[Cocoa14]

Still in so much pain 14weeks post op cervical surgery using ROI-C, ADR. My dr says he thinks its because I'm not fused yet. Why do some ppl hurt before they fuse and some don't? Can I assume once I fuse my pain will stop? I'm now wearing a BGS so hopefully I'll fuse soon....

[Leesa]

I think alot depends on how much "damage" was done to the tissues inside. Sometimes they have to move alot of the tissue/muscles/tendons,nerves, etc. around on the inside and that can cause alot of inflammation. It takes quite awhile for that to heal.

For instance, nerves heal at the rate of one inch per month. So depending on how much damage was done to the nerves, it can take awhile for them to heal -- and while they're healing, they HURT. I don't know the healing times of muscles/tendons/etc. But I'm sure there's a lot of inflammation in there and it WILL take time to heal. The fact that they put an "alien" thing INSIDE is the reason that there was so much more damage -- they had to push so many things aside to get to the area so they could put it in.

You're going to be FINE -- it just might take awhile. But don't worry about it, okay? I know it hurts, but hopefully he'll put you on some pain meds. Ask him about it, okay? if it's not sufficient, make sure he knows about it.

Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, lee

[ginnie]

I believe you will get better. This surgery is hard on a person. Yes having an alien thing in you, the body takes time to accept it. Ask for more pain medication if it is not adequate. Don't be afraid to confront your doctor about this. I am praying for you. ginnie

[Cocoa14]

I started neurontin at 8 weeks post op, which basically saved my life....at 10 weeks I starting trying to back off the pain meds which I had been pretty much taking every four hours. I went through withdrawals. I have never experienced anything like that, had to go to my md to get fluids. I'm only taking extra strength tylenol along with the neurontin and a muscle relaxer. The tylenol really doesn't help and I'm just trying to deal as I am scared to go back on any narcotic. The pain seems to be going further down my spine. My left arm pain is terrible. Did you experience the pain in your upper arm, tricep and bicep area? It mostly occurs when I reach for something and gets extreme, to the point of me screaming, if I move it across my body or try to lift anything..even my iPad. It gets so hot and burns so bad I have to ice. I often wake up after apparently moving it in my sleep in so much pain. Also, my dr prescribed keterolac after surgery which I took for 2 months. I just read last week where you should not take it after spinal surgery. It's for inflammation. I asked him at my appt Wednesday and he said they use it all the time. Could this be why I'm not showing any fusion? I live hour to hour waiting til I can take the next dose of neurontin, and then when I can take my ambien at bedtime so I can try to sleep. Riding n a car even with my collar makes my neck hurt so I go to church on Sunday mornings and that's it. I've been blessed with a great job and I haven't had to to go back to work yet. There's no way I could. I can't even fix my hair. Its hard just to get pjs on because I can't use my left arm to pull pants up. I know I should like I'm having a pity party but I am hitting some low points. I can't even tell you how many times dark thoughts entered my mind, especially during the first 8 weeks before I got on the neurontin. Thanks or listening. My family has been great but I can't say these things to them. Knowing so many of you know what I'm going through helps so much.

[Cocoa14]

Originally Posted by Leesa

I think alot depends on how much "damage" was done to the tissues inside. Sometimes they have to move alot of the tissue/muscles/tendons,nerves, etc. around on the inside and that can cause alot of inflammation. It takes quite awhile for that to heal.

For instance, nerves heal at the rate of one inch per month. So depending on how much damage was done to the nerves, it can take awhile for them to heal -- and while they're healing, they HURT. I don't know the healing times of muscles/tendons/etc. But I'm sure there's a lot of inflammation in there and it WILL take time to heal. The fact that they put an "alien" thing INSIDE is the reason that there was so much more damage -- they had to push so many things aside to get to the area so they could put it in.

You're going to be FINE -- it just might take awhile. But don't worry about it, okay? I know it hurts, but hopefully he'll put you on some pain meds. Ask him about it, okay? if it's not sufficient, make sure he knows about it.

Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, lee

Thank you for your reply!
I keep reading where the nerves heal at app 1inch/month, but how does it work? For instance, if I have damaged nerves in my neck and arm, will the nerves heal from the top down so that I will see improvements first in my neck, then shoulder, then arm, wrist? Or does it heal at the same time? Your insight into this is so very appreciated.

[Leesa]

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure if it starts at the top or the bottom. I think it starts further away from the injury first, and then works towards the injury. But I'm not positive. That's only what makes SENSE -- but medicine doesn't always make sense! LOL I've never seen it explained as to where it starts healing.

Wish I could help you more on this. But those are just my suspicions. Hugs, Lee

[Leesa]

By the way - you're NOT going to see ANY fusion until about 6 MONTHS to a year!!! You certainly will NOT see it this soon! It takes quite awhile for fusion to begin. You've got to remember that fusion is where bone grows to bone, and that takes a good long time.

So be patient. This is a long process. Just don't do anything that will damage things. Make sure you stay within the limitations that your doctor gave you. God bless! Hugs, Lee