Re: Re: /neck problems

[Guest guest]

that's the thing. I think my neck needs that afternoon nap more than I do, I'm

always holding my head up when I'm driving home.

as for the jaw, that was just a church activity that went really wrong...

Re: /neck problems

Wow, That is some list of problems; mine isn't quite that long, but I

think I can sympathize with you. I also know what you mean by not

doing much other than work. For the past year or so I have limited my

activities around my neck pain. Most days by the time I got home I

was afraid to move my neck(more pain) or my head felt like it weighed

a ton.I hate taking meds because of side effects that you also

mentioned.My goal is to obviously cure my problems but at the least

break this awful pain cycle(move neck causes pain,hold neck and head

stiff causes headaches and so on).From that standpoint I am

encouraged by how I feel since my neuro Dr. appt. almost 2 weeks

ago.I have been able to do some thing I never would have considered

(go to a X-mas party and stay past 8p.m.) I'm still self-contious

about wearing this neck brace, but since I am relatively pain-free I

guess I need to get over it. Most people are nice when they ask "

what happened " but a few make smart comments. I have even been able

to go without pain meds last 2 days and its been nice not to feel

like I don't nave to prop myself up on the couch. I really hope your

able to find some treatment that can alleviate your pain even if it

is only for period of time. Best wishes and look forward to hearing

from you again. P.S. I wont ask about the jaw injury.

[Guest guest]

that's the thing. I think my neck needs that afternoon nap more than I do, I'm

always holding my head up when I'm driving home.

as for the jaw, that was just a church activity that went really wrong...

Re: /neck problems

Wow, That is some list of problems; mine isn't quite that long, but I

think I can sympathize with you. I also know what you mean by not

doing much other than work. For the past year or so I have limited my

activities around my neck pain. Most days by the time I got home I

was afraid to move my neck(more pain) or my head felt like it weighed

a ton.I hate taking meds because of side effects that you also

mentioned.My goal is to obviously cure my problems but at the least

break this awful pain cycle(move neck causes pain,hold neck and head

stiff causes headaches and so on).From that standpoint I am

encouraged by how I feel since my neuro Dr. appt. almost 2 weeks

ago.I have been able to do some thing I never would have considered

(go to a X-mas party and stay past 8p.m.) I'm still self-contious

about wearing this neck brace, but since I am relatively pain-free I

guess I need to get over it. Most people are nice when they ask "

what happened " but a few make smart comments. I have even been able

to go without pain meds last 2 days and its been nice not to feel

like I don't nave to prop myself up on the couch. I really hope your

able to find some treatment that can alleviate your pain even if it

is only for period of time. Best wishes and look forward to hearing

from you again. P.S. I wont ask about the jaw injury.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging disks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace was my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My Neurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never had one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I know what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and by the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay back in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some pain and pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only one headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited till I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery....the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for you.

Kathy

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay. If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too bad.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging disks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace was my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My Neurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never had one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I know what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and by the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay back in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some pain and pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only one headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited till I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery....the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for you.

Kathy

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay. If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too bad.

[Guest guest]

well I have the old foam one that has the magnets in it. It helps a little but

it's not as sturdy. I wear it off and on at home.

I'm not making any progress with the referals. I still haven't gotten the

referal to the neurosurgon and he still refuses to do the pain management one.

he wants me to make an appt with him. well, i'm not going to, truthfully I can't

afford right now. the bills for the MRI are coming in and I'm over $600.00 in

the hole from those, plus there is the mess from the Vioxx. I spent $70.00

refilling that the week before it was pulled off the market, then $30.00 to try

the Bextra before spending $30. to finally get put on the Celebrex, not to

mention the office visits for those. And unfortunately I'm still paying off a

$700. vet bill. And I barely got the biopsy stuff paid off. Needless to say,

this is not going to be a merry Christmas.

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace

to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure

sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can

get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay.

If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've

been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm

really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too

bad.

