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Anyone that can help
I had artificial disc replacement surgery 4 years ago. I have been on pain meds ever since with severe pain in feet,legs and lower back. I recently begin to have severe muscle jerks in legs and arms. Last week my scalp on the right side of my head went numb and my left ankle was severly swollen and numb on bottom of foot. What is happening to me? Is it medication related? The muscle jerks seem to increase when i am drowsy or am just falling asleep. Anyone recognize any of this? I am 43 years old and male in decent physical shape considering the back situation. Im on several meds that may cause it when I am out or forget to take them etc. Im not sure.
Red is correct. Many of us experience some amount or form of "Myoclonic Jerking" on occasion or more frequently. I know that when I am drifting off to sleep I experience this also or sometimes when resting.
In its simplest form, myoclonus consists of a muscle twitch followed by relaxation. A hiccup is an example of this type of myoclonus. Other familiar examples of myoclonus are the jerks or "sleep starts" that some people experience while drifting off to sleep. When we take narcotics or similar medications these can be more often and more pronounced. These simple forms of myoclonus occur in normal, healthy persons and cause no difficulties. When more widespread, myoclonus may involve persistent, shock-like contractions in a group of muscles. When myoclonus become annoying and out of the norm there are treatments for this symptom but first the cause needs to be diagnosed. It is not a disease in itself.
Usually an EMG or EEG sometimes a CT or MRI of the brain can diagnosis the more troublesome forms of myoclonus or "Myoclonic Jerking". Again good luck to you and please let us know how you are doing.
Tuck
In its simplest form, myoclonus consists of a muscle twitch followed by relaxation. A hiccup is an example of this type of myoclonus. Other familiar examples of myoclonus are the jerks or "sleep starts" that some people experience while drifting off to sleep. When we take narcotics or similar medications these can be more often and more pronounced. These simple forms of myoclonus occur in normal, healthy persons and cause no difficulties. When more widespread, myoclonus may involve persistent, shock-like contractions in a group of muscles. When myoclonus become annoying and out of the norm there are treatments for this symptom but first the cause needs to be diagnosed. It is not a disease in itself.
Usually an EMG or EEG sometimes a CT or MRI of the brain can diagnosis the more troublesome forms of myoclonus or "Myoclonic Jerking". Again good luck to you and please let us know how you are doing.
Tuck
Wow....You had an artificial disc replacement when they just started doing them in this country. Your pain is most likely do to the disc surgery, however the jerking may be do to the meds.
I have been on pain meds on and off since 2006 and on a steady basis since March, 2008. If you are taking other medications like I do, such as blood pressure medication or benzo's you can experience what is called "Myoclonic Jerking". I also have sleep apnea which contributes to it sometimes.
It happens to me every so often, especially when I am overtired. You should speak to you doctor about it to get some advice on treatment. Usually there is no treatment for it unless you are having other symptoms with it which you clearly report having.
Hope this helps.
I have been on pain meds on and off since 2006 and on a steady basis since March, 2008. If you are taking other medications like I do, such as blood pressure medication or benzo's you can experience what is called "Myoclonic Jerking". I also have sleep apnea which contributes to it sometimes.
It happens to me every so often, especially when I am overtired. You should speak to you doctor about it to get some advice on treatment. Usually there is no treatment for it unless you are having other symptoms with it which you clearly report having.
Hope this helps.
Hello and welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us too. I am so sorry to hear about your pain and all the surgeries you have had to endure. We can relate to chronic pain that disrupts your life and normal activities. (May I suggest that you please do not use large caps. It is difficult for some to read and is often is interpreted as shouting.)
An artificial disc is not the same as spinal fusion. Spinal fusion is usually the last approach to repair spinal structure problems.
Of all the things that you list one of the most immediately concerning is a swollen tongue. This can usually indicate an allergy and sometimes a serious allergy. You should notify your PCP of your symptoms.
Have you been to PT? Have you discussed your prognosis with your surgeon and/or physician? If not I urge you to do so and discover if there are more treatments available to you. If there is nothing more that can be don that I encourage you to see a PMP. There are PM Therapists that can help you cope and offer suggestions on how to have a more normal life.
Unfortunately for some of us there is no more "fixing" or no "fixing" at all. I am one of the no fixers. I, as many of us here live with 24/7 pain. You learn to cope or find help from a professional that can help you learn to cope. I have been lucky that my husband and I have insurance. But we must do without my income that was substantial as a professional. You learn to adjust.
I think you PCP said it well. We're all dealt a hand to play in this life and some of us get some pretty lousy cards. But we have no choice to to play out our hands. They may not bring you comfort but it should let you know that we understand and we're sorry for all you have had to endure and continue to endure.
