Crooked titanium plate 5 weeks post surgery?
 

Hi all! I am 5 weeks post ACDF surgery on levels C4-5, 6-7. I had an appt. scheduled with the neurosurgeon today, and when I woke up this morning, I had some pain that was different from what I have been having. Most of my pain up until this point has been the pain between my shoulder blades and across my shoulders. The pain I had this morning was similar to the horrid pain I suffered on my left side before surgery, but was under my right shoulder blade instead. It wasn't horrific or anything, but nonetheless it was the first time I had experienced it. I had my first x-ray done at the doctor's office this morning, and when I saw the x-ray, I became a little alarmed. The plate at the first level was perfectly centered and straight, but the plate at the second level was crooked, turned slightly to the right at the bottom. He assured me that this was ok, but I'm wondering if the position of the plate could be coinciding with the pain that just started. I told him that I hoped I had not injured myself by over-doing everything. He said he didn't think so, but that I needed to slow down and take it easy, that it takes time to recover from this kind of surgery. He also changed my muscle relaxants (I had been on the other ones for years and they just didn't work any more) and also refilled my pain meds for when I need them. I told him I wish that I had come home with a manual telling me how to take care of myself. I said I got a one sheet list of instructions telling me not to lift over five pounds, don't bend over, run the sweeper, or have sex for two weeks. I cracked a little joke about the sex since I've been single for many years, haha! I have basically been doing all of my housework, laundry, sweeping, mopping, cooking, and taking taking care of five animals (this includes two pot-bellied pigs who are a lot of work!) since week two. I really don't have any choice in the matter as I live alone. My children will help if I need them, but they lead busy lives and I don't like to bother them a lot. So, any insight or advice from the group would really be appreciated. Thanks!

Swallow your pride and ask your children for some help for a bit longer. I know about dogs, cats, and a few other pets, but I don't know anything about keeping PB pigs, so is there someone -- even a rescue -- who can take them for a few weeks?

I also don't know how many children you have other than inferring more than one. A concerted cooperative organized effort by them over a weekend (to stock up on supplies, set you up with homemade "MREs", clean laundry, etc.) and alternating scheduled visits after that (for some light housekeeping, doctor visits, & errands) can be done quite efficiently.

You need to stay active and get stronger, but not overdo, and keep stress to a minimum. Ask for help where & when you need it - DO NOT rush or push yourself too hard.

If you have 211 or a F.I.S.H.* organization where you are, call them for help or info about other services available that you may not be aware of.

*Friends In Service Here

Whatever time period they told you for recovery/rehab, double it and hope for the best. Regular massage can shorten rehab time and improve results.
http://health.usnews.com/usnews/heal...er-surgery.htm
Google: post-surgical massage

Meditation can also help in relieving stress and promoting healing.

Eventually, when you're healed enough & ready, they'll start you on physical therapy.

Doc

One thing my Neurosurgeon told me was that after surgery I was NEVER to vacuum the rug AGAIN! He said the pushing & pulling of the vacuum was an absolute NO-NO for a spinal patient. He also said that raking the lawn was forbidden too. Both those jobs aren't my favorite things to do so I delegated them to my kids -- and thank goodness my grown daughter has moved back home! LOL So I do NOT Vacuum anymore, and I have a lawn guy who rakes the lawn. lol

My Neuro also sent me to "back school" to teach me how to do things properly, like how to properly bend, how to properly lift if necessary, NEVER twist; how to carry large objects so it doesn't hurt your back, etc.

And I've been a widow for over 11 years, so the sex isn't in the picture. lol

I don't know about that plate. I would certainly be suspicious of it, since you were ok with it straight and now you're hurting with it crooked. But I'm no doctor either so I wish I knew what to tell you. :confused: Perhaps you could get a 2nd opinion? I wish you the very best. God bless and please take care -- and let us know what happens ok??? Hugs, Lee

Hi Beckel
 

I hope you get to rest a bit more. 5 weeks is soon, to be doing so much. Pain for me lasted somewhat longer than that.
The placement of the hardwear,can indeed look very crooked. Mine does too, and it did concern me at first. The neruo said this was common for them not to be perfectly straight.
Do not hesitate to talk to your Neuro again, if the pain you are expeiencing is really different from what you have been feeling since your surgery. I hope you get well and have less pain day by day. ginnie:hug:

Hi again!!!
 

Hi nice to hear how you are doing. Our surgeries were so close together! My neck is giving me fits.
My ns is sending me back to pain dr. I really do enjoy everything being done for me NOT!!!! I dont like asking for help @ all. And I still cant go back to work. Starting to worry. Is crazy how much your neck effects EVERY PART of our lives. Believe me I know how you feel! Were kind of in this together. :hug: Hang in there and Ill do the same!