[Guest guest]

well I have the old foam one that has the magnets in it. It helps a little but

it's not as sturdy. I wear it off and on at home.

I'm not making any progress with the referals. I still haven't gotten the

referal to the neurosurgon and he still refuses to do the pain management one.

he wants me to make an appt with him. well, i'm not going to, truthfully I can't

afford right now. the bills for the MRI are coming in and I'm over $600.00 in

the hole from those, plus there is the mess from the Vioxx. I spent $70.00

refilling that the week before it was pulled off the market, then $30.00 to try

the Bextra before spending $30. to finally get put on the Celebrex, not to

mention the office visits for those. And unfortunately I'm still paying off a

$700. vet bill. And I barely got the biopsy stuff paid off. Needless to say,

this is not going to be a merry Christmas.

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace

to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure

sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can

get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay.

If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've

been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm

really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too

bad.

[Guest guest]

so how long did it take to recouperate from the surgery. My coworker said her

dad was out for 3 months, unable to do anything. no lifting, cleaning, cooking,

work, etc. that scares me. My cat is really smart but I don't think she is smart

enough to take over the household duties. while I have over 900 hours of sick

leave and vacation time I just can't figure how I would survive for 3 months.

and does it hurt to eat after neck surgery? or am I going to spend 3 months on

protein drinks?

Re: Re: /neck problems

Hi ,

I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a

large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging disks

plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace was my

Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My Neurosurgeon

didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never had one on in the

hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I know what you mean.

Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and by the end of the day It

felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay back in the recliner to have

my head rest on something to relieve some pain and pressure. I used to get

headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only one headache in the last 2 1/2

months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited till I couldn't wait

anymore before I had the surgery....the pain was just getting worse and worse.

I hope things work out for you.

Kathy

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace

to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure

sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can

get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay.

If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've

been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm

really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too

bad.

[Guest guest]

so how long did it take to recouperate from the surgery. My coworker said her

dad was out for 3 months, unable to do anything. no lifting, cleaning, cooking,

work, etc. that scares me. My cat is really smart but I don't think she is smart

enough to take over the household duties. while I have over 900 hours of sick

leave and vacation time I just can't figure how I would survive for 3 months.

and does it hurt to eat after neck surgery? or am I going to spend 3 months on

protein drinks?

Re: Re: /neck problems

Hi ,

I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a

large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging disks

plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace was my

Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My Neurosurgeon

didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never had one on in the

hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I know what you mean.

Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and by the end of the day It

felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay back in the recliner to have

my head rest on something to relieve some pain and pressure. I used to get

headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only one headache in the last 2 1/2

months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited till I couldn't wait

anymore before I had the surgery....the pain was just getting worse and worse.

I hope things work out for you.

Kathy

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace

to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure

sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can

get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay.

If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've

been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm

really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too

bad.

[Guest guest]

I'm still recouping from the surgery. My Neurosurgeon said it takes from 6-9 months after the fusions to know the outcome. It's a slow process. I heard it takes a year to know if the fusions have taken. I had a lumbar laminectomy in 1991 to remove a herniated disk at the L4-5 level and was still left with a bulging disk and nerve damage. So I'm in pain from both ends of the spine. I'm hoping the cervical area heals to 80% as the Dr. said he hopes. Yes, you're not suppose to do anything after the fusions...I have the plate and screws in place but there is always a chance of the plate shifting and the screws coming out. I just listen to my body. And yes, IT DOES hurt to swallow, eat or drink after surgery. It took a good 2 months to be able to swallow my pills ONE AT A TIME without choking! It still feels "funny" and there are times the "tightness" in the neck comes back. I guess it's the plate pushing on the esphogus. I would eat small bites of food and small sips of drink. It always felt like someone had their hands around my neck. But everyone is different after surgery...don't go by what one person says. When are you going for your surgery? Good Luck, I'm sure everything will go fine. I had my family home for 2 weeks after the surgery and then they went back to work. I just did what I could and when they came home....they did what I couldn't.

