Guest guest Posted July 21, 2010 Report Share Posted July 21, 2010 Hi Kate, I only have a one level fusion in my neck and the disks above/below are giving me problems. I am not even going to think about an additional surgery unless I am losing completely use of my hands! I also have bulging/herniated disks from L1 through each disk all the way through S1. Again, I am not considering surgery because I have had two lumbar surgeries (laminectomy)to repair a tethered cord. Have you tried any type of water aerobics or any type of exercise to try to strengthen the muscle around the problem areas? Getting my muscles back as close to normal as possible has helped me tremendously. It really does make sense that if your muscles around the problem areas are stronger there would be less pain because the muscles are able to kinda hold the areas in place. Don't get me wrong, I am on medication daily. More so for the disease contracted by having the surgeries than the disk problem themselves, but I would likely be on medication daily even if I didn't have those complications. Good luck to you and hopefully someone will have some good advice for you. Barb > > Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2010 Report Share Posted July 21, 2010 Hi Barb, Thanks for replying. I have done water exercise off and on over the years - hadn't done any in a long time and went to a class Mon. I've been trying to decide if the increased pain from the class is from causing the discs to herniate more or from muscles. I do love water exercise. Because of having my pancreas removed in April I'm trying to come down off a high level of narcotics and so have to be careful about increasing pain. I so appreciate your reply. Best, Kate From: Barb Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 11:52 AM spinal problems Subject: Re: multiple fusions Hi Kate, I only have a one level fusion in my neck and the disks above/below are giving me problems. I am not even going to think about an additional surgery unless I am losing completely use of my hands! I also have bulging/herniated disks from L1 through each disk all the way through S1. Again, I am not considering surgery because I have had two lumbar surgeries (laminectomy)to repair a tethered cord. Have you tried any type of water aerobics or any type of exercise to try to strengthen the muscle around the problem areas? Getting my muscles back as close to normal as possible has helped me tremendously. It really does make sense that if your muscles around the problem areas are stronger there would be less pain because the muscles are able to kinda hold the areas in place. Don't get me wrong, I am on medication daily. More so for the disease contracted by having the surgeries than the disk problem themselves, but I would likely be on medication daily even if I didn't have those complications. Good luck to you and hopefully someone will have some good advice for you. Barb > > Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2010 Report Share Posted July 21, 2010 Hi Kate, Welcome to the group.There are a lot of good people here with a lot of experience and wisdom to share. I had a 3 level cervical fusion with placement of titanium cage and other hardware in May. This is the second cervical surgery I've had. I also have a herniated and extruded disc at T10. I won't know for some time how much the surgery will help. The herniated disc at t10. Gives me a lot of pain. I understand the surgery to repair a thoracic disc is very complicated. I personally am not planning any other surgeries. My fear is the daily pain being here always.I just want to work until I can retire.I'm not sure that's going to be possible.I do home health. Driving and sitting is painful,reading,writing,sitting at the computer,all things I'm unable to do for more than 20 minutes at a time without pain. If you are considering surgery find a good Doc. Ask questions,educate yourself as much as possible. Wishing you luck! Suzy Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T multiple fusions Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2010 Report Share Posted July 21, 2010 Hi Kate - I had a C3-C7 fusion that is more than two years and counting old and no return of symptoms - yet - some stiffness occasionally but no arm or function or pain related issues like I was having. I am scheduled to have L2-S1 fusion in September with the same doc - he is one of the best by my reckoning and by all accounts from nurses and as far as respect and online evaluation sites...he gave me a choice of surgeries that he recommended: laminectomy and foraminotomy or those plus fusion - but given my level of lower back pain and foot and leg function issues from what he has told me I need the fusion to get relief - before anyone asks I am also scheduled to see a second doc for an opinion before the surgery just to confirm (or deny - I doubt it read on) what he has proposed. The doctor I am seeing for a second opinion is a s Hopkins neurosurgeon (who is not as highly recommended as my first doc) and he has to screen your MRI report before he will agree to see you and he quickly said I was a candidate for surgery so I am not hopeful for a reprieve from surgery. That being said I have DDD and I prayerful hope that the disks above and below hold out for me!! For all those suffering prayers for healing and relief! and for all those who contribute here- thanks!! Mark ________________________________ From: " sulaws9@... " <sulaws9@...