spinal meningioma post op complications

Main complication of post op spinal meningioma surgery is a crushing 'hug' or 'girdle' (ex: MS hug), which has plagued me for the last four years.  Every day and night the 'hug or girdle' on a scale of 1 to 10 for pain is a 9. Neurotin makes it possible to live; without the Neurotin, on the scale, my pain would be 10++++ (As I have experienced way to often).  Lived two of the four years post op on high doses of Morphine, which I no longer use.

I think about suicide every day; but, manage to wake up the next morning, only to keep experiencing this incredible thoraic and abdominal hug/girdle crushing pain.

My neurologist gave up on me.

Is there anyone who has experienced these thoraic and abdominal hug/girdle crushing pain?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I am sorry to hear about the constant pain you are experiencing. Central neuropathic pain begins several weeks to months after injury, which may have been the meningioma removal or the meningioma itself. The pain process eventually up-regulates (i.e., increases the availability) of several proteins, etc, that can cause pain to be more or longer than what would be expected in normal patients. The pain is typically a stabbing/sharp or burning sensation. Many medications, one of which you mentioned, are available. Others include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and pregabalin, to name a few. However, if you are not responding to pain medications (that is the neuropathic pain medications), you may benefit to a chronic pain management specialist who works with physical therapists and psychologists to treat the pain.

Have you had your back imaged with MRI since the surgery to ensure there are no other postoperative complications, such as a cyst, that could be causing the pain? I suggest you discuss your condition with the operating physician. You should also ask about chronic pain rehabilitation programs. You may be a candidate.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[lcs0819]

Last MRI was status quo; i.e., the residual tumor less than the pecan size original meningoma, has not grown anymore to date, which in turn, is a let's wait and see if grows; a MRI is suggested every six months.

Last neuorologist stated that nothing further could be done; these constrictions feel as though they are squeezing my heart and lungs up and squeezing my stomach, liver, gall bladder, etc., down to my waist.  As I have been told by several MDs, nothing can be done, to bad for me, since I only have Medicare A and cannot afford B; just a side effect of the surgery.

Thanks for letting me vent!