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Upcoming 5 level ACDF surgery in Febuary

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Posted 12/8/2015 9:43 AM (GMT 0)
I am so thankful that I found this site for all the wonderful information it has provided to help alleviate the ongoing escalation of stress of surgery.


Plans are for a 5 level ACDF to relieve severe central canal stenosis C2 thru T1, severe multilevel neural foraminal narrowing, severe degenerative disk disease, endplate irregularity, spinal cord flattened at C5, C6 and C7 levels, near complete attenuation of CSF anterior to spinal cord at C4-C5, complete attenuation of CSF at C5-C6 and numerous bone spurs and resulting in flattening of the spinal cord. All this is planned to be corrected with 4.5 hours in surgery and minimum of 3 days in the hospital. Nope, I didn't tangle with a Mack truck, I fell backwards of a second story landing at the prison where I am employed as a safety nurse!

It took 8 months to get a concrete diagnosis (worker's comp); I didn't settle for a second opinion. I also saw my rheumatologist, orthopedist, and personal physician to confirm recommendation for surgery. So much for denial!

I am experiencing extreme headaches (I'm surprised my husband didn't put me in a cage because I was so miserable to be around!), severe neck pain and bilateral numbness and pain in upper and lower extremities. I medicate with Soma, Lidocain patches and swear by Excedrin for pain. I have a script for Oxycodone with acetaminophen; don't use it because it energizes me like the energizer bunny!

Hubby bought me a recliner that swivels; he liked it so much that we went back the next day and bought him one! My bed is a sleep number, but I'm thinking about renting a hospital bed for the ability to raise and lower the bed for comfort.

My neuro says I will need a bone stimulator and will wear a hard cervical collar 24/7 for three months. How do you shampoo your hair? My hair is very long and I don't want to get it cut! He says we will talk about driving again after the three month mark. I live in the country, no close neighbors, closest store is 25 miles! My husband will only be able to stay home with me 2 days post op. Do I need someone to come and help out? There was no options about returning to work; I guess I'm going to be put out to pasture (medically retired!). I am 6 weeks post op rotator cuff repair.

Any and all correspondence, insight and down right neighborly help will definitely be treasure. Good heath and prayers for all from the central coast of CA!

PinkyBlue



Hi PinkyBlue, I have made some paragraphs in your post to make it easier to read. Some of our members have tracking problems when reading. Thanks.

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 12/8/2015 10:47:40 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/8/2015 10:08 AM (GMT 0)
many healing thoughts to you. got a lot happening, but good on you for your positive proactivity in getting healed. good people here will pop on with more info. I am a mere turtle with a shell that is as hard as nails, it has been hit too hard too many times it refuses to crack. just wanted to say welcome. keep strong. we care.

g'day from down under Pinky!!!
Posted 12/8/2015 11:04 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Pinky and Wow when you do it you do it right!! Sorry for your issues and I too was a nurse who was work related injured and put out to pasture although not a safety nurse? Smiling here, lol, funny how life shows us what we need to see in a bad joke right?

Dealt with WC, biggest joke of all and eventually SSA and disability.

If you have not read CP 101 please do, top of the page in a pinned post and inside of that threads lots of awesome tips for preop and post op necessities and do's and dont's and little tricks all from those who have passed before you into spinal surgery. Some your already onto such as the recliner and personally I would wait on the bed until your home since the majority seem to end up sleeping in the recliner for a good bit, the best and most comfortable place to obtain neck support and be self reliant if you follow the tips and have everything at hand. Your likely to at least have someone who can pop in to help a few hours out of the day the first week or at the least to check on you. If I were going to be alone renting a potty chair so as not to have to go far from the chair when no one's there. All this and more is in the CP thread so definitely get a look at that.

You can also use the search option at the top of the page and enter the criteria since we have several who have continued posting about their journeys into spinal surgery and recovery and healing and you can see first hand how their progress has been.

Good luck and welcome.
Posted 12/8/2015 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Pinky,

Sorry to hear of your impending surgery. I can attest to the fact that such a fusion can succeed, albeit with an intense path to the finish line. I am fused C0-T2 & T3-T7, not all at once but my last (most recent surgery) included C0-C3 & also included a replacement of all the old hardware downward from there.
It was 12 hours, performed by an ortho & neuro surgeon in concert & included an ENT surgeon for the C0-C3 part as the anterior portion of my surgery was done through the roof of my mouth. I got 2 complete opinions and chose a very experienced hospital that is also a level 1 spinal trauma center. Surgery above C3 involves the brain stem, scary stuff.

My recovery took a full 12 months, 18 months if I include complete transition off a soft collar & all PT. I still wear my (hard or soft) collar on occasion. Its been 2 years since surgery.

I submit your surgery is going to be posterior above C3 if additional surgeons have not been consulted. This would be good to know.

You say you didn't settle for a 2nd opinion, not sure what this means? No 2nd opinion? Why not?

I am in pain mgmt. Surgery for me was intended to stabilize my spine & hopefully offer some decrease in pain. Pain remains a constant concern for me. I have a fairly rare type of arthritis my disc degeneration is ongoing. I still work. Only because I'm an in demand technical writer/consultant, I get to choose my assignments.

There are plenty of wonderful folks here with multi-level fusion success stories and really good tips for you.
I can contribute some experience to the upper most part of your surgery which I hope are helpful.

Before your surgery, here are a few things I would consider and research were I you: (try to approach your research as a way to reduce your anxiety, preparation is key to a good result)

- your graft material
- how is the anterior part of surgery going to be performed, by whom
- 4.5 hours and 3 days in hospital seem light
- I don't believe in bone stimulators, you can make up your own mind
- hard collar will be your best friend for months - research & test now
- cut your hair (you will never again be able to look up/down or left/right) make it easy on yourself where possible. You will shampoo your hair using a lawn (or other) chair with help in the shower until you can manage it on your own
- driving will be performed with mirrors from surgery forward, practice now
- start the process of medical retirement now
- reconsider use of oxy, you may need it, its energizing effect is short lived (mostly)

These are just some thoughts not meant to frighten you but to assist you in planning for your big day.

Take Vickie's advice about the potty chair!

Hope this helps,

Cary
Posted 12/8/2015 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hello & welcome to the chronic pain forum. Glad you found us, but so sorry you have the need for a forum like ours.

Yes, your sure landed at the right forum as we have had many members in the past couple of years that have had spine surgery. A few members have been gracious enough to document their their stories & it has been so helpful to people like yourself. There are so many questions & thoughts & things to consider when having surgery. Far too many horror stories out there on the web & all that does is scare a person to death. TallerNow, Abilene, BirderNancy & Vernita are some names you can type in the search bar at the top & read about their experiences. TallerNow has severe osteoporosis & she had to use a bone stimulator for quite some time to help with the fusion & she had good results with it. Also check out CP101 above as Vickie suggested. Lots of excellent tips in there for spine surgery people.

Although you mentioned you declined a second opinion, you really should rethink this. Its wonderful to have that much faith in your current drs, however a 2nd opinion should always be considered when having any type of spine surgery. By getting a 2nd opinion that does not mean one does not have much faith & trust in their drs, its more about being safe rather than sorry.

I am with Cary, cut the hair it will grow back.You will find shampooing your hair will be difficult for a while. If you can get some one to come stay with you the first week home that will help you a lot. Probably not a good idea to be alone that first week especially not having anyone close by. You need to keep your cell phone on you at all times if you end up being alone at the house.

If you read any of the members stories here at the forum, we do ask that you post any questions here as you will get a much better response, rather than posting on an older thread.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Posted 12/8/2015 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome, so very sorry you are in this situation. I've experienced some of what you are talking about, so also Welcome to the Think Fusion Club. That's the goal and so very important. We encourage each other to keep that in mind and not push too hard to accomplish too much too fast since that might delay fusion!

You have found the most important equipment, in my opinion, in your swivel recliner. I had a lift chair that I thought would be perfect. The first day home from the hospital when I wanted to see something besides what was right in front of me, I moved to the swivel recliner and stayed there a lot. Sleeping there part of the time, as has been said, was the most comfortable for me. My surgery was all posterior. It seems like such a lot to be done on you from the anterior, so I also question that. I understand your comment to mean you got several other opinions, you did not settle for only a second opinion. Do the additional opinions include another surgeon also?

