ACDF recovery new pain
 

I am three days post op with a 1 level ACDF at the c5-c6 level. Prior to the surgery I had pain in my right shoulder and arm all the way down to my my hand. As I am recovering I have developed a similar pain my left arm and down to my left hand. After the surgery the pain on the right side went away but now I am developing this pain on the left side. Does anyone have any experience with anything like this or any advice as to what it could be. It is not bad yet however I do notice it and I am still on post op meds so I am a little concerned.

Hi
 

I have had eight spinal surgeries and have always had some sort of unexpected pain in what seemed like a strange place to me. I always contacted the surgeon and was assured that this was due to aggravation from the surgery. When in doubt, call the doctor. There is no reason for you to sit around and worry about something that is not a serious problem. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

:I-Agree: What she said.

My MTP therapist put it this way (in lay terms) -- things have been messed up on one side, causing the other side to compensate. Now that the problem has been fixed/released, the other side may act up (again) in a compensatory fashion.

Put another way... Dude -- you're three days out from a procedure that used to take 6 MONTHS to recuperate from. Chill out! :cool:

Doc

Thanks
 

Thanks,

I was not sure if it was something to worry about or just part of the the healing process. I appreciate the responses and will keep everyone updated on my progress. But as Doc put it I will chill out.

I agree, take one day at a time. The internal things that keep you upright and moving are now trying to decide who does what now that you have had your surgery.This will take some time to develop the new work order.

Do you or will you having physical therapy? The therapist can actually better explain how this works and help it along. By massaging the scar tissue to move it around and by giving you exercises starting with the simplest things and then moving up. I also had another therapist who helped me learn how to do things in order not to mess up my back anymore.

You know, the surgeons job is to operate and when he decides he kind of passes you to PT and pain specialist.

It may be painful, but you will need to start moving and keep moving until all the parts decide to work together. Then keep moving all your life.

I wish you only the pain that you can tolerate and in time a regular life.

My best wishes.
Malindak

I was wondering if your shoulder pain ever went away? I too am having shoulder problems but mine started 18 months after surgery.