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Originally Posted by harry521
trying to be brief. frankly if I didn't have family i would have done myself in a long time ago. i am just so tired of the pain. May 20, 2007 I was involved in an automobile accident (not my fault, but really doesn't make a difference) After trying physical therapy for approx 6 weeks they decided t c5,c6,c7 fusion was necessary. The surgeon assured me this operation would make me feel like a new man. He forgot to mention also a horribly painful future. That was performed August 1st 2007, 2007. Since that time on and off I have had pain in my neck radiating to my right shoulder. It is steadily getting worse. Sitting and driving seems to have an adverse effect on it. Thankfully laying down will usually bring the pain to a manageable level very quickly. Thank God. The pain realistically gets to a solid level 8 to 8 1/2. If you're a doctor you know how bad this is. I am, as if the neck isn't enough, going to have a laminectomy March 22nd for a bulging disc. Just a note. Even as I am typing the pain is escalating but I really want to get through this so someone might answer me. I am rapidly getting to my wits end. My quality of life is terrible but thankfully I have a wife of 43 years who God bless her is doing her best to stick with me even though she needs a knee replacement. No one can believe a doctor can't seem to find the problem but so far, no luck. I can honestly say that if I had 1,000,000 dollars I would gladly spend 1,000,000 if someone could cure me. Just thinking how long I have suffered with this and how long I might have to, frankly brings me to tears. I don't mean crying. I'm talking out of control sobbing. Even with a great family I really don't know how much longer I can take this lousy quality of life. I realize why people commit suicide. I am getting close to not being able to type anymore so I better go. If anyone would like to send me an email I am Harry at **. God bless eveeryone who reads this and anyone who can help. I desperately need it.
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Hi Harry,
Sorry to hear about your pain, and i can emphasize with you, as I know NOW that this ACDF operation seldom makes things better, and often it makes your condition much worse. I had a C5 C6 fusion a year ago. The neuro assured me that the titanium plates and screws r very light weight and that they would not cause any harm to the cervical levels above and below it. That was BS i now have a severe disc compression of c7 and c4 has severe changes and osteophyte formation and formainal narrowing that was not there prior, and dito for c3. The neuros talk a good talk, and rant how incredible you will feel afterwards. I have increased arm symptoms as well after it. Prior to surgery i had pain just to bicep area, now i have pain all the way down both arms and numbness of hands/ fingers, which is worst on the left. The neuro was now suggesting fusing c4-c5 and c6, c7. Even the c5 c6 level that was supposed to be "fixed" by the surgery is not, there is still foraminal narrowing, and osteophyte formation. I am not having another surgery, this was botched up enough. And if it comes to me not walking and it IS necessary i will not go to the same neurosergeon in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
The pain level gets so bad for me as well where i know i would of killed myself if it was not for my 2 children, one who has an MR conditon, so he really needs me. But i cry in pain every day. The shoulder and shoulder blade pain kills me, its like someone driving a knife into me. What level are you haveing your laminectomy on? How long ago was your first fusion? martina