This is my 3rd surgery, I'm a 37yr old single mom. I'm still constant burning to my back along with stabbing pain all day long. Not to mention my RIM is limited worse than before. Both hands and arm have tingling and pain at my wrists. My doctor says I can't work and recovery can be 6-12 mos but he states
I have lots of limitations that are permeant. Not to mention I have started to have anxiety attacks to the 10th power in crowded places or just about anywhere. Help!!! Can any relate?

I don't know what to say except SEVEN LEVELS? Wow! You have had previous surgery and know it is no picnic. This is going to be a long recovery. I wouldn't even try to sort out what is temporary and what is permanent at this stage. It is awfully early, given what you have been through. We are here for you. Best wishes.

Hi ~ Has your doc put you on anything like Neurontin (Gabapentin) or Topamax or the like? These are to ease the burning of the nerves, and stop the tingling & "zapping" of the nerves too. If he hasn't put you on one of these meds, ask him about it. I would ask about Topamax instead of Gabapentin, as the Topamax won't make you retain water like the other does. It doesn't make you have "brain fog" either like the other. The other makes you really "loopy." So ask to try Topamax --- it works 10 times better for me, and at a much LOWER dose too!

Your recovery WILL be a long one, so don't expect to heal in 6 months or maybe not even 12 because having a 7 level fusion is much more traumatic to the body than, say a 2 level. A whole lot more tissue damage has been done, and there a whole lot of inflammation in there plus nerve inflammation too, so you've got a lot of healing to do. Nerves heal at the rate of one inch per month, average.

Tell your doctor (your GP) about your severe anxiety attacks, and he can give you something, perhaps temporarily, to help you deal with them. Also, therapy is recommended for these too, as you can overcome these with short-term therapy. So talk to your doc and get a referral to a good therapist.

I wish you the very best! I know you're very uncomfortable -- I hope this gets taken care of SOON. God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee

Topamax, A.K.A. 'Dopamax' and 'Stupamax' (try googling those terms), unfortunately has exactly that effect on many, many people.

It may take trying all 3 (or even others) for an individual to find what will work best for them.

I think what's important is talking to one's doctors about pain and how it affects our lives, and not giving up if the first few tries don't work.

Doc

Thank you for your insight. Regarding Topmax, I am already taking it for migraines. But I am taking everything one day at a time. It is just sooooo frustrating feeling the way I do and certain people can't seem to understand it.
I just broke off my engagement for that reason.

My heart breaks for you!!! I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. Its so hard when people dont understand our pain. Because they cant really see it on outside I think. Hang in there I am new here myself.

I'm new to this but I'm so thankful for it. I am 14 weeks post op today from a cervical disc replacement on c4/5. It's been a very rough 14 weeks. Did you wake up in pain after surgery? I did. This has been so unexpected because I had cervical disc surgery 12 years go and woke up pain free. Since this last surgery, I have extreme burning nd pain at the base of my neck, across my left shoulder down my arm and to my wrist.

When I try to use my right arm too much, it hurts too. My MRI and X-ray look ok, so my dr is not taking me very seriously. I take neurontin which does help with the sharp pain. Hang in there, you are not alone. Keep track of your weekly pain, hopefully you will see improvement esch week! BTW: my dr used a new device called ROI-C. Have you heard of it?