from the hospital and also the first time I've sleept a full 8 since my pain started months ago. I refused any pain medication (morephine) in the hospital because I did not want to depend on it for pain relief. I have been doing well by taking Extra Strength Tylenol twice a day. I also contribute my success to a very wonderful neurosurgeon from Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. I had tried physical therapy before deciding on having the surgery and I must say I was very skeptical about the possible outcome but I am now confident that I made the right decision after waking up from surgery with virtually no pain or numbness. There is still some soreness in my neck and swollowing is difficult at times but compared to the pain I was in prior to surgery, this is a piece of cake. Please do your homework in choosing a surgeon and do what you feel is right for you not what someone else wants for you. Remember to stay positive and not negative because negativity brings negative results. Good luck and best wishes to all.
I would like to say that I am 2 days post op and am feeling better than I have felt in the past 7 months. I had numbness and shoulder pain on my left side, which included pain that radiated down my left arm. Last night was my first night home from the hospital and also the first time I've sleept a full 8 since my pain started months ago. I refused any pain medication (morephine) in the hospital because I did not want to depend on it for pain relief. I have been doing well by taking Extra Strength Tylenol twice a day. I also contribute my success to a very wonderful neurosurgeon from Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. I had tried physical therapy before deciding on having the surgery and I must say I was very skeptical about the possible outcome but I am now confident that I made the right decision after waking up from surgery with virtually no pain or numbness. There is still some soreness in my neck and swollowing is difficult at times but compared to the pain I was in prior to surgery, this is a piece of cake. Please do your homework in choosing a surgeon and do what you feel is right for you not what someone else wants for you. Remember to stay positive and not negative because negativity brings negative results. Good luck and best wishes to all.
Loading...
i am haveing this done dec 13 . i am really worried if i am going to be able to move again. cause your spineal cord is right there. >:(
Loading...
I had a decomp and fusion done 1 year ago with cadaver bone. I was taken imediately from the OP center to surgery as my cord was significantly compressed. I woke up and was in tremendous pain and could not swallow at all. I was not told of this possibiliy. I am an OR nurse and i was blessed with a very long neck. Seems no one thought I needed to know about this. My arm pain is a bit better but the weakness is not better. I am unable to open a new jar of jam. i am clumsy with my hands and drop things often. I cant throw a ball and found out that I cannot paint for long either. I cant look up to see the top of a building. My repeat MRI says that I am now herniated above and below the graft. No one told me this could happen either. I guess since I was a nurse no one felt the need. Hey!!! I am a heart nurse... big difference. Well what do I do now. Very depressed about this and just cant go thru another sugery as it kicked my ass. I am 45y/0 and had been dealing with this on my own for about 3 years. Help what do i do now. I have an appt with the pain clinic but dont want any funky tx. I take alot of meds but only when I am not at work. I need to stay focused in my role as a director. the pain in my arm and neck seem only slightly better than before the surgery. I need some help with this. I am a single mom and need to make a good decision for my kids and me. What do you think?
Sherie Ponting
Sherie Ponting
Loading...
As I stated in an earlier post I had ACDF over 2 yrs ago and I am not getting any better. If anything I am getting worse!
I've always had the pain and weekness on my right side but now it is moving to my left side too.
Last doctors appt I was told I had "tennis elbow" or a pinched nerve.
Well we know where this will probably lead! I told my family doctor "no more cutting".
I've learned the hard way. It is an awful feeling being young (? I feel young) at 47 yrs old and my body behaves as if I'm 90!
I know what it is like to not be able to open a jar, use a can opener, curl my hair, etc. I have an artificial christmas tree that took me an entire day to put up because of putting each branch in a little whole...I'd do it till I couldn't do it any longer, rest and do it some more.
So believe me I do understand.
I raised my daughter alone, she is now 24 yrs old. I worked in retail for 31 yrs.
Thought I had the rest of my life planned out until this hit me.
I've had to quit my job because the weekness and pain are so intense with physical activity. I also can not look up, turn my neck one way, lift, bend or use my arms for any legnth of time. Unfortunately, against everything I believe, I had to apply for disability.
It has been 14 mos since I filed and am waiting for an appeal date.
The problem? To look at me I look fine...but step inside of me and I'm nothing but a walking pain machine! How do you explain that to the Soc Sec Admin?
Lucky for me I married several years before my surgery so I have a supporting partner.For you I empathise because, to be honest, if I was still single there is no way I could survive.
My suggestion to you is to contact Social Security and get info on programs your state offers to help you with your disablity. Some companies will allow help for employees that have developed disabilities, unfortunatly my company would not so I had to quit.
Hope this helps.
Best of luck to you.
I've always had the pain and weekness on my right side but now it is moving to my left side too.
Last doctors appt I was told I had "tennis elbow" or a pinched nerve.
Well we know where this will probably lead! I told my family doctor "no more cutting".
