[Spinal Fusion / Cervical] Three Level Neck Fusion

[cheryl stewart]

i am a 42 yr old female, 140 lbs, 5"7" non smoker. i have had degeneration in my neck and back over the years. hyperflexion injury in my young 20's and two car accidents that compounded the problem.

i had a two level peek device at c4/5 5/6 with plate and screws failed and revised with bone graft (doner) and plate and screws replaced the following year. now this year i have had a stand alone peek cage place at the c 3/4. i feel as though it was spaced to high. my head feels like its being pushed away by my spine. the pressure at the base of my scull and into my hean and eyes is awefull! i wounder what can be done for me at this point?

my husband has been very supportive but is growing weary. does anybody have any hopefull in put?

thank you,

cher

[ajj1001]

Hi Cher

i feel as though it was spaced to high. my head feels like its being pushed away by my spine. the pressure at the base of my scull and into my hean and eyes is awefull! i wounder what can be done for me at this point?

That sounds really horrible. Does being in a particular position make it feel any better/worse?

my husband has been very supportive but is growing weary. does anybody have any hopefull in put?

My hubbie is similar but being poorly still from my second surgery (the first being 7 years ago after spine issues 9 years ago) he is having a long haul. Being consistent in your communication with him as to what you need and how he is going to get support from others will help.

The main thing that has helped us, that I wouldn't want to happen to anyone else, is that he had major heart surgery in 2004. I was better at this point and the role reversal showed us that the "in sickness and health" bit was for real for both of us. He took 18 months to recover and we have both got really good at knowing how the other wants looking after. He hates being fused over, nursed etc. whereas I like him to do things and fetch things to cheer me up but don't like being asked how I am all the time.

We joke alot and that helps us make a difficult situation easier. Having other people that can take some of the load helps alot.

alison x

[Fuzzy]

Cheryl, how long has it been since your last single level fusion surgery? Most importantly you shoud discuss with your surgeon the uncomfortable sensations you are getting a detailed as possible. If the surgery is recent it maybe part of the readjusting and healing process. I also have many new sensations and it will be many more weeks before I know how it really feels. The height of my neck was clearly changed so there is a readjustment (my muscles are still creaming). "Patient" stands for "patience", thats us but of cause it is important to listen to your body like you do.

Report to your doctor, especially if there is an obvious CHANGE that may indicate something in your neck changing at which point they would take new xrays.

I wish you good healing and no more pain!

[cheryl stewart]

sorry for no caps. it is still to hard to work the shift keys. i am replying once here so i don't have to type a lot. i have some outside support as my folks are taking me to a follow up neurology appt today. i have had a major neck surgery every year since july 2007, female surgery prior to that, and an ankle injury prior to that. i am so tired of doctors, med. bills, and healing i could scream! my husband and i have only been together 6 years and have only had 10 months of bliss. however we have made the best of the in between times and taken several trips to Hawaii, so we do have some God given memories to look back on. i need to find a way to focus on things of that nature.i may need an anti depressant and until now i have kind of shyed away from them.

[ajj1001]

i need to find a way to focus on things of that nature.i may need an anti depressant and until now i have kind of shyed away from them.

I have used cognitive behavioural therapy and medication at various.times. Do not be afraid of asking for help, the better our mind is looked after, the better it can manage our physical state.

[Justin]

I have used cognitive behavioural therapy and medication at various times. Do not be afraid of asking for help, the better our mind is looked after, the better it can manage our physical state.

Count me in...in regard to Alison's (ajj1001) comments above.

I wish you the very best, Cher. We will keep you in our thoughts.

[KBear]

Cheryl,
I never (or anyone that knows me, for that matter), in a million years, would have thought I would ever need or have used an antidepressant. I am very much a happy go lucky personality, always smiling and laughing. Spine injury changed that, and I have taken medication for several years now. It has helped tremendously and made me feel more like the old me. Without it, I probably would have done something stupid and irrational. Yes, it is a bit embarassing asking your doctor about it, having to go back and get meds adjusted; but remember you are not the only one who needs this help. I was told that there is a clinical relation between chronic pain and depression. Something about the pain 'stealing' your enorphins and causing depression. So, this is very normal for chronic pain sufferers. Once you get on a medication and it has time to get in your system, you will wish you would have gotten on it sooner. Good Luck and let us know if there is anything we can help you with. Kathy

[cheryl stewart]

me too...i asked my doctor yesterday. he said that he'd call it in. i think he mentioned zoloft and/or cymbalta? are you still taking them? there are so many on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? i am on gabapentin, ultram, zanaflex, clonazapam, percocet (post op only), and now possibly an anti-depressant. i feel like all i do is take pills. has anyone else had blurred vision from any these? i have been having some trouble and i can't figure which drug is doing it.
thanks all,
cher