Not Properly fused
 

Hi, I am wondering what will happen if C5/6 disc fusion with
Cadaver bone doesn't fuse or half fuses or partially fuses. I am
awaiting X-ray results to see if I am fused. Just wondering would
that require another surgery with my hip bone or what.
Thank you in advance!!

Another question
 

I have been researching the fentanyl patches and I am now scared
Due to all of the horror stories I am reading. I am being bumped
To the 50mg patch. My side effects seem to be hard to sleep with
The first day,hiccups,very weird vivid dreams,very itchy all over,and
Constipation. Will these side effects subside?
Thank you in advance
Kim

Hi Kim,

What is it—specifically—that you're scared of?

Assuming that since you've been "bumped" to the 50 mg patch you're not fentanyl-naïve, most of those SX should subside as they did before, except for the constipation. It may lessen, but constipation is a known long-term SX of any/all opioid pain medications. There are threads on dealing with that symptom; you can find them via the Search tool along the bar at the top of any forum screen.

Doc

I think it's best not to put the cart before the horse. ;) Let's find out what the x-rays show, and what the doctor says, before speculating. Hang in there and think positive.

Doc

Hi Checker
 

I hope the story is that you fused OK. How much pain are you in? How long ago was your surgery? I do remember you. If I were in your shoes, no matter what your doctor says about it, do seek another opinion. Going to do that over again, wouldn't be a picnic for you, that's for sure. Has your physician mentioned the stability of the vertebra above and below? Sure hope this all turns out OK for you. I will be thinking about you. ginnie:grouphug::hug:

Hi,thank you all for your replies. Sorry I have
been working a lot to get back on. I have found
Service Canada information on Fentany that did help
Calm me. I realize it is a very powerful drug. I don't like
The sleepiness I get with them, take me about 45 mins. to
Snap out of it when I wake up. I have a lot of pain, mostly
Due to working. My surgery was Sept.29,2012. I believe
My X-rays showed fused as I have not received a call back
From my Dr. The Fentanyl helps my pain a lot, just getting used
To the side effect that are more on the 50mg than the 25mg I started
With. I have more damage besides ADDF,like herniation above,stenosis that
Has narrowed to 5mm,and bone spurs along with arthritis.