I've learned the hard way. It is an awful feeling being young (? I feel young) at 47 yrs old and my body behaves as if I'm 90!
I know what it is like to not be able to open a jar, use a can opener, curl my hair, etc. I have an artificial christmas tree that took me an entire day to put up because of putting each branch in a little whole...I'd do it till I couldn't do it any longer, rest and do it some more.
So believe me I do understand.
I raised my daughter alone, she is now 24 yrs old. I worked in retail for 31 yrs.
Thought I had the rest of my life planned out until this hit me.
I've had to quit my job because the weekness and pain are so intense with physical activity. I also can not look up, turn my neck one way, lift, bend or use my arms for any legnth of time. Unfortunately, against everything I believe, I had to apply for disability.
It has been 14 mos since I filed and am waiting for an appeal date.
The problem? To look at me I look fine...but step inside of me and I'm nothing but a walking pain machine! How do you explain that to the Soc Sec Admin?
Lucky for me I married several years before my surgery so I have a supporting partner.For you I empathise because, to be honest, if I was still single there is no way I could survive.
My suggestion to you is to contact Social Security and get info on programs your state offers to help you with your disablity. Some companies will allow help for employees that have developed disabilities, unfortunatly my company would not so I had to quit.
Hope this helps.
Best of luck to you.
Loading...
I had 3 disks fused and caged just 7 weeks ago Well Never again !! Mine was horrible the neck isnt to bad where the disks are fixed Still having alot of neck to back connection pain ( where the bones meet ) Still in a neck brace almost 24/7 ... But my main issue is the throat omggggg Make sure you all aware of the side affects to this and then make your decision I had pressed disks on my spinal cord so i really had no other choice Now i cant swallow sing or talk right I feel a large lump in my throat 24/7 I choke on almost everything I eat... liquids are even rough at times .. Pills well i usually choke on at least one of them and up it comes ... I was told 1 to 2 weeks on the throat issues well someone lied huh ! I have read alot of these about throat problems following this type of surgery and Im more scared then ever thinking i may end up with this forever ( maybe ) say what ?????? I have lost 20 pds in this 7 weeks if i could go back I would have took my chances without surgery and I had a very highly rated doctor well known and good at what he does but wasnt told about hardly non of this after affects thank goodness i have no small kids at home no longer and my husband is so understanding cause this is and gona be a long haul .... So not of these surgeries go so great and i have had alot of them this has to be the worse !! best of luck ev1 o.O
Loading...
Kandy,
How are you doing. Has the swallowing gottne any better? I am writing this at 2am cause as usual the pain in my neck prevents me from sleeping for more that a couple of hours. I am still plugging away at work. Winter has become a huge challenge trying to shovel and chip ice so I can get out of my drive. Suggestion.....dont EVER EVER chip ice after a ADF. You will be in agony for weeks. I saw my pain doc and she is very nice and willing to do whatever she needs to help me. I am on some new meds and although they help the pain they keep me up at night causing insomnia. I cant take them during the week as I am in healthcare but try to take them on the weekends so that I can regain my sanity and my pain lessened for at least a short time. I pray your situation is better and let me know how you are doing.
How are you doing. Has the swallowing gottne any better? I am writing this at 2am cause as usual the pain in my neck prevents me from sleeping for more that a couple of hours. I am still plugging away at work. Winter has become a huge challenge trying to shovel and chip ice so I can get out of my drive. Suggestion.....dont EVER EVER chip ice after a ADF. You will be in agony for weeks. I saw my pain doc and she is very nice and willing to do whatever she needs to help me. I am on some new meds and although they help the pain they keep me up at night causing insomnia. I cant take them during the week as I am in healthcare but try to take them on the weekends so that I can regain my sanity and my pain lessened for at least a short time. I pray your situation is better and let me know how you are doing.
Loading...
to all of you having pain months/years after ACDF:
Yesterday my doctor said he thought I had RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy).
As you can tell by my other post I have been in misery for over 2 years after ACDF.
Any of you still experiencing problems, going through all sorts of test without any results may want to check this out.
I'm having another (the 3rd) EMG test next week. I'll keep you informed if any progress is made with this diagnosis.
I know there are alot of you out there in the same pain as me.
While I am posting... any of you out there know anything about RSD? Treatment, etc and did it help you?
Yesterday my doctor said he thought I had RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy).
As you can tell by my other post I have been in misery for over 2 years after ACDF.
Any of you still experiencing problems, going through all sorts of test without any results may want to check this out.
I'm having another (the 3rd) EMG test next week. I'll keep you informed if any progress is made with this diagnosis.
I know there are alot of you out there in the same pain as me.
While I am posting... any of you out there know anything about RSD? Treatment, etc and did it help you?
Loading...
Wow I wish I hadn't read some of those testimonials.
