Last December I had c5-c6 fusion. Thankfully it was a successful surgery. I so empathize with those of you who have ongoing pain and encourage you not to give up.
I found Neurontin (gabapentin) to be my saving grace. It is actually used as an anticonvulsant, but they found that it blocks the pain signals from the nerves (peripheral neuropathy) If it wasn't for Neurontin life would have been miserable. It takes a couple of weeks to completely start working and you have to be weaned off of it, you can't stop taking it abruptly. The side effects that are possible are: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness (all transient) slurred speech, impaired concentration, headache, weight gain, nausea, gastric upset, vomiting, blurred vision, rash. I was fortunate not to experience ANY of these symptoms. The only way to find out is to try it, and for me it was well worth it. It took about 5 months after the surgery for me to be completely off of it because of the continued nerve pain. Nerves take FOREVER to heal, months to years according to my doctor.
Good luck to you, I wish you all the best.
I found Neurontin (gabapentin) to be my saving grace. It is actually used as an anticonvulsant, but they found that it blocks the pain signals from the nerves (peripheral neuropathy) If it wasn't for Neurontin life would have been miserable. It takes a couple of weeks to completely start working and you have to be weaned off of it, you can't stop taking it abruptly. The side effects that are possible are: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness (all transient) slurred speech, impaired concentration, headache, weight gain, nausea, gastric upset, vomiting, blurred vision, rash. I was fortunate not to experience ANY of these symptoms. The only way to find out is to try it, and for me it was well worth it. It took about 5 months after the surgery for me to be completely off of it because of the continued nerve pain. Nerves take FOREVER to heal, months to years according to my doctor.
Good luck to you, I wish you all the best.
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My heart goes out to each and everyone one of you. Back in 12/04 I had my first cervical discectomy and fusion on c6/7. I came out of the surgery okay with my neck but had lost my voice. A few months later an ENT determined that my right vocal cord had been paralyzed during the surgery. After many months of speech therapy I got most of my voice back, even though my right vocal cord will never work again, my left is doing the job of both. About 6 months after my first surgery I had started to experience pain in my neck again. When they did tests they realized my disc above the first one had now gone, also pinching a nerve on the left, and had to be operated on. That surgery was in 5/06. After that surgery I had no relief of pain ever. A year and a half later they finally figured out why, the fusion never took. So here comes a third surgery in 4/08 to fuse c5/6 again. Ever since that surgery I have had no relief in my neck and now my left shoulder and arm are also very painful. I been suspended from PT until I am checked out by my Nuero and Ortho. I am on a variety of pain meds, sleep meds and anti-depressants. Before all this I was a very active mother of three who worked full time since the age of 16, 30 years! I was fired from my last job for having to be out from the third surgery. When does this all end? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Please, anyone who has experienced any or all of what I have please comment. It does help quite a bit to know I am not alone. Thanks and God bless!
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I am also glad I stumbled across this site. I am 5 and half months post op from C5-6 anterior fusion. And I am no better I havent had any PT
because the Dr isnt sure why I still have all the pain . He thinks that there
is some protrusion of C4 - 5 and now wants to operate again. I am not
thrilled about it but am at the point I will do anything to help the pain.
I have pain in my Neck and right shoulder down to my elbow and index
finger and thumb. IT is terrible the pain is never ending. and I see
no end in sight. It is a comfort to know there are people that understand.
My husband tries to be understanding but doesnt always understand that
when I do anything the next day it unbearable. I am at the end of my
rope with this.
because the Dr isnt sure why I still have all the pain . He thinks that there
is some protrusion of C4 - 5 and now wants to operate again. I am not
thrilled about it but am at the point I will do anything to help the pain.
I have pain in my Neck and right shoulder down to my elbow and index
finger and thumb. IT is terrible the pain is never ending. and I see
no end in sight. It is a comfort to know there are people that understand.
My husband tries to be understanding but doesnt always understand that
when I do anything the next day it unbearable. I am at the end of my
rope with this.
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It is so comforting to know that I am not alone and I'm not crazy either! If we keep talking and discussing our problems and progress maybe, just maybe we can all find the answer, whether it be what we want to hear or not. Thanks everyone!
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Hi All
I have looked into neurotin (sp) I am so afraid to take it, my mom's friend tried it and ended up still in pain and 45 lbs heavier. I have worked so hard to pull my life long weight off I will suffer in agony before I allow a medication to put me into the obesity category again. The mental pain of obesity is just as bad as the physical pain of my back. So here I sit... another bad day. I tried to go to a local fair this weekend and ended up in so much pain after 3 hours at the fair of constantly taking sit breaks that I was once again in tears and out of breath in pain. The meds aren't doing c**p for the pain.. I just get nauseaus from them and sleepy...
