In pain , dont know why!

[Un_Lucky]

In January 08 I had a c6-c7 fusion from an on the job injury.  Before the surg. I had pain and numbness in my right shoulder down to my fingers and loss of strength. After the surg. a few weeks that was all gone except now I am still in a massive ammount of pain. Not able to turn my head left/right or up/down. I have been out of my hard collar since April. Here is the problem My doc says he doenst see any reason for me to be in pain because that last MRI (April) looked good. I have seen him twice in the last month. He said he would send me in for a second opinion which is needed however I cant get in with 2nd doc until July 11 . What to do until then ? I AM IN PAIN ...PERIOD. I dont know what to feel emotionally , frustrated that the doc wont hear me? How am I supposed to explain to him, make him hear me ? Or what could be going on with all this pain that the doc doesnt see possible?

[LLWB]

Sometimes life can be a very lonely place indeed. I don't know anything about why your voice hasn't come back in so long. I was very hoarse after surgery, and sometimes had no voice, but that steadily improved. Sometimes another problem is aggrevated by surgery, or discovered at that time. Did you have breathing problems before the surgery? Asthma, Allergies? I think the myth of the valued employee is just that, a myth. America's core values have gone down the toilet. I too work for a company, and give them 110%, and when I need time off for medical issues, I have to take vacation days. It's not right, but I guess money means more to them then their employees.I could rant about that for an hour, but believe me, I understand you perfectly.

Chronic pain can be very debilitating. I hope your dr gives you med to help. Another thing you might consider is an anti-depressant. They help pain pills to work, and also anyone in chronic pain is to some degree depressed.

Please post your results of your pulmonary testing. I flunked mine in April, and will be re-tested after sinusitis surgery in Aug. Seems like there might be a connection....maybe to the anesthia? Please be good to youself, and know that this is always a place to come to rant, vent, complain, or just be among others.

Hugs & Prayers, Maggie

[janny21]

After reading your post I too, guess I would have had the surgery as the pain in my left arm/fingers and numbness have gotten better.  As you said on the flip side the pain is horrendous.  And unlucky me have to return to work in two days.  Neurosurgeon wanted me off until he sees me end of August however if I don't return my work can and probably would cut off my insurance.  Isn't that wonderful.  Been an employee 29+ years, am the VP and I now realize my loyalty means absolutely nothing.  Last year I worked approximately 260 hrs OT with nothing in return.  But having major surgery and cannot have the time to recover.  Something is just not right.   I truly think there is a stigma when it comes to back/neck pain.  It is just not taken seriously.  My opinion is employers do not think it is serious.  I guess I am just venting and getting off track.  I am sure many of us have gone through the same stressful situations.  Thank you un_lucky for your support and it's nice to have someone to talk to.  Especially since I can't really talk right now.  It's a lonely place to be right now.

[Un_Lucky]

Good question , Would I have had the Surg. KNowing the after effects?  I would say yes because of the pain and loss of strength in my right arm/fingers. I have to say that the surg. did help there.  But on the flip side I havent gotten any better (7 months) Pain is still horrible of course not as bad as it was post op. of course. Well let me know about your voice / pain. I am here to offer any un-professional advice lol. Just I can only offer personal experience.

[janny21]

Thank  you for the post.  Lately I have felt so alone in all this.  My husband is very supportive but now that I can't talk it is a very lonely situation.  Also unless you have been in this kind of pain you just don't know.  Do you think you would have had the surgery if you had known the pain you would be in now?  I am not sure.  I realize it is still early on in our recovery but I truly thought I would wake up feeling at least 50% better.  I too have had the pain in shoulder blades.  For quite some time their was a large lump according to my husband.  We used every type of pain rub available.  They didn't work and sleeping is just not something I get much of.  I wish you well and wouldn't it be great to have even one hour with no pain.  Tomorrow I will be having pulmonary tests at the hospital to see how bad my airway obstruction is and what must be done.  Thanks again

[Un_Lucky]

No loss of voice for me just severe throat pain (swallowing) for quite a while. My post surg pain (6 months still) is this large lump right in between my shoulder blades. Still no diagnosiis

[janny21]

I had the same surgery March 19, 2008 and still having alot of pain,.  Mine is in the left side.  I also have lumbar issues.  I see my neurologist every few months but am in pain management.  My dr is very understanding.  I think finding the right dr is so important but very hard to do.
Unlucky did your voice return?  I have no voice since my surgery and am having breathing difficulties.  This is very scary.  I have to have a pulmonary function test in a few days and see a specialist.  I was told it can take up to six months.  But I have heard pain can last a very long time.  
I wish you the best and I know what you are going through.  
If anyone has lost their voice after an anterior cervical fusion I would love to hear your comments.

[Zak_Han]

From the information given I would say that you have possibly suffered what is sometimes called a chronic soft tissue injury to the cervical spine,which could have been present before the surgery. The surgery might aggravate and bring about more symptoms from this pre-existing problem.

I would agree that physical therapy,intensive acupuncture, and mobilization exercises can be helpful

Best wish!

[Cindee56]

I don't understand why the doctor would not give you something for the pain.  Did you ask him for something?  If not, I would call back and demand that he give you something so you can function.  And if he doesn't listen, go to your primary care or some other doctor.  You can't go on this way.