3 months post ACDF still have pain.
 

Hi everyone, I am new here and desperately seeking answers, suggestions what have you. I had ACDF on March 6 of this year, C5,6,7. I had spurring and moderate spinal stenosis. It all started about a year ago whenI found out my dad was terminally ill. I blamed my neck and shoulder pain on stress and heartbreak, caring for him and the dr upped my blood pressure meds and put me on bus par and Zoloft for anxiety which was extremely severe at the time. I am still taking those meds today. 4 months after Dad passed, I was still having pain so I went to see about it. It was as if a severe crick was in my neck and shoulders and my arms were tingling. Turned out to be blown discs. After my surgery, I wore a soft collar to sleep in and for car rides, and I did nothing but sit and sleep in my recliner for three weeks while everyone else took care of me.

Now I have burning pain in my arms. Muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders. I take Flexeril and neurontin with little to no relief. Driving my SUV is difficult, and I have blind spots and must be able to turn my head...... I am actually considering downsizing to a car to make it a little easier. I try to stay active, but then I pay dearly ad wind up worthless to my family for 3-4 days. My husband is most unsympathetic to my pain and fusses when things do not get done. I'm not sure what kind of answers there are, or my choices, but I am glad to know that I am not alone nor imagining things.....

No, you are not!
 

Hi Sarayuwx, Welcome.

Everything you've shared -- the stress, heartbreak, compassion, anxiety, sensations, reactions, and frustration -- all sounds very... human, and familiar to this group. :)

You've been through a lot, and while the stress, etc. may have been contributing factors, they are not the cause, and if the cause is something in the past (work, injury, natural aging) it really doesn't matter -- we can't change the past, we are where we are now, and we can only go forward from wherever that is. It is unfortunate that (seemingly -- you didn't really say, so I'm guessing) no-one told you that the surgery may not help the pain, and that you had to go through all that anyway, but that's one of those things that cannot be changed/taken back, so let's go from NOW.

Have you been through post-surgical/rehab PT, and are you in Pain Management? Do you have a Physiatrist? (Maybe both in one.) Does your husband go to doctor visits with you, and ask questions? These are rhetorical questions, and meant as possible suggestions to help.

Before trading in your SUV, try test-driving any prospective replacements. Most cars have blind spots, so you may just be trading your current blind spots for other different ones. Also check safety equipment & records, paying special attention to neck/whiplash protection in fender-benders.

You're on a journey through a life-changing event, and we all hope you will recover fully, but that may still take some time & effort, and realities must be considered/faced. Did you take a look at the stages of grief during the period with your dad? Those stages and their effects can also apply to life-changing events like surgery. You may have to moderate/slow down -- even more than originally anticipated -- with the active stuff until you've healed/rehabilitated more. That's another thing they may have neglected to tell you -- realistic recuperation times. It's only 3 months, and it may take a year (hopefully not, but folks here, either directly or by reviewing past discussion threads, may give you a better idea of expectations and experiences) -- you may still have some road to travel, and your family needs to understand this.

Your husband especially, but the family (those old enough) needs to talk to someone, or someone needs to talk to them. This is one of those times when families need to/should rally together, understand, pitch-in & take up the slack, and do whatever is necessary to help out/support mom & get her back on her feet, and/or deal with whatever is ahead -- physically, psychologically, emotionally. You're still a whole person, and deserve to be treated like one.

No-one can ever truly understand what another person is feeling or going through except another who has experienced the same. This applies equally to support groups and to families for the same reason -- shared experiences/history. We (human beings) need both; both are integral parts of our support networks.

I'm not sure what all kind of answers there are, or your choices either, but I am glad you found us, and hope you'll find some.

Doc

:)
Thank you for your kind response. Your signature made me LOL... My dad would do that very quote during every procedure he underwent during his journey with brain cancer. Thanks for the laugh!

As far as the how, I have no clue, probably an age related thing. I have not been to PT, apparently my surgeon felt I did not need it so he has not sent me to one. I did get sent for nerve testing and it was found there that the burning in my arms and hands are both from Carpal Tunnel and damage from my nerves being impinged for so long. Typically, I am a very active, organized person, but since this pain in the neck (haha) I have slowed waaaayyyyyy down and I don't like it one bit.

I am not familiar with Pain Management facilities. But after today I seriously considered going to a local one here. I am not crazy about going to one of those! My spouse seems to think the Dr's there are just going to write you a script for anything you want and send you on your way. I just want to be able to function again. My two youngest boys are 7 and 3, my 7 year old is autistic and a handful. I will be placing a call with my OSS in the morning just to make sure that my plate has not shifted for some reason.

thanks again for your response and your support. :)

Hi ~ I have to agree with Dr. Smith. You certainly need Pain Management, and possibly physical therapy when the healing time allows.

Since it's only been 3 months, you are NOT sufficiently healed yet -- the trauma that your body suffered is tremendous, particularly inside! The tissues are undoubtedly still inflamed and very angry! LOL And the nerves are still healing -- nerves heal/grow back at the rate of one INCH per month so it takes a good while for them to recover.

