I am so very lucky when it comes to health care options. It’s distressing to think of the millions of people live (and used to live) with deep or searing chronic pain who did not have this kind of treatment available. I was lucky to have good health insurance and highly competent doctors. No one, however, should have to deal with this sort of pain without treatment and hope.
For the past two years, I’ve been struggling with a pinched nerve in my neck that caused serious pain in my left arm and left side of my back. On several occasions, I referenced some of the treatment I have been receiving, including this post on acupuncture, this post on the incredible fact that there is a skeleton inside my body, and this confession that I don’t do well when it comes to getting injections (a post which sprang from my need to have epidural injections for pain relief).
I’ve had all kinds of conservative treatment, including intensive physical therapy. None of my conservative treatments worked.
The most recent symptom was numbness several in my fingers (feeling in some of my fingers came back, but not in my left index finger). It’s worth taking the time to tell you what my doctor told me about numbness. If you have it, permanent nerve damage is being done. If you don’t jump on it and address it quickly (within a matter of weeks), you might lose that sensation permanently. Numbness is different than pain, then, which doesn’t usually cause permanent injury.
Because I had significant numbness, I had surgery, which occurred four days ago. It was an “anterior cervical corpectomy/discectomy and fusion, with bone graph and instrumentation.” What this means is that the surgeon removed two of my cervical disks, freed up my pinched nerves by carefully drilling out bone (there turned out to be four of them in the operative field), filled the now-empty disc space with my own bone and cadaver bone, and locked three vertebrae and the new bones into place with a titanium plate with screws.
Here’s a recent x-ray, where you can see my deformed lower vertebrae. During the operation, my doctor verified that my vertebrae were covered with bone spurs, which have now all been trimmed clean to allow my nerve roots to reach down into my arms. BTW, if you are middle-aged (broadly defined!), your spine isn’t so pretty either, but if you’re lucky you are asymptomatic. Tongue in cheek, Dr. Riew had initially advised me that I had “gray hair of the spine.”
Here’s the incision: about 2 inches wide on the front of my neck. The sight of it makes many of my friends squeamish. The surgeon goes in at this site (using a microscope) and gently pushes the trachea an esophagus out of the way in order to see what he needs to see (that causes minor temporary swallowing problems in many patients, including me).
I was taking slow walks around the hospital floor on the night of the surgery (with a drip assembly in tow). I was released the following day—hospitals plainly tell patients that hospitals are not a good place for people–once you are able to leave you should leave, due to the risks of super-germs. Yesterday, I took two tablets of Tylenol. Today, I am not taking any drugs at all, even though I was provided with strong scheduled medications). I thus commend my surgeon (Dr. Daniel Riew of Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis). Who would have thought that on each of the past two days, I would have been able to crank hard for 30-minutes on a stationary bicycle? Really and truly, this was a medical miracle, one which happens in hospitals every day in order to relive people of chronic pain so that they can reclaim their lives. At least those of us with medical insurance. At the hospital, several people told me that the best way to prepare for an operation is to be physically fit when you go in. I worked out almost every day for a month before the surgery and I’m assuming that this was a big factor in my ability to be able to pop back up soon after surgery. I know that many other patients for this type of surgery can be flat on their backs for one or two weeks. I personally know another person — a regular at this site–who had this same surgery. Perhaps he might want to come forth an share his experiences too . . .
Here’s the bottom line: The pain in my arm is now gone, the pain in my back is almost gone. I do have some lingering numbness in my left index fingers, though it has improved a bit. I’ve been told that there is a decent chance that I will get my feeling back in that finger within the next few months (this is critical to me, because I am an avid guitarist). A surprise bonus is that my “good” hand is now improved. I was suffering some nerve impingement there too, but didn’t’ attribute that stiffness to a nerve problem.
Even though I’m squeamish about needles, I got over the fact that I was stuck with an IV for my entire stay. Not that I stared at this line much.
Now, all I need to do is to wear a plastic neck collar for six to eight weeks (the “Miami J Collar”). Here’s what it looks like (see photo below). I did wake up, panicked and claustrophobic, several times this week. I’m hoping that panicked feeling doesn’t return each night, or it will be a long six weeks. This panicky feeling does make me appreciate, though, how difficult it must be for many other patients who need to have large parts of their bodies (or their entire bodies) locked down for extensive periods. 