I'm C6/C7 and getting tribecular metal. Not looking forward to the swallowing thing, at all. 37, Male, Married, 1 daughter, 2 yrs old.
I have a question. Kind of off topic, but does having this surgery land the patient in the 'disabled' classification? It prolly seems like a crass question, but after reading some of these comments, I would at the very least, be deserving of a parking spot a little closer to the store... I don't really see any way around it. I ask the question here, because then I don't have to explain the ins and outs of a procedure like this before I ask my question.
As a result of this, I don't think I will be able to rely on manual labor to earn my daily bread, and in Canada, I can leverage the government to pay for my retraining if I am disabled. My wife will be paying her school off around the time I will be going to school, so if I can remove the tuition repayment from our household finances for my schooling, it would help greatly.
I will close with this: I am glad overall to have read all of your comments and suggestions. My doctor tells me I will be in the collar as long as 8-12 wks. Yay. Now that I know about the post-op pain and discomfort and the Jello and whatnot, I am going to ask them to suspend a bit of Cuervo in my Jello.
I'm C6/C7 and getting tribecular metal. Not looking forward to the swallowing thing, at all. 37, Male, Married, 1 daughter, 2 yrs old.
I have a question. Kind of off topic, but does having this surgery land the patient in the 'disabled' classification? It prolly seems like a crass question, but after reading some of these comments, I would at the very least, be deserving of a parking spot a little closer to the store... I don't really see any way around it. I ask the question here, because then I don't have to explain the ins and outs of a procedure like this before I ask my question.
As a result of this, I don't think I will be able to rely on manual labor to earn my daily bread, and in Canada, I can leverage the government to pay for my retraining if I am disabled. My wife will be paying her school off around the time I will be going to school, so if I can remove the tuition repayment from our household finances for my schooling, it would help greatly.
I will close with this: I am glad overall to have read all of your comments and suggestions. My doctor tells me I will be in the collar as long as 8-12 wks. Yay. Now that I know about the post-op pain and discomfort and the Jello and whatnot, I am going to ask them to suspend a bit of Cuervo in my Jello.
Loading...
I do not think that everyone having this surgery is labled as disabled. I think it depends on what how your body recovers from the surgery.
I went back to work for about 7 months after this surgery. I was working in what is concerned "highly" physical work. Meaning that I was on my feet, did alot of bending, reaching, lifting and used my arms and hands to do manual labor. I kept thinking the pain was due to damaged muscle and once I got my muscles toned back up I would be fine. Unfortunately the pain only intensified.
Some people get along fairly well with this surgery. As you can see by the post others do not. To go into the surgery thinking you will never recover isn't a good thing. That's probably just asking to fail.
I went in with a very positive attitude, thinking ACDF was going to be my magic cure. Unfortunately it did not work for me.
In the US applying for "our" Soc Security Disability Insurance is really tough. I've been off work now for almost 18 months. It could possibly be another year or two before I get a hearing date to prove my disability.
(Another words you will almost be destitute before you can prove your claim unless of course you're our terminal, handicapped, aged, etc.)
Believe me even after 30+ years of workng I would much rather go to work daily than apply for disability. Unfortunately I can't at this point.
I haven't given up hope on figuring out why after this surgery I ended up in this condition. I'm still searching.....why? Because I would love nothing better than to have my life back, go to work and be able to do all of the things I did several years prior to this surgery.
So please keep a positive attitude. Go into this surgery thinking you will recover. Who knows maybe you will and to do so would truly be a blessing. This pain is like no other!
Best of luck.
I went back to work for about 7 months after this surgery. I was working in what is concerned "highly" physical work. Meaning that I was on my feet, did alot of bending, reaching, lifting and used my arms and hands to do manual labor. I kept thinking the pain was due to damaged muscle and once I got my muscles toned back up I would be fine. Unfortunately the pain only intensified.
Some people get along fairly well with this surgery. As you can see by the post others do not. To go into the surgery thinking you will never recover isn't a good thing. That's probably just asking to fail.
I went in with a very positive attitude, thinking ACDF was going to be my magic cure. Unfortunately it did not work for me.
In the US applying for "our" Soc Security Disability Insurance is really tough. I've been off work now for almost 18 months. It could possibly be another year or two before I get a hearing date to prove my disability.
(Another words you will almost be destitute before you can prove your claim unless of course you're our terminal, handicapped, aged, etc.)
Believe me even after 30+ years of workng I would much rather go to work daily than apply for disability. Unfortunately I can't at this point.
I haven't given up hope on figuring out why after this surgery I ended up in this condition. I'm still searching.....why? Because I would love nothing better than to have my life back, go to work and be able to do all of the things I did several years prior to this surgery.
So please keep a positive attitude. Go into this surgery thinking you will recover. Who knows maybe you will and to do so would truly be a blessing. This pain is like no other!
Best of luck.
Loading...