Best of luck to you. Please feel free to become an active memeber of our community. We are here to support one another.
Take Care,
Tuck
An artificial disc is not the same as spinal fusion. Spinal fusion is usually the last approach to repair spinal structure problems.
Of all the things that you list one of the most immediately concerning is a swollen tongue. This can usually indicate an allergy and sometimes a serious allergy. You should notify your PCP of your symptoms.
Have you been to PT? Have you discussed your prognosis with your surgeon and/or physician? If not I urge you to do so and discover if there are more treatments available to you. If there is nothing more that can be don that I encourage you to see a PMP. There are PM Therapists that can help you cope and offer suggestions on how to have a more normal life.
Unfortunately for some of us there is no more "fixing" or no "fixing" at all. I am one of the no fixers. I, as many of us here live with 24/7 pain. You learn to cope or find help from a professional that can help you learn to cope. I have been lucky that my husband and I have insurance. But we must do without my income that was substantial as a professional. You learn to adjust.
I think you PCP said it well. We're all dealt a hand to play in this life and some of us get some pretty lousy cards. But we have no choice to to play out our hands. They may not bring you comfort but it should let you know that we understand and we're sorry for all you have had to endure and continue to endure.
Best of luck to you. Please feel free to become an active memeber of our community. We are here to support one another.
Take Care,
Tuck
Hello Artificialdisc,
Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am glad that you have found us. I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and pain.
It is difficult to determine what may be causing your symptoms. I understand what you mean when you say that you have had an artificial disc replacement. I would imagine that over the years you have forgotten to take a medication or not refilled your meds on time, yet you did not experience these symptoms. Correct?
Therefore these may be symptoms from a new condition, most likely in the structure of your spine. Have you had an MRI recently? Or they may be totally unrelated to the spine or medications and be symptoms of a medical condition. Swelling in your lower extremities is usually not from a spinal issue. However I am not a physician and this is merely my personal opinion.
What I do suggest is that you not ignore these new symptoms. Please make an appt with your PCP and have a good clinical evaluation. You should not have to tolerate these painful symptoms without treatment or a diagnosis. It may be something simple that a change in medication, an added medication or a simple treatment will alleviate.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates with interest. Best of luck to you and as always, take care.
Tuck
Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am glad that you have found us. I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and pain.
It is difficult to determine what may be causing your symptoms. I understand what you mean when you say that you have had an artificial disc replacement. I would imagine that over the years you have forgotten to take a medication or not refilled your meds on time, yet you did not experience these symptoms. Correct?
Therefore these may be symptoms from a new condition, most likely in the structure of your spine. Have you had an MRI recently? Or they may be totally unrelated to the spine or medications and be symptoms of a medical condition. Swelling in your lower extremities is usually not from a spinal issue. However I am not a physician and this is merely my personal opinion.
What I do suggest is that you not ignore these new symptoms. Please make an appt with your PCP and have a good clinical evaluation. You should not have to tolerate these painful symptoms without treatment or a diagnosis. It may be something simple that a change in medication, an added medication or a simple treatment will alleviate.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates with interest. Best of luck to you and as always, take care.
Tuck
I HAVE HAD ALMOST MY ENTIRE SPINAL COL, FUSED, IS THAT WHAT YOU MEAN BY ARTIFICIAL DISK REPLACEMENT, FOR ME, IT WAS BONE FROM MY BODY, UNSURE IF WE HAVE HAD THE SAME?
IT SOUNDS LIKE WE HAVE MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS, AM ALSO ON HEAVY SERIOUS MEDS, BUT, MY DR. SAY'S I DON'T TAKE ENOUGH, BY A LONG SHOT===TO AFRAID OF BECOMING ADDICTED, BUT, FINALLY REALIZING THAT I MUST TAKE THEM AS PRESCRIBED OR I WILL FEEL CRUSHED ALL THE TIME.
NEVER TOLD ANYONE, EVER, EXCEPT HUSBAND ONCE THAT MY HEAD SOMETIMES FEELS NUMB, DON'T KNOW WHY I AM SO HESITANT TO EXPRESS THIS, HAVE A COUPLE OF OTHER STRANGE SYMPTOMS THAT I HAVEN'T EXPRESSED, LIKE I THINK SOMETIMES A SWOLLEN TONGUE.
THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY UPPER BODY, RIGHT ARM, REALLY SHAKES TERRIBLY AT TIMES, ALWAYS FEEL THAT I NEED TO HAND A SIGN AROUND MY NECK EXPLAINING I AM NOT WAITING FOR A FIX OR A DRINK, IT IS NERVE DAMAGE, IS IT SIMILIAR TO WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE?
SINCE I DON'T SLEEP, CAN'T TELL ABOUT A DROWSY OR FALLING ASLEEP PROBLEM, SORRY.
