Post ACDF pain
 

In March 2010 I was diagnosed with herniations at C4/C5 & C5/C6. I had ACDF surgery in April 2010. All of my symptoms were on my right side. About 8 weeks after surgery I began having very similar pain on my left side. I went for another MRI and the doctor didn't see anything. He scheduled me for a cortizone shot for this Friday. Has anyone else had a similar problem? I can barely use my left arm. I cant reach at all with my left arm. It feels like a red hot nail going into my shoulder.

Today I had a cortisone injection. 3ccs of something I have no idea how to pronounce or spell. So far I have some relief but I don't know if it is from the cortizone shot or from the lidocaine they numbed me with. If anyone else has been through this please post and let me know how you made out.

Hi ~ I would SUSPECT that this is still post-surgery swelling and nerves trying to heal. When nerves heal it can be kinda painful. They heal at the average rate of l" per month, so depending on how much he had to do, I would suspect that in a short time, this should ease up. You've been thru alot of trauma, and with this kind of surgery, it takes awhile to heal. I've heard other patients say that they weren't TOTALLY 100% until up to a year!! But I doubt you'll take that long since you had just 2 levels.

Try to be patient, and if this doesn't ease up in a reasonable length of time, MAKE the surgeon do something. I would hope he wouldn't have to do anything, but you shouldn't have to endure such pain for much longer. I hope you have pain meds to help!!!! Best of luck, and God bless. Hugs, Lee