I did want to give this epilogue in that I had mentioned (= whined about) my symptoms on several prior posts. But everything looks good now, and assuming that the bones all heal correctly, I will not be physically limited in any way, other than having a modest loss in range of motion in my cervical spine. To me, it was well worth it to give up some neck motion to get rid of the arm and back pain and (hopefully) to recover feeling in my left hand. It was worth it, even though I need to constantly explain to people that I didn’t have neck pain, but that they needed to operate on my neck to fix my back, arm and hand.
If you know anyone with hand numbness, there might be hope for them too, but send them this post and urge them to not put off a doctor visit or else they might suffer permanent damage.
Hello,
I was excited to hear your story. I am or was a registered nurse and herniated C4 to C7. I have been disabled since lifting that dreaded day Feb. 1 2000.
I worked at the local hospital and was delayed and refused simple x-rays, rehab at a spine center along with an MRI that I finally obtained on May 2, 2000. Showing herniated discs. The neurosurgeon requested URGENT surgery Sept.21,2000. No response from my employer after begging then and their self insurer and complaining about their fraudulent IME.
Long story short I started to have loss of eyesight, complete numbeness of both arms. Finally the Law Judge granted sugery in JUNE 2001. By that time my pre-op MRI showed my spinal cord was completely flattened by the protrusions.I had started feeling pain all over my muscles. Another IME then says, "no, surgery will not help." What an IDIOT.
JULY 12,2001 I got a corpectomy with plating and fusion with cadaver bone.
Keep in mind before this work injury I was happy and very healthy.I was put on oxycontin and I thought wow this worked I am going to be better.When I went off the drug I was full of pain everywhere as before. YES, eventually all my numbness went away. But sometimes reoccurs when I sleep the wrong way.
Fast Forward to 2008. I fought the comp. I sued civilly because I still suffered from C4 that the doctor couldn't do. He said only a two inch plate which he did C5-7. So muscles in my shoulders started with atrophy at the joint. Then an MRI showed I had a torn tendon. I had just suffered from a frozen shoulder I had NEVER heard about.That took a year and a half to resolve. My right shoulder is now showing a torn tendon.
Yes, the C4 was causing major problems. Just as I had complained about in 2003. But they had closed my case. I went to Vermont for a neurosurgeon because ours left town.
I noticed my C7 was NOT being addressed as fused as the C5-6 was and the C4 still crushing both nerves.They could not mess with the 2 inch titanium plate that would have been to seriou because scar tissue grows over it. So they had no choice and put 3 Inch rods in the back of my neck.from C4-C7. Taking care of all the levels. I am 53 y/o so it is taking me longer to heal but I truly do believe this has relieved spasms in my neck and pain. However I was diagnosed with two muscle disorder and damage to my nerves due to the flattening of the spinal cord for over a year. I thought I was going to die.
As a nurse I could NOT believe that people were treated this way. What an eye opener.
I am still on pain meds and have to pace myself. Try to live with every day total body pain and stiffnes.
I had a hard collar like yours. I had to sleep with it for 6 weeks. You get used to it. If you take it off you take it off to soon you will feel pain around the muscles. This is important for alignment of your spine.PLease tell me that you are faithfully wearing a bone stimulator? This was given to me for both neck surguries. It helps the bone to fuse faster.
Anyway GOOD LUCK. APPRECIATE your neck treat it well. Don't lift more that you should.
Sincerely and GOD BLESS,
anjel77 twitter
New York
Thank you for sharing your experience, Erich. I'm very glad that you got the treatment you needed, and hope you see to a quick recovery. The body is amazingly resilient!
I'll also take this opportunity to say thanks for maintaining this blog, which I know is a labor of love. You give a lot of people a lot of intellectual (and other sorts of 😉 ) fodder each day.
Anjel I hope I spelled your name correctly! I am so glad to hear from another nurse!! I am almost 54 and have had spinal problems for 30 years. I am now post 3 spinal surgeries including fusion of L5-S1 and 2014 fusion of C3-6. I have not worked since. As a matter if fact, my boss gave my weekend option job away while I was out for surgery, and after 9 months of recuperation including PT, did not want me back even as a fill in. Too high risk for injury I guess. SMH. Everything I do, like going out for a few hours to get gas, shop a little, still wears me out and causes much more pain.My other vertebrae are degenerative so I am about to bite the bullet and apply for disability. Nurses go through SO much, and for what?? I would lose all hope if I didn’t know that my Jesus sees and knows it all. God bless you again Anjel! I would love to hear from you and keep up correspondence. Sincerely, Mim
Erich: Thanks for sharing this extreme experience with us. Depending on perspective, you are both very lucky(for having such a swift recovery and access to competent doctors) and unlucky (for having to make such a trade-off, for having to endure such a long bout with pain).