> spinal problems Sent: Wed, July 21, 2010 1:29:15 PM Subject: Re: multiple fusions Hi Kate, Welcome to the group.There are a lot of good people here with a lot of experience and wisdom to share. I had a 3 level cervical fusion with placement of titanium cage and other hardware in May. This is the second cervical surgery I've had. I also have a herniated and extruded disc at T10. I won't know for some time how much the surgery will help. The herniated disc at t10. Gives me a lot of pain. I understand the surgery to repair a thoracic disc is very complicated. I personally am not planning any other surgeries. My fear is the daily pain being here always.I just want to work until I can retire.I'm not sure that's going to be possible.I do home health. Driving and sitting is painful,reading,writing,sitting at the computer,all things I'm unable to do for more than 20 minutes at a time without pain. If you are considering surgery find a good Doc. Ask questions,educate yourself as much as possible. Wishing you luck! Suzy Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T multiple fusions Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2010 Report Share Posted July 21, 2010 Mark, Thanks so much for replying. Who is the surgeon you have had such good luck with? My neurosurgeon of 25+ yrs was at Hopkins, Donlin Long, but just aged out of being able to operate any longer. I need to see a good surgeon who is not afraid of all the surgery I've had but can keep me mobile. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery!!!!! Best, Kate From: Mark R Hardin Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 2:13 PM spinal problems Subject: Re: multiple fusions Hi Kate - I had a C3-C7 fusion that is more than two years and counting old and no return of symptoms - yet - some stiffness occasionally but no arm or function or pain related issues like I was having. I am scheduled to have L2-S1 fusion in September with the same doc - he is one of the best by my reckoning and by all accounts from nurses and as far as respect and online evaluation sites...he gave me a choice of surgeries that he recommended: laminectomy and foraminotomy or those plus fusion - but given my level of lower back pain and foot and leg function issues from what he has told me I need the fusion to get relief - before anyone asks I am also scheduled to see a second doc for an opinion before the surgery just to confirm (or deny - I doubt it read on) what he has proposed. The doctor I am seeing for a second opinion is a s Hopkins neurosurgeon (who is not as highly recommended as my first doc) and he has to screen your MRI report before he will agree to see you and he quickly said I was a candidate for surgery so I am not hopeful for a reprieve from surgery. That being said I have DDD and I prayerful hope that the disks above and below hold out for me!! For all those suffering prayers for healing and relief! and for all those who contribute here- thanks!! Mark ________________________________ From: " sulaws9@... " <sulaws9@...> spinal problems Sent: Wed, July 21, 2010 1:29:15 PM Subject: Re: multiple fusions Hi Kate, Welcome to the group.There are a lot of good people here with a lot of experience and wisdom to share. I had a 3 level cervical fusion with placement of titanium cage and other hardware in May. This is the second cervical surgery I've had. I also have a herniated and extruded disc at T10. I won't know for some time how much the surgery will help. The herniated disc at t10. Gives me a lot of pain. I understand the surgery to repair a thoracic disc is very complicated. I personally am not planning any other surgeries. My fear is the daily pain being here always.I just want to work until I can retire.I'm not sure that's going to be possible.I do home health. Driving and sitting is painful,reading,writing,sitting at the computer,all things I'm unable to do for more than 20 minutes at a time without pain. If you are considering surgery find a good Doc. Ask questions,educate yourself as much as possible. Wishing you luck! Suzy Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T multiple fusions Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2010 Report Share Posted July 21, 2010 Hi Suzy, Fear of the daily pain is something I know well. I recently had a pancreatectomy with a 2 month hospital stay, so was put on a high dose of dilaudid. It has been so difficult to come down from it, though I'm long over the pancreas pain, because it helps my spine pain. I am considering a pain pump but haven't yet found a doc in my area who will place one. I was originally injured lifting a patient and have been unable to work for a long time. I hope you can continue working but understand all too well the challenges you face. I wish you the best of luck! Kate From: sulaws9@... Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 1:29 PM spinal problems Subject: Re: multiple fusions Hi Kate, Welcome to the group.There are a lot of good people here with a lot of experience and wisdom to share. I had a 3 level cervical fusion with placement of titanium cage and other hardware in May. This is the second cervical surgery I've had. I also have a herniated and extruded disc at T10. I won't know for some time how much the surgery will help. The herniated disc at t10. Gives me a lot of pain. I understand the surgery to repair a thoracic disc is very complicated. I personally am not planning any other surgeries. My fear is the daily pain being here always.I just want to work until I can retire.I'm not sure that's going to be possible.I do home health. Driving and sitting is painful,reading,writing,sitting at the computer,all things I'm unable to do for more than 20 minutes at a time without pain. If you are considering surgery find a good Doc. Ask questions,educate yourself as much as possible. Wishing you luck! Suzy Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T multiple fusions Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 Kate,you have been through so much,God Bless you.I'm sure my 30 year Nursing career contributd greatly to my DDD or at least excaserbated the symptoms. I wouldn't change my career choice though.I didn't agree to pain meds until a few months before my last surgery. I still grit my teeth through a lot of it.Hard to get past the whole Nurse thing,when I'm sick,I think I have to be tough,gotta be a good patient.Silly.My first cervical fusion,failed.The pain never got better,it just got worse.I found a new Neurosurgeon.When he did new CT,MRI and Mylegram,then put the films on the wall and told me what was going on,I prayed about it.I decided to go for it.I had been dealing with the pain for years and it was getting worse.I know the surgery was no guarantee but it was at least giving myself some chance if I did nothing,there's no doubt it would get worse.But this will be the last.My surgeon is great,he's done the best job anyone could,the rest is my body,doing whatever its going to do.The neck symptoms are better,the mid back where the t10 herniation is,that one gets me.Its the troublemaker.I won't do anymore injections.I'm not too worried about the pain med stigma anymore though.I do walk about 2 miles a day.I keep myself lean and something about the walking helps.I pray for your recovery from the pancreas surgery and that you will find a qualified surgeon for your back.Please keep us posted.Suzy Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T multiple fusions Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 Thanks for the encouraging words Suzy! From: sulaws9@... Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:14 AM spinal problems Subject: Re: multiple fusions Kate,you have been through so much,God Bless you.I'm sure my 30 year Nursing career contributd greatly to my DDD or at least excaserbated the symptoms. I wouldn't change my career choice though.I didn't agree to pain meds until a few months before my last surgery. I still grit my teeth through a lot of it.Hard to get past the whole Nurse thing,when I'm sick,I think I have to be tough,gotta be a good patient.Silly.My first cervical fusion,failed.The pain never got better,it just got worse.I found a new Neurosurgeon.When he did new CT,MRI and Mylegram,then put the films on the wall and told me what was going on,I prayed about it.I decided to go for it.I had been dealing with the pain for years and it was getting worse.I know the surgery was no guarantee but it was at least giving myself some chance if I did nothing,there's no doubt it would get worse.But this will be the last.My surgeon is great,he's done the best job anyone could,the rest is my body,doing whatever its going to do.The neck symptoms are better,the mid back where the t10 herniation is,that one gets me.Its the troublemaker.I won't do anymore injections.I'm not too worried about the pain med stigma anymore though.I do walk about 2 miles a day.I keep myself lean and something about the walking helps.I pray for your recovery from the pancreas surgery and that you will find a qualified surgeon for your back.Please keep us posted.Suzy Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T multiple fusions Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 I am always sore after doing a lot of water exercise but I can definitely tell it is just muscle soreness (good pain) instead of the pain from the disks or nerves. > > > > Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 I had both the muscle soreness and core pain with burning down my legs. I think my disc is just so far gone that anything aggravates it. It's a bummer! From: Barb Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 1:23 PM spinal problems Subject: Re: multiple fusions I am always sore after doing a lot of water exercise but I can definitely tell it is just muscle soreness (good pain) instead of the pain from the disks or nerves. > > > > Hi, I'm new to the group and wonder if there is anyone else out there in a similar situation to mine and if so, how they are coping. I've been fused from C1-C7 and L2-S1 so basically all but my thoracic spine is fused. The discs are bad above my lumbar and below my cervical fusions. I feel like my whole spine is collapsing and have been told that fusing the entire spine is out of the question so I have to live with the pain of the herniated discs. Is anyone else dealing with this or something similar. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much. Kate > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 The same here.... Except I can sit fine as long as I am not forced to stay in the same position for a long time. But anything that has me holding my neck in a certain position for more than 10 minutes at a time causes excruciating pain. I can't be on the computer for more than 10 minutes without major pain and that is my main fear. I am unemployed at the moment and am looking for work. My previous jobs were all in the customer service and administrative field with constant computer and phone usage and I just don't know that I can handle an 8 hour day of heavy phone and computer usage anymore. In fact, I know I can't. Every time I do dishes (and it only takes about 20 minutes), I am forced to take half a vicodin to get through the rest of the day. I see a neurosurgeon next Thursday. We'll see what he says. and the gang -- jacdobe@... Birds: Sadie (GW) Cookie (MMxBuffons) Jaderbug and Nissa (LJs) Sylvie (RB2) ie (CAG) Cats: Sully(DSH) Shadow(DMH) Sanouk & la(Siamese) Dogs: Skye (Dobe/Husky) Reece (Dobe) Bridge kids: Flirt, Tia, Munchkin, Jasmine, Chuckles, Angel, Indi, Kayla, Sabien and our heart, Bubba. Pics of the gang: http://community.webshots.com/user/jacdobe Allparrots: http://pets./group/allparrots The Coalition of PA Aviculturists: TCOPA Driving and sitting is painful,reading,writing,sitting at the computer,all things I'm unable to do for more than 20 minutes at a time without pain. If you are considering surgery find a good Doc. Ask questions,educate yourself as much as possible. Wishing you luck! Suzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 Dilaudid is highly addictive, so I suspect the pain relief is not the only reason its hard to come down from it. I've heard it said that the high from Dilaudid is similar to the high an addict would get from Heroin. When I had ovarian surgery two years ago they gave me IV Dilaudid so I do know how effective it is....and I also know the high. I was happy they prescribed Tramadol and Vicodin to go home instead of oral Dilaudid. and the gang -- jacdobe@... Birds: Sadie (GW) Cookie (MMxBuffons) Jaderbug and Nissa (LJs) Sylvie (RB2) ie (CAG) Cats: Sully(DSH) Shadow(DMH) Sanouk & la(Siamese) Dogs: Skye (Dobe/Husky) Reece (Dobe) Bridge kids: Flirt, Tia, Munchkin, Jasmine, Chuckles, Angel, Indi, Kayla, Sabien and our heart, Bubba. Pics of the gang: http://community.webshots.com/user/jacdobe Allparrots: http://pets./group/allparrots The Coalition of PA Aviculturists: TCOPA so was put on a high dose of dilaudid. It has been so difficult to come down from it, though I'm long over the pancreas pain, because it helps my spine pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2010 Report Share Posted July 22, 2010 I feel for you. I could never sit at a computer 8 hours a day. I do ok with walking.As long as I'm moving I'm ok but sitting,standing,driving all cause pain. Along with bending,stooping and of course lifting. I don't want long term disability,I want to work,I don't want the hassle of fighting the insurance company and Cobra is so outrageous,I want the benefits being employed full time offer, but it seems everything makes the pain worse. I feel worthless sometime,like I'm no good to anyone for anything like this. I'm having a crappy day. I,ll be ok tommorow. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: multiple fusions The same here.... Except I can sit fine as long as I am not forced to stay in the same position for a long time. But anything that has me holding my neck in a certain position for more than 10 minutes at a time causes excruciating pain. I can't be on the computer for more than 10 minutes without major pain and that is my main fear. I am unemployed at the moment and am looking for work. My previous jobs were all in the customer service and administrative field with constant computer and phone usage and I just don't know that I can handle an 8 hour day of heavy phone and computer usage anymore. In fact, I know I can't. Every time I do dishes (and it only takes about 20 minutes), I am forced to take half a vicodin to get through the rest of the day. I see a neurosurgeon next Thursday. We'll see what he says. and the gang -- jacdobe@... Birds: Sadie (GW) Cookie (MMxBuffons) Jaderbug and Nissa (LJs) Sylvie (RB2) ie (CAG) Cats: Sully(DSH) Shadow(DMH) Sanouk & la(Siamese) Dogs: Skye (Dobe/Husky) Reece (Dobe) Bridge kids: Flirt, Tia, Munchkin, Jasmine, Chuckles, Angel, Indi, Kayla, Sabien and our heart, Bubba. Pics of the gang: http://community.webshots.com/user/jacdobe Allparrots: http://pets./group/allparrots The Coalition of PA Aviculturists: TCOPA Driving and sitting is painful,reading,writing,sitting at the computer,all things I'm unable to do for more than 20 minutes at a time without pain. If you are considering surgery find a good Doc. Ask questions,educate yourself as much as possible. Wishing you luck! Suzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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