Kathy

-- Re: Re: /neck problems

so how long did it take to recouperate from the surgery. My coworker said her dad was out for 3 months, unable to do anything. no lifting, cleaning, cooking, work, etc. that scares me. My cat is really smart but I don't think she is smart enough to take over the household duties. while I have over 900 hours of sick leave and vacation time I just can't figure how I would survive for 3 months.and does it hurt to eat after neck surgery? or am I going to spend 3 months on protein drinks? -----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 15:03:50 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsHi ,I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging disks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace was my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My Neurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never had one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I know what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and by the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay back in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some pain and pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only one headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited ti! ll I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery....the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for you.Kathy Re: /neck problems Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay. If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too bad.

[Guest guest]

I'm still recouping from the surgery. My Neurosurgeon said it takes from 6-9 months after the fusions to know the outcome. It's a slow process. I heard it takes a year to know if the fusions have taken. I had a lumbar laminectomy in 1991 to remove a herniated disk at the L4-5 level and was still left with a bulging disk and nerve damage. So I'm in pain from both ends of the spine. I'm hoping the cervical area heals to 80% as the Dr. said he hopes. Yes, you're not suppose to do anything after the fusions...I have the plate and screws in place but there is always a chance of the plate shifting and the screws coming out. I just listen to my body. And yes, IT DOES hurt to swallow, eat or drink after surgery. It took a good 2 months to be able to swallow my pills ONE AT A TIME without choking! It still feels "funny" and there are times the "tightness" in the neck comes back. I guess it's the plate pushing on the esphogus. I would eat small bites of food and small sips of drink. It always felt like someone had their hands around my neck. But everyone is different after surgery...don't go by what one person says. When are you going for your surgery? Good Luck, I'm sure everything will go fine. I had my family home for 2 weeks after the surgery and then they went back to work. I just did what I could and when they came home....they did what I couldn't.

Kathy

-- Re: Re: /neck problems

so how long did it take to recouperate from the surgery. My coworker said her dad was out for 3 months, unable to do anything. no lifting, cleaning, cooking, work, etc. that scares me. My cat is really smart but I don't think she is smart enough to take over the household duties. while I have over 900 hours of sick leave and vacation time I just can't figure how I would survive for 3 months.and does it hurt to eat after neck surgery? or am I going to spend 3 months on protein drinks? -----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 15:03:50 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsHi ,I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging disks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace was my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My Neurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never had one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I know what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and by the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay back in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some pain and pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only one headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited ti! ll I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery....the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for you.Kathy Re: /neck problems Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay. If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too bad.

[Guest guest]

they haven't even made the appointment for the nuerosurgeon yet. I'm putting the

surgery off as long as possible. at least until I figure out who is going to

take of the house and the cat.

Re: Re: /neck problems

Hi ,

I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a

large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging

disks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace

was my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My

Neurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never

had one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I

know what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and

by the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay

back in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some pain

and pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only

one headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good

luck. I waited ti! ll I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery...

the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for you

Kathy

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace

to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure

sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can

get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay.

If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've

been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm

really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too

bad.

[Guest guest]

What kind of damage do you have in your neck? Mine was diagnosed in January 2004 even though I have been complaining of neck and shoulder pain for years! But it took from Jan-March to get an appt. with a Neurosurgeon. The first Neurosurgeon said there was NOTHING wrong with my neck. I brought EMG's, MRI and x-rays! My Ortho said, "I want a second opinion." So I made an appt. with my current Neurosurgeon and saw him in April of 2004. He wanted a couple of months of PT to see if it would relieve the pain without surgery. He told me then...with the damage you have in your neck, you should be in excrusiating pain! Well, I went back to him in July and in August my surgery was scheduled for Sept. 21st. So it does take time to get a date set. He told my husband and family it would be a 3 hour surgery. Well, it turned out to be a 6 hour surgery. He said the MRI didn't even show half the mess in my neck, he said it was "nasty". He straightened my cervical spine what he could also. I had vertebraes riding over one another from the severe degeneration. And the funny part is....I didn't have an accident or injury myself...it was the degeneration over the years. The same with my lumbar spine. I hurt myself at work in 1990 and it took a year before they did the surgery. They found disk degeneration in the lumbar region too. I was a Certified Nursing Assistant for almost 20 years when I started to fall apart. My Ortho said he's suprised my back lasted so long with all the lifting and lugging of the patients.