I have trouble imagining your experience because it is so foreign- pain for so long? Loss of mobility? A surgery that will ease the pain, but that comes at a physical cost? It is bizarre that a body can be both healthy as well as struck and damaged by time. It's too bad that we are just animals, and that we must age and meet all of aging's slings and arrows. I should be out doing cartwheels right now while I can…
On the whole, I suppose it's some consolation that through science and medicine, we are making life and aging increasingly easy. But I bet it's hard to have that kind of perspective when you are all cut up and encased in plastic! Like humanity as a whole, which must cope and adapt to its animal flaws, it seems like you are dealing with your "gray hairs" as best you can- by taking healthy measures and by having the peace of mind to see where you are "lucky".
Thank you for sharing your experience Erich. I was sent your sight by my friend Ginger. I am currently going through the Physical Therapy (BJC-WU) part of my Insurance Company's required treatment. I also was offerred the name of Dr. Riew by a dear friend and Ex who has been an RN at BJC for 30 years. Although not mentioned by my primary care physician, I think I am heading in the same direction as you had been. I have had numbness in my right arm down to my finger tips for the past 3 months. I originally thought that my arm was just asleep or that I had slept on it during the night but it never "woke up". So far I've been through an X-ray, MRI, predinsone, cortisone, Physiscal Therapy of which I have had 4 of 6 treatments which I was told, was not a remedy but learning ways to take pressure off of my pinched nerve in my neck and to posture myself more ergonamically. I fully understand the aging of my spine and any damage that is showing up over my 58 years. I will be pressing my doctor for having a similar procedure done for me if this is indicated based on what is deemed my "Spinal Stenosis". Thank you again for posting your experience and detailed information as to the procedure. I have never had to undergo any major hospitalization or surgery so I do need to "get over" a few of my fears going forward. Take good care and best wishes.
Marcel: Best of luck to you. You would be in excellent hands with Dr. Riew. He has done cervical surgery almost 3,000 times over the past dozen years. More than 90% of his patients are happy with their result. I mention these stats because many people are terrified about spinal surgery, because they assume that all spinal surgery is the same: high risk with mixed results. Cervical spinal surgery is much more successful, though, than thoracic or lumbar (which are much more weight bearing regions).
There are a lot of us people with deteriorating cervical spines out there. There are, as you suggest, many conservative approaches to dealing with the pain and limitations. When those conservative measures fail, though, it is great to know that there is a highly successful surgical treatment available.
Erich,
Excellent account of your surgery. It was a shock to learn of it. I'm glad to hear you're on the mend and that apparently bicycling is still OK.
For what it's worth, I had neck surgery 23 years ago, for thyroid, and I am still experiencing nerve regrowth. I realized while shaving the other day that I could feel an area that had been numb all that time.
The body — and modern medicine — are truly miraculous things. Most of us prefer less invasive or traumatic cures, but as you note, time is often the enemy.
Best wishes for your continued rapid recovery.
Thom
Erich,
I'm glad you had the proper medical care and insurance coverage to enable this surgery. I'm also glad the outcome of surgery thus far has been very positive for you, and I trust the next several weeks will speed by so the neck brace can be removed as well. I'm glad Dr. Riew has excellent abilities and the experience to perform the surgery for you.
The surgery on these cervical disks that freed up your pinched nerves by carefully drilling out bone, filling the empty disc space with your own bone and cadaver bone, and locking the three vertebrae and the new bones into place with a titanium plate with screws will now also mean you will set off metal detectors every time you go through security in many places like court houses, airports and amusement parks.
Another one of these matters you will need to deal with.
What some call luck, others call a blessing. Doesn't matter much either way when the outcome is encouraging and is mostly what one had in mind and had "hoped" would happen. I see you give credit where you believe credit is due, which includes "lady luck" in describing your perspective on all of this. it appears Lady luck was indeed smiling upon you. I'll ask for your permission from my perspective to thank the designer/creator and sustainer of life on your behalf, unless that offends you, in which case I will not assume you desire this to be done.
Thanks for sharing a bit of the details of your past several years/months/days.
Karl
Thank you, Karl.
I've been told that there won't be any problems with metal detectors with this small piece of titanium. We'll see.
I attribute my (so far) successful outcome to the high degree of skill and learning of thousands of dedicated men and women who developed the techniques and products used on me. I also focus on the obviously excellent skills of my surgeon. I'm "lucky" in the sense that the best of medical care sometimes doesn't end up with a good result, and sometimes there is no one to blame.
I assumed that you would attribute my success to a supernatural being. Others have done likewise. I would rather put the credit where I think it is due. In my mind, the successful surgery is not well-explained by reference to "God" any more than my crumbling spine was due to "the devil."
Don't you think that my surgeon, that dedicated man with a steady hand, deserves a lot of credit?
I happen to believe that the surgery was a success because of a multi-faceted interwoven array of factors, chief of which is the desire of fellow humans to understand how the human body is wondrously made and how when things don't work right those who happen to have the where with all can make wondrous things happen as well. Sometimes this is an unexplainable working by someone or something without the assistance of doctors. However, it is also very often with the assistance of doctors as well. Mental attitude is a good portion of the struggle in many cases as I see it.
I happen to believe that God can work through the hands of a surgeon as well as the faith filled fervent prayers of a man or woman, boy or girl, who believes God at his word and who seeks to be reconciled to both God and his or her fellow human beings.
I have on several occasions heard of personal stories where amazing healings were directly related to outcomes from a personal restoration of fellowship between adversaries that either drifted or remained in opposition to one another because of unforgiveness towards oneself, towards the other person or even over some matter of personal belief that might have little to do with other people, but rather an individual’s own preconceived ideas about themselves and their worldview. I such cases people will look for other people with the same worldview to associate with.
I do not consider that God limits himself to miraculous wonders beyond belief, but I don't discount the possibility. I also don't consider that the skills and training of a doctor just fell out of the sky as well. The proper attitude towards all of these matters as I see it is to consider very carefully what the "possibility of God" means and what the "denial of God" also means in its stead.
It is partially luck when a person in a third world country gets selected for a life transforming surgery in America or some other country with advanced medical care. Children who are brought to America in need of free heart surgery are really blessed to receive this gift.
All good gifts are from above . . . (James 1:17)
Erich, great to see you our & about & looking good 🙂
Great account of the procedure and I'm very glad it turned out so well for you! I hope to hear you wailing on your guitar again in no time at all.
I agree that your surgeon is indeed the man to thank, as are the rest of the team of professionals that cared for you. Whoever it was that spent what must have been countless hours devising and refining the technique that fixed you definitely deserves some major credit as well – same with every surgeon & doctor who ever lived who contributed to the vast body of knowledge that that original visionary built upon (and a little shout-out to you for having the foresight to get good health insurance wouldn't go astray). Needless to say I think it belittles the work of your surgeon and his team (and all their progenitors) to attribute this operation's success to "Lady Luck". It really is tiresome to invoke such mysticism when it's crystal clear where the credit should go.
As the recipient of thousands of hours of care over my lifetime for a chronic illness, I know full well the gratitude of which you speak. As a child (and a believer, no less), lying in a crisp white hospital bed for the Nth time, I always felt a lot more reassured after a visit from my doctor or from a nurse than from the hospital chaplain.
Hope you enjoy the little care package when it arrives!
Hank:
Thanks for the care package. You've already dropped a hint about that, and I know that it is related to music, which is (for reasons I don't really understand) deeply important to me as a means to express myself and to synchronize who I seem to be.
My left hand index finger is still quite numb (which is what Dr. Riew told me to expect), and I'll be watching it closely over the next few months to see if it comes back to life. In the meantime, it IS a bit stronger, and I've been forcing myself to play the guitar every day since I've been home from the hospital. It's like dragging a miniature corpse around the fretboard, but I do have sufficient strength to press strings down enough to barely get by.
I do love and admire the music of Django Reinhardt, but I'm hoping to play jazz/blues guitar in a more traditional way in the coming weeks/months.
