i am still on the learning curve as to what to do & not . still quite a bit of pain since the op 2-24-11 .....my original pain area no longer hurts . new ones have replaced those . lol .gavity sux in the course of healing lol , laying flat is king . good luck .

I had C5-7 fused with titanium discs, cadaver bone n screws on march 2, 2011... So at 4 weeks post up I'm still learning like you what my personal limitations are. I never thought I would still be hurting a month after surgery, but I am. I am able to do more on my own each day ( I can shower all by myself like a big girl now, lol, have to laugh...) my biggest issue is the cervical collar I have to wear 24/7 which creates the worst back n neck spasms, omg, and muscle relaxers knock me out, so it's a trade off, be a slug or be in more pain. Like you my original pain seems better, but has been replaced by new pain, irritated nerves, and terrible sore neck. But on the mend. Gravity sucks, you're right, but don't stay in one spot too ling, vary your positions often, and I find alternating my beloved heating pad with ice and biofreeze does take the edge off.

Take care, here is to a fast pain free recovery for us both!
Thanks for sharing your progress it's nice to know one is not alone in this.
Cathie

i just noticed i wrote "gavity"---i meant gravity .

I am officially NEVER having anything more invasive than an RFD done! I'll survive on Duragesic! You all are the brave ones. This sounds worse than what we're originally going through. I admire you so much Bak2bak for plowing through this difficult recovery. Good thing you're a stubborn man-- LOL. A less determined guy would be laying on his back in bed all day!!!

Hi My name is Rick i am having surgery july 5th and its a L4 L5 S1 fusion done my doctor is going to put a upaduro i hope i spelled that right in me to limit the pain and a cathader do you or anyone agree with that i am really scared

Rick, It's probably an epidural.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidural

I don't blame you for being scared. An epidural can help alot. Did you say you are going to have the surgery? Or just the injection. Make sure you do your homework if there is surgery involved, and get that second opinion. I had several of these shots, and got some temporary relief before I had my surgery. I wish you all the best. Welcome to Neruo Talk. ginnie

Forgot to tell you, ask your doctor why he prefers to use your hip graft.. I had doner material put in, and saved my hip from all the extra pain. This does hurt, so take it easy. I read your post again. I wish you all the best in recovery, the others are correct, take it easy!!!! ginnie

Hi this is rick again i am having surgery on july 5th they already gave me the injections and they did not work i am bone to bone on L5 S1 but thanks for the advice i am just a little bit afraid of what state im going to be in when i wake up but thanks alot

well i'm sorry u hav a collar , i would b nuts by now if i had to deal with that along w/everything else . good luck .