4 weeks post decompression and noticed swelling....is this normal?

[bekah0656]

I've had severe headaches since I've been decompressed last week I ended up in the ER due to the worst migraine of my life. I was given medication,the headache improved so I was sent home. I'm still struggling with a severe headache,but I've noticed swelling over the incisional area and my neck (also had my C-1 removed) is this normal during the healing process? I've just not noticed it before and am 4 weeks post op. Just hoping to have my mind eased. Will be calling my Dr as soon as the office opens at 9am tomorrow morningMy Neurosurgeon is 10 hours away so it has been difficult since. I had my 2 week post op with my family Dr and she called my Neurosurgeons nurse to ask if the symptoms I was feelings were normal and the nurse said they were.

[selmaS]

  Thanks  for  the update  and sending  well  wishes  your  way  <3

[Elisaandbucky]

Are you feeling any better with your viral symptoms today - has your fever broken? I do hope you are recovering. Fevers do complicate things. Rest, rest, rest, if you can. Then, check back in to repost about you progress.

[bekah0656]

I probably have done a little too much. However,I woke up this morning with the worst migraine/headache/whatever it was of my life. I was weak and could hardly get myself out of bed. I also had a fever of 102. I called my family Dr because I wanted to avoid the E.R and she said to go straight to the E.R. The symptoms pointed to viral or bacterial meningitis so they did a spinal tap which was very unpleasant due to the fact that I have a broken 2 level spinal fusion,4 previous back surgeries and it took multiple tries to get the sample needed. Thankfully I do NOT have meninghitis. The Dr feels that I picked up some kind of virus,its impossible to know what kind,so I'm on steroids to try to get it cleared up and see my family Dr next Friday to follow up. Definitely was a long day today! Hoping to feel better soon.....I dont generally run fevers. I've had pneumonia,bronchitis,colds,flue,ect without a fever. The last fever I had I was a pre-teen so I forgot how miserable it was. But just having a fever in general scared me because of the fact that i do not generally run them.

[selmaS]

  It  is  normal to  have  some  pain  and  swelling,but  not ER  worthy.....may I  ask  is the pain positional? Do  you  feel worse when upright?

How swollen  is  the  area?

  Use  ice  to help with swelling...and keep  an eye  on the area....keep  in  mind  only  ice  15  mins  at  a time or  less....all   depends  what  you  can stand.,

  As  you  heal  some  symptoms return....but  that is  typically  around  the 3 month  post  op time  frame,.....

Being  sore is  common  post  op  but it should  be  surgical pain  .....symptoms  should  be  relatively minimal at  this point.....but  remember  we  are  all  different.

May  I  ask what  you  have  been  doing since  you  are  home? Doing  too much  too soon  can cause us  to have more  pain while in recovery.

[Elisaandbucky]

The promising thing you mentioned in your post was that your local doctor called to consult your neurologist. It is nice to have them on the same team concerning your care. I hope you can get into see the doctor this morning - especially to be able to get some relief for your physical pain as well as some peace for you emotional well being. Definitely get information about how to proceed with your recovery in light of your incision swelling. Do you have a email address to which you can send any questions for your surgeon or nurse? Being able to stay in touch with your doctor can be comforting. Document everything so you have information on hand for all your doctor visits. I hope you get some relief for your headaches.