I do hope you can avoid surgery at all costs. Just see what happens.

Good Luck,

Kathy

-- Re: Re: /neck problems

they haven't even made the appointment for the nuerosurgeon yet. I'm putting the surgery off as long as possible. at least until I figure out who is going to take of the house and the cat.-----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 17:56:44 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsI'm still recouping from the surgery. My Neurosurgeon said it takes from6-9 months after the fusions to know the outcome. It's a slow process. Iheard it takes a year to know if the fusions have taken. I had a lumbarlaminectomy in 1991 to remove a herniated disk at the L4-5 level and was still left with a bulging disk and nerve damage. So I'm in pain from bothends of the spine. I'm hoping the cervical area heals to 80% as the Dr.said he hopes. Yes, you're not suppose to do anything after the fusions..I have the plate and screws in place but there is always a chance of the plate shifting and the screws coming out. I just listen to my body. Andyes, IT DOES hurt to swallow, eat or drink after surgery. It took a good 2months to be able to swallow my pills ONE AT A TIME without choking! Itstill feels "funny" and there are times the "tightness" in the neck comesback. I guess it's the plate pushing on the esphogus. I would eat smallbites of food and small sips of drink. It always felt like someone hadtheir hands around my neck. But everyone is different after surgery...dont go by what one person says. When are you going for your surgery? GoodLuck, I'm sure everything will go fine. I had my family home for 2 weeksafter the surgery and then they went back to work. I just did what I couldand when they came home....they did what I couldn't.Kathy-------Original Message-------From: A. Date: 12/06/04 20:35:13neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsso how long did it take to recouperate from the surgery. My coworker saidher dad was out for 3 months, unable to do anything. no lifting, cleaning,cooking, work, etc. that scares me. My cat is really smart but I don't thinkshe is smart enough to take over the household duties. while I have over 900hours of sick leave and vacation time I just can't figure how I wouldsurvive for 3 months.and does it hurt to eat after neck surgery? or am I going to spend 3 monthson protein drinks? -----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 15:03:50 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsHi ,I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have alarge plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulgingdisks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck bracewas my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. MyNeurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I neverhad one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But Iknow what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad andby the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just layback in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some painand pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Onlyone headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited ti! ll I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery...the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for youKathy Re: /neck problems Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay. If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too bad.

[Guest guest]

I have lots of damage done to my neck and jaw. I listed most of them a few days

ago. I put all the papers away so I'm not going to list them again, right now.

the latest though was the herniated disc.

my problem is that I was in a car accident years ago, head on crash, but was not

treated. I was also hit in the jaw and not treated. I also worked as a CNA for

years till my doc told me to stop. I had a really good counseling job until the

director decided that recreation would cure everyone's drug problem and forced

us to go white water rafting, moutain biking, cross country skiing, etc.

needless to say I didn't last long on that job after he added that. so I can't

blame all of this stuff on getting older. i blame it on bad parenting and bad

medical care.

Re: Re: /neck problems

Hi ,

I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a

large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging

disks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace

was my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My

Neurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never

had one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I

know what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and

by the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay

back in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some pain

and pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only

one headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good

luck. I waited ti! ll I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery...

the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for you

Kathy

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace

to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure

sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can

get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay.

If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've

been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm

really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too

bad.

