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BACK TO SQUARE ONE...ACTUALLY WORSE...AFTER CERVICAL ACDF
A short history...I was discovered to have a degenerative disk condition in my entire spine about 15 years ago. From time to time, I have had to see a doctor for neck stiffness and pain and would usually feel better after about a week off work and medication.
Starting in October or November of 2006, I started having additional and more severe symptoms that included severe limitation in range of motion, extreme pain when attempting to move my neck. It was worse when attempting to touch ear to shoulder, where there is almost zero range. There was a bit more range when attempting the other neck movements, but not much more. There was also a cracking or crunching noise when I moved my neck the little that I could.
I also had pain and tingling in my neck shoulders, upper back and "traps", with the most severe pain on the right side. I also had painful cramps in my "traps" and fingers on my right hand. Ocassionally, I would have tingling on the right side of my face.
I ended up being treated with physical therapy with no relief and I also had several epidurals with no relief.
In the course of this time, I had x-rays done as well as an MRI. It was determined that I had very severely degenerated disks at C-5,6 and C-6,7.
After having a nerve block with no relief, I had a diskoscopy done but which came back inconclusive.
The surgeon indicated that although the test was inconclusive, the disks were more than likely the cause of my problem so after advice from him, I decided to have the ACDF With Instrumentation.
done.He did caution me that the results may stay the same, improve or get worse.
I had surgery on May 9th and wore a soft collar for 2 months. I had my second follow up on July 5th and at that time, I explained that I was still having the same symptoms as before surgery. The doctor seemed upset and stated that I should be ready to resume normal activities and return to work with restrictions.
I explained to him that I still could hardly move my neck and after having me attempt to move my neck and saw a lack of range, he stated that I should have more movement then what I had and prescribed a month of physical therapy.
I did the month of therapy with no relief other than regaining the small bit of motion that I had before surgery and which had been restricted by the surgery and collar. This was not much of a gain and was so stated in the therapist's final eval.
When I went to my latest follow up August 16th, I again explained that nothing had changed...that I had the exact same symptoms as prior to the surgery.
The doctor looked at the latest x-rays and said that everything is going fine but never addressed why I was having the same problem accept to say that it may take more time..
He told me that he was sending me back to work with limited lifting restrictions. I explained to him that was fine, but I was more concerned about the pain and lack of range in my neck because my job requires constant bending and twisting of my neck for 8 hours and that I could not do it, especially since that was the reason I sought medical care in the first place.
He basically ignored me and stated that he was just going to go with the limited lifting restrictions and said that I needed to get back to a normal routine.
He never examined my neck, back or shoulders to determine the amount of range, pain or anything else. He also ignored the findings of the therapist. The only thing that he did was give me that standard strength test.
I returned to work on August 27th and since then, my symptoms have gotten worse...due no doubt to the requirement of my job.
I have become very frustrated and untrusting of the doctor so I sought a second opinion. The second doctor looked at my medical records, did the same strength test and that was. He didn't actually check my neck either and made reference to the slight gain in range mentioned by the therapist...totally ignoring the fact that the slight gain was actually what I had gained after having the surgery and wearing the neck brace.
I kept asking him about the worsening of my symptoms and the only thing that he offered was the I had serious surgery and that I couldn't expect it to be better after only 3 months, that it could take up to a year. I asked him if that were the case, then when could I expect some improvement and he stated that I should see some improvement after 6 months and if I didn't, it probably wouldn't get any better.
He seemed very reluctant to offer any opinion contrary to my surgeons and I just felt that he was giving me the run around.
Either I am supposed to be better by now or I should not expect to see any improvement for some time, which is it? Those who I know who have had the same type of surgery talk about how much better they are after 3 months and hav lost almost no range...actually gained almost all of what they may have lost prior to the surgery.
I am very disappointed and frustrated at this point and have no intention of returning for my next follow up since it seems to be useless to do so.
Is there any suggestions on what I can do to get help from another doctor? Someone who is going to be more concerned and caring and who will listen to his patient and run more tests based on his patients complaints?
Starting in October or November of 2006, I started having additional and more severe symptoms that included severe limitation in range of motion, extreme pain when attempting to move my neck. It was worse when attempting to touch ear to shoulder, where there is almost zero range. There was a bit more range when attempting the other neck movements, but not much more. There was also a cracking or crunching noise when I moved my neck the little that I could.
I also had pain and tingling in my neck shoulders, upper back and "traps", with the most severe pain on the right side. I also had painful cramps in my "traps" and fingers on my right hand. Ocassionally, I would have tingling on the right side of my face.
