C6 c7 fusion with plate and donor bone 2010

Hello I had a c6 c7 fusion two years ago due to.severe stenosis, I had slight pain, numbness, and electrical shocks but it was liveable. I was tod that due to the severity and location I was looking at paralysis if I did not have the surgery, even long term nerve damage. PM doc refused any stimulator due to stenosis and liabilities. So long stor short with in 6 weeks I had two surgeries. I have been in so much pain ever since my.life *****. I went a month unable to use my legs, another month in p.t. with no improvememt. My surgeon said all looks well, I should have no problems. I also had a l5/s1discectomy due to a large buldging disc with 80% blockage of my spinal.canal and nerve compression. I get migrains. I am now addicted.to pain meds, I have had so many injections, nerve root burnings, etc I am at a loss. I have no insurance, busted all of our savings, moved to a new state and just am at a loss. I was recently approved for ssdi but was told 29 month befor insurance which for.me.means October this year. I am so depresses, lonley, feel no one understands, my family looks at me like I am just to lazy to do stuff, I am crying daily.

I guess I am looking for suggestions on how to make myself feel better, how to.cope, how to move on. Anyone with similar events, pain, surgeries, have any advice to.offer?


Please help me before I dive off the deep end, this pain is so exhausting and I am so tired.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

I understand what it would have been to go through all this in life, but I would have agreed with your doctor that with 80% stenosis a surgery would have been unavoidable. I am not sure how long has it been since the surgery but the post-operative period may normally be associated with pain due to inflammation, which may be prolonged in a few cases. Other possibilities that one would like to consider include degeneration, injuries, neuro-muscular issues etc. It is highly recommended to consult an orthopedician/ neurosurgeon/ neurologist to rule out secondary issues and suggestion of an appropriate management plan. Physiotherapy to strengthen the back muscles along with anti-inflammatory medications and pain medication may help relieve symptoms.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!