I had short hair from the start, so can't help with that decision. I only wore the neck brace for 2 weeks and was able to take it off for short periods even during that time. It scared me to have it off so I would get into the shower, then take it off, sit in a shower chair and use the shower hose and my husband's help to wash my hair with very little movement on my part. At the two week check up the doctor took the brace off and said I could leave it off, then he saw the fear in my eyes and put it back on, saying I could take it off when I got home. After that I only wore it in crowds-it was a great way to let people know to not hug or bump me. I have said I don't think I could have stayed alone the first month. Since I didn't have to, I can't know for sure, but I really hope you can have someone with you longer than what your husband is available. If you had someone for at least a week after you get home, then you would know your limitations better. Eating well during that time is very important, as I'm sure you know, to encourage that fusion, so you need to be able to get your meals. Is it possible to go to a rehab place for a couple of weeks? Honestly I've seen and heard of some of them that would make me think being at home alone would be better, but perhaps you have time to research that.

I did not need a hospital bed, but I did not have shoulder issues at the beginning of this recovery, so how is that doing? The helpful information, written by us and for us who have had fusions in Chronic Pain 101 is dated 9/15/2014, so just scroll down to that date. We added to it for quite some time, then Administration made it permanent so we can easily find it and refer others. The vibration from riding in a car was very painful for me before surgery, but that pain was gone shortly afterwards. I can just imagine your country roads might be a big issue now.

Many people push and try to return to work quickly. I hope it's possible to just mark that off your list of things to do, and let healing be your primary job. Easier said than done, but very important. I was not working so that stress was not an issue.

I started Physical Therapy 3 months after my surgery which helped a great deal. I saw that same PT just last week for a different issue. He asked about my neck. I said it does not hurt but of course it's stiff. He gently reminded me that I had traded pain for stiffness. I have to remember that when I have trouble looking in all the mirrors of the car, rather than just turning around. I did not have to drive so I waited a very long time, not because my doctor said I had to wait.

Doctors vary greatly on using the neck brace, bone stimulators, material for fusion, PT, etc. Finding a doctor you trust, who has a great reputation is very important. Please read my story and the others that have been suggested-find those by putting our names in the Search box. Ask any other questions you may have. We will certainly try to answer. Next week is the two year anniversary of my surgery. I still check in here frequently, not because of pain, but just to check on all the wonderful people who helped me through a very difficult time. So welcome again to a great place full of caring people.
Posted 12/10/2015 6:47 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all of the wonderful support; my anxiety level has decreased significantly... I'm ready to request a copy of the filmed surgery to use a learning tool. Sounds strange, but I know a lot of people who miss working in the OR.
When I said I didn't settle for a second opinion, I meant I didn't stop at just getting a second opinion. I conferred with my rheumatologist (had to... I take Humira inj for RA and Ankylosing Spondylitis).my personal physician, her husband the pain manager, our cardiologist, physical therapist and my husbands previous ortho, now full time instructor. I also interviewed patients he worked on before. Attorney friends checked him out and couldn't find any negative aspects. I know
he is a stickler for following directions and made it very plain that those who weren't 100% compliant
were the one's that did not get the results they were after. So you know I am going to be extra compliant, right? Too much to lose way too soon!
Thank you once again for your support... you're all angels!
Love an prayers for all.
Pinky aka Linda
Posted 12/10/2015 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
I've had several surgeries and tried keeping my hair long for one of them. Not a great idea for me! It's not just the washing...you can use a 'dry shampoo'. It was the brushing, and the wind blowing it in my face, and it wrapping itself around my neck or getting stepped on by the cat and being pulled, or getting in my way when I was trying to brush my teeth and spit into the sink!

I don't know if you live in a cold climate, but 'hat hair' is bad enough! The static in winter making my hair go all over...well, I think you get my drift.

Best wishes for a successful surgery and strong recovery!
Posted 12/10/2015 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Well done Pinky! Way to put your ducks in a row.

I also commend Abilene for the suggestion to look into a rehab facility for your recovery & Pitmom for encouraging you to let go of your hair; both brilliant suggestions. You can donate your hair to help someone who needs it - might make you feel better about it.

Cary
Posted 12/10/2015 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Request a copy of the filmed surgery??? I never knew that was available--I'm not a nurse--don't know if I could handle seeing that. I did get the written info on mine. That was very interesting and informative. Reading the surgeon's own words as he told how he personally flipped me over for the posterior surgery, then back over afterwards very carefully made me feel protected.

Extra compliant sounds like the best way to help your doctor make this a successful surgery. Love your attitude. I look forward to going through this with you. Your posts will also be a teaching tool here for people who need to be encouraged, even those who just search our pages but do not join.
Posted 12/11/2015 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi PinkyBlue and Welcome to Healing Well Chronic Pain forum. I have had three fusions done in my cervical spine, but all at different times. Two of them were anterior and one posterior. I have a fairly long full beard and it didn't interfere with the ACDF I also have long hair ( I have it in a pony tail) After I retired from the Air Force and went back to school to become an RN I kind of went wild and retired my razor and let my hair grow out! LOL. Anyway right after my Posterior fusion which I had 47 staples down the center of the back of my neck. The first thing I did after getting out of the hospital is, I went to the barbershop and got a hair cut. I just could not lift my arms up high enough to comb or brush it, let alone put it up in a pony tail. Of course after I healed up I let it grow out again! Ha!

I highly recommend getting a hospital bed, or an adjustable bed. A few years back a new furniture store came to town and had a big sale on adjustable beds. I got two extra long single beds with wireless remote controls. These bed have adjustable head and foot and also a whole host of massage settings. Although I don't use the massage, as the vibrations causes me to have back spasms. Anyway the two beds side by side fit into a Super King size Sleigh bed frame. When they are both flat with a California King size comforter on, it looks like just an regular super king size bed. Just under the comforter, the beds have separate extra long single sheets on them. So that might be something you might want to consider??? It beats sleeping in a recliner, ( I did that for over ten years!) During the night you can just grab the remote and raise or lower the head or foot of the bed a little to get a bit more comfortable!

Anyway I wish you well on your surgery, and may I add I would not recommend staying home alone for at least the first couple of weeks after the surgery. Is it possible for you to go to a physical rehab facility for a few weeks after your surgery? I guess it would not be so bad if you lived in a town where you have neighbors close by, but if you don't have that, then when your husband is at work is there any friends or family you could stay with during the day? You have some time to try and work out solutions to these problems.

Also washing your hair might be a problem for you, ( it was for me) so maybe you might want to go to a beauty salon and have that done for the first few weeks after your surgery??? Just something to consider?

I don't know if this was mentioned to you or not, but sometimes with ACDF surgery some people have some swallowing difficulties and possibly even problem with their voice, after the surgery, usually this is only temporary, but it can happen. I know after my first ACDF I lost my voice for over three months, but that was back when ACDF was a new procedure. I had my first one done at C6/7 in 1985. Just educate yourself and be ""compliant"" and everything should work out fine!

Again I Welcome you to the Forum! Good Luck to you and please keep us posted on your condition and progress. When your here on this forum, your family! And we all care about each other!

White Beard
Posted 12/12/2015 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all of the support, it is helping tremendously! My anxiety level is way below m husband's at this point. I'm finally back to enjoying all of the wonderful elements around me.
I am going to inquire about the possibility of going to a rehab for a week or two postop. I'm not sure if WC will pay for it, my regular insurance won't. Any ideas?
I have a friend (also a nurse) who has offered to come and stay, but I would till be alone for six hours three days a week.
Wishing all good health. Prayers and happiness from the Central Coast of CA
Posted 12/12/2015 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Word of caution when viewing surgical procedures online. Most people that have done it wished they hadn't afterwards. They were terrified after viewing the procedure & a basket case by the time the surgery date rolled around. You may want to rethink this if your anxiety level is already up there.
Posted 12/12/2015 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Pinky,

Ask your surgeon how he's threaded the rehab needle in the past. I'd really push for it.
Take all the help you can get. You may experience lots of pain, numbness, any number of lovely side effects. Above all you must not fall! Its imperative you take it very slow & do everything deliberately,
with thought and extra caution.

I stayed with my sister for a month post fusion. I experienced almost a week whereby my hands swelled up & went numb due to the cspine trauma. How could I know this was not permanent at that time? My sis worked full time and I scheduled my activities around her schedule. Yes, even potty. If you end up having your friend baby sit you please agree to do nothing but rest while she is not present.

Can you get in home nursing visits?

You're on the right track, keep it up! In the beginning of your recovery it is paramount you do not fall.
Take advantage of all help offered. Believe me you will remember and be there for those people who are there for you at this critical time.

Cary
Posted 12/13/2015 8:33 AM (GMT 0)
You might try getting the word out that you need someone a few hours,days for a short period of time post op and maybe someone you didn't think of could use a little cash or place to stay for a few nights? Extended family members or such and they don't necessarily require any medical experience just need to be close by should you have need of them. Even a teenager can make you a sandwich or lend you a arm getting to the bathroom.
Posted 12/19/2015 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Pinky! Welcome, but I wish neither of us was here.

I'm a 3 level ACDF veteran just past the 2 year point. I've documented my journey from the time I found this place. . .8 weeks AFTER my surgery. I also started a useful items for post-ACDF thread that I hope might be of use to you and everyone else.

I think any large recommendations I might make have already been stated above. I want to reinforce the opinion that I really would not plan to be alone for any significant time for at least two weeks after your surgery. You will likely shower in a special collar made for that purpose. It should be given to you when you are released.

I'd like to also ask you to keep an open mind and continually re-evaluate your situation prior to surgery. February is still a good amount of time from now. Objectively question whether this is the surgery that you need and this is the time that you need it. Everyone is different and I am not questioning you or your doctors. I just think that people often take the advice of doctors and do not consider it critically. I know that you know YOU are the one in charge, not the doctors. Obviously you must also keep in mind that surgeries of this magnitude require a good deal of time to orchestrate, so delays could be months if you choose to wait. This is the sort of surgery that if I could delay, I would. I had a long path of degeneration until I could no longer hold my head up, so my outcome resulted in an improvement. . .but my result is not the sort of life that I would wish on anyone.

As for hair, I have had very long and none at all. I'm currently growing it back out. In the end, it is just hair. It will grow back. Still, I don't think it will be harmful to keep it and if you cannot manage it, well, it comes off pretty easy. Hair will be the very least of your worries and the decision will be an easy one when the time comes.

There is a wealth of knowledge and empathy on these pages and in these people. It is a great support network and had I any decency, I would contribute more to repay my debt to these folks. In any event, I wish you the speediest recovery and the very best of outcomes. Best of luck to you and your family.
Posted 12/19/2015 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all of the wonderful suggestions and continued support. I believe it will play a great deal in the success of my recovery.

I have decided to cut my hair and donate it.

My husband freaked out when I mentioned going to a rehab postop, so he did some creative rescheduling. He's going to be home with me for as long as I need him; he's an angel

I'm still having issues with the PM office. Referral was approved 8 weeks ago, I have called 10 times for an appt. OM replied, "We'll call you when we have an opening". Surgeon is aware, blames it on WC. I will remedy the situation before Christmas!

Hugs and prayers from the soggy Central Coast of CA.

Pinky
Posted 12/19/2015 12:53 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, it's so nice that you have decided to donate your hair!

You have a wonderful husband. Is he applying for the Family Leave Act? It's not just for pregnancies you know. My neighbor got it when her adult daughter was being treated for cancer.

Hope you get in to see the doctor soon!
Posted 12/23/2015 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hope all of you are experiencing a wonderful day!

It would be nice if hubby could get FMLA; it's a small company with only four employees. He will be here as much as needed. He's definitely a keeper!

I finally got in to the new PM doc today. He's married to my PCP. I will not get any scripts for pain meds until 1 week prior to surgery. He told me to take Excedrin until then. He didn't leave an outstanding impression on me... I think he'd make a better shoe salesman!! Is this normal?
Posted 12/23/2015 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi PinkyBlue so what are you suppose to do until your surgery in February? They know your condition is bad enough to require surgical intervention, but they are just going to have you tough it out til then? I think I would be looking for a new doctor! That's not right! They should be adequately treating your pain til they do the surgery! May I ask why the long wait to get it done?

I really empathize with you!

White Beard
Posted 12/23/2015 8:44 AM (GMT 0)
No, this is not normal. I am with WhiteBeard its obvious you have a lot of issues going on to warrant such a surgery. Putting you off until one week before surgery, what is the point of that & what good does this do you now? One of two things needs to happen, either your PCP needs to rx you meds until surgery & then the surgeon can take over or get you into someone fast that can help you. Problem with it being the holidays it takes so long to get in as a new patient anywhere. I can't believe your PCP pulled this stunt. I hope you can get some help.
Posted 12/23/2015 9:38 AM (GMT 0)
Start now looking for a different PM Dr. Susie suggested your primary pre-op but if they're husband and wife they likely have similar views concerning pain management. This is absurd albeit cruel to leave someone whose condition warrants surgical interventions yet not pain meds until post op? I urge you to find another quickly and end whatever agreements you have with that one even if you have to pay out of pocket or outside of WC and insurance. This is vital you don't want to be left with pain after the surgeons prescribing protocol ends and it will sooner than you may be ready.

I would NOT take excederin at all and what kind of Dr would ever suggest a pre-op patient to do so? It could cause numerous complications during the procedure and even your life. Anything with aspirin in it would be contraindicated months prior to surgery and they would only perform a emergency procedure on someone taking a aspirin containing product at the dosage that's contained in regular use of excederin.
Posted 12/23/2015 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
PinkyBlue,
I am so sorry! I had C4-7 ACDF June 2015. You can search my chats here because I used this forum a lot. I too had a hard collar for 4 months and bone stimulator for 6 months. Due to my severe osteoporosis I was very afraid of not fusing, but it did! I was not allowed to even be in a car as a passenger for 3 months. Too risky and to be honest, too painful even when you do it (the vibration in the car slows your healing and hurts, plus you can't risk getting in an accident). I got very very lonely and .quickly learned who was my friend and who wasn't. I got a puppy at 6 months that saved my sanity. Plan for lots of rest and the isolation.

It does seem strange for your surgery to be so far out. Once they realized that just sneezing could paralyze me (impinged spinal cord and lots of instability with collapsed vertebrae) they did my surgery within two weeks and told me to be very careful until then.

My husband was home with me the first four days. After that a friend came by several times a day to check on me, help me bathe etc. I did not have a hospital bed. I rigged a recliner from a lawn chair and later got one, that is still a godsend. I still wear a soft collar when my neck pain flares and still get cervicogencic headaches, but maybe once a month and often it is from my inability to pace myself. I did have difficulty swallowing and lived on smoothies for three months. I still have a hard time swallowing certain kinds of food, but nothing a swig of water can't cure.

Most importantly allow a lot of down time and a long recovery. I have been meeting with a pain psychologist and attending a chronic pain support group, which has helped me learn to accept my new situation. I just got approved for disability retirement after realizing I could no longer work full time at the end of this summer. It is good that you have that in place already.

It sounds like you are a well informed strong person and you will get through this just fine. It won't be easy, but there are lots of us who have done it. And I can say there are a lot of good things that have come out of my experience. From finding out how amazing my husband is, caring friends, and even support groups like this that give you the emotional support you need to move forward. I savor every wonderful thing in life like I never did before. I take nothing for granted and have a new understanding and compassion for the sick and injured.

Take care and don't be afraid to ask questions here and use this as your link to people who care and understand your situation.

And Merry Christmas! Taller Now
Posted 1/6/2016 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Friends,

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is having a healthly New Year.

I have been offline for the last two weeks... computer issues.

I think I made some headway in this WC nightmare. Surgery is still set for Feb. 9, as I am not yet three months post
op for right rotator cuff surgery. My Rheumatologist has me in a soft collar; feels much better! Still taking Humira injections
until Feb. 2; nothing else or pain. I'm lying low, staying home
and fighting with WC.
Thanks for all your support!
Posted 1/7/2016 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
Pinky, glad to hear from you but so sorry to hear none of your drs see fit to give you anything for some pain relief. I would seriously be seeing about getting another pain mgt dr on board. I am not sure if you are aware of this or not, but there are two types of pain mgt dr. One will do injections & procedures only, no pain medication. The other will do the same but will also rx pain meds if warranted. It sounds very much to me like you saw one that does not rx medication. Your surgeon will rx pain meds probably for two weeks only then you will be on your own. Believe me, you will need some pain meds longer than 2 weeks.

I think the farther out you can get from shoulder surgery the better before having the cervical done. Thats a lot of surgery to recover from.

Workers compensation insurance is a bear to deal with & that means more stress. If I remember correctly, you have RA & I am assuming this is why you are on Humira. I was on it too, except I have crohns disease & it helped. I had other issues with it & ended up being taken off of it.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.
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