when will the pain go away???

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone.

My name is Alan, I am 50 years old and live in Billericay, Essex, England. I

have just joined the Chiari group. I have a question that I hope someone

will be able to help me with.

I recently underwent decompression surgery having being diagnosed as

suffering from ACM. I had surgery on Monday 2nd December 2002 and for the

first week afterwards felt relatively well. I have now developed a swelling

on the side of my head of about 3 " diameter which feels very tender, almost

as if my skin has been burnt. My neck is also very stiff either side of the

incision and I find it almost impossible to find a position in which my head

and neck are comfortable.

I have been taking medication to ease the pain but the pain does not go away

completely. Although I expected some discomfort, I was not told by the

Neurosurgeon to expect either the swelling or a stiff neck. Can someone

please tell me if these are common problems following ACM surgery and if so

how long they last. Should I be concerned?

Regards

Alan