acdf 9yrs ago, now......
 

Hi Everybody,
I had a C-4,5,6 ACDF done in 2006.

Nothing post op was unusual.

Things going great the last 9 years... but occasional (only 1/2 dozen times a year) burning sensation between the shoulder blades (which pre-op was my first indicator of a problem).

These "burning sensations" go away almost immediately.

Over the past few years, I've experienced continuous numbness on and off in both hands (usually lasted for a month or two).

Had a cervical MRI done...some changes, but minor.

Had nerve study done.... nothing

have many sleep issues... sleep apnea, narcolepsy, dream immediately upon falling asleep..takes less than a minute to fall asleep

Last two years have had some crazy neuro problems Inca: blackout while driving, taking 5 seconds to remember president of U.S., wearing 2 diff shoes (not on purpose ;o), just yesterday, driving manual transmission car (have done so most of my 34yrs of driving) had high heels on (unusual for me..wear maybe once in 3 mos) backed out of driveway (Slight hill) in neutral,, had right foot on clutch, tried to break, just pushed clutch in further..increasing speed (whole time thinking right foot was on brake) straightened car out and rolled down hill with clutch to floor (thinking I was using brake).. car picked up speed as I approached intersection..i realized I was going to have to make my turn (either left or right) blindly..no line of sight at left onto a state highway.. I panicked,, heart was racing..thank god no oncoming traffic!

Last two jobs I've had low to middle level jobs..had extreme difficulties learning, many errors... got quite a few "warnings" from superiors.

I have over 20 years in Operations w college degree in management.. I'm so frustrated

had neuro-psych testing..nothing unusual

am bipolar..had sec rounds of ECT in early 2000's

on a lot of meds..doc just halved my lithium script (gradually).. improved a 24/7 tremor and lots of involuntary movement

family history of Parkinson's (grandfather)

just did 24 hers in two days on a production floor-printing plant..after 2 days..could hardly walk..lower back issues and insides of both ankles

now I'm experiencing almost constant "pins and needles" (not numbness or tingling) in both hands whether at rest or in motion.

I'm so tired of all of this plus I've gained A LOT of weight (30 lbs over 4 yrs-I'm 5 FT 1 and now weigh 185lbs !!)

Does anyone have any questions/comments.

I hate being like this..i almost feel like the old "me" has disappeared

thanks for taking the time to read all this

i do
i never got better after
my surgeries
it stinks
so sorry
so sorry i'm so negative
me