YOU DIDN'T SAY HOW MANY SURGURIES YOU HAVE HAD ON YOUR SPINEL COL, OR WHERE.
WHAT I DESPERATELY WANT TO KNOW IS THIS A LIFE SENTENCE FOR ME, WILL I ALWAYS SUFFER SUCH PAIN, AND WILL OLD SURGURIES NEED TO BE REDONE, OR WILL NEW PROBLEMS CREEP UP AS I GET OLDER, GETTING OLDER IS ENOUGH PROBLEM, DON'T YOU THINK? WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU TRIED TO DO TO MANAGE YOUR PAIN OR SYMPTOMS, I HAVE DONE IT ALL, I KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT A FEW THINGS, MOSTLY A GREAT DEAL OF MY PAIN, IS CAUSED I THINK FROM BEING SO GUILTY ABOUT WHAT THIS HAS DONE TO MY INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL HUSBAND, HE HAS SUFFERED MORE THAN I, AND THIS HAS TOTALLY DRAINED US OF MONEY, AND WHEN YOU ARE OLDER, THER IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO REGAIN, NEARLY MADE US HOMELESS, WE FINANCIALLY LOST EVERYTHING WE WORKED FOR, ALL GONE, THAT ADD'S SERIOUS PAIN.
HATE THAT MY HUSBAND HAS HAD TO HAVE HIS LIFE SO ALTERED BECAUSE SOMEONE WAS NEGLIGENT, DECIDEDLY SO, THEY CHOOSE NOT FIXING SOMETHING TO SAVE A FEW $ ANYWAY, I AM OUT HERE, IF YOU WANT TO CHAT. GABBI GAIL
IT SOUNDS LIKE WE HAVE MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS, AM ALSO ON HEAVY SERIOUS MEDS, BUT, MY DR. SAY'S I DON'T TAKE ENOUGH, BY A LONG SHOT===TO AFRAID OF BECOMING ADDICTED, BUT, FINALLY REALIZING THAT I MUST TAKE THEM AS PRESCRIBED OR I WILL FEEL CRUSHED ALL THE TIME.
NEVER TOLD ANYONE, EVER, EXCEPT HUSBAND ONCE THAT MY HEAD SOMETIMES FEELS NUMB, DON'T KNOW WHY I AM SO HESITANT TO EXPRESS THIS, HAVE A COUPLE OF OTHER STRANGE SYMPTOMS THAT I HAVEN'T EXPRESSED, LIKE I THINK SOMETIMES A SWOLLEN TONGUE.
THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY UPPER BODY, RIGHT ARM, REALLY SHAKES TERRIBLY AT TIMES, ALWAYS FEEL THAT I NEED TO HAND A SIGN AROUND MY NECK EXPLAINING I AM NOT WAITING FOR A FIX OR A DRINK, IT IS NERVE DAMAGE, IS IT SIMILIAR TO WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE?
SINCE I DON'T SLEEP, CAN'T TELL ABOUT A DROWSY OR FALLING ASLEEP PROBLEM, SORRY.
YOU DIDN'T SAY HOW MANY SURGURIES YOU HAVE HAD ON YOUR SPINEL COL, OR WHERE.
WHAT I DESPERATELY WANT TO KNOW IS THIS A LIFE SENTENCE FOR ME, WILL I ALWAYS SUFFER SUCH PAIN, AND WILL OLD SURGURIES NEED TO BE REDONE, OR WILL NEW PROBLEMS CREEP UP AS I GET OLDER, GETTING OLDER IS ENOUGH PROBLEM, DON'T YOU THINK? WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU TRIED TO DO TO MANAGE YOUR PAIN OR SYMPTOMS, I HAVE DONE IT ALL, I KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT A FEW THINGS, MOSTLY A GREAT DEAL OF MY PAIN, IS CAUSED I THINK FROM BEING SO GUILTY ABOUT WHAT THIS HAS DONE TO MY INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL HUSBAND, HE HAS SUFFERED MORE THAN I, AND THIS HAS TOTALLY DRAINED US OF MONEY, AND WHEN YOU ARE OLDER, THER IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO REGAIN, NEARLY MADE US HOMELESS, WE FINANCIALLY LOST EVERYTHING WE WORKED FOR, ALL GONE, THAT ADD'S SERIOUS PAIN.
HATE THAT MY HUSBAND HAS HAD TO HAVE HIS LIFE SO ALTERED BECAUSE SOMEONE WAS NEGLIGENT, DECIDEDLY SO, THEY CHOOSE NOT FIXING SOMETHING TO SAVE A FEW $ ANYWAY, I AM OUT HERE, IF YOU WANT TO CHAT. GABBI GAIL
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