I am thinking of asking for a handicap sticker for my car to ease the amount of walking I have to do. But being a firefighter (will always be one in my mind even though my body has failed me) and an emt (limited now) how can I have a handicap sticker and help people in emergencies??? Isn't that IRONIC??
sigh
CTMOM
I have looked into neurotin (sp) I am so afraid to take it, my mom's friend tried it and ended up still in pain and 45 lbs heavier. I have worked so hard to pull my life long weight off I will suffer in agony before I allow a medication to put me into the obesity category again. The mental pain of obesity is just as bad as the physical pain of my back. So here I sit... another bad day. I tried to go to a local fair this weekend and ended up in so much pain after 3 hours at the fair of constantly taking sit breaks that I was once again in tears and out of breath in pain. The meds aren't doing c**p for the pain.. I just get nauseaus from them and sleepy...
I am thinking of asking for a handicap sticker for my car to ease the amount of walking I have to do. But being a firefighter (will always be one in my mind even though my body has failed me) and an emt (limited now) how can I have a handicap sticker and help people in emergencies??? Isn't that IRONIC??
sigh
CTMOM
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I hear you ctmom!! I also tried to go to our local county fair and ended up home in pain for 2 days after. I did try the neurotin and it only made me sick and didnt do anything for the pain. I did gain a few pounds but it would have been much worse if I hadnt worked very hard not to. I have also battled weight problems for years and am currently at about 145 I have lost 55 pds in the last 16 months. I do not want to gain any back . I totally agree with you about not wanting to gain any back it is also a daily
struggle. I tell my husband you dont understand that every day I am fighting the urge to eat , (I love comfort food) I fight the pain, And I try to
stay away from so many pain killers. I am so tired of this and then today I get a call from the Dr's nurse saying Yes he would like to now remove the disc between C4-5. So now the whole thing starts over. It is very discourging . and I feel everyone is just tired of listening to my pain and problems . This site is a blessing ... Thanks for listening.
I hope it helps to know we are not alone in our suffering.
struggle. I tell my husband you dont understand that every day I am fighting the urge to eat , (I love comfort food) I fight the pain, And I try to
stay away from so many pain killers. I am so tired of this and then today I get a call from the Dr's nurse saying Yes he would like to now remove the disc between C4-5. So now the whole thing starts over. It is very discourging . and I feel everyone is just tired of listening to my pain and problems . This site is a blessing ... Thanks for listening.
I hope it helps to know we are not alone in our suffering.
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Hi CT Mom and everyone else.Well now I'm 5 plus months after surgery C5/6 6/7 .I hear all of you.Physical therapy is over after 4 months insurance won't pay.I really don't think it helped.I try to walk in the pool.I'm in so much muscle pain,neck pain,headaches(always had migraines)pins ands needles.I used to get botox for my migraines (4 years )then my insurance switched and would'nt pay.I think I may try to get my neurologist to try to get it for me again.CT mom you might think about botox.My neurologist used to also give it to me in my neck and shoulders and forehead.Neurontin works for some people.I use icy hot before bed and take klonopin.I have been out of work for 5 months.I have a heavy job.Don't know how I'll ever go back??My dr. will take an X-ray on Oct.6th I'm 53 and I feel the same way I have to live like this?I feel sorry for all of you.At least my kids are grown.Ice helps a bit,heat helps a bit,I try to really limit the pills.I'm so scared my best friend died at 50 from perscription drugs.Prayers to all!!
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I have had the laminectomy surgery, the first in 1996. The last one was 12/07. I now can lightly rub the back of my neck around the c-4 area and make make my arms ache, and it then feels like someone is tightening a rope or the like around my chest.
Of course the Doctor says that isn't possible. He also mentioned that if I was to testify in front of a jury it might seem like I am trying to decieve.
Anyone else have these type symptoms or the like?
Of course the Doctor says that isn't possible. He also mentioned that if I was to testify in front of a jury it might seem like I am trying to decieve.
Anyone else have these type symptoms or the like?
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Don't you just love it when some doctors make you feel like your nuts or lying for feeling this kind of pain?
Yes it can happen. With me, my pain moves. One day it is one spot, the next another. I've had more than one doctor tell me that's crazy. I on;y had one respose....step on in to my body for awhile and see if I'm crazy.
Do what I did and find another doctor. Do not stop seeking doctors out until you find one that believes you and tries to help you.
It took me awhile but I finally found one. He doesn't have the best bedside manner but if he can figure out why I have so much pain (he is trying!) I'll deal with his personality.
Yes it can happen. With me, my pain moves. One day it is one spot, the next another. I've had more than one doctor tell me that's crazy. I on;y had one respose....step on in to my body for awhile and see if I'm crazy.
Do what I did and find another doctor. Do not stop seeking doctors out until you find one that believes you and tries to help you.
It took me awhile but I finally found one. He doesn't have the best bedside manner but if he can figure out why I have so much pain (he is trying!) I'll deal with his personality.
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Sorry there was another thing I didn't mention.
In the past when I've under went physical therapy or deep massage therapy when the therapist would rub certain muscles in my neck and shoulders I'd feel it all the way down to my arms, fingers and down my back. Some of these muscles are connected so if one spot is irritated more than likely it will have a radiating effect.
At least that is what the therapist told me.
In the past when I've under went physical therapy or deep massage therapy when the therapist would rub certain muscles in my neck and shoulders I'd feel it all the way down to my arms, fingers and down my back. Some of these muscles are connected so if one spot is irritated more than likely it will have a radiating effect.
At least that is what the therapist told me.
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hi KSF ,deb here yes the same here when i was having deep tissue massage on my neck and collar oh the pain that ran down the arm and spine,it made me feel sick,it felt like my shoulder blades where coming away from the muscles,i had to get him to stop it hurt to much, plus making it ache more an having too go home and try to calm it down,im giong to see an exoskeleton Dr on the 18th feb,lets see what happens there,talk soon Deb :'(
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Hi everyone,
My sis had all of her cervical spine fused through 3 surgeries and she now has to go to deep muscle massage therapy and she says the same thing that you all do. Her therapist says she has to have them due to the muscle degradation that she has from the lack of use of her muscles and the terrible posture she has held due to the pain. It costs a small fortune, she goes 3 times a week.
So I feel for you and do believe it is real.
Take care,
Rob
My sis had all of her cervical spine fused through 3 surgeries and she now has to go to deep muscle massage therapy and she says the same thing that you all do. Her therapist says she has to have them due to the muscle degradation that she has from the lack of use of her muscles and the terrible posture she has held due to the pain. It costs a small fortune, she goes 3 times a week.
So I feel for you and do believe it is real.
Take care,
Rob
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KSF,
I forgot to comment on what you said about the pain moving around. I feel like I am nuts when I tell my NS that the pain moves around... I may go 3 or 4 days with terrible pain on my left side of my back and then just as I think it is easing off... wham, it hits me on the right side or in a different area all together.
Your the first person to mention that and I keep forgetting to. Thanks.
Rob
I forgot to comment on what you said about the pain moving around. I feel like I am nuts when I tell my NS that the pain moves around... I may go 3 or 4 days with terrible pain on my left side of my back and then just as I think it is easing off... wham, it hits me on the right side or in a different area all together.
Your the first person to mention that and I keep forgetting to. Thanks.
Rob
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I had a fusion done between c5 and 6 in 2003 because i had lost use of my left arm and hand, numbness severe pain and so on. After surgery the pain came and went and now in the past year it seems as though i can not bair the pain.
i'm still working and amy only 33 years old. The pain will drive you almost crazy some times when it will not go away.
My doctors say i have nerve damage and i need theropy so i have done theropy and it doesn't make much difference.
Lately the pain has been almost all the time for the past few months and i need help.
my body feels as though i have been beat up because of this pain and it is taking my energy away.
What can i do?????
i'm still working and amy only 33 years old. The pain will drive you almost crazy some times when it will not go away.
My doctors say i have nerve damage and i need theropy so i have done theropy and it doesn't make much difference.
Lately the pain has been almost all the time for the past few months and i need help.
my body feels as though i have been beat up because of this pain and it is taking my energy away.
What can i do?????
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I am experiencing the same problems...It has been 6 months since my surgery and I have constantly complained to my surgeon, my neurologists and my two physical therapists...just seems to fall on deaf ears. I takes my meds religiously (Norco, 325mg, 6 x day, Carisoprodol 350mg, 4 x day, Etolodac 400mg 2 x day). I have had numerous 3 epidurals, an EMG, numerous MRIs, etc., etc., etc. My doctor says "surgery was perfect, no problems" and can't understand my agony...seems to me after reading other posts, thank GOD, I am not crazy or alone. The water therapy helps some...to get me moving more...unable to perform any type of land therapy. I called my neurologist a couple of days ago and asked if we can give acupuncture a try...waiting on approval from the insurance company. I was rear ended 2/7/08 on my way home from work...been on disability since 4/30/08...don't even know if I will be able to go back to work and perform my sedentary job. I'm scared for my family...as my income has stopped..however, I do receive medical disability from my job (1/2 my pay) but ... I'm just going on like a broken record. I feel like the surgery has caused such agony in my life and I don't even know if it was worth it...my surgeon told me I would have "instant pain relief in both arms" and that is simply not the case...I hurt everywhere...thanks for letting me vent.
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