New here: ACDF Failed
 

Hey Everyone,

I am new here and looking for some community input.

I struggled with really bad muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders since 2006 (no major trauma that I am aware of). After a host of X-Ray's, MRI's, Drugs, Physical Therapies throughout a year, I finally had an ACDF surgery in Oct. 2009. After the recorvery period I was fine for a month. I was starting to get my life back, and then it all came back with a vengeance. Worse than it was before. The surgery seemed to fix the numbness, but I still have shooting pain throughout my body. The muscle spasms are really bad, on the way home from work they put me in tears and I'm one of those guys that never cries.

I can live with the shooting pain in the arms and legs but the neck/shoulder spasms just never seem to let up.

I am seeing a neurosurgeon, physical therapist, massage therapy, and obviously primary care.

I am taking Neurontin, steriod dose pack, zoloft, robaxin, advil, and pain killers on/off (Vicodin & Oxycodone).

Unfortunately I have had a history of substance abuse (got clean for 1yr + when my daughter was born) that all of my medical providers are aware of (because I told them). All are very reluctant to include pain killers as a part of my therapy which seems to be the only thing that actually helps. There are times I wish I never told them.

I just had an EMG that was negative. I had a CT myleogram that shows significant spinal stenosis throughout my neck. My neurosurgeon wants another MRI before he decides what course to take next.

I'm not sleeping well at all, I feel lost. I feel like a burden to my wife, and I feel like it takes more than I have to play with my little girl. I burst in to tears when I'm layed up on the couch and my little girl asks me to play with her, and I don't feel like I can.

It feels like all the Dr's I've seen just don't get it. I try to tell them how much pain and suffering I'm in. I think they think I'm just an addict trying to score meds. I can't deny that there is a desire there, but they don't seem to understand how much pain & suffering I'm actually in. The tests they order take forever, the meds they have me on don't work, I'm doing all the other therapies they have suggested and nothing is working. When I call them for help, they tell me just to deal with it and wait until my follow-up appointment that is a month out. How does that help me when I've slept a total of 4 hours over the last two days?

I want to be a good Dad and be there for my family. I'm just frustrated, tired, lost, depressed, angry, and worst of all in a lot of pain.

welcome
 

hi proxy

welcome to NT sorry you are going through this. it would seem you have a diagnosis, has your PC doctor seen the report on your neck problem , that I would imagine prove you are not just looking for drugs

many of us here live with pain controlling my breathing helps me, I once had problem with my neck and acupuncture help with that but it was a muscular problem

hope you get the help you need soon

here is a link to our back pain forum hope you can find support and something useful there

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Hi, and welcome to NT! This is such a great place with many friendly, caring, and helpful people.

I'm so sorry you are going through so much! :hug: We're glad you found us! :)

Hello and welcome to NT. I'm so sorry for the pain you are going through. I wish I knew something to help you. I hope comfort will find you soon. There are many folks here who care. :hug:

Hello proxyii !
 

When I read your post, the first thing that jumped out at me was your honesty and openness about your past abuse struggles.....I admire you for that :hug:. Don't regret telling your Drs about that. I truly believe your honesty will pay off for you. You are reaching out because you want to be the best you can for your family.

I'm just sorry you are battling such a pain issue.....pain is real....and there ARE doctors who will look at that as a priority, as opposed to keeping you from the pain meds.

This forum is so full of support, understanding, and knowledge. You'll certainly be glad you found us!
Even though your diagnosis isn't actually peripheral neuropathy, I want to give you the direct link to it....because there are many VERY knowledged folks there regarding how they battle their pain issues....plus I noticed some of the meds you listed.....click on

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=20

That is one of the forums I am active on, and I know there are several alternatives you can look at....

I recall that some of the meds similar to what you are taking actually were part of the culprit to my getting spasms and 'electric jolts'....

We can't diagnose you or advise what meds you should be on....but we do share our experiences and truly care....
And you'll receive good suggestions that you can talk to your Dr's about....
Actually, there are quite a few forums here that will suit your specific needs......
Also, try this one:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=31

You might get good feedback there regarding how to get pain control

I hope you'll stick around. As you get to know the forum better, you'll soon see that there is hope around every corner

Truly Caring
Rae

Hello proxyii