I doubt you're getting much in the area of pain medication as they never seem to think you're in much pain. :rolleyes: I wish they could spend a day in our shoes -- just once -- and see how we feel! :mad: Then perhaps we MIGHT get proper medication.

Please get a referral to pain management. And take your hubby along if you can. He seems to be very uneducated in pain -- better yet, get a hammer and whack him in the shins. Then maybe he'd know how your BACK feels! LOL :D Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

I won't tell you pill mills don't exist, but they are the bane of legitimate pain management and in the minority. For some patients, medication is the best/only alternative, both short and long term, but that is a decision for each patient with the guidance of their physician. Pill mills harm patients in real need because when they do get shut down, those patients get stuck with the stigma of being drug-seekers even though/when they're not.

There are many other therapies for pain management. Some pain management doctors/clinics don't/won't even write prescriptions for pain medications, and those that do often have patients sign a pain contract and submit to periodic testing to ensure compliance. Some options -- alternative medicine -- like accupuncture, myofascial trigger point massage, biofeedback, laser therapy, and others are not offered by western medicine (and may not be covered by insurance) but can be as effective, depending on the patient and the condition.

Maybe the best thing to do would be to google: pain management and learn the facts about the specialty and options available.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain_management

A couple of other resources are:
http://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/
http://pain-topics.org/

I agree with Leesa to ask for a referral to pain management and take your husband along. Given his misconceptions/misinformation about pain management, I can only speculate about his misconceptions/misinformation about pain medications.
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/...killers?page=1

I'll defer to Leesa and others about healing times and physical therapy, but when the time is right, it can help with residual pain and rehab.

Doc

Good Morning
 

I continued to use my soft collar while driving for several months after the surgeon said I didn't need it anymore. It served as a reminder not to move inappropriately. If you are having spasm, there is an over the counter rub that just might help. I know that sounds crazy when so many prescript. items aren't doing much but give it a try anyhow. It's Thera Gesic rub. I get it at Krogers grocery as it is cheaper there than even WalMart. I know it is just menthol and Methyl Salicilate so go figure. My brother has a bad spine also........cervical and lumbar. I saw him at a family wedding last month and it was a 250 trip, one way. He was a mess. I gave him a new tube that I intentionally took for him, knowing he would try anything that wouldn't interfere with his ability to drive safely. He said it totally eliminated his neck spasm and actually pulled down some of the radicular leg pain. I had to chuckle as I had been trying to get him to try it for several years. I am just adding this to the great suggestions you have already received. Best wishes. :hug:

Thank you everyone!
 

Last night I slept in my recliner again. I slept better there than on my Tempurpedic mattress! I believe the collar will be going back on as I like many others have a forgetful moment until I turn my head just so..... Youch!

I made an appointment with my OSS and will see him first thing tomorrow.

I wonder, if it is possible that I messed something up in there. Prior to surgery I was a tummy sleeper. The past couple of weeks or so, I have woken up on my stomach, neck killing me. That golf ball feeling in my throat is back and I can almost feel something crunching around in there when I move my shoulders. Im honestly a little freaked out about all of this.

Doc, thank you for the links. I will be INSISTING on PT and Pain Management. Leesa, the Dr. who did my EMG said exactly the same thing - he is the one who put me on Neurontin, which does very little to dull the pain. (it does help with the burning, just not the PAIN) It makes me groggy more than anything.

Is there a drug out there that any of you have had success with that also did not zone you out and you were still able to function through the day? I have two young and very active boys and have to be able to keep up with them.

Thanks again everyone. :grouphug:

Know what my PCP would say about that?

"Whatever works!" :D
(He says that to me a lot. :rolleyes:)

Doc

I will have to try that
 

I am at the point where I will try ANYTHING.

Let ya know how it works for me. =)

hello

wanted to say welcome
you wrote my story
i am hoping all be well
in the end
your story is recognized

someone who care

beautifully said
yes it is

That's hard to say because people react to medications differently. ALL medications have side effects, and people react/respond differently to them as well.

Chronic pain is generally considered to be "pain that lasts beyond the term of an injury or painful stimulus," and I'm not sure you're there yet... you're still healing!

That said, most longterm chronic pain patients on opioids that are properly prescribed and taken are able to function at a high level, but there are downsides, and that may not be appropriate for you; that's between you and your doctor(s).

Some patients do fine (without grogginess) on gabapentin or Lyrica.

Some more reading - Google: talk doctor pain for tips on describing your pain to doctors, things to do and not to do. Choice of a particular medication should generally be left up to the doctor, lest the patient be thought a drug-seeker. Once you see a pain management specialist, medication may or may not be the best therapy for you anyway. There are other things they may want to try first; it may take some time to find the best solution/therapy for you.

Doc

Sarah,
Your story and history regarding your cervical spine injury and surgery is very much like mine.
I found a soft cervical collar just by the act of immobilising and supporting my neck would help.
Maybe quit driving for a while too? At least until you get the pain under control.
Also I found Gabapentin to be a great drug with little if any side effects (for me anyway!) and wish I'd been prescribed it sooner than it was.
It helped me sleep and cope with the pain which thankfully went after a few months and now I no longer take Gabapentin or wear a collar .

Thank you EVERYONE for all of your words of encouragement. I went to see OSS, they took Xrays. He did not say what he saw on Xray but instead is sending me for an MRI with contrast this afternoon. I will have those results read to me on Monday. My neck, upper back and right shoulder are hurting so bad I could just throw up. My Dr. assured me not to worry, that we WOULD get to the bottom of this pain source and I believe him. My husband on the other hand seems to be at the end of his rope with me, the state of the house yada yada and frankly that is making me feel worse. I am just feeling really down and alone today. But I am determined to ge there. Gah. Thanks for listening. =)

Just one thing ~ DON'T sleep on your tummy! LOL That's gonna KILL your NECK. :eek: If you think you're gonna end up on your tummy again, sleep in the recliner! LOL You can't risk getting your neck twisted like that this early . OUCH.

I sure hope you get your pain taken care of. It's miserable being in such pain 24/7. And I WISH your husband was more sympathic! :mad: If he's like some men, if he stubbed his toe, you'd think he was dying! :rolleyes:

My prayers are with you sweetie. Keep us posted, ok? God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee

Hahaha
 

What night last night! I had on my collar, surrounded myself with pillows and slept alone. I slept all night y'all! Going to ATTEMPT the same thing here in a few minutes, we have perfect sleeping weather here in Bama, light breeze, rain and it is cool out. I go back for results for MRIon Monday. Meanwhile, I hope you all have a great weekend. I have been reading some of these other threads and while I hate the circumstances of why we are here, I am thankful that I found you all. :hug:

Will let y'all know what the MRI showed on Monday :)

Update
 

Thanks Dubious. :) The Dr. Who performed my EMG and NCS said the same thing and indicated that it could take up to a year for that to calm down. It is the feeling like a softball hit me square between the shoulders is what has me bothered, and the spasms in my neck that I had prior to the surgery. But FORTUNATELY my MRI results were a lot better than the first MRI I had prior to surgery except for C4-5 showingmild neural foraminal narrowing and a slight bulge where before surgery it was normal. Hmmmmm...... My Dr. Feels that I am still in the healing stages, which I know I will be for a while, I just get so impatient, and everyone in this house has always relied on me for everything so that when I am down, chaos ensues...... Not fun! My dr also added that the pain between my shoulder blades is not normal. Soooo, We are trying for a block next week, have any of you had any relief with these, even temporarily? Meanwhile, I am back on Lortab 7.5, which has helped better than the neurontin.

Hi Sarayuwx
 

I am sorry you are having a hard time after surgery. I had several injections that did help me both before and after my surgery. If the injection doesn't work the first time around, or has any symptoms you don't like, don't repete it. I hope the medicine your doctor gives you provides some relief. I had C3-7 corrected. It took about 4 months for me to feel somewhat normal again. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Thank you Ginnie
 

I was reading some of your responses to other people in our situation and it dawned on me that I needed to ask you a question.

You said you had experienced the "domino effect", which my OSS warned me could happen. I am currently comparing my before surgery MRI results and my after, and while I see big improvements (thank GOD!) I am now concerned about C4-5 which was normal prior to surgery but now is showing signs of trouble. How soon did you notice other discs having issues after your first surgery?

I told my dr I would try a block. He said it really could go either way. I agree with your statement that if it doesn't work the first time not to try it again. We have not done PT, I don't think he wants to try that as it may not benefit me. As it stands now, if I go a whole day of activity, I'm no good for two days after.... :(

Hi Sarayuwx
 

Yes I did have trouble. 6 years ago I was fused at C6-7. I had lot of pain, and there was compression on the cord. I was NOT told that other verterbre had issues, and I never got my medical records, big mistake...
Right out of sugery, I still had alot of pain that did not resolve. This first neuro, just batted me around, denying I was having trouble basically. I went for pain contol after that. My spine did continue to deteriorate, and the ones above and below failed. My pain specialist did some infusions, and could see the condition of my neck through the monitor. He told me he could not help me enough with the pain, and recommended the very best neruo surgeon around. It was at that time I discovered the true condition of my neck. I was then fused C3-7, taking the old hardware out first. I had reversed the curve of my spine. That is indeed why I mention these things to folks, sometimes we are not informed enough, and you should question everything better than I did. After this second fusion, I still do have pain. C1-2 and T1-2-3 ache. I take a low dose of morphine. I will not do any more surgery. I am also very careful with my neck. Just make sure you get a second opinion, and question the doctors about the condition of the vertrebre above and below. None of this easy, and I am very sorry you have to go through this. If you have any specific question, I am here for you anytime. Just keep asking the questions until you are 100% sure of which direction you should go. ginnie:hug: