Re: New to group/finally introducing my family

[Guest guest]

Welcome ! You will find a very diverse group here and lots of answers but

most of all, great empathy. Most of us are patients. I have been fused thru all

my cervical (neck) vertabrae as well as fusing my head to my neck. I am also

fused lumbar (lower back) for several levels. I have just learned to adapt to

the losses in mobility. I drive and work, some, and take care of my family and

home, most of the time.

I often tell my husband that it is harder on him to watch me suffer in pain,

than it is for me to hurt. He would give his life to fix me and sometimes it

comes out as anger, sometimes he just needs a little distance to not think about

it for a while.

Please let us know if you have specific questions, there will surely be

someone here who will have answers.

God bless,

Lexie

[Guest guest]

,

I'm no expert on anything other than I suffer with a lot of pain. The main thing

I wanted to say to you by reading your introduction is please, please, by all

means do not let these problem destroy your marriage.. When I first tripped into

this, I had completely blown out a disc in my neck, and had to have emergency

surgery to relieve nerve damage to my left arm. It was sudden and horrifying to

say the least, and it destroyed my marriage, as my ex could not accept the

dramatic change in my life. It left me weak and I had to try and change my way

of life in my early 40's, needless to say it was devastating. The one thing that

could have made it easy was to have her stand by me. I now have had 2 cervical

surgery's which has left my range and motion limited, but I have learned to

adapt. I is very scary and I won't try to sugar coat anything, but just wanted

to offer some of my experience. You can make it through this if you want, the

human spirit has

a way of adapting. You will find anyone IMHO here that will say support is a

key to getting through. I hope I didn't say anything to frighten you too much.

Please forgive me if I did.

I really hope any pray for you and your family in this trying time, I am not the

welcome mat for this group, but welcome anyway, and offer you any of my

experience I have with the surgeries you might want to know. Keep the faith, and

you will find your way.

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

________________________________

From: Opper <deniseopper@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:39:58 AM

Subject: New to group/finally introducing my family

Hello everyone,

I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves, herniated

discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the past

10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

marriage.

We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

gabapentin, trazodone).

He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the oxy's

not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he wasn't

able to prescribe anything stronger.

His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready to

schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

remove/fuse 3 discs.

The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

than before.

His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

(for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I know

it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

man " than him. And that hurts.

I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply sorry

for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you for your reply and advice. I sincerely appreciate it.

I am pleased to say that I have no intention of walking away, or

allowing this situation to destroy my marriage. It's been difficult in

many ways but I know that if it were me, my husband wouldn't leave. We

actually renewed our vows this past July (10 years), and I took that

very seriously.

Sometimes, when I watch Dean writhe in agony, I wonder if the fusion

would be better? I've heard that the recovery is excruciating and

lengthy, so I don't know if that's something to even consider.

Did you all find yourselves in a better place--pain wise--following

fusion surgery or no?

I just don't know what else to do or suggest for him. I do all I can by

rubbing him down each night (which kills my wrists!--smile), and doing

as much as I can by way of running errands, handling the children, etc

so he doesn't have to.

Do you--or anyone else--here have any suggestions to help ease his pain

more? Would the Pain Clinic suggestion by his doc be a good route to

pursue?

Thanks again for the welcome, and I'm glad I found this group.

http://www.opper.com <http://www.opper.com>

>

> ,

> I'm no expert on anything other than I suffer with a lot of pain. The

main thing I wanted to say to you by reading your introduction is

please, please, by all means do not let these problem destroy your

marriage.. When I first tripped into this, I had completely blown out a

disc in my neck, and had to have emergency surgery to relieve nerve

damage to my left arm. It was sudden and horrifying to say the least,

and it destroyed my marriage, as my ex could not accept the dramatic

change in my life. It left me weak and I had to try and change my way of

life in my early 40's, needless to say it was devastating. The one thing

that could have made it easy was to have her stand by me. I now have had

2 cervical surgery's which has left my range and motion limited, but I

have learned to adapt. I is very scary and I won't try to sugar coat

anything, but just wanted to offer some of my experience. You can make

it through this if you want, the human spirit has

> a way of adapting. You will find anyone IMHO here that will say

support is a key to getting through. I hope I didn't say anything to

frighten you too much. Please forgive me if I did.

> I really hope any pray for you and your family in this trying time, I

am not the welcome mat for this group, but welcome anyway, and offer you

any of my experience I have with the surgeries you might want to know.

Keep the faith, and you will find your way.

>

> george

>

> The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of

sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his.

Thurber

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: Opper deniseopper@...

> spinal problems

> Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:39:58 AM

> Subject: New to group/finally introducing

my family

>

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

> understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

>

> I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

> herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves,

herniated

> discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

> all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the

past

> 10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

> marriage.

>

> We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

> cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

> decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

> gabapentin, trazodone).

>

> He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the

oxy's

> not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

> said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he

wasn't

> able to prescribe anything stronger.

>

> His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready

to

> schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

> remove/fuse 3 discs.

>

> The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

> stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

> anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

> than before.

>

> His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

> (for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

> supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

> is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

> could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

>

> He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

> home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

> amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I

know

> it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

> due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

> man " than him. And that hurts.

>

> I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

> to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply

sorry

> for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

> the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Lexie.

I like your name, by the way. )

How was it to recover from fusion surgery, may I ask? Also, how limited

are you in your range of motion/mobility as a result?

Dean says he " really likes being able to look over his shoulder " and

isn't too keen on giving that up just yet.

I'm very sorry to hear that you've had to go through so much...! And

like your husband, I'd give anything to heal mine of all his pain.

Absolutely anything.

Thanks again for the welcome. Have a good day.

http://www.opper.com <http://www.opper.com>

>

> Welcome ! You will find a very diverse group here and lots of

answers but most of all, great empathy. Most of us are patients. I have

been fused thru all my cervical (neck) vertabrae as well as fusing my

head to my neck. I am also fused lumbar (lower back) for several levels.

I have just learned to adapt to the losses in mobility. I drive and

work, some, and take care of my family and home, most of the time.

> I often tell my husband that it is harder on him to watch me suffer in

pain, than it is for me to hurt. He would give his life to fix me and

sometimes it comes out as anger, sometimes he just needs a little

distance to not think about it for a while.

> Please let us know if you have specific questions, there will surely

be someone here who will have answers.

>

> God bless,

> Lexie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi denice

I hate to be redundant in case you've seem my story but I had sciatica so bad

that I couldn't walk or stand morevthan a few minutes. Turns out the disk

between L5 & L 4 was gone! Bone against bone; this all caused by tears of

scoliosis above that area. I had a TLIF fusion by a neorosurgeon ok Oct. 22. The

sciatica issue seems to be totally cured. However the recovery was a lot worse

than promised. I had collapsing spasms 2 weeks post surgery. My best adbocevig

he goes thru with it is to get upper body strength. Thank god I had it by

thectumeci had the surgery as itvtakes unbelievable strength to get in and out

of bed as you have to push with your arms with all the pain. Also make sure he

always uses the walker for a long time after surgery. The collapse I had 2 weeks

after surgery when I didn't

Think I needed it anymore. If my boyfriend didn't catch me I would have Bern

seriodly injured. Now my PT and doctor think it was the scoliosis that

complicated my recovery. I now feel I'm out if the woods with the spasms but

still use a 4 prong cane just in case. He's lucky he has you. I depend in my two

teens for help and it's like constantly begging them. My x husband is even

helping pick up things for me and watching my two dogs.

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 18, 2008, at 1:02 PM, " Opper " <deniseopper@...> wrote:

,

Thank you for your reply and advice. I sincerely appreciate it.

I am pleased to say that I have no intention of walking away, or

allowing this situation to destroy my marriage. It's been difficult in

many ways but I know that if it were me, my husband wouldn't leave. We

actually renewed our vows this past July (10 years), and I took that

very seriously.

Sometimes, when I watch Dean writhe in agony, I wonder if the fusion

would be better? I've heard that the recovery is excruciating and

lengthy, so I don't know if that's something to even consider.

Did you all find yourselves in a better place--pain wise--following

fusion surgery or no?

I just don't know what else to do or suggest for him. I do all I can by

rubbing him down each night (which kills my wrists!--smile), and doing

as much as I can by way of running errands, handling the children, etc

so he doesn't have to.

Do you--or anyone else--here have any suggestions to help ease his pain

more? Would the Pain Clinic suggestion by his doc be a good route to

pursue?

Thanks again for the welcome, and I'm glad I found this group.

http://www.opper.com <http://www.opper.com>

>

> ,

> I'm no expert on anything other than I suffer with a lot of pain. The

main thing I wanted to say to you by reading your introduction is

please, please, by all means do not let these problem destroy your

marriage.. When I first tripped into this, I had completely blown out a

disc in my neck, and had to have emergency surgery to relieve nerve

damage to my left arm. It was sudden and horrifying to say the least,

and it destroyed my marriage, as my ex could not accept the dramatic

change in my life. It left me weak and I had to try and change my way of

life in my early 40's, needless to say it was devastating. The one thing

that could have made it easy was to have her stand by me. I now have had

2 cervical surgery's which has left my range and motion limited, but I

have learned to adapt. I is very scary and I won't try to sugar coat

anything, but just wanted to offer some of my experience. You can make

it through this if you want, the human spirit has

> a way of adapting. You will find anyone IMHO here that will say

support is a key to getting through. I hope I didn't say anything to

frighten you too much. Please forgive me if I did.

> I really hope any pray for you and your family in this trying time, I

am not the welcome mat for this group, but welcome anyway, and offer you

any of my experience I have with the surgeries you might want to know.

Keep the faith, and you will find your way.

>

> george

>

> The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of

sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his.

Thurber

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: Opper deniseopper@...

> spinal problems

> Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:39:58 AM

> Subject: New to group/finally introducing

my family

>

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

> understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

>

> I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

> herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves,

herniated

> discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

> all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the

past

> 10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

> marriage.

>

> We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

> cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

> decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

> gabapentin, trazodone).

>

> He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the

oxy's

> not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

> said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he

wasn't

> able to prescribe anything stronger.

>

> His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready

to

> schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

> remove/fuse 3 discs.

>

> The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

> stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

> anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

> than before.

>

> His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

> (for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

> supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

> is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

> could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

>

> He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

> home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

> amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I

know

> it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

> due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

> man " than him. And that hurts.

>

> I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

> to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply

sorry

> for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

> the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

I had fusion surgery (Posterior approach - most have anterior, especially if

they are replacing discs..I had a laminectomy and wires and hooks put in my neck

and had bone form my pelvis attached over the back of my neck to fuse the

vertebrate) in late May of this year.   Anterior cervivcal fusion surgery, I am

told, is often less painful following the surgery, than what I had done, and

would be what a surgeon would do to also replace discs.  I had my six month

follow-up appoinment two weeks ago and the surgeon said the vertebrate (C4-7;

numbers four through seven in my neck) are now fused and he released me to do

whatever I want. 

 

I now have almost no pain in my neck or arm, no shooting pain or tingling, and

my mobility in my neck is actually greater than before the surgery - the doc

says this is  because of the pain I was dealing with before teh surgery when I

moved my neck, and my body was already trying to compensate for the damaged

discs and vertebrate in my neck by starting to fuse themselves naturally which

led to bone spurs being against the nerves exiting my back. 

 

Before the surgery I had loss of strength, numbness in my arm, neck and

shoulder, and shooting pain and tingling down my arm.  Now I have just a little

numbness left in my fingertips of both hands. Immediately after the surgery the

 pain was considerable to the point I was saying (yelling, actually,  at times,

so much the recovery nurses were laughing and telling my wife about it before

she even got in to the recovery room- I do not remember! LOL) " I do not want

this surgery " (DUH too late idiot), but with pain meds and about 6 weeks I was

already to the point of knowing that it was worth it and I would do it again if

the circumstances were what they were. 

 

I do still have some issues with the area immediately below the fusion and I

have lumbar (the lower vertebrate in your back) vertebrate that I am now taking

pain meds for and doing Physical Therapy to try to relive pain from, as I have

degenerative disc disease (basically arthritis of the spine)- and if it gets to

the point my surgeon says the best recourse is surgery on my lumbar spine I will

do it. 

 

I know every outcome is different, and I am as guilty as anyone of not posting

here when things are going well, only when seeking help, but I think this group

is WONDERFUL for its help the members provide.  I know it can be a bit scary

having someone operate on your spine, I do not know first hand what it is like

to be the spouse of someone going through it. But I have a strong wife, as you

seem to be, and she says I have to wait at least a year to have any other

surgery ( I also had total hip replacement in January - another story...), and

she tells me that her fear was I would permanently lose strength or sensation in

my arm so I did the right thing having the surgery.   I can tell you, right now,

am more than happy having had the surgery and it has made my life better in many

of the ways that you want to improve yours and your husbands.  My kids and wife

say I am happier,that I blow up and  yell less, and I am certainly better able

to do

things with the kids than before the surgery. 

 

neitehr I nora nyone can garauntee any outcome positive or not from surgery for

anyone, but it was one of the best things I had to do, in terms of

its improvement to my quality of life.  Who would've thought that?  Not me.

 

I hope this helps and does not deter you from asking whatever you need to here.

 

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it, and Happy Holidays to all.

 

mark

From: Opper <deniseopper@...>

Subject: New to group/finally introducing my family

spinal problems

Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:39 AM

Hello everyone,

I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves, herniated

discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the past

10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

marriage.

We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

gabapentin, trazodone).

He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the oxy's

not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he wasn't

able to prescribe anything stronger.

His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready to

schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

remove/fuse 3 discs.

The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

than before.

His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

(for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I know

it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

man " than him. And that hurts.

I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply sorry

for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

, thanks for the compliment to my family name. It has been around for many

generations and I love it.

Your mobiliy questions are hard for me to answer because I have a disease that

makes all my joints floppy. With 10 levels fused, I can still bend at the waist

and touch the floor. I have so much movement that everytime I see a new doctor

they want xrays to make sure I have broken a bolt! I don't have much side to

side motion for my head at all but turning at the waist was a long established

habit before I ever considered surgery.

For me, the time came to actually do something about it when I was having kooky

neurological issues related to the instability. I lived with the pain and still

do but the numb extremities, face and neck was fixed as well as the vital signs

(heart rate, blood pressure and temp) have returned to normal (for me anyway).

It really is a tough decision for anybody to make.

Has your husband got doctors that do lots of these and that he trusts? Also, if

you don't mind sharing, what parts and how many are they wanting to fuse? To do

the very common Cervical (neck) levels 4,5 and 6 was a peice of cake for me. Now

the fusion from C5 to the top of my head, now that one was a whopper. The

anterior c4, 5 and 6 left me with no noticable loss of mobility. Like I said

though, I have too much to start with. There are others here that do not have

EDS that will give their experiences and they will be much more realistic.

Good luck and God bless,

Lexie

[Guest guest]

L- Lumber and C- Cervical

 

I also had spinal decompression treatments. I spent near five thousand dollars,

not including the gas it cost me to go drive 30 miles one way. It did not help

at all. I am in more pain than before. My husband is not supportive of me when I

am in pain. He has no idea what is like to be in pain every minute of everyday.

If I ask him to get me a ice pack he complains that I an pressuring him. I have

to get my own food when I am in pain and actually I have lost a bit of weight

because sometimes the pain is so bad that I can't eat. I have not eaten all day

because I could not get out of bed without crying.

 

I am glad that you are supportive if your husband. The best thing I can tell you

from my point of view is just be their emotionally. He might snap at you and the

kids, but know it is not him. It is the pain and he just does not know how to

handle it.

 

I wish you a happy holiday.

 

Dawn

From: Opper <deniseopper@...>

Subject: New to group/finally introducing my family

spinal problems

Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:39 AM

Hello everyone,

I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves, herniated

discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the past

10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

marriage.

We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

gabapentin, trazodone).

He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the oxy's

not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he wasn't

able to prescribe anything stronger.

His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready to

schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

remove/fuse 3 discs.

The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

than before.

His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

(for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I know

it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

man " than him. And that hurts.

I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply sorry

for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

_deniseopper@..._ (mailto:deniseopper@...) writes: << The idea

of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror stories about

it. From not being able to turn your head all the way anymore, to having it

just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain than before.>>

Yes, there are tons of horror stories, but every now and then there is a

good one. I actually gained range of motion with my C5/C6 ACDF...not a common

occurrence, but after everything I've been through with this stupid car

accident, I feel like I deserved at least ONE good thing happen.

Sorry to hear hubby hurts so much...and wish more spouses were like you - to

make an EFFORT to learn about, and try to understand, what we chronic pain

sufferers go through. Kudos to you!

Best regards,

Patty A

--------------------------

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

**************One site keeps you connected to all your email: AOL Mail,

Gmail, and Mail. Try it now.

(http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp & icid=aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolcom00000025)

[Guest guest]

Yes I've lost weight too. Sometimes I'm too depressed to eat. Omectrck is to

keep easy snacks like nuts dried fruit and jerky in yoir room. If you can make a

thermal lunch bag with ice packs you can keep other food with you if it's too

hard to do the steps a lot. We all have lessons to learn in our lives. Your

husband will someday know that karma is a bitch.

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 18, 2008, at 4:25 PM, Dawn Blackwood <lvjamaica2004@...> wrote:

L- Lumber and C- Cervical

I also had spinal decompression treatments. I spent near five thousand dollars,

not including the gas it cost me to go drive 30 miles one way. It did not help

at all. I am in more pain than before. My husband is not supportive of me when I

am in pain. He has no idea what is like to be in pain every minute of everyday.

If I ask him to get me a ice pack he complains that I an pressuring him. I have

to get my own food when I am in pain and actually I have lost a bit of weight

because sometimes the pain is so bad that I can't eat. I have not eaten all day

because I could not get out of bed without crying.

I am glad that you are supportive if your husband. The best thing I can tell you

from my point of view is just be their emotionally. He might snap at you and the

kids, but know it is not him. It is the pain and he just does not know how to

handle it.

I wish you a happy holiday.

Dawn

From: Opper <deniseopper@...>

Subject: New to group/finally introducing my family

spinal problems

Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:39 AM

Hello everyone,

I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves, herniated

discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the past

10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

marriage.

We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

gabapentin, trazodone).

He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the oxy's

not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he wasn't

able to prescribe anything stronger.

His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready to

schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

remove/fuse 3 discs.

The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

than before.

His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

(for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I know

it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

man " than him. And that hurts.

I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply sorry

for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged me.

Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as yours --complete with

bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I believe the doc said he'd go

through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I can't be certain as I

didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard about it later, when my

husband was terribly upset.

His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting, tingling down his shoulder,

arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck. Forgot to mention that

earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your pain/symptoms are to his. But I

guess that's just the type of pain you get with this sort of

injury/issue.

Thank you so much for sharing your story like that. I'm really

encouraged to know that at least for one person, the fusion was a

welcome relief.

I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact, my step-dad had the

exact same surgery several years ago (back when I was a kid), but it

didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him worse as the surgeon

" nicked " an artery of some nature that controls blood pressure. So now

his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down, all on it's own. Leaving

him physically sick. He's still in tremendous pain 24/7, and hasn't

worked in over 20 years. I think that has a lot to do w/ our fear of the

fusion. ( " What if...? " )

But really, thank you for your reply. I really appreciate you taking the

time to share like that.

May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

http://www.opper.com <http://www.opper.com>

>

> From: Opper deniseopper@...

> Subject: New to group/finally introducing

my family

> spinal problems

> Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:39 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

> understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

>

> I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

> herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves,

herniated

> discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

> all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the

past

> 10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

> marriage.

>

> We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

> cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

> decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

> gabapentin, trazodone).

>

> He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the

oxy's

> not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

> said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he

wasn't

> able to prescribe anything stronger.

>

> His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready

to

> schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

> remove/fuse 3 discs.

>

> The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

> stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

> anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

> than before.

>

> His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

> (for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

> supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

> is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

> could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

>

> He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

> home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

> amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I

know

> it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

> due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

> man " than him. And that hurts.

>

> I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

> to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply

sorry

> for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

> the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

All I can say is God bless you. Your husband, like so many more of us,

is in pain the majority of the time and there is no way to describe

that pain to friends/loved ones or even doctors at times. My husband

wasn't as patient as you are. After twenty-one years of marriage he

left. I understand that it probably does get old having to deal with

someone with chronic pain and health issues so please try to

understand when he shuts himself off from everyone and everything it

isn't you or your children, it's just hard to deal with the pain and

life in general when you can't get anything to help ease the pain. You

and your family will be in my prayers.

Barb

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

> understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

>

> I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

> herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves, herniated

> discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

> all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the past

> 10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

> marriage.

>

> We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

> cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

> decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

> gabapentin, trazodone).

>

> He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the oxy's

> not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

> said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he wasn't

> able to prescribe anything stronger.

>

> His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready to

> schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

> remove/fuse 3 discs.

>

> The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

> stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

> anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

> than before.

>

> His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

> (for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

> supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

> is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

> could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/leg.

>

> He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

> home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

> amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I know

> it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

> due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

> man " than him. And that hurts.

>

> I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

> to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply sorry

> for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

> the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Dawn,

I'm very sorry to hear that. I wish I could help you out during the day!

(Poor girl...) How long have you been married, may I ask?

I must be honest and admit that I've had my " less than supportive "

moments--like at 1am when my husband asks me to rub his legs so he can

go back to sleep. The pain would literally wake him up--and keep him up

for hours. Or when he asks me to rub his neck, and my wrists are sore

from rubbing it earlier. Or he doesn't feel like doing anything but

sleep when he comes home from work, when I'm itching to get out of the

house. (Ahem)

I'm really ashamed to admit to feeling/acting grumpy, when I KNOW it's

not his fault. I've grown far more compassionate lately, and it's only

by the grace of God.

I had a revelation one day, that when I made the vow to love and care

for him, " In sickness and in health " it meant a whole variety of things.

From a simple cold/flu, to far worse. But no matter what, I vowed to

take care of him as best I could. I pray that your husband realizes

that, too. ((Hugs))

It's hard to sympathize with pain that you can't relate to or " see " . I

mean, you can " see " a broken leg. You can't see a pinched nerve or

herniated disc. The pain is still very real, but for us " outsiders " it's

not so obvious. We don't get how pain can't just " ease up " or " go away " .

We can take a Tylenol and our headache's gone. You folks don't have that

option. And it's hard to understand.

Not trying to side w/ your husband, of course. I definitely think he

should be more supportive and understanding toward you. Just trying to

explain it a bit from the other side.

Take care and may you have a wonderful evening.

http://www.opper.com <http://www.opper.com>

>

> From: Opper deniseopper@...

> Subject: New to group/finally introducing

my family

> spinal problems

> Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:39 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

> understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

>

> I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

> herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves,

herniated

> discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

> all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the

past

> 10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

> marriage.

>

> We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

> cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

> decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

> gabapentin, trazodone).

>

> He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the

oxy's

> not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

> said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he

wasn't

> able to prescribe anything stronger.

>

> His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready

to

> schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

> remove/fuse 3 discs.

>

> The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

> stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

> anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

> than before.

>

> His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

> (for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

> supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

> is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

> could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

>

> He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

> home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

> amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I

know

> it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

> due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

> man " than him. And that hurts.

>

> I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

> to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply

sorry

> for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

> the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, In fact IMO, I would see a pain spec first, because he/she will be needed

before and after surgery/fusion.  A pain management doc could also get him on

some kind of meds to ease the pain some, only in the case of my second cervical

fusion, pain meds did very little. Fact is like a few have already responded no

fusion is a guarantee to working, but not having it done could cause permanent

damage, so you have to weigh it out. Do you research, and know exactly what you

are doing. In some cases surgery is last resort. I for example did not have a

choice, I was loosing use very quickly.

Good luck with your decisions, and I/we will be praying for good results.

Hope ya'll have a Very Merry Christmas,

 

george

 

The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity,

but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. Thurber

________________________________

From: Opper <deniseopper@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 12:02:17 PM

Subject: Re: New to group/finally introducing my

family

,

Thank you for your reply and advice. I sincerely appreciate it.

I am pleased to say that I have no intention of walking away, or

allowing this situation to destroy my marriage. It's been difficult in

many ways but I know that if it were me, my husband wouldn't leave. We

actually renewed our vows this past July (10 years), and I took that

very seriously.

Sometimes, when I watch Dean writhe in agony, I wonder if the fusion

would be better? I've heard that the recovery is excruciating and

lengthy, so I don't know if that's something to even consider.

Did you all find yourselves in a better place--pain wise--following

fusion surgery or no?

I just don't know what else to do or suggest for him. I do all I can by

rubbing him down each night (which kills my wrists!--smile) , and doing

as much as I can by way of running errands, handling the children, etc

so he doesn't have to.

Do you--or anyone else--here have any suggestions to help ease his pain

more? Would the Pain Clinic suggestion by his doc be a good route to

pursue?

Thanks again for the welcome, and I'm glad I found this group.

http://www.opper. com <http://www.opper. com>

>

> ,

> I'm no expert on anything other than I suffer with a lot of pain. The

main thing I wanted to say to you by reading your introduction is

please, please, by all means do not let these problem destroy your

marriage.. When I first tripped into this, I had completely blown out a

disc in my neck, and had to have emergency surgery to relieve nerve

damage to my left arm. It was sudden and horrifying to say the least,

and it destroyed my marriage, as my ex could not accept the dramatic

change in my life. It left me weak and I had to try and change my way of

life in my early 40's, needless to say it was devastating. The one thing

that could have made it easy was to have her stand by me. I now have had

2 cervical surgery's which has left my range and motion limited, but I

have learned to adapt. I is very scary and I won't try to sugar coat

anything, but just wanted to offer some of my experience. You can make

it through this if you want, the human spirit has

> a way of adapting. You will find anyone IMHO here that will say

support is a key to getting through. I hope I didn't say anything to

frighten you too much. Please forgive me if I did.

> I really hope any pray for you and your family in this trying time, I

am not the welcome mat for this group, but welcome anyway, and offer you

any of my experience I have with the surgeries you might want to know.

Keep the faith, and you will find your way.

>

> george

>

> The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of

sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his.

Thurber

>

>

>

>

>

> ____________ _________ _________ __

> From: Opper deniseopper@ ...

> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:39:58 AM

> Subject: New to group/finally introducing

my family

>

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a better

> understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

>

> I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

> herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves,

herniated

> discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know you

> all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the

past

> 10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

> marriage.

>

> We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

> cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

> decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

> gabapentin, trazodone).

>

> He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the

oxy's

> not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

> said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he

wasn't

> able to prescribe anything stronger.

>

> His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's ready

to

> schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

> remove/fuse 3 discs.

>

> The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard horror

> stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

> anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more pain

> than before.

>

> His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

> (for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

> supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong. Dean

> is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

> could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/ leg.

>

> He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when he's

> home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

> amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I

know

> it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also suffering

> due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a better

> man " than him. And that hurts.

>

> I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just needed

> to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply

sorry

> for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one of

> the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Wellcome to the group, my name is Sue, I suffer from cronic pain,

have had two neck surgeries and am currently fused with titanium

plates, screws and rods on C 3-4, 4-5, 5-6 and am trying to avert

another surgery to fuse me at C 2-7. I also had two back surgeries

last year. I have been suffering from pain since 1993. At one time I

was on over 300MG of ms contin, and morphine sulfate instant release.

Which brought my dosage up even higher. They are both morphine.

The reason I'm telling you this is because to an extent I don't think

my pain meds at the time, worked very well for me either. And I was

on them for years. I found a new doctor a few years ago, and he has

done amazing things for me. It has taken some time, but he did some

big adjustments with my meds and we kept at it until we found a

regime of meds that finally worked best for me. Maybe the pain meds

are the " wrong " type for him. Some pain meds work for some people

and some don't. I was put on oxycontin and it didn't do a thing for

me. Maybe Ms Contin, or others. There are others out there that are

long acting pain meds. Also, I was on that gabapentin, also known as

Neurontin. That was really bad for me. I think that medication made

me depressed, and I have heard of other people being depressed while

on that medication. I felt a lot better when I was taken off of it,

but I was on 2,000mg a day dosage. But still, I would not recommend

that medication to anybody....just my preference.

There are so many other medications out there that can help your

husband. Nonetheless, if he has serious issues with his back and

neck, there is not a medication around that will keep him out of

pain. Has he had MRI'S or CT Scans done? Recently? If he goes too

long without having problems fixed (if he has serious ones) any

damage being done, could become permenent. Like numbness... I

kind of know what you are going through a little bit. My husband is

so stubborn when it comes to getting something done about or even

admitting that he is in pain. He has sciatica that he just refuses

to get treated, and just keeps telling me that he is " okay " and

nothing needs to be " done " " I'm fine " kind of stuff. His reasoning

is because of me though. He has seen the kind of pain that I suffer

with, so he thinks his doesn't compare. And I in turn, when I am at

my worst, have also felt that my husband deserves better, and felt

that he didn't need to get stuck with this.(that I suffer with) Not

so much now when he said to me " what if the tables were turned " ?

Would I be wishing to not be with him.... of course not. But that

helped when he told me that.... Sorry this is being so long...

If you need a list of medications, I can " try " to help you with that.

As far as the surgery goes, it is not as bad as all that.... There

is pain, but it is bearable... I'm sure there are horror stories

out there. But there are a lot of good ones too. When I had mine,

the relief of my pain I got from it was great. But my neck

degenerated from arthritis. Would he be willing to chat on this

site?? Or maybe read??

As for the anxiety he gets from the pain, there are meds to help with

that in the evenings when he probably feels the worst. And if he is

getting muscle spasms from all his problems, that can be very

painful, and there are great meds out there for that too.

When I was injured, I grieved over my loss of functionality from

pain, and my husband did too. It took me a long time to realize

that my kids also went through their own grief process over what was

going on with me, they were losing out on a lot too. Maybe your

husband could talk to your children about how THEY feel over what is

going on with their dad. just a thought.... I hope this help you

some. If he goes to a pain clinic they just may be able to help him

be more comfortable or help him sort out what needs to be done, or

what can be done.... I'm sorry you as a family have to go through

this, it's a rough this to go through. If you find particular

questions you would like to ask... we are all here, thats what we

are here for... to lend an ear, help out when we can. Best wishes to

you and your family. God Bless.

Sue

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a

better

> understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

>

> I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

> herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves,

herniated

> discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know

you

> all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the

past

> 10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

> marriage.

>

> We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

> cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

> decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

> gabapentin, trazodone).

>

> He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the

oxy's

> not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

> said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he

wasn't

> able to prescribe anything stronger.

>

> His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's

ready to

> schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

> remove/fuse 3 discs.

>

> The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard

horror

> stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

> anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more

pain

> than before.

>

> His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

> (for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

> supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong.

Dean

> is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

> could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/leg.

>

> He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when

he's

> home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

> amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I

know

> it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also

suffering

> due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a

better

> man " than him. And that hurts.

>

> I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just

needed

> to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply

sorry

> for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one

of

> the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

She's right. In some cases you have no choice. Like mine. It took an mRI to see

it though. I had no disk left at all. I risked permanent nerve damage. Towards

the end I rapidly deteriorated to a point where the week before surgery I had to

to a quick shoppiNg for louNge wear for after the surgery. I literally had to

sit on the floor of the store as I could no longer stand and there was no where

to sit. Funny, the day before I ran an errand at macys and had to push aside

clothes on a display to sit and a little old lady came up to ask me if I was ok!

I'm 47 & look 10 years younger than my age so it's kind if funny that a 90 year

old lady has to ask me if I'm ok. So I know I had no choice.

Dawn has given me so much perspective and gratitude for my situation. Although I

had huge setbacks in my recovery because I think there's a reason for everything

iassume the universe was looking out for me so I'd continue my short term

dissability as there have been ms y recent layoffs at work. Now I know my timing

was even more perfect because I did not consider that had I waited just a few

more weeks I would have been in the same situation as Dawn without the jon and

neededdurhery or dissability. I must show gratitude. Although I've had dome

Serbs I'd and a lot of pain the surgery did work and I have no more numbness it

sciatica pain. I feel I've turned the corner this week things are getting so

much easier for me to do. I know that looking. back I'll e glad I did the

surgery. Is anyone in the group close to the Cincinnati area?

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 19, 2008, at 4:17 AM, citi_sue <no_reply > wrote:

Hi ,

Wellcome to the group, my name is Sue, I suffer from cronic pain,

have had two neck surgeries and am currently fused with titanium

plates, screws and rods on C 3-4, 4-5, 5-6 and am trying to avert

another surgery to fuse me at C 2-7. I also had two back surgeries

last year. I have been suffering from pain since 1993. At one time I

was on over 300MG of ms contin, and morphine sulfate instant release.

Which brought my dosage up even higher. They are both morphine.

The reason I'm telling you this is because to an extent I don't think

my pain meds at the time, worked very well for me either. And I was

on them for years. I found a new doctor a few years ago, and he has

done amazing things for me. It has taken some time, but he did some

big adjustments with my meds and we kept at it until we found a

regime of meds that finally worked best for me. Maybe the pain meds

are the " wrong " type for him. Some pain meds work for some people

and some don't. I was put on oxycontin and it didn't do a thing for

me. Maybe Ms Contin, or others. There are others out there that are

long acting pain meds. Also, I was on that gabapentin, also known as

Neurontin. That was really bad for me. I think that medication made

me depressed, and I have heard of other people being depressed while

on that medication. I felt a lot better when I was taken off of it,

but I was on 2,000mg a day dosage. But still, I would not recommend

that medication to anybody....just my preference.

There are so many other medications out there that can help your

husband. Nonetheless, if he has serious issues with his back and

neck, there is not a medication around that will keep him out of

pain. Has he had MRI'S or CT Scans done? Recently? If he goes too

long without having problems fixed (if he has serious ones) any

damage being done, could become permenent. Like numbness... I

kind of know what you are going through a little bit. My husband is

so stubborn when it comes to getting something done about or even

admitting that he is in pain. He has sciatica that he just refuses

to get treated, and just keeps telling me that he is " okay " and

nothing needs to be " done " " I'm fine " kind of stuff. His reasoning

is because of me though. He has seen the kind of pain that I suffer

with, so he thinks his doesn't compare. And I in turn, when I am at

my worst, have also felt that my husband deserves better, and felt

that he didn't need to get stuck with this.(that I suffer with) Not

so much now when he said to me " what if the tables were turned " ?

Would I be wishing to not be with him.... of course not. But that

helped when he told me that.... Sorry this is being so long...

If you need a list of medications, I can " try " to help you with that.

As far as the surgery goes, it is not as bad as all that.... There

is pain, but it is bearable... I'm sure there are horror stories

out there. But there are a lot of good ones too. When I had mine,

the relief of my pain I got from it was great. But my neck

degenerated from arthritis. Would he be willing to chat on this

site?? Or maybe read??

As for the anxiety he gets from the pain, there are meds to help with

that in the evenings when he probably feels the worst. And if he is

getting muscle spasms from all his problems, that can be very

painful, and there are great meds out there for that too.

When I was injured, I grieved over my loss of functionality from

pain, and my husband did too. It took me a long time to realize

that my kids also went through their own grief process over what was

going on with me, they were losing out on a lot too. Maybe your

husband could talk to your children about how THEY feel over what is

going on with their dad. just a thought.... I hope this help you

some. If he goes to a pain clinic they just may be able to help him

be more comfortable or help him sort out what needs to be done, or

what can be done.... I'm sorry you as a family have to go through

this, it's a rough this to go through. If you find particular

questions you would like to ask... we are all here, thats what we

are here for... to lend an ear, help out when we can. Best wishes to

you and your family. God Bless.

Sue

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I'm , and I joined this group a few weeks back to gain a

better

> understand and maybe some support for my husband's pain.

>

> I don't know the exact location (L's or C's, etc) but he does have

> herniated discs in his lower back, as well as pinched nerves,

herniated

> discs and arthritis in his neck. He's in constant pain, as I know

you

> all can relate to. His pain has been steadily progressing over the

past

> 10 years (started out w/ scoliosis in his back causing pain) of our

> marriage.

>

> We've done all of the following: years of chiropractic, multiple

> cortisone injections, 2 rounds of physical therapy, spinal

> decompression, acupuncture and now it's the pain meds (oxycontin,

> gabapentin, trazodone).

>

> He asked his doc the other week about upping his pain meds as the

oxy's

> not working. In fact, he doesn't think it ever did. However, the doc

> said he'd have to refer him out to a Pain Clinic for that, as he

wasn't

> able to prescribe anything stronger.

>

> His actual " back " doctor said to " give him call " whenever he's

ready to

> schedule spinal fusion in his neck. The doc said they'd have to

> remove/fuse 3 discs.

>

> The idea of surgery is terrifying for my husband, as he's heard

horror

> stories about it. From not being able to turn your head all the way

> anymore, to having it just flat-out not work, leaving you in more

pain

> than before.

>

> His pain is effecting all areas of his life; although he still works

> (for a company that provides sub-contracting work for Boeing) as a

> supervisor, his boss asks almost daily if there's anything wrong.

Dean

> is very depressed by his pain, and I wish there was something more I

> could do to help besides rubbing his neck/back/shoulder/leg.

>

> He's not as active with our 3 children as he used to be, and when

he's

> home he's quite short w/ them. I realize that he's in a tremendous

> amount of pain--pain which I cannot even begin to understand. But I

know

> it hurts them, as well as my husband. Our marriage is also

suffering

> due to his depression over all this. He often says I " deserve a

better

> man " than him. And that hurts.

>

> I don't know what sort of reply I'm looking for. I guess I just

needed

> to introduce myself a bit and let all of you know that I am deeply

sorry

> for all your pain. Watching my husband go through this has been one

of

> the hardest things in my life, and I pray that you all find relief.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

When it comes to the mobility of turning his neck,

he will come to a point sooner or later when he will

have to decide what's going to give him a better

quality of life, less or no pain or turning his neck.

Everyone is different in how they recover and wether

or not they have continued pain or it is resolved.

Also, sometimes you get only as much as you put into

your recovery. It's painful at times, but you have to

do therapy...and not do things you aren't supposed to

do.

Fusion can cause problems to the adjacent levels of

vertebrae, so this is a risk he should know. He may

always have some discomfort or even pain that comes

say with bad weather, or stress. But usually, if done

for the right reasons and recovery is taken seriously,

fusion will result in resolution of the majority of

pain. Certainly enough to greatly increase quality of

life.

I have my L4 to S1 fused, and I'm feeling so much

better. I'ma ble to work, cook and play with my

kids...which was huge for me. I still have pain when

it rains or if I do too much, but that's a fact of

life for most everyone with spine problems. All in

all, I'm way better off for the surgery and I'm

grateful for my highly experienced surgeon.

---

--- Opper <deniseopper@...> wrote:

>

> Thanks, Lexie.

>

> I like your name, by the way. )

>

> How was it to recover from fusion surgery, may I

> ask? Also, how limited

> are you in your range of motion/mobility as a

> result?

>

> Dean says he " really likes being able to look over

> his shoulder " and

> isn't too keen on giving that up just yet.

>

> I'm very sorry to hear that you've had to go through

> so much...! And

> like your husband, I'd give anything to heal mine of

> all his pain.

> Absolutely anything.

>

> Thanks again for the welcome. Have a good day.

>

>

>

> http://www.opper.com <http://www.opper.com>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Welcome ! You will find a very diverse group

> here and lots of

> answers but most of all, great empathy. Most of us

> are patients. I have

> been fused thru all my cervical (neck) vertabrae as

> well as fusing my

> head to my neck. I am also fused lumbar (lower back)

> for several levels.

> I have just learned to adapt to the losses in

> mobility. I drive and

> work, some, and take care of my family and home,

> most of the time.

> > I often tell my husband that it is harder on him

> to watch me suffer in

> pain, than it is for me to hurt. He would give his

> life to fix me and

> sometimes it comes out as anger, sometimes he just

> needs a little

> distance to not think about it for a while.

> > Please let us know if you have specific questions,

> there will surely

> be someone here who will have answers.

> >

> > God bless,

> > Lexie

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

> >

>

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

[Guest guest]

Also ,

I wanted to tell you that spine surgeons know that

recovery is painful and are usually very good about

giving you whatever medications you need to be

comfortable. Getting out of bed a little helps with

spasms too. They can get worse when you stay in bed

too much.

---

--- Opper <deniseopper@...> wrote:

>

> Hi Mark,

>

> Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged me.

>

> Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as yours

> --complete with

> bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I believe

> the doc said he'd go

> through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I can't

> be certain as I

> didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard

> about it later, when my

> husband was terribly upset.

>

> His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting, tingling

> down his shoulder,

> arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck. Forgot to

> mention that

> earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your

> pain/symptoms are to his. But I

> guess that's just the type of pain you get with this

> sort of

> injury/issue.

>

> Thank you so much for sharing your story like that.

> I'm really

> encouraged to know that at least for one person, the

> fusion was a

> welcome relief.

>

> I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact, my

> step-dad had the

> exact same surgery several years ago (back when I

> was a kid), but it

> didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him worse

> as the surgeon

> " nicked " an artery of some nature that controls

> blood pressure. So now

> his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down, all

> on it's own. Leaving

> him physically sick. He's still in tremendous pain

> 24/7, and hasn't

> worked in over 20 years. I think that has a lot to

> do w/ our fear of the

> fusion. ( " What if...? " )

>

> But really, thank you for your reply. I really

> appreciate you taking the

> time to share like that.

>

> May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

>

>

>

> http://www.opper.com <http://www.opper.com>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> > From: Opper deniseopper@...

> > Subject: New to

> group/finally introducing

> my family

> > spinal problems

> > Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:39 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

=== message truncated ===

[Guest guest]

Also,

Cervical fusion is almost always done totally from

the front. The back of the neck is where all the

pedicles and facet joints are, kind of looks like a

jigsaw puzzle in pictures of anatomy. The front is

where the disk can be reached. They put a titanium

plate in that covers as many levels as needed for the

fusion, then use small titanium screws to attach the

plate to each vertebrae. It's a pretty quick surgery

as far as surgeries go, maybe an hour.

_

--- Opper <deniseopper@...> wrote:

>

> Hi Mark,

>

> Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged me.

>

> Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as yours

> --complete with

> bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I believe

> the doc said he'd go

> through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I can't

> be certain as I

> didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard

> about it later, when my

> husband was terribly upset.

>

> His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting, tingling

> down his shoulder,

> arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck. Forgot to

> mention that

> earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your

> pain/symptoms are to his. But I

> guess that's just the type of pain you get with this

> sort of

> injury/issue.

>

> Thank you so much for sharing your story like that.

> I'm really

> encouraged to know that at least for one person, the

> fusion was a

> welcome relief.

>

> I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact, my

> step-dad had the

> exact same surgery several years ago (back when I

> was a kid), but it

> didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him worse

> as the surgeon

> " nicked " an artery of some nature that controls

> blood pressure. So now

> his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down, all

> on it's own. Leaving

> him physically sick. He's still in tremendous pain

> 24/7, and hasn't

> worked in over 20 years. I think that has a lot to

> do w/ our fear of the

> fusion. ( " What if...? " )

>

> But really, thank you for your reply. I really

> appreciate you taking the

> time to share like that.

>

> May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

>

>

>

> http://www.opper.com <http://www.opper.com>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> > From: Opper deniseopper@...

> > Subject: New to

> group/finally introducing

> my family

> > spinal problems

> > Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:39 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

=== message truncated ===

[Guest guest]

- I agree that front (anterior) approach for cervical fusion is the most

common entry today, but as I said, just this year I had posterior cervical

fusion. My surgeon, who is Board Certified,  trained at one of the best of the

best here in Baltimore, and was recommended to me by several of my nursing

friends as one to trust and one of the best, does the posterior approach if the

disk(s) do not need replacing, and the reason for the surgery is to create space

for the nerves to exit the spinal column.  He does this to avoid complications,

especially involving swallowing, the stats say 25% of anterior fusion patients

nation-wide have swallowing complications ranging from minor to severe within

the first year following surgery.

 

As I wrote earlier, I had more, (I hear), post-surgical pain both than the

normal posterior patient and certainly than anterior fusion patients,

immediately following the surgery, and had a laminectomy as well to remove a lot

of the puzzle pieces along the back of my cervical spine you soke of.  One

result,  I think was a quicker fusion without a plate reducing rotation,

allowing more rotation of my neck post-surgically with less chance for

complications, especially involving swallowing.  I am very happy with the

results so far. It is kind of amazing but three of my friends from my chirch

also had cervical vertebral surgery - one a fusion with disk replacement

anterior (a fulll year until fusion with spasms tring to swallow for weeks), one

a full skull to T1 fusion to correct a congenital defect (he was glad to be

alive at 50! having not known his skull was NEVER attached to his vertebral

column until immediately before surgery) who was without

neck brace and out and about in 6 weeks post surgery (shorter time than any of

the rest of us, and another friend who took 6 months to fuse with an anterior

approach with some but few spasms, and myself who had no swallowing issues, wore

a neck brace for 6 weeks, and was fused at 6 months.  A lot of close friends

having neck surgeries...each from a different surgeon, different prescribed 

 routine for recovery and all at this time doing okay, or even better.  I was

the only one with posterior approach, and without spasms of any kind, but of

course that is anectdotal. 

 

Just wanted to clarify that posterior cervical fusion is still used and for what

reasons.

 

Thanks and for those that celebrate Christmas - MERRY CHRISTMAS, those that

don't, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

mark

 

>

> Hi Mark,

>

> Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged me.

>

> Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as yours

> --complete with

> bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I believe

> the doc said he'd go

> through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I can't

> be certain as I

> didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard

> about it later, when my

> husband was terribly upset.

>

> His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting, tingling

> down his shoulder,

> arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck. Forgot to

> mention that

> earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your

> pain/symptoms are to his. But I

> guess that's just the type of pain you get with this

> sort of

> injury/issue.

>

> Thank you so much for sharing your story like that.

> I'm really

> encouraged to know that at least for one person, the

> fusion was a

> welcome relief.

>

> I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact, my

> step-dad had the

> exact same surgery several years ago (back when I

> was a kid), but it

> didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him worse

> as the surgeon

> " nicked " an artery of some nature that controls

> blood pressure. So now

> his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down, all

> on it's own. Leaving

> him physically sick. He's still in tremendous pain

> 24/7, and hasn't

> worked in over 20 years. I think that has a lot to

> do w/ our fear of the

> fusion. ( " What if...? " )

>

> But really, thank you for your reply. I really

> appreciate you taking the

> time to share like that.

>

> May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

>

>

>

> http://www.opper. com <http://www.opper. com>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> > From: Opper deniseopper@ ...

> > Subject: New to

> group/finally introducing

> my family

> > spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

> > Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 11:39 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

=== message truncated ===

[Guest guest]

Mark,

What do you mean by disk replacement with fusion?

Are you referring to bone graft at the site of the

disk or disk replacement such as the Charite or

Prodisk?

---

--- Mark R Hardin <gilachub@...> wrote:

>

>

> - I agree that front (anterior) approach for

> cervical fusion is the most common entry today, but

> as I said, just this year I had posterior cervical

> fusion. My surgeon, who is Board Certified,  trained

> at one of the best of the best here in Baltimore,

> and was recommended to me by several of my nursing

> friends as one to trust and one of the best, does

> the posterior approach if the disk(s) do not need

> replacing, and the reason for the surgery is to

> create space for the nerves to exit the spinal

> column.  He does this to avoid complications,

> especially involving swallowing, the stats say 25%

> of anterior fusion patients nation-wide have

> swallowing complications ranging from minor to

> severe within the first year following surgery.

>  

> As I wrote earlier, I had more, (I hear),

> post-surgical pain both than the normal posterior

> patient and certainly than anterior fusion patients,

> immediately following the surgery, and had a

> laminectomy as well to remove a lot of the puzzle

> pieces along the back of my cervical spine you soke

> of.  One result,  I think was a quicker fusion

> without a plate reducing rotation, allowing more

> rotation of my neck post-surgically with less chance

> for complications, especially involving swallowing. 

