You are on the prayer list at the mega church where my SIL pastors so you have a host of little old ladies and the vacation bible school kids praying for you too. Quite frankly, when I am in real trouble, I want little old ladies who know how to storm the heavens and little kids who haven't lived long enough to doubt, praying for me. Hugz and prayerz for you and the family. :grouphug:

Spine

Rae,
 

Just wondering if Mark is getting steroids? They can really be a problem with headaches. I get the worst migraine head aches especially when given steroid injections.

Thank you for all you are doing to relay any news about Mark.

We are all praying for him. We are "blessed" .

Gerry

Must Type Gratitude
 

Typing is PAIN right now. Yes, first two steps involve steroids, and I was flooded with them on Friday... a critical attempt to shrink inflamed nerve roots and disc which are literally choking off my arms. Headaches have been awful... am taking care not to worsen problems by dictating at work [I went today and had a decent day, but pain resumed its hold].

Left arm still numb. Nerve to left is totally crushed. Doc could not even get "in" to the nerve space on the left side. I felt like Frankenstein monster with bolts removed, the pain in both sides of neck was so bad. Right side did let Doc flood area with steroids, thus the headaches, and an awful rash like acne on my face, neck, and abdomen. Right hand has feeling now/numbness gone for a while, but the pain in forearm quite pronounced when I type like this. Gotta get a dictation system for home.

We are leading up to fusion in C6/C7 most likely, a five to six week recovery and all that goes with it. Been there, hated the back stuff, but then you know it. Even so, there was gain with all of that lumbar pain.

Thank you all SO MUCH for prayers received in abundance and smiles so bright from across the pond it is as though the dawning...
Gotta sign off,
I sure Love/Agape all of you who walk with me talking to God about what is next,
I am blessed,
Mark56:grouphug:

Good to hear from you.
 

For what it is worth, I have my best luck with the cervical repairs. I am fused on three levels. It's been so long, I can't remember which are involved now........lower ones for sure. The last surgery was in 95 and once I got through the recovery period, all was well. I have had some predictable arthritic changes but it is nothing that moist heat and Thera Gesic rub won't cure. I am blessed. Hugz and Prayerz.

Great hearing from you, Mark!
 

We've all been praying for you, Mark, and so glad to hear that things are at least looking up a bit! Sorry that you're still having so much pain, though. Maybe those steroids will kick in and reduce some of the inflammation. I've only had lumbar fusion surgery, so I don't know anything about the recovery from one at the cervical levels. If the fusion reduces your pain and gives you better use of your arms and hands, that's gotta be a GOOD thing, though! You can count on many prayers and positive thoughts from my little neck of the woods.

Gentle hugs,
Jan
:hug:

Hi Mark
I had C4/5 fused after arm pain in 2001. Thank God the fusion relieved the pain. Recovery was slow with limited neck movement allowed. I am praying that the steroids and fusion will relieve the pain and give you the movement you need to continue the work you love. Take it easy, don't push and try to do move than you can handle.

Love and prayers to you and the family.

Sandy Kay:hug:

Tomorrow at 1 Mountain
 

It is humbling to have prayer poured over one's spirit as is so evident in this precious place. We see Doc tomorrow for next thoughts... hurting to the extreme and holding tightly as well to those young "grey haired" ladies and the children. Makes me want to sing for the lot of you. My heart bursts!
Mark56:grouphug:

So sorry to learn you are having this agony!

That rash...it might be shingles! If it is...you need antivirals ASAP to suppress it. If you or your doctor don't act fast, you may be left with lifelong pain. A blood test will show elevated Zoster titres, as a guide. But I'd investigate this NOW, because of the time element.

Huge doses of steroids can bring out shingles in some people.

Thank You Mrs D
 

I received an innoculation against shingles about 18 months ago. Would shingles still be a present risk? I will mention the question nevertheless today at the appt with Doc. Also, I have a PCP appt tomorrow just to "check up" and can bring that up as well. The eruptions are subsiding and no effect was noticed as to any single eruption of the rash itself.... it just looked as though I had retregraded into adolescence..... all over my upper body.

Thank you for watching over me Mrs D.
Grateful,
Mark56:hug: