So, I am 6-1/2 weeks post ACDF with C5, C6 & C7 fused with titanium plates and 6 screws... I was just starting to feel like myself again, even though I'm still required to wear my hard collar, almost off all the heavy narcs, still having some pretty massive muscle spasms, but I was handling it pretty well.

Until yesterday.

I woke up with intense sharp pain on my left side ( shoulder, trap, up into my neck and fusion area, even into my ear). By intense I mean I can't stand up with bursting into tears. I never had any pain on my left, even before surgery, my pain was on the right side. I don't remember doing anything to hurt myself... Why all of a sudden do I have new pain? I don't want to run to the ER again if this is just a muscle spasm, but how long, and how strong can a spasm last? I have spent the last 2 days alternating heat and ice and light massages by hubby, biofreeze, hot jacuzzi bath... Nothing is working!

Has anyone else experience this kind of unwarranted set back after surgery?

So frustrated, I was just starting to feel better.
Cathie