From Wikipedia:
Django relearned his craft in a completely new way, even as his third and fourth fingers remained partially paralyzed. He played all of his guitar solos with only two fingers, and managed to use the two injured digits only for chord work.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Django_Reinhardt
Erich..thanks for sharing your experiences as I too just went through an anterior cervical corpectomy fusion at C-6 on June 9th..I am amazed at your quick recovery thus far and what seems to be a very high threshold of pain on your part. I went in early Tuesday morning, had a 3 hour surgery and was released on Wednesday around noon..It is amazing some of the quick signs of relief..For me I have no pain or numbness in my left arm/hand, but on my right hand it is only my middle finger that is numb (perhaps from overusing it:) ) Before the operation I had tried every conservative method for 8 months, including PT acupuncture, traction and lots of meds.Right now I have a lot of neck and shoulder pain, stiffness and am taking 40 mg of oxycodone, 2700mg of gabapentin.. Iwas taking narcotics before the surgery and I am hoping that with time, I can wean off the narcotics. I really hate going to the drug store and getting funny looks..If they only understood pain…I wish you all the best and look forward to how you are progressing..I sure hope I can golf and do some of the lighter sports and also get through a working day without pain..Just two years ago this mom of 44 was playing co-ed soccer full 30 minute periods..The cleats have been hung up,,I just want a life without pain..all the best …amy
Amy:
Best of luck to you in your recovery. I wish I could say that I had a high pain threshhold, but everyone who knows me knows that I'm a wimp. I just don't have much pain, and I'm amazed. A friend of mine had the same surgery, same surgeon, three months ago. He was sprawled out on a couch for two weeks on oxycodone, totally useless. I was given those high-power pills, but didn't use them at all during the day. I did take a Tylenol III at night for about 7 days, because I was feeling claustrophobic in the neck brace at night.
I was doing serious legal work (at home) the day after going home. I starting going back to work one week after the surgery (wearing my funny-looking neck collar). My surgeon tells me that every patient is different in recovery. The great news for you and me is that 90% of patients are happy with the long-term outcome.
Let's promise each other that we will treat our new necks gently for the next 8 months (especially for the next 2 months). Yeah, I probably won't play any more high energy basketball, but I'll be able to work out hard in other ways and live a long pain free life, and that's pretty incredible.
Oh you have no idea how glad I was to come across this information. I am having surgery on 7/13/09 and I'm a wreck! Everyone is telling me to not have any surgery on my neck because it wont make this horrible pain go away.
I will let you know how I make out a week from today. Oh and by the way that neck brace scares me more then the surgery.
Terry. I hope this update will ease your concerns.
First, all the plusses: My back pain (which ranged from annoying to terrible over the past 2 years) is GONE. My arm pain (which sometimes felt like a deep bruise and for one horrible week felt like a constant sharp electric shock) is GONE. My neck never hurt me, and currently does not hurt me.
Now, my hand. It had become numb across all four fingers and my thumb. 2 1/2 of my fingers and much of my thumb came back before the surgery. My middle finger (the thumb side of which remained numb) now feels completely normal. My index finger (which constantly felt like there was a big clothespin clamped down on it, making it numb) now feels normal up to the first joint, which still feels numb. But the index finger has regained its strength and flexibility. I am now able to hold my pen with strength and agility. I can use a keyboard without mistakes. I am not dropping things anymore. The index finger continues to improve every week. My doctor said that the damage done to the hand could continue to improve for the next four months at which time I should not expect any more improvement. My thumb base is no longer numb.
Here's a pleasant surprise: My RIGHT hand improved in flexibility. My doctor said that making the incision in the front of my neck allowed him to explore the area and impingements fully. He found four nerve roots impinged. Cleaning out the whole area improved my right hand immediately. The left hand is a different story. The numbness problem was caused by crushed nerve. Pulling the bone off the nerve only stops further injury, but doesn't necessarily bring about healing. The nerve has to heal itself. Again, I was told that the healing can happen over a four month period.
Here's one indicator of the improvement. I am a rather proficient guitarist. Before the surgery, I couldn't play anymore because laying down a bar chord caused an intense sparking sensation across the entire left index finger. I can now play the guitar again. It's not always easy and I don't have full sensation, but I can play, and I can play fairly difficult music sometimes. In fact, I was scheduled to jam with another blues guitarist at a produce market last Saturday, but it was rained out. We're going to try to do it again two Saturdays from now. Progress you can measure!
The downside: My decision to have the surgery means that my neck will have a limited range of motion. I don't yet know how limited. My insurance company refused to approve the surgery with an artificial disc, which had been approved by the FDA and for which my doctor thought I was a "perfect candidate." I was considering bringing suit to force the issue, but my numb hand had a "clock" on it (if you delay addressing numbness for six months, my doctor told me that you have almost no chance of regaining function), so I proceeded with the surgery.
So there's a progress report for Terry Borter and for anyone else who is experiencing pain and numbness caused by pinched cervical nerves. Sometimes these things resolve on their own, but when numbness sets in and it doesn't quickly resolve itself, I highly recommend that you go see a doctor who can give you your full range of options regarding medical treatment.
Don't panic about the neck brace. It's light weight and not too hot, even in the summer. It did feel claustrophobic, especially for the first few nights (you need to sleep in it to allow your neck to heal correctly). Somehow, I got used to it, although I still don't sleep very well. I'm due to see my doctor in 3 days. If the x-rays look good, then I can take off the collar forever. Maybe I can sell you a cheap cervical collar!
Erich, ditch the Tylenol III, the FDA banned it this week!
Always make sure you know exactly what you are taking for any medicine so you don't wind up the 1/1000 that gets the wrong thing!
Terry, I was Erich's friend that was zorked out after surgery but, the neck brace wasn't so bad.
Make sure you keep it clean so there's no after-surgery infections. It did make it hard for a time to rotate my head but, I was back behind the wheel and in Court 10 days after surgery. My cover didn't show and I went for that one matter. Just be even more careful and you'll make it through.
I'm now nearly four months post-surgery, have little surgery related pain and pain from before, far less numbness, have greater mobility, and greater strength in my grips.
Much of your success will depend upon your hospital staff and surgeon, and your willingness to do as required post-surgery. Erich and I were blessed with the best in the crew at Barnes and Dr. Riew. I did as I was told. The results have been just short of a miracle. Good luck!
Terry: (Tim, I hope I'm not too revealing of you here) Make sure that when you sit down on a lawn chair 2 weeks into your recovery that the back legs don't sink into mulch causing the chair to topple backwards and whipsaw your head into the ground. Tim's unfortunate incident did not (believe it or not) lead to any failure of his neck bones to properly fuse. Incredible.
Tim: I've barely taken any narcotic pain relievers. I'd bet that I took no more than 6 or 7 Tylenol III's in the past month, almost all of that in the first week. The rest of my medication I took has been plain old Tylenol, and not too terribly much of it (less than 1/3 the recommended daily dose). beware that you don't take any more of that than indicated or you risk liver failure. It's that risk of liver failure that is driving current efforts to limit the recommended dosages of Tylenol. This is really important stuff because many people have died or required substantial medical treatment because they didn't realize that acetaminophen is contained in many medications, and they unwittingly combine them to exceed the safe dosage. Therefore, I don't see that Tylenol III has actually been banned. For more on this issue, see this earlier post that I wrote.
I'm glad Tim wrote to "out" himself because this shows how different people react differently to surgery. Tim was konked out for well more than a week. I was doing legal work at my home computer 2 days post surgery (I was writing posts the night of the surgery), and I was physically back at work one week post surgery. People react differently. My doctor told me that it makes a huge difference being in good physical shape going into surgery. I know that this is a bit late for you do much at this point, but I would get a daily workout between now and July 13 if I were you. Best of luck!
Update: If you want to know what the inside of my neck looks like these days (photo taken of my x-ray yesterday), click here. You'll see my titanium plate, which is held to my spine with 4 screws (of which you can see two).
My surgeon gave me permission to stop using my neck brace yesterday. In other words, the bones that he worked on have fused enough that I don't need the brace, which I wore day and night for 6 weeks. No more having people stare at me. No more turning my entire body stiffly in order to see things on my left and right. And now I'm starting to explore what it's like to turn my neck again. I'm being slow and cautious, according to my surgeon's caveat. The bones are not completely healed yet. That will take 4 more months. But I'll be able to ride a bicycle in one more month. I'll be able to do anything I want in four months, although I'm sure that I've lost some range of motion.
But I especially feel free and so very fortunate to have had a great result. No back pain, no arm pain, and gradually fading numbness from my left hand. I'm celebrating tonight by playing the guitar tonight, something I couldn't do a couple months ago, without highly distracting pain and numbness.
http://dangerousintersection.org/wp-content/uploa…
Erich: I had a fusion on the C6 and C7 on June 23rd. The worst thing I experienced through it all is the neck brace I hate it! The panicking it very scary to me it feels like my neck is trying to pull my head through the brace. Did you experience this if so when did it go away?