I ended up being treated with physical therapy with no relief and I also had several epidurals with no relief.
In the course of this time, I had x-rays done as well as an MRI. It was determined that I had very severely degenerated disks at C-5,6 and C-6,7.
After having a nerve block with no relief, I had a diskoscopy done but which came back inconclusive.
The surgeon indicated that although the test was inconclusive, the disks were more than likely the cause of my problem so after advice from him, I decided to have the ACDF With Instrumentation.
done.He did caution me that the results may stay the same, improve or get worse.
I had surgery on May 9th and wore a soft collar for 2 months. I had my second follow up on July 5th and at that time, I explained that I was still having the same symptoms as before surgery. The doctor seemed upset and stated that I should be ready to resume normal activities and return to work with restrictions.
I explained to him that I still could hardly move my neck and after having me attempt to move my neck and saw a lack of range, he stated that I should have more movement then what I had and prescribed a month of physical therapy.
I did the month of therapy with no relief other than regaining the small bit of motion that I had before surgery and which had been restricted by the surgery and collar. This was not much of a gain and was so stated in the therapist's final eval.
When I went to my latest follow up August 16th, I again explained that nothing had changed...that I had the exact same symptoms as prior to the surgery.
The doctor looked at the latest x-rays and said that everything is going fine but never addressed why I was having the same problem accept to say that it may take more time..
He told me that he was sending me back to work with limited lifting restrictions. I explained to him that was fine, but I was more concerned about the pain and lack of range in my neck because my job requires constant bending and twisting of my neck for 8 hours and that I could not do it, especially since that was the reason I sought medical care in the first place.
He basically ignored me and stated that he was just going to go with the limited lifting restrictions and said that I needed to get back to a normal routine.
He never examined my neck, back or shoulders to determine the amount of range, pain or anything else. He also ignored the findings of the therapist. The only thing that he did was give me that standard strength test.
I returned to work on August 27th and since then, my symptoms have gotten worse...due no doubt to the requirement of my job.
I have become very frustrated and untrusting of the doctor so I sought a second opinion. The second doctor looked at my medical records, did the same strength test and that was. He didn't actually check my neck either and made reference to the slight gain in range mentioned by the therapist...totally ignoring the fact that the slight gain was actually what I had gained after having the surgery and wearing the neck brace.
I kept asking him about the worsening of my symptoms and the only thing that he offered was the I had serious surgery and that I couldn't expect it to be better after only 3 months, that it could take up to a year. I asked him if that were the case, then when could I expect some improvement and he stated that I should see some improvement after 6 months and if I didn't, it probably wouldn't get any better.
He seemed very reluctant to offer any opinion contrary to my surgeons and I just felt that he was giving me the run around.
Either I am supposed to be better by now or I should not expect to see any improvement for some time, which is it? Those who I know who have had the same type of surgery talk about how much better they are after 3 months and hav lost almost no range...actually gained almost all of what they may have lost prior to the surgery.
I am very disappointed and frustrated at this point and have no intention of returning for my next follow up since it seems to be useless to do so.
Is there any suggestions on what I can do to get help from another doctor? Someone who is going to be more concerned and caring and who will listen to his patient and run more tests based on his patients complaints?
Dear Erik,
I thought that was beautifully said. I also walk w/GOD daily and there's nothing wrong with that... only right. If u focus on Him and put urself into His Hands everything else will fall into place. I truly believe that and it has made me a better person,not to say that I was evil, but we all make mistakes for we are only human. I do know that I am His and He walks w/me daily. So, I will never leave His side and am proud to admit to it. I think ur a good person and that is good, but what does God think @ u. That is the most important thing.
I write a lot of songs,poetry, draw, and I love it. So, it is nice to read good positive feelings and I have done it a time or two, but I am a songwriter and try to keep things that aren't copywritten to myself. I still have hopes of singing for people. I love the emotions it brings. It moves ur heart and it can fill ur soul w/hope,faith and love.
Now, how ru doing? I seem to be doing better since I've lost 12 lbs...yeah for me. I am so glad bc I was feeling so depressed and down, but now it seems that I have hope. I think like this...we all make mistakes like I said and we all have to pay in some way to bear our crosses. I feel I have bore mine and now He knows that I will never leave His side, that my life will finally get started. I wrote a song for the first time in a long time this week. It only took me a minute or two to get it down. Those are usually the best ones. I am excited to get back into music again. Although I know I will have to have surgery again..I can just fill it and that is fine. My T3-T4 is a compressed fracture and I believe that is what is causing most of my pain that it is pressing on a nerve and maybe my surgery was a failed fusion as well. So, I think I have a two-fold prob. but have high hopes. What @ U? Are u getting anywhere in getting better. IT sounds like it from above. Do u also play an instrument or sing? It would be so kewl if we met here to do great things in the music business...:) lol
I am going to an Ortho Tues. and am going to tell him differently than any other doc I have talked to. I am going to start from the beginning and get to where I am now and let him do the math. Usually I would just go in and tell the doc that I am in pain...here or there and what is it? I have learned u have to start from the beginning of the pain and where it started to finish. I think then I will get to or he will get to the bottom of what is causing my misery. I am better bc of med. change I will give u that. Since I have quit taking Lyrica my life has turned for the better. Neurontin is much better 4 me. It seems to work better for what is going on in my body. I am so greatful 4 that.
Hey, check out my webpage that I just started @ where I worked in Nashville and I worked w/some big names...of course they don't know me now..that's okay. I don't have my nose up in the air...lol They are going to love the pics I post when I get them all up. Some of them will probably write to me then...lol...I don't mean to be mean,it just erks me when u have worked w/someone for 3 yrs and see them at their concert and they wave, but at the end of the show don't know u anymore. Really that is sad. I am glad I never made it to be famous. I like who I am...a wife and mother. I am happier now than I have ever been in my life...even in the shape I am in. I thought @ my songs and maybe letting someone else record them, but I don't know. I am going to want to record them myself. I always wanted to hear myself singing my song on the radio. maybe some day soon.
Hey, I am sawy that I wrote so much. I was just venting as u said..:) We all have to at some time. I do it a lot. Can u tell I love to talk...lol
U take care of urself and talk atcha' soon and always GOD BLESS.. Karen
Wow...I didn't know u were a reverend...I just saw that...how kewl is that. So, God is w/u and that is awsome...me too.
I almost posted my page...forgot can't do that. Don't want to get into trouble for it. I will try to post it in my profile and then u can check out some of my photos. I have two wonderful boys...I only have one posted at the time. The other son lives w/his dad...long ugly story. Sad really. Pray for my oldest son. He seems to be lost at this time and he won't talk to me. As I said it is a long ugly story...but so true. I just pray that God is w/him and sends one of good angels to protect both of my boys and family....sawy...keep on talking....:)
I thought that was beautifully said. I also walk w/GOD daily and there's nothing wrong with that... only right. If u focus on Him and put urself into His Hands everything else will fall into place. I truly believe that and it has made me a better person,not to say that I was evil, but we all make mistakes for we are only human. I do know that I am His and He walks w/me daily. So, I will never leave His side and am proud to admit to it. I think ur a good person and that is good, but what does God think @ u. That is the most important thing.
I write a lot of songs,poetry, draw, and I love it. So, it is nice to read good positive feelings and I have done it a time or two, but I am a songwriter and try to keep things that aren't copywritten to myself. I still have hopes of singing for people. I love the emotions it brings. It moves ur heart and it can fill ur soul w/hope,faith and love.
Now, how ru doing? I seem to be doing better since I've lost 12 lbs...yeah for me. I am so glad bc I was feeling so depressed and down, but now it seems that I have hope. I think like this...we all make mistakes like I said and we all have to pay in some way to bear our crosses. I feel I have bore mine and now He knows that I will never leave His side, that my life will finally get started. I wrote a song for the first time in a long time this week. It only took me a minute or two to get it down. Those are usually the best ones. I am excited to get back into music again. Although I know I will have to have surgery again..I can just fill it and that is fine. My T3-T4 is a compressed fracture and I believe that is what is causing most of my pain that it is pressing on a nerve and maybe my surgery was a failed fusion as well. So, I think I have a two-fold prob. but have high hopes. What @ U? Are u getting anywhere in getting better. IT sounds like it from above. Do u also play an instrument or sing? It would be so kewl if we met here to do great things in the music business...:) lol
I am going to an Ortho Tues. and am going to tell him differently than any other doc I have talked to. I am going to start from the beginning and get to where I am now and let him do the math. Usually I would just go in and tell the doc that I am in pain...here or there and what is it? I have learned u have to start from the beginning of the pain and where it started to finish. I think then I will get to or he will get to the bottom of what is causing my misery. I am better bc of med. change I will give u that. Since I have quit taking Lyrica my life has turned for the better. Neurontin is much better 4 me. It seems to work better for what is going on in my body. I am so greatful 4 that.
Hey, check out my webpage that I just started @ where I worked in Nashville and I worked w/some big names...of course they don't know