[Guest guest]

I have lots of damage done to my neck and jaw. I listed most of them a few days

ago. I put all the papers away so I'm not going to list them again, right now.

the latest though was the herniated disc.

my problem is that I was in a car accident years ago, head on crash, but was not

treated. I was also hit in the jaw and not treated. I also worked as a CNA for

years till my doc told me to stop. I had a really good counseling job until the

director decided that recreation would cure everyone's drug problem and forced

us to go white water rafting, moutain biking, cross country skiing, etc.

needless to say I didn't last long on that job after he added that. so I can't

blame all of this stuff on getting older. i blame it on bad parenting and bad

medical care.

Re: Re: /neck problems

Hi ,

I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have a

large plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulging

disks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck brace

was my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. My

Neurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I never

had one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But I

know what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad and

by the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just lay

back in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some pain

and pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Only

one headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good

luck. I waited ti! ll I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery...

the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for you

Kathy

Re: /neck problems

Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace

to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure

sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can

get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay.

If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've

been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm

really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too

bad.

[Guest guest]

WOW!

Yeah, all my Dr.'s told me they're surprised I lasted as long as I did being a CNA. It really does a number on a persons body, especially a woman. I had a co-worker that had a hysterectomy because her gyno Dr. told her all the years of lifting did something to her uterus . He said a woman is not meant to lift and lug other human beings like that on a daily basis. There aren't many co-workers that I worked with that are "normal"....most have back and neck problems and have had multiple surgeries. I'll never be "normal" even with the surgeries they've done.

I just hope things work out for you.

-- Re: Re: /neck problems

I have lots of damage done to my neck and jaw. I listed most of them a few days ago. I put all the papers away so I'm not going to list them again, right now. the latest though was the herniated disc.my problem is that I was in a car accident years ago, head on crash, but was not treated. I was also hit in the jaw and not treated. I also worked as a CNA for years till my doc told me to stop. I had a really good counseling job until the director decided that recreation would cure everyone's drug problem and forced us to go white water rafting, moutain biking, cross country skiing, etc. needless to say I didn't last long on that job after he added that. so I can't blame all of this stuff on getting older. i blame it on bad parenting and bad medical care.-----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 18:46:31 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsWhat kind of damage do you have in your neck? Mine was diagnosed inJanuary 2004 even though I have been complaining of neck and shoulder painfor years! But it took from Jan-March to get an appt. with a Neurosurgeon. The first Neurosurgeon said there was NOTHING wrong with my neck. Ibrought EMG's, MRI and x-rays! My Ortho said, "I want a second opinion." So I made an appt. with my current Neurosurgeon and saw him in April of 2004. He wanted a couple of months of PT to see if it would relieve thepain without surgery. He told me then...with the damage you have in yourneck, you should be in excrusiating pain! Well, I went back to him in Julyand in August my surgery was scheduled for Sept. 21st. So it does take time to get a date set. He told my husband and family it would be a 3 hoursurgery. Well, it turned out to be a 6 hour surgery. He said the MRI didn't even show half the mess in my neck, he said it was "nasty". Hestraightened my cervical spine what he could also. I had vertebraes ridingover one another from the severe degeneration. And the funny part is....Ididn't have an accident or injury myself...it was the degeneration over theyears. The same with my lumbar spine. I hurt myself at work in 1990 andit took a year before they did the surgery. They found disk degenerationin the lumbar region too. I was a Certified Nursing Assistant for almost20 years when I started to fall apart. My Ortho said he's suprised my backlasted so long with all the lifting and lugging of the patients. I do hope you can avoid surgery at all costs. Just see what happens.Good Luck,Kathy -------Original Message-------From: PepperspalDate: 12/06/04 21:25:47neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsthey haven't even made the appointment for the nuerosurgeon yet. I'm puttingthe surgery off as long as possible. at least until I figure out who isgoing to take of the house and the cat.-----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 17:56:44 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsI'm still recouping from the surgery. My Neurosurgeon said it takes from6-9 months after the fusions to know the outcome. It's a slow process. Iheard it takes a year to know if the fusions have taken. I had a lumbarlaminectomy in 1991 to remove a herniated disk at the L4-5 level and was still left with a bulging disk and nerve damage. So I'm in pain from bothends of the spine. I'm hoping the cervical area heals to 80% as the Dr.said he hopes. Yes, you're not suppose to do anything after the fusions..I have the plate and screws in place but there is always a chance of the plate shifting and the screws coming out. I just listen to my body. Andyes, IT DOES hurt to swallow, eat or drink after surgery. It took a good 2months to be able to swallow my pills ONE AT A TIME without choking! Itstill feels "funny" and there are times the "tightness" in the neck comesback. I guess it's the plate pushing on the esphogus. I would eat smallbites of food and small sips of drink. It always felt like someone hadtheir hands around my neck. But everyone is different after surgery...dont go by what one person says. When are you going for your surgery? GoodLuck, I'm sure everything will go fine. I had my family home for 2 weeksafter the surgery and then they went back to work. I just did what I couldand when they came home....they did what I couldn't.Kathy-------Original Message-------From: A. Date: 12/06/04 20:35:13neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsso how long did it take to recouperate from the surgery. My coworker saidher dad was out for 3 months, unable to do anything. no lifting, cleaning,cooking, work, etc. that scares me. My cat is really smart but I don't thinkshe is smart enough to take over the household duties. while I have over 900hours of sick leave and vacation time I just can't figure how I wouldsurvive for 3 months.and does it hurt to eat after neck surgery? or am I going to spend 3 monthson protein drinks? -----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 15:03:50 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsHi ,I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have alarge plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulgingdisks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck bracewas my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. MyNeurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I neverhad one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But Iknow what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad andby the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just layback in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some painand pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Onlyone headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited ti! ll I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery...the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for youKathy Re: /neck problems Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay. If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too bad.