Brian: The neck brace made me panicked for the first few nights. I became claustrophobic, as though I were trapped in a cage. Also, my neck was especially swollen those first few nights, which caused me to snore easily. I didn't have much pain. I ended up getting through it by taking a Tylenol with codeine. That brought down my anxiety level. I didn't have the pulling sensation you describe.
I actually got used to the brace after a week or so, though it was never fun wearing it. I was delighted when the doctor said (6 weeks post surgery) that I no longer needed it.
It scares me real bad sometimes they gave me muscle relaxers but they dont help. I have talked with the nurse and she said at 4 weeks out I should not be showing any signs of discomfort I wish I were'nt but that is just not the case. Any little noise or movement makes me jerk or cringe and when I remove the brace for showers I just feel like my head is going to fall sideways and I wont be able to straighten it. Perhaps I have become to dependant on the brace I'm not sure I just know it is pretty scary.
Brian: I'd recommend you go back and see your doctor. If that doesn't get you relief, go get a second opinion. I'm sorry to hear that things are so difficult and disconcerting.
Brian, at first I found it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner chair with my head propped by pillows while I wore the brace. After several weeks, I went back to sleeping in bed with my head , again, propped by pillows.
The brace is to provide support while the bone gets time to fully fuse, and to relieve pressure on the wound on your neck. The bone healing is all you have to do, now. I've found I have an increase in my lower back rotation range of motion which has partially replaced my neck turning ROM reduction after surgery.
As an exercise try sitting and turning your elbows first and having your lower body follow the motion. As your lead elbow reaches the end of the motion where it places any strain on your upper back or neck, begin to over-rotate the following elbow to assist. Clear all this with your physician or PT people. Good luck!
I had neck surgery for compressed spinal cord if I did not do it I would have become paralysed but before I did it I had no pain but now I have pain when I sit on my couch to read or play on my I touch pod my head fells stiff after a while and I get a headach back there I did my surgery July tenth and I am wondering what are the rejection signs I had bone from a donner two bones and metal I am not finding anything about the signs and symptoms of rejecting the bone and my doctor said we would know for at least six months mabe someone can e mail me that information please thankyou from Desiree from NYC
Thank you for this information Erich. My husband has had numbness in his left leg from the knee down for several months now. Yesterday he just had the same surgery you have described. I am going to print your post and take it to him in the hospital. He is 50 years of age and this is his first surgery – he is very anxious about everything right now.
Hello everyone,
My father is 59 and pinched two nerves in his neck while at work as a truck driver (from lifting and maneuvering heavy freight, and after being hit by a forklift on the dock). After filing a lawsuit with the company, and his claim was denied, he has lived with this pain for almost two years now. The pain is in his cervical spine, causes headaches, stiff and painful elbows and knees and a practically arthritic lower back. However, his trucking is our main income and the surgery would put him out of work for longer than we can afford. I was wondering if anyone knew of organizations that could help (since he does not yet qualify for MediCare and since his insurance will not cover most of it), or of any other options he may have. He so deserves this and I hate to see him suffer.
His loving daughter,
Ashley
Ashley: Based on my own experience, I was not feeling up to driving for at least a month post-surgery. Therefore, you are correct, that your father would be out of work for an extended period, if this surgery is what he needs and it he underwent this sort of procedure. Sorry, but I don't know any organization that would provide financial support to your family while your father is out of work. My understanding is that hospitals charge about $50,000 for the cervical fusion/discectomy procedure I described. Therefore, since your father does not have good health insurance, it would be a tremendous financial blow to pay for this himself. I'm sorry to be the bearer of this financial bad news. I wish you the best–I hope some sort of workable solution becomes apparent to you and your family.
Ashley, I don't know what you mean by your relative's "claim was denied."
In most states there is a system of Workers' Compensation which covers employment injuries.
Many changes have occurred recently to restrict such claims but, the issue is met only after the claim is filed, a record is made and a decision entered. The employer does not determine whether the claim may move forward.