> I am very happy with the results so far. It is kind

> of amazing but three of my friends from my chirch

> also had cervical vertebral surgery - one a fusion

> with disk replacement anterior (a fulll year until

> fusion with spasms tring to swallow for weeks), one

> a full skull to T1 fusion to correct a congenital

> defect (he was glad to be alive at 50! having not

> known his skull was NEVER attached to his vertebral

> column until immediately before surgery) who was

> without

> neck brace and out and about in 6 weeks post

> surgery (shorter time than any of the rest of us,

> and another friend who took 6 months to fuse with an

> anterior approach with some but few spasms, and

> myself who had no swallowing issues, wore a neck

> brace for 6 weeks, and was fused at 6 months.  A lot

> of close friends having neck surgeries...each from a

> different surgeon, different prescribed   routine

> for recovery and all at this time doing okay, or

> even better.  I was the only one with posterior

> approach, and without spasms of any kind, but of

> course that is anectdotal. 

>  

> Just wanted to clarify that posterior cervical

> fusion is still used and for what reasons.

>  

> Thanks and for those that celebrate Christmas -

> MERRY CHRISTMAS, those that don't, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

>  

> mark

>  

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Hi Mark,

> >

> > Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged me.

> >

> > Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as

> yours

> > --complete with

> > bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I believe

> > the doc said he'd go

> > through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I

> can't

> > be certain as I

> > didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard

> > about it later, when my

> > husband was terribly upset.

> >

> > His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting,

> tingling

> > down his shoulder,

> > arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck. Forgot

> to

> > mention that

> > earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your

> > pain/symptoms are to his. But I

> > guess that's just the type of pain you get with

> this

> > sort of

> > injury/issue.

> >

> > Thank you so much for sharing your story like

> that.

> > I'm really

> > encouraged to know that at least for one person,

> the

> > fusion was a

> > welcome relief.

> >

> > I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact,

> my

> > step-dad had the

> > exact same surgery several years ago (back when I

> > was a kid), but it

> > didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him worse

> > as the surgeon

> > " nicked " an artery of some nature that controls

> > blood pressure. So now

> > his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down,

> all

> > on it's own. Leaving

> > him physically sick. He's still in tremendous pain

> > 24/7, and hasn't

> > worked in over 20 years. I think that has a lot to

> > do w/ our fear of the

> > fusion. ( " What if...? " )

> >

> > But really, thank you for your reply. I really

> > appreciate you taking the

> > time to share like that.

> >

> > May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

> >

> >

> >

> > http://www.opper. com <http://www.opper. com>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > >

> > > Hi ,

> > >

> > > I had fusion surgery (Posterior approach - most

> > have anterior,

> > especially if they are replacing discs..I had a

> > laminectomy and wires

> > and hooks put in my neck and had bone form my

> pelvis

> > attached over the

> > back of my neck to fuse the vertebrate) in late

> May

> > of this year.

> > Anterior cervivcal fusion surgery, I am told, is

> > often less painful

> > following the surgery, than what I had done, and

> > would be what a surgeon

> > would do to also replace discs. I had my six month

> > follow-up appoinment

> > two weeks ago and the surgeon said the vertebrate

> > (C4-7; numbers four

> > through seven in my neck) are now fused and he

> > released me to do

> > whatever I want.

> > >

> > > I now have almost no pain in my neck or arm, no

> > shooting pain or

> > tingling, and my mobility in my neck is actually

>

=== message truncated ===

[Guest guest]

,  I dod not mean teh artificial disk replacement, What I meant when I

wrote replacing the disk, was repalcing it  with bone as opposed to fusing over

the bone.  The two people I know who have had anterior fusion had the disk

removed and replaced with either cadaver or their own bone graft.  With

posterior fusion as was aptly put earlier it is difficult (impossible?) to get

to the disk, so the disk is left in place and the graft is done over the back of

the spine often with (wire and hook) appliances to hold it in place.  Mark

>

> >

> > Hi Mark,

> >

> > Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged me.

> >

> > Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as

> yours

> > --complete with

> > bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I believe

> > the doc said he'd go

> > through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I

> can't

> > be certain as I

> > didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard

> > about it later, when my

> > husband was terribly upset.

> >

> > His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting,

> tingling

> > down his shoulder,

> > arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck. Forgot

> to

> > mention that

> > earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your

> > pain/symptoms are to his. But I

> > guess that's just the type of pain you get with

> this

> > sort of

> > injury/issue.

> >

> > Thank you so much for sharing your story like

> that.

> > I'm really

> > encouraged to know that at least for one person,

> the

> > fusion was a

> > welcome relief.

> >

> > I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact,

> my

> > step-dad had the

> > exact same surgery several years ago (back when I

> > was a kid), but it

> > didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him worse

> > as the surgeon

> > " nicked " an artery of some nature that controls

> > blood pressure. So now

> > his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down,

> all

> > on it's own. Leaving

> > him physically sick. He's still in tremendous pain

> > 24/7, and hasn't

> > worked in over 20 years. I think that has a lot to

> > do w/ our fear of the

> > fusion. ( " What if...? " )

> >

> > But really, thank you for your reply. I really

> > appreciate you taking the

> > time to share like that.

> >

> > May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

> >

> >

> >

> > http://www.opper. com <http://www.opper. com>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > >

> > > Hi ,

> > >

> > > I had fusion surgery (Posterior approach - most

> > have anterior,

> > especially if they are replacing discs..I had a

> > laminectomy and wires

> > and hooks put in my neck and had bone form my

> pelvis

> > attached over the

> > back of my neck to fuse the vertebrate) in late

> May

> > of this year.

> > Anterior cervivcal fusion surgery, I am told, is

> > often less painful

> > following the surgery, than what I had done, and

> > would be what a surgeon

> > would do to also replace discs. I had my six month

> > follow-up appoinment

> > two weeks ago and the surgeon said the vertebrate

> > (C4-7; numbers four

> > through seven in my neck) are now fused and he

> > released me to do

> > whatever I want.

> > >

> > > I now have almost no pain in my neck or arm, no

> > shooting pain or

> > tingling, and my mobility in my neck is actually

>

=== message truncated ===

[Guest guest]

Mark

You've just described exactly what a bone graft is as I just had that type of

fusion. Duri g surgery they came out and asked my mother wether they should use

all cadaver bone as I'd have less pain to recover From. So that is what they

did. Funny how they didn't give me that choice prior to surgery. Still I'm glad

I had it done that way because I would have had much more pain. A bit of

warning. I had a lot of pain in my left hip after surgery for a long time. I was

tc it us due to the way they position you during surgery. So even if it sounds

yucky your better off using cadaver bone than your own in my opinion. Recovery

is hard enough as it is without the added pain from taking your own bone. They

add a special fluid to the bone that mice hour own body's bone healing ability

only magnified about 1000 times. Just 5 cc's if this 'miracle grow fluid cost

something between 5-10 thousand dollars! My procedure was called a TLIF.

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 23, 2008, at 12:08 AM, Mark R Hardin <gilachub@...> wrote:

, I dod not mean teh artificial disk replacement, What I meant when I

wrote replacing the disk, was repalcing it with bone as opposed to fusing over

the bone. The two people I know who have had anterior fusion had the disk

removed and replaced with either cadaver or their own bone graft. With

posterior fusion as was aptly put earlier it is difficult (impossible?) to get

to the disk, so the disk is left in place and the graft is done over the back of

the spine often with (wire and hook) appliances to hold it in place. Mark

>

> >

> > Hi Mark,

> >

> > Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged me.

> >

> > Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as

> yours

> > --complete with

> > bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I believe

> > the doc said he'd go

> > through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I

> can't

> > be certain as I

> > didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard

> > about it later, when my

> > husband was terribly upset.

> >

> > His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting,

> tingling

> > down his shoulder,

> > arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck. Forgot

> to

> > mention that

> > earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your

> > pain/symptoms are to his. But I

> > guess that's just the type of pain you get with

> this

> > sort of

> > injury/issue.

