So the pain I am experiencing almost 4 months now is normal,with the exception of It really hurting the past couple of weeks

If this is "new and different" pain, then you may want to call the doctor. If you just over did it a bit at some activity, see if it resolves with a bit of pampering. I was still sore 6 months into it checker, and certain movements, or positions hurt. I had to sleep on an incline pillow for about 8 months. I could not turn in bed etc. You know you body better than anyone. If it doesn't feel right, and it is a real concern, call you doc. Everybody heals differently at different rates. Let me know how you are OK? Of course I care about you, and hope this gets better without anymore intervention. Did you have PT? ginnie

I am going to give the pain a couple more weeks.It is not unbearable,as I was pretty bad before my surgery. Its just odd for the past 2 weeks to be feeling different. I know it will never be the same,and I need patience. Its been 4 months,and I am glad that this is a normal feel people have experienced. I wasn't taking as many Percocet's prior to 2 weeks ago..Thank you.

do you have a follow up appt. anytime in the future? I did at 6 months, where pictures were taken again to see how the graft and fusion went. Just lay a bit low, and pamper yourself a little more. I tended to do too much right after the initial hump, and paid a price for it. That made me slow down for another few months. Keep in touch. ginnie

I have not had physical therapy,and my next appointment is In June.That will be 6 months from my 2 month post op in which he just asked how I was feeling and no pictures.I gathered it was to soon for pictures at 2 months as it takes 9 months as the surgeon told me for the bone to fuse.Ok,so I will still chill out...lol. I haven't returned to work just yet as my work as a security guard is slow in the winter.I honestly don't know how I would work 8-12 Hours anyways. I may have to drop out and do part time work somewhere,and even thats hard to find. I want my work to call,and on the other hand,I am not ready..lol. Thank you!

My son is an OPTA. Do you want me to ask him what gentle excersises would be good for your neck? Also a good massage, gentle, does a world of good. ginnie

I would appreciate that very much Ginnie. I have to pay cash for my PT at this point,so anything I can do on my own would help immensely. Thank you!

HI Checker , its very common to have flare ups esp now your posture is so important. You being a previous smoker did ur surgeon get u a bone growth stimulator? Its a machine u where around your neck 4 hrs a day--u dont feel anything but it send currents in helping to aid a solid fusion --usually if you have a multi level fusion or was/or are a smoker with a single fusion most surgeons get the insurance to approve it. I had surgery in 7-2010 I dont have any regrets--but i do suffer from major flare ups esp in right shoulder and neck and between scapular area. I had a multi level fusion and did achieve solid fusion.

Hi Checker, when Sean gets home from work today, I will ask what the most important ones are. Do you have anyone that can massage your neck?
What level fusions do you have done? Sean will need to know that. I am here for you. ginnie

Hi Ginnie---you such a good person . I was thinking about Gator have you heard from him I havent seen him post in awhile --I was wondering if he ever had surgery on the shoulder?