If the injury was promptly reported and the claim denied by his employer, the next step in most states is to file a claim with the Wokers' Compensation Board. Do NOT wait to do this as many states have time limits which bar claims most generally after two years. You will need a qualified compensation attorney to assist you NOW!
If your father is in one of the states which has restricted workers' rights to compensation in this system, he may be entitled to file a third party suit and sue the employer directly for failure to provide a safe workplace. Again, there may be a time limit for the claim and you need a qualified injury attorney NOW!
Most states have a claimants attorney organization and will assist you in locating a qualified attorney. Do so, NOW!
Chronic pain is a horrible thing to suffer through, but I am incredibly surprised that no one has told those of you suffering with spinal problems causing referred problems (headaches, numbness, weakness..) that the chiropractic profession has lasted over 100 years because you have all realized that a problem in your spine affects the rest of your body. Chiropractic is a low cost effective means of getting your spine and nervous system healthy. 50% of people with 1 spinal surgery have a 2nd surgery in 10 years, your spine is designed to move properly and loss of motion causes degeneration. I am sorry no one offered this to you, but I hope for those of you out there you can prevent having spinal surgery. Chiropractors can work with a spine after surgery to keep the rest of your spine healthy
Chiropractic was offered to me. A chiropractor treated me with acupuncture. He said that it would be resolved in a few visits. After it became clear that there would be no end to the treatments and that the treatment wasn't resolving the pain, I moved on. I'm glad that you are happy with chiropractors, but I am suspicious for the reasons I set forth here: http://dangerousintersection.org/2008/01/17/a-ske…
thank you for your comments. I am scheduled for 2/10/10 on c – 4,5,6,7. I am doing everything I can to talk myself out of the surgery. In 2006 I had L-4,5 fused in lower back. It went great and only two days in hospital.
For some reason I am real nervous about this procedure even though I trust the doc. I am self employed and can't afford the down-time. My doc says this will become unbearable if I wait another year. It is almost as though I need constant pain now to rationalize the procedure. Over the past year I have
"bouts" about every three months and go on steriod pack and pain meds for week. Is it true that if you got this neck thing get the surgery done before you lose sensation and possibly strength?
'
Mark: I was told that those suffering from pinched nerves are free to try to bear the pain as long as they are willing, without danger of causing permanent injury. I was also told that if you have numbness, however, that this is a sign that the nerve is being destroyed, and that if you don't deal with it promptly, optimally within a year, that consequent loss of nerve function will be permanent. It wasn't the pain that convinced me to have the surgery; it was the numbness of my left hand, which has improved quite a bit since the surgery. Of course, check with your doctor, because you might have a condition which requires special considerations above and beyond this general rule.
Good luck to you in your decision-making.
I'm 31 years old and have three numb fingers in my right hand, my neck hurts on my left and right side. The pain shoots down my shoulders and through my arms. I got MEDEVAC'D from Iraq to Germany and spent a month there. I had an MRI done and it showed degenerative cervical stenosis. The nuerosurgeon basically told me that my cervical spine is closed and I have a bad neck. Now i get steroid shots in the neck. I don't know what else to do.
Andrew: Sorry, but I am not a doctor, and I wouldn't pretend to be able to diagnose your condition. If you don't like the advice you are getting, go get a second (or third) opinion. Good luck to you.
I suggest a regiment of stretching. It works for me whenever I have pain. Begin slowly and gently. The basic idea (I think) is that if the rest of your back, arms (triceps), legs (don't forget groin and hip and glut), and basically entire body are limber and free of tension, there will be less workload placed on the small muscles of the neck. Then you can do some gentle massage to stimulate bloodflow and begin healing.
Make sure your bed is firm and that your pillow is firm enough and thick enough that you don't need two. Stretch in bed in the morning and night. Be careful when walking *down* stairs, keep your head held high and centered, but don't flex (you may have to practice this). Also make sure your couch doesn't sink in too far when you sit on it or your back/neck will be under unnecessary stress.
Andrew, get your physician to refer you to the folks at the Center for Advanced Medicine at Washington University's Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. That's where Christopher Reeve went after he broke his neck.
See the doctors, get your options and after consultation with your loved ones, do what you feel will best serve you to be well.
I went to the same place Erich did and had the same surgery about a month before him. I'm almost one year post-surgery and still have some neck pain but, I have lost the numbness in the outside areas of my arms, have much better fine muscle control in my arms and hands and better range of motion in my neck (although still restricted).