> >

> > Thank you so much for sharing your story like

> that.

> > I'm really

> > encouraged to know that at least for one person,

> the

> > fusion was a

> > welcome relief.

> >

> > I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact,

> my

> > step-dad had the

> > exact same surgery several years ago (back when I

> > was a kid), but it

> > didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him worse

> > as the surgeon

> > " nicked " an artery of some nature that controls

> > blood pressure. So now

> > his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down,

> all

> > on it's own. Leaving

> > him physically sick. He's still in tremendous pain

> > 24/7, and hasn't

> > worked in over 20 years. I think that has a lot to

> > do w/ our fear of the

> > fusion. ( " What if...? " )

> >

> > But really, thank you for your reply. I really

> > appreciate you taking the

> > time to share like that.

> >

> > May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

> >

> >

> >

> > http://www.opper. com <http://www.opper. com>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > >

> > > Hi ,

> > >

> > > I had fusion surgery (Posterior approach - most

> > have anterior,

> > especially if they are replacing discs..I had a

> > laminectomy and wires

> > and hooks put in my neck and had bone form my

> pelvis

> > attached over the

> > back of my neck to fuse the vertebrate) in late

> May

> > of this year.

> > Anterior cervivcal fusion surgery, I am told, is

> > often less painful

> > following the surgery, than what I had done, and

> > would be what a surgeon

> > would do to also replace discs. I had my six month

> > follow-up appoinment

> > two weeks ago and the surgeon said the vertebrate

> > (C4-7; numbers four

> > through seven in my neck) are now fused and he

> > released me to do

> > whatever I want.

> > >

> > > I now have almost no pain in my neck or arm, no

> > shooting pain or

> > tingling, and my mobility in my neck is actually

>

=== message truncated ===

[Guest guest]

Mark,

you are right that it is impossible to get to the

disk from the back of the neck, which is why ost

cervical fusions are done from the front. It is felt

to have a better outlook to do it that way.

As far as removing the disk, it's not plausable to

remove the whole thing, but the majority of it does

go. In order to stimulate fusion, bone must be put

into the disk space, wether yours or cadaver, usually

along with other substances like BMP (bone morphogenic

protein) which will enhance the fusion process, this

does not replace the disk, but initiates fusion, so

that the vertebra above and below will grow together

and fix the instability. Some docs use a titanium cage

packed with BMP instead of bone, it depends on the doc

and the patient.

I was thinking you probably did not mean artificial

disk replacement as it is not available in the US on

the cervical or thoracic spine. Just checking!

Disk CAN be removed from the back from between the

lumbar vertebrae, but only to a certain extent and not

enough to replace with bone for fusion purposes. Some

docs still do a PLIF only, which has not been shown to

be as beneficial for the patient and the ALIF/PLIF.

P.S. I am a surgical spine nurse

---

--- Mark R Hardin <gilachub@...> wrote:

> ,  I dod not mean teh artificial disk

> replacement, What I meant when I wrote replacing the

> disk, was repalcing it  with bone as opposed to

> fusing over the bone.  The two people I know who

> have had anterior fusion had the disk removed and

> replaced with either cadaver or their own bone

> graft.  With posterior fusion as was aptly put

> earlier it is difficult (impossible?) to get to the

> disk, so the disk is left in place and the graft is

> done over the back of the spine often with (wire and

> hook) appliances to hold it in place.  Mark

>

>

> >

> > >

> > > Hi Mark,

> > >

> > > Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged

> me.

> > >

> > > Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as

> > yours

> > > --complete with

> > > bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I

> believe

> > > the doc said he'd go

> > > through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I

> > can't

> > > be certain as I

> > > didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard

> > > about it later, when my

> > > husband was terribly upset.

> > >

> > > His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting,

> > tingling

> > > down his shoulder,

> > > arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck.

> Forgot

> > to

> > > mention that

> > > earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your

> > > pain/symptoms are to his. But I

> > > guess that's just the type of pain you get with

> > this

> > > sort of

> > > injury/issue.

> > >

> > > Thank you so much for sharing your story like

> > that.

> > > I'm really

> > > encouraged to know that at least for one person,

> > the

> > > fusion was a

> > > welcome relief.

> > >

> > > I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact,

> > my

> > > step-dad had the

> > > exact same surgery several years ago (back when

> I

> > > was a kid), but it

> > > didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him

> worse

> > > as the surgeon

> > > " nicked " an artery of some nature that controls

> > > blood pressure. So now

> > > his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down,

> > all

> > > on it's own. Leaving

> > > him physically sick. He's still in tremendous

> pain

> > > 24/7, and hasn't

>

=== message truncated ===

[Guest guest]

Thanks Rhonda -

 

I too have more lingering pain at the site of the graft (upper part of the rear

of my left pelvic crest in my case - they take it form the posterior ewhen doind

a posterior fusion - by the way my wife had fun with that one - you know, fusing

my posterior!?  She wanted to know what they were fusing it to, and How I was

going to go after the surgery! LOL, my surgean had a sense of humor too!) anyway

I digress the pain at the graft removal site is still more sensitive and painful

than any other part of the surgery.  I think that is common.  But, I am told

that using your own bone in many cases does lead to quicker fusion as there is

already a blood supply there and the tissue is more complete than the sterilized

cadaver bone...It seems the more I look at these surgeries, the more trade-offs

ther are...Any and all options can be successful, or not, depending on so many

factors.  Thanks again.

 

To all those suffering with these the myriad of back pain, surgical recovery,

and anticipation of surgeries, may God bless you all with healing and comfort in

this Chritmas and Holiday season!!

 

Mark

>

> >

> > Hi Mark,

> >

> > Thank you for your reply. It really encouraged me.

> >

> > Dean has to have a nearly identical surgery as

> yours

> > --complete with

> > bone taken from his hip and hooks/wires. I believe

> > the doc said he'd go

> > through the front (by the Adam's apple), but I

> can't

> > be certain as I

> > didn't attend the actual appt w/ him. Only heard

> > about it later, when my

> > husband was terribly upset.

> >

> > His pain sounds a lot like yours; shooting,

> tingling

> > down his shoulder,

> > arm. Dean also has bone spurs in his neck. Forgot

> to

> > mention that

> > earlier. I'm amazed at how similar your

> > pain/symptoms are to his. But I

> > guess that's just the type of pain you get with

> this

> > sort of

> > injury/issue.

> >

> > Thank you so much for sharing your story like

> that.

> > I'm really

> > encouraged to know that at least for one person,

> the

> > fusion was a

> > welcome relief.

> >

> > I realize that there are no guarantees. In fact,

> my

> > step-dad had the

> > exact same surgery several years ago (back when I

> > was a kid), but it

> > didn't do him any good. In fact, it made him worse

> > as the surgeon

> > " nicked " an artery of some nature that controls

> > blood pressure. So now

> > his BP shoots way up, then plummets waaay down,

> all

> > on it's own. Leaving

> > him physically sick. He's still in tremendous pain

> > 24/7, and hasn't

> > worked in over 20 years. I think that has a lot to

> > do w/ our fear of the

> > fusion. ( " What if...? " )

> >

> > But really, thank you for your reply. I really

> > appreciate you taking the

> > time to share like that.

> >

> > May you have a wonderful holiday season as well.

> >

> >

> >

> > http://www.opper. com <http://www.opper. com>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > >

> > > Hi ,

> > >

> > > I had fusion surgery (Posterior approach - most

> > have anterior,

> > especially if they are replacing discs..I had a

> > laminectomy and wires

> > and hooks put in my neck and had bone form my

> pelvis

> > attached over the

> > back of my neck to fuse the vertebrate) in late

> May

> > of this year.

> > Anterior cervivcal fusion surgery, I am told, is

> > often less painful

> > following the surgery, than what I had done, and

> > would be what a surgeon

> > would do to also replace discs. I had my six month

> > follow-up appoinment

> > two weeks ago and the surgeon said the vertebrate

> > (C4-7; numbers four

> > through seven in my neck) are now fused and he

> > released me to do

> > whatever I want.

> > >

> > > I now have almost no pain in my neck or arm, no

> > shooting pain or

> > tingling, and my mobility in my neck is actually

>

=== message truncated ===