Kim-
Had C6/7 fusion on Halloween last year- still have a "collar" of swelling around my neck. Have done PT- but had to stop as pain was so bad. Started acupuncture, which I did for about 4 months. It helped some (esp. the trapezius area), but also "lit up" my nerves, as I also have RSD in my left shoulder/arm. Had to go to hospital for pain shots. Now my surgeon wants me to have steroid injections for the swelling (after a recent MRI showed the fusion inteact)- but I'm fused in the lumbar spine, as well- so it seems the pressure of the two is hard on my spine- I have 7 new bulging discs, which we're hoping epidurals and stellate injections will help. I can't tell you anything special- except to say that I'm right there with you- it's ben a horrible ride (but necesary- as I was severely herniated).
My advice is to try to walk if you can- the endorphins help. I hope you have a good pain doc. I've had to end up taking Dilaudid- and it's not where I want to stay, obviously. Lyrica made me hallucinate, and muscle relaxants make me nuts.
But don't give up- keep looking for doctors who will hear you. A lot of docs think spine pain in women is psychosomatic- don't let them intimidate you.
Feel free to write me anytime, even if it's just to talk. I will keep you in my thoughts and heart-
nicole
Quote:
Originally Posted by slipnslide
I had C5-6-7 ACDF surgery back on 6/22/06. Wore my Philly collar and did no lifting as instructed. Six weeks ago the collar came off and I started PT. I was started off with range of motion and gravity resistance exercises which immediately triggered the neck, shoulder, and arm, and upper back pain. My OS stated that the surgery was to alleviate the shoulder and arm pain. Here it is 3 months after surgery and my neck pain is constant and worse. I've been having the shoulder pain with the shooting pain down my upper arms with any repetitive motion (such as PT, washing dishes, scrubbing shower/bath) and it takes 3 days of doing absolutely nothing before it calms back down. I can tilt my head back ever so slightly before it becomes painful and turn it side-to-side 30% in either direction, but I can look down pretty well even with the fusion. Both hands are still tingling, but the intensity and achiness has increased.
The Physical therapist has sent me back to the OS because of the symptoms I was having. I've agreed to try (in the next week or two) facet ESI's, in hopes that it will increase my ability to turn and tilt my head. Backing a car out of a parking space has become down-right unsafe! My OS also mentioned getting an MRI to see if something could be causing the pains.
Has anyone else experienced the same thing just a few months out of surgery? How long does it take for the shoulder/arm pains to subside? What is normal and what is not normal 3 months after surgery? I'd like to think that this is not the way I am going to stay. Any and all insight would be greatly appreciated cuz I sure could use as much information as I can get.
Thanks,
Kim
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