So, it will be three weeks tomorrow that I had my C5, C6, C7 fusion... and I'm struggling not to get depressed. I still have pain, although the numbness in my hand comes and goes, there is pain and muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders. I realize that I'm only 3 weeks along and by no means healed, but I am really having a hard time staying positive about ever getting better.

I'm still taking Oxycontin 3 times a day, percocet 4 times a day and a muscle relaxer, it helps me cope, but I'm not actually doing anything. At what point should I be weaning myself off all these narcotics and starting to feel normal again?

Has anyone out ther have experience with how long it took them to feel better? How long were you on pain meds (and how much).... feeling very blue and trying to snap myself out of it... help? I don't have a follow up with my neurosurgeon until April 26 (which is 8 weeks post op) so I'll be in my hard collar until then. I think the collar makes all the muscle spasms worse, but I need to wear it... sticky situation.

Appreciate any input anyone has.
Cathie