Neck question--Long read

[Guest guest]

I am looking for information on the cervical spine. I thought I remembered a

real good note coming out a while back, but I misplaced it. I have also checked

out the web-site Spine Times and have signed up for the email list. Sorry I

haven't posted lately, but I've tried to keep up on reading as much as I can.

Here's what's going on with me, lately, and my question...(Same story--second

verse....and third verse....and fourth....LOL!) Short version: Neck pain off

and on for years. Last Wednesday (9 days ago) excruciating pain in neck and

down left shoulder and arm when I raised my arms to shower. Since then, severe

pain in neck, shoulder, and arm. Tingling in left hand fingers. Tried Soma

before results of MRI came back. Soma no help. Tried PT, TENS helped a little.

Woe is me, but this is pretty much the worst pain I've ever been in. This

includes kidney stones and ALL my replacement surgeries.

MRI Report: 1) There is a prominent lateral focal disc protrusion to the left

at C5-C6 (explained by anesthesiologist as herniated disc.) This does not

produce spinal stenosis of the thecal sac but does encroach upon the exiting

left nerve root at this level. 2) There is mild degenerative disc changes at

C6-C7, described as a central disc bulge. However, no nerve root encroachment

or spinal stenosis is identified.

I had an epidural steroid injection today. I was told the prognosis is 1) if

the injection works...great! I just bought a lot of time. 2) injection

partially works, in which case could get another one in 2 weeks to hopefully see

more results, 3) injection does not work at all so next step is a surgeon. I

didn't ask many questions about surgery because I was too over-whelmed and am

reallly hoping the injections work.

So finally, my question is for anyone who has had any experience with this and

the different success rates for the 2 treatement options. To me, " just wait it

out " is not an option for any extended period of time, as the pain is so great

that I am literally only getting 1-2 hours sleep per day...the kind of sleepless

nights where you literally have to get out of bed and try a new position, a

chair, ice, heat, or something to try and make the pain a little better. I'm

sorry for sounding so cry-baby, here, but I am about to the end of my rope with

pain, and this is one group that I know can always understand and make me feel

so much better just with your words.

BTW, the anesthesiologist who did the epidural is also a pain management doctor,

and he suggested that morphine or ?methadone? might be an option for trying to

manage the pain if I can get it to a level that CAN be controlled without

surgery. Anybody got experience with these (outside of post-op?)

Thanks so much for making it this far with this long read. You guys have no

idea how much comfort I have while even writing this note, just knowing the

caring and compassionate responses I will get from people who have been there.

My family is the best, but when it comes to " our kind " of pain, they have no

idea. Thanks again for listening.

Kim