Hi,
Having this surgery was the worst mistake I have ever made in my entire life. It has been a year and ever since i woke up from the surgery I knew something was wrong. The pain went further down into my hands, which it didn't prior to the surgery. I now have numbness in the hands which i did not have prior. I am, by far, much worse that i was before the surgery. My neurosergeon assured me before this surgery that the disc levels of C4 & C7
were strong enough to withstand the weight of the titanium plates and screws, and he went on about how "lightweight" titanium is. Well i know have the domino effect going on and C4 is not withstanding the weight of the plate and is effected along with C3. C7, the vertebrae just below the fusion is horrific, there is compression deformity there and swelling within the vertebrae. My pain management doctor described as someone stepping on a cardboard box. When i went back to the neurosergeon, he said he was sorry. He sees on new images at where surgery could be indicated and C3 C4 and also C6 C7 due to severe DDD and osteophytes. He does not feel the surgery will give me relief of my symptoms however, and is going to discuss my case with his colleagues. I have foraminal narrowing on the left of all my c spine levels, some levels worse than others, and mild on the right. I have bilateral facet arthropathy, at multiple disc levels. EVEN the C5 C6 level that was fused, again has moderate to severe foraminal narrowing, and osteophyte formation is there again.. I will not get another surgery on the spine unless my spinal cord itself is being impinged. This operation did not help whatsoever and for me it was pointless. Since the operation about 1 month after it when i started to have numbness in fingers, I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel. I had exrtreme bicep, elbow, and forearm pain and i was diagnosed with tennis elbow, although i did not do any repetitive activities to bring this forth. I went to a hand (upper extremity) surgery and he and TOS specialist diagnosed me with neurogenic TOS. He believes the ulnar and median nerves are entrapped in the brachail plexus or near the collar bone area. The neurosergeon who did my ACDF does not agree with them on the neurogenic TOS diagnosis, because it does not show on EMG and i do not have a fifth cervical rib. I have been told by the hand surgeon that the carpal tunnel surgery will not help in my case because the entrapment of nerve is up higher. I am thinking of attempting the carpal tunnel release anyway to see what happens because i am desperate for relief of this, even if it only helps from my wrists down, it will be some relief. I think I may have been padded improperly during the surgery. Anyway, i am in pain management and will remain there. I would not recommend this surgery to anyone unless there spinal cord is being impinged. Most of the people i read about come out wose than before went in. Has anyone else had a similiar scenerio by chance? Martina

Hello Martina, Wow we do have a lot of the same issues, foraminal narrowing due to osteophytes, disc herniations, TOS CP, I must admit if I knew then what I know now I may have reconsidered and held off, my pain level out of 10 is consistantly 8. My neuro agreed with vascular doc on TOS dx. I have been waiting one year to see PM Dr, I would not have any surgery for carpel tunnel, could be ulnar nerve entrapment, could be the brachial plexus is compressed, (I do not have extra rib) never ending surgeries scary, I just had a CT scan on my lower back, L2 herniation, L4,L5 bulging, I will refrain from surgery until I can't walk(LOL). Bunz

I am so sorry your surgery didn't workMy didn't the first time too. C-6-7, All was re-done C-3-7 last year. The majority of problems are gone. Less pain is wonderful and very little NP. Have hope even if one fails. I do of course know about your pain. I had six years between these surgeries and suffering was terrible. Glad I did the bid surgery, and this site helped me get through it. I am off line for awhile, but I wish you well. I hope to be back in a month. Have hope for your future. I didn't think there was hope and so did a number of doctors. There are solutions if you are willing to keep going. Ginnie

Hi Martina ~ Unfortunately, this happens all too often. Too many people go into surgery hoping for pain relief, and they come out worse than when they went in.

MOST surgeries correct only the mechanical problems - but they don't fix pain problems. Most often, you're left with the same pain or worse. If ANYONE gets pain relief, it's a fluke. They're just plain lucky.

I'm so sorry this has happened to you. I'm in the same shape you are only in the lumbar area. I had TWO lumbar surgeries (open) and I've been disabled since 1995 because of them. I also have permanent sciatica. I'd like to wish the fleas of a thousand camels into the armpits of my surgeon. The big JERK.

God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee

Martina, has any one ruled out complex regional pain syndrome?

no, no one has ruled out complex regional pain syndrome, what type of doctor would evaluate for that?

Well, depending on ones training, it could be a pain management doc, an orthopedist or neurologist. It's difficult to diagnose and is often missed at least for awhile but worthy of discussing with your doc!

My primary physician has said i have RSD. Im not sure if that is the same thing as complex regional pain syndrome.

Yes, it is the same. You should look at the "reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome" page on this site without delay. You have a tremendous amount of self-education ahead of you. You must be an active participant in your care now more than ever. It is a condition where early intervention gives you a better chance towards improvement but understand there is no cure.

:Thanks I will lookk at the RSDS board as well.