Thanks Susie, It’s hard on so many levels. But yes, grandkids are pure joy. I got to see three of mine on Thursday and it was wonderful. Definitely lifted my spirits. I hope you stay well. Such odd...
Thanks. My wrist is healing, but I have continued pain down my whole shoulder and arm. I will have a neurosurgeon evaluate my imaging to make sure I didn’t hurt my neck in the fall. My concussion was...
I have been through the testing for MS etc. although the doctor didn’t seem to believe in Lyme. I asked because I have had plenty of tick bites. Thanks for the other information too. It was really...
Most all doctors have told me that I have plenty of evidence via imaging to explain my pain and that I have a high pain tolerance. But recently a neurologist suggested that because of my chronic pain...
It’s been awhile my friends. Last time I think I checked in after or before my posterior C5-C7 fusion to fix my failed C4-7 ACDF. The revision worked and got rid of my “broken neck “ pain. But with...
Thanks for the encouragement Susie. It is very discouraging right now. My neck is having new issues including the swallowing and talking issue, and my low back and leg pain is awful. I see the...
Thanks for the input. My pain pump has a lots of room to increase the meds. One of my problems has been when they try to increase me more than 2-3% I get sick (nausea, dizzy). So we have been doing a...
White Beard, Thanks for the suggestion, I was definitely going to bring it up at my next appointment. I had a terrible time after first anterior four level fusion, eating only soft foods for four...
Update: my neck is doing great! Or at least the part they fixed. The pain that I had (broken neck pain) is still gone. At the end of May I showed a little bit of fusion in my facet joints. I go back...
Jim, I wore my hard collar for 4 months. But new information suggests that is not always the best idea and each neurosurgeon does things differently. I have severe osteoporosis, my neurosurgeons...
Karen, As a retired PT do you have any suggestions for my trapezius muscle pain right now? Ice or heat? Ice feels better but my husband says heat will bring more healing. I try to keep my elbows in...
Thanks everyone for weighing in. Karen, you are so right, life is precious and fragile, which ties into what Darla mentioned; to do as much as we can for those we love. The sacrifices of our...
Thanks Susie for the honesty. Brought tears to my eyes. Every time I think I have accepted my reality and dealt with the emotional issues of my health, I find myself in a new one. Without my faith I...
Thanks Susie. Great advice as always. Like you, I like open spaces and few people. We live on acreage surrounded by wildlife refuge lands, a destination place itself. I feel no need to leave. And...
Thanks Karen, I am sorry you are so isolated. I went through that after my first neck surgery in 2014, it is tough. I am used to and almost prefer less people interaction. My last plane ride was...
Food is an issue for me because I have a lot of food allergies and sensitivities (some cause asthma, nasal allergies, diarrhea, headaches). I eat mostly vegan (very allergic to eggs) and there are a...
Yep, I agree. He goes to see our daughter overseas in a few weeks and I think he thought it would make me feel better before he leaves me on my own. But I will enjoy the short duration of solitude...
My husband asked if in a month (6 weeks post op) if I want to get away for a trip. It was so sweet of him. But I told him no as it is two hours away and I am not ready. I can’t imagine being in a...
RG, I just reread your initial post, and while I agree that other opinions need vetting and a discussion about a pain pump: I had a nonfusion in after a C4-7 neck fusion (ACDF). The pain was beyond...
That is excellent advice Karen, I would suggest that RG fully take it into consideration. I have a failed lumbar surgery. And even have neurological deficits that no surgery will reverse. My best...
I had three neurosurgeons say I needed my neck fixed and Blue Cross denied it. My doctors and I appealed it. I went line by line and provided evidence that what they were saying was not true. I won....
Thank you. I know how to make sure I have some for a future bad day, but like to reduce them when I can. Not sure if I said this here or in my other post but my surgery was not totally successful and...
Karen, If I get better where I can go into Portland on my own, is there a chance I could come to see you where you live? If you are worsening I know it must be lonely and difficult. No hurry, but I...
Thank you Karen, I do hope we can meet one day. I have not forgotten you but each time I go to my pain doctor (near you) it isn’t possible for me to do much more. But perhaps that will change and we...
To finish this thread. If you have a nonunion or psuedoarthrosis after a fusion and your pain is bad after activity. Get it fixed. I wish I hadn’t been so afraid. I could have been better a long time...
My pain pump has been amazing at reducing my leg and back pain. And we are still adjusting the dosage but it is worth asking about. I was unable to sit or sleep. The stimulators have a very low...
Update: I had my surgery on Wednesday (4/10/19). It didn’t go quite as planned. I was supposed to have C5-7 posterior fusion with rods and screws to fix a nonfusion (psuedoarthrosis at C6/7) of a...
Thanks Darla! And yes it will be good to be on the other side of this....
Thanks much! I am pretty tough and push through a lot of things now. I couldn’t remember how I was doing post op from my previous neck surgery, so your input helps. I am sorry you had to be alone...
Hi again! Sooooo, I was scheduled to have my posterior C5-7 fusion and C6 laminectomy on January 21st but three days before my insurance denied it. So I have spent the past three months in appeal...
How did pain control go with your pain pump? I worry they won’t be able to control it since they have to be careful and not OD me....
WhiteBeard, Thanks for your honest reply. The thought of the rods in the back does freak me out a bit. Actually the whole thing has my gut tied up in knots. I will definitely ask about my hair with...
Greetings and Happy? New Year my friends, I am back, and have my pre op tomorrow for my posterior C5-7 reconstruction to fix my non fusion on C4-7 that I had in 2014 and remove bone spurs growing...
Seashell, I am sorry to not have gotten back to you. I have not been well and have had family staying with us and been busy when not flat on my back. I spent all day yesterday on the couch and will...
Karen, Sounds good. I would love to find out more about getting ones dog certified. My labradoodle would be excellent for that job (I also have a wire fix terrier). I believe dogs are good for those...
Karen, I often stop for coffee after my appointment, which is on 18th and Irving. I would love to meet for a cup of coffee if you are up for that sort of thing. My next drive to Portland is on Sept....
Karen, Thanks for your clarification. I always knew that there was no ill will intended. Sometimes people brush over the qualifiers so I am glad you went back over them. And yes, we need to know our...
Abilene Thanks for the post and kind words. The group is a blessing and even though I grow weary at times the appreciation from the people who attend keeps me going. I will revisit your old posts....
Karen, You and I must be close to each other. My son in law did the Hood to Coast. And I have run the Portland Marathon in my healthier days. Now I enjoy all of the beautiful things around me and...
Darla, You most likely have muscle spasms. You are very early post op so continue to take it easy. Don’t twist or raise your arms above your shoulders and definitely no lifting. I had muscle spasms...
White Beard, I don’t have a PTM yet. I am trying to ramp up my dose of morphine, I cannot tolerate more than 2% increase every two weeks so they said not yet on the PTM. I am only at 0.3mg/day, and...
Thanks All for sharing your thoughts and experience. A few clarifications. I am 60, so waiting a few years until things are worse and for a more complicated surgery may not be the best idea? The main...
I just stumbled on this thread. What is Bart? I have lots of hemangiomas. Even in my spine, liver and pancreas........
Loretta, I am sorry, but don’t panic. They are really good at getting it and likely you will be just fine. I have had two basal cell carcinomas and two melanomas. I had them removed, which isn’t a...
Thanks White Beard, It helps to know that your posterior neck surgery did reduce your pain. I know it will be a long recovery. It was tough with my ACDF, I can’t imagine it being worse. But you are...
Hi Deedee, I understand your situation completely. I used to be a fit, active scientist and had to go on early disability retirement. I feel lonely even in a room full of people as I battle my pain...
Hi All, I am back. Since I was last here I have had a pain pump implanted, which is working on my leg nerve pain well even though I am not dialed in yet with my dose. I had a C4-7 ACDF in 2014 but no...
I did some research and it is normal to feel fatigued post op for up to six weeks or so. Here is a link to one of many sites that discuss it:...
Thanks Susie, I think I usually do sleep a lot for the first two weeks post op. My pm says I am very sensitive to meds. I am going to cut back more on my oral morphine today, see if that helps. Good...
Seashell, Is your Addison’s disease what has caused most of your issues? TN...