Posted 1/15/2008 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the c-spine surgery outcome, I wish my back surgery came out even 1/4 as well as the c-spine did! I get tight muscles in my neck and shoulders but, again, that is nothing compared to the back and leg pain. I have 8/10 pain across my lower back and into my buttocks and down the legs, the back surgery made it so the pain wasn't down my leg all the time. My back surgery was first, so when it got to the point that my neck hurt worse than my back, I had to go for the neck surgery, I was definitely afraid of it turning out like my back did! After the surgery, I remember telling my doctor that they sure know what they are doing when it comes to necks, I only wish it was that way for my back. He said it had to do with location, it is easier to get to the neck vertebra than it is the back which made it easier (BTW I had the same doctor for both). My misery in the hospital after back surgery, I felt, was in part due to not being adequately medicated. Prior to the back surgery I was on 60 mg of extended release morphine 3 times a day and 15 mg MS IR for breakthrough 3 times a day....after surgery while in the hospital I received Soma for muscle spasms and Demerol, I believe. I laid in the hospital bed for 4 days crying, tossing, turning, hurting, and miserable. I just wanted to get home because I knew I had better medicine at home.
I had no problem with losing my voice after neck surgery, just a very sore throat. I cannot believe all that you have had to go through since such a young age.
As far as my back, my doctor basically says "it is what it is" meaning it isn't going to get any better. I have begun to have more problems with it going down my leg in a different distribution but have so far told my doctor I don't want another MRI because it is not going to change my course of action, I will not have another back surgery unless the only other option is being in a wheelchair. My neurosurgeon had told me "I'll definitely be seeing you again" because my spine is a "a mess," according to him. He kept asking if I have ever had any trauma for it to be as bad as it is. The only thing I remember was being in the 5th grade in gym class, we were doing 2 people somersaults, and by the end of the mat I was paralyzed, couldn't move my legs. I was rushed to the ER where they did all kinds of tests and decided it was in my muscles.....although now on spine films it can be seen that my lower spine curves badly to one side.
Actually, regarding your PS, Mochia derives from a South American culture from northern Peru known for their pottery....for me, I came about it through a play on my pet's name!
I wish you all the best in your quest for a better life, I have a taste of it but it isn't quite there yet (after 7 years). I do go see a new PM doctor in February, so I will let you know how it goes.