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C5-C6 ACDF returned to work too soon!

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Posted 5/4/2013 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
This is my first time posting on anything. I had a spontaneous herniation of the disc at C5-C6 8 weeks ago. The pain was unbearable after the first 5 days. The following 2 weeks while I was desperately trying to get an MRI, I did not sleep at all (for 2 weeks!). I finally ended up in the ER where an MRI was done that showed the herniation. I had 2 steroid injections and a steroid dose pack that did nothing to ease the pain. I was blessed that I was able to get into a Neurosurgeon quickly that agreed that I could not wait for surgery. I had lost the use of my right arm and couldn't feel some of my fingers on the right side. I was at the point of thinking that I couldn't live any longer in that amount of pain. I had the surgery and woke up with virtually no pain. I was hyped up on steroids and pain meds and convinced my doctor to let me go back to work in 3 weeks. I have a very demanding job but really thought I could make adjustments to make it through. It's been 2 weeks and I realize I have made a huge mistake. I am physically spent, I can't think straight, my memory is affected. Am I the only person out there that has made this mistake?
Posted 5/4/2013 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
While maybe not the exact mistake we all are probably guilty of making a very similar mistake in doing more than was good for us.

However if it will make you feel a little less lonely so to speak my father in law did do exactly what you did. He pushed way to hard after his back surgery and set his recovery back by a couple of weeks.
Posted 5/4/2013 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Ms Lysa & welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear that you suffered so badly.However, from the sound of things once that MRI was done things took a different course which included you having surgery.

No, you are not the first to take the big leap & return to work as quick as you did. Unfortunately, now you are paying for it and it is affecting your recovery, that's too bad. My thoughts are get back into the neurosurgeon as soon as possible and fess up that you made a huge mistake & see if he will take you off again for maybe a week or two. If it is going to be a while before you can see him why not talk to his nurse & let the nurse know what has happened. Be honest with the nurse & say I messed up thinking I was ready & able to go back to work. Perhaps she can get a note taking you off from the dr.. It would have been better if you would have done this a lot sooner.

By the way, you have an excellent surgeon, that is a very good sign to wake up from surgery and find that awful pain is gone. Post-op pain it totally different.

Please take care of yourself & be a little kinder to your body. It really went thru some trauma during surgery. Susie
Posted 5/5/2013 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Susie for your message! This is uncharted territory for me. I am told that I will have life long issues now so I am sure I will be a constant on this site. I plan to take your advice and call my neurosurgeon on Monday. I hope I can take some additional time to recover as you suggested. Many thanks!
Posted 5/5/2013 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Jim1969 - Thank you for your response! I was definitely feeling a bit lonely in my situation. I've been told its my "mood" or I'm "emotional" by family and boss. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in my poor decision :-). Now to make a course correction to get back on track. Thanks again!
Posted 5/6/2013 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I had the fusion of C5-7.  I know about those sleepless nites.  However, I finally did return to work after the 10 weeks, and my boss put me back on lifting  50 pds. plus and pulling 100 pds plus.  Yelp, pain back in full force.  Went back to the DR. was angrey and sent me up with a test on how my strength was. Not to go back to work until he had test results.

Short story, not able to left 5 pounds or more etc.  Sent the notice to my boss and was told I would have to wait that he couldn't let me return to work until he spoke to administration.  Well, was let go. Letter written because of the restrictions given by Dr. I wasn't able to do job any longer and there wasn't any job within the school that I could do. Now on medical disability.

 

So take the time you need to heal.  That is the best med.

Good-Luck

 

Posted 5/7/2013 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm back off work for now. Talked with my employer and they agreed that I need additional time to recover. They were more understanding than I could have hoped for. I am a nurse and in management. My job is more demanding than I can manage right now. Lesson learned. I've talked with my surgeons nurse and she said they see this a lot! I see the surgeon on Thursday. The nurse told me to go back on my muscle relaxers and rest. I restarted yesterday. Thanks for everyone's comments! I'm so thankful for this site.

Grandchildren5 - I'm so sorry that you've had such a bad experience with your employer! That is so disappointing to hear. Praise God that you were able to get disability! Financial strain just adds to this whole experience..... Thanks for posting on my thread. It's surprising how much it helps to have others to "talk" to!
Posted 5/7/2013 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Oh I am so glad the employer was understanding & until you are back on your feet good, take it a day at a time. If you start trying to look ahead to a few weeks from now all that will do is overwhelm yourself and its not worth it. Take care & keep us posted....Susie
Posted 5/31/2013 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
After reading these I will not push to return to work. I am out for 8-12 weeks post acdf c4/5. I am getting so restless to return but appreciate the wisdom of those who really know. I am anxious to start physical therapy which my dr has not ordered yet. Not sure why.
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