Anyone else out there have radiation injury to neck & spinal cord?

[Guest guest]

Hi!

I've been doing a lot of lurking and since I haven't seen this topic

addressed, I thought I'd ask.

What I'm wondering is if anyone else has radiation injury to the

nerves in your neck/spinal cord/shoulder? If so, how was it treated

& how long ago was it? Where do you live and who did you see for

treatment? Or have you been written off as 'untreatable', too?

I know I have arthritis in my neck, some bulging discs that aren't

pressing on any nerves yet and radiation scarring on my cord-all of

this is right around C-4 thru C-7. I also have some Tarlov cysts on

my lower spine and arthritis mid-back. Needless to say, I'm not the

woman I once was.

I've been given Fentanyl 75 patches(up from 25 & 50)for pain by my

GP but I'm really afraid of becoming addicted because I know it's a

strong opioid. I have used a few and it doesn't mask all of the pain.

Have a good day,

beth

[Guest guest]

Hi beth, I'm new to the group as well... I'm not sure I know

exactly what you mean by " radiation pain " but it sounds similar to the

problem I'm having in my neck between C4 and C6. I was told the discs

are pushing on nerves which is causing pain not only in my neck but

also in my shoulder and part of my left arm. I'm scheduled to see a

neurosurgeon in early Nov. Until then, they are going to send me to

physical therapy( I start on Mon.) as well as they put me in a neck

brace(this past Thur.) called a miami j collar. So far my pain has been

significantly reduced because I'm not moving/turning my neck... we'll

see how I progress over the next few weeks. If you have any questions,

please ask. Until then, I hope you feel better.