Hi everyone! I had an ACDF ( C5-C6) in December of 2013. I am 49 years old and was in very good shape post surgery. The Neurosurgeon in Little Rock fused the donor bone graft with a titanium plate and screws as usual. Pre-surgery, I was having extreme nerve pain down my left arm, through the forearm, and into half of my hand. I described the pain originally as being shocked by D.C. current in that it would affect the nerve/nerves by sending a constant wave of pain rather than an intermittent pain. The pain got worse and began to burn as if I had my arm literally over a fire. It was an outpatient surgery that lasted about 1.5 hours and when I awoke, the pain was completely gone. I stayed in a near-by motel for the night and was free to go home the next day. To shorten my story, I was pain free, other than minor muscle pain, for 4 months but then the pain came back to my left arm, right arm, neck, and upper back. I thought the surgery was behind me and the pain was gone. I guess not. The Dr. placed me on Gabapentin also, and I received an injection in my back last week. I was only off of work for 6 weeks before returning. This was way too quick hindsight. Anyway, I will keep you updated on my progression. Hopefully, I will heal soon as I am an avid fisherman and bowhunter! Good luck everyone and God bless!!! <><
You are facing this problem because there is to much connective tissue or scar tissue or fascia whatever you want to name it now. It gets so thick and hard that the body thinks is bone and drops a few calcium in the area. Now it blocks blood flow and it may press on nerves. Unfortunately NO doctor addresses the fascia, they don't learn about that. The fascia is like a sponge...new is hyd rated and bouncy, older is dry and becomes hard. You need to find people who hydrates your excess of connective tissue on the area. Doctors do not now about that! Look for a certified advanced Rolfer or/and somebody who does something called Body Logic. It will hurt but oh my god! It will resolve your problem. You will probably need a few sessions, it's not cheap but it has give me my life back. Good luck! @solomon and Lucy and mrsbuzz1
I have a history of opiate dependence and they are holding that against me
Is this right
Can I fight this
Thanks steve