[Guest guest]

WOW!

Yeah, all my Dr.'s told me they're surprised I lasted as long as I did being a CNA. It really does a number on a persons body, especially a woman. I had a co-worker that had a hysterectomy because her gyno Dr. told her all the years of lifting did something to her uterus . He said a woman is not meant to lift and lug other human beings like that on a daily basis. There aren't many co-workers that I worked with that are "normal"....most have back and neck problems and have had multiple surgeries. I'll never be "normal" even with the surgeries they've done.

I just hope things work out for you.

-- Re: Re: /neck problems

I have lots of damage done to my neck and jaw. I listed most of them a few days ago. I put all the papers away so I'm not going to list them again, right now. the latest though was the herniated disc.my problem is that I was in a car accident years ago, head on crash, but was not treated. I was also hit in the jaw and not treated. I also worked as a CNA for years till my doc told me to stop. I had a really good counseling job until the director decided that recreation would cure everyone's drug problem and forced us to go white water rafting, moutain biking, cross country skiing, etc. needless to say I didn't last long on that job after he added that. so I can't blame all of this stuff on getting older. i blame it on bad parenting and bad medical care.-----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 18:46:31 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsWhat kind of damage do you have in your neck? Mine was diagnosed inJanuary 2004 even though I have been complaining of neck and shoulder painfor years! But it took from Jan-March to get an appt. with a Neurosurgeon. The first Neurosurgeon said there was NOTHING wrong with my neck. Ibrought EMG's, MRI and x-rays! My Ortho said, "I want a second opinion." So I made an appt. with my current Neurosurgeon and saw him in April of 2004. He wanted a couple of months of PT to see if it would relieve thepain without surgery. He told me then...with the damage you have in yourneck, you should be in excrusiating pain! Well, I went back to him in Julyand in August my surgery was scheduled for Sept. 21st. So it does take time to get a date set. He told my husband and family it would be a 3 hoursurgery. Well, it turned out to be a 6 hour surgery. He said the MRI didn't even show half the mess in my neck, he said it was "nasty". Hestraightened my cervical spine what he could also. I had vertebraes ridingover one another from the severe degeneration. And the funny part is....Ididn't have an accident or injury myself...it was the degeneration over theyears. The same with my lumbar spine. I hurt myself at work in 1990 andit took a year before they did the surgery. They found disk degenerationin the lumbar region too. I was a Certified Nursing Assistant for almost20 years when I started to fall apart. My Ortho said he's suprised my backlasted so long with all the lifting and lugging of the patients. I do hope you can avoid surgery at all costs. Just see what happens.Good Luck,Kathy -------Original Message-------From: PepperspalDate: 12/06/04 21:25:47neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsthey haven't even made the appointment for the nuerosurgeon yet. I'm puttingthe surgery off as long as possible. at least until I figure out who isgoing to take of the house and the cat.-----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 17:56:44 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsI'm still recouping from the surgery. My Neurosurgeon said it takes from6-9 months after the fusions to know the outcome. It's a slow process. Iheard it takes a year to know if the fusions have taken. I had a lumbarlaminectomy in 1991 to remove a herniated disk at the L4-5 level and was still left with a bulging disk and nerve damage. So I'm in pain from bothends of the spine. I'm hoping the cervical area heals to 80% as the Dr.said he hopes. Yes, you're not suppose to do anything after the fusions..I have the plate and screws in place but there is always a chance of the plate shifting and the screws coming out. I just listen to my body. Andyes, IT DOES hurt to swallow, eat or drink after surgery. It took a good 2months to be able to swallow my pills ONE AT A TIME without choking! Itstill feels "funny" and there are times the "tightness" in the neck comesback. I guess it's the plate pushing on the esphogus. I would eat smallbites of food and small sips of drink. It always felt like someone hadtheir hands around my neck. But everyone is different after surgery...dont go by what one person says. When are you going for your surgery? GoodLuck, I'm sure everything will go fine. I had my family home for 2 weeksafter the surgery and then they went back to work. I just did what I couldand when they came home....they did what I couldn't.Kathy-------Original Message-------From: A. Date: 12/06/04 20:35:13neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsso how long did it take to recouperate from the surgery. My coworker saidher dad was out for 3 months, unable to do anything. no lifting, cleaning,cooking, work, etc. that scares me. My cat is really smart but I don't thinkshe is smart enough to take over the household duties. while I have over 900hours of sick leave and vacation time I just can't figure how I wouldsurvive for 3 months.and does it hurt to eat after neck surgery? or am I going to spend 3 monthson protein drinks? -----Original Message-----From: Kathleen A. HeterSent: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 15:03:50 -0800neck pain Subject: Re: Re: /neck problemsHi ,I had a 3 level anterior cervical disk fusion on September 21st. I have alarge plate and screws in my neck. I had 3 herinated disks and 3 bulgingdisks plus severe disk degeneration. The only Dr. who gave me a neck bracewas my Rheumatologist! He's the one that found my neck problems. MyNeurosurgeon didn't even require a neck brace AFTER the surgery! I neverhad one on in the hospital either, I guess he just doesn't use them. But Iknow what you mean. Before my surgery my neck used to hurt really bad andby the end of the day It felt like my head weighed 200 lbs.! I'd just layback in the recliner to have my head rest on something to relieve some painand pressure. I used to get headaches ALL THE TIME....now, nothing! Onlyone headache in the last 2 1/2 months. I'm thrilled about that. Good luck. I waited ti! ll I couldn't wait anymore before I had the surgery...the pain was just getting worse and worse. I hope things work out for youKathy Re: /neck problems Hi , That's a real bummer they wouldn't give you a neck brace to help when its bad, especially since you had asked for one. It sure sounds to me like it would give you some relief. Hopefully you can get your refferal to the neuro without having to pay another co-pay. If you get in and he suggests surgery, what are you going to do? I've been feeling pretty good so far with alternative treatments, I'm really nervous about surgery. Good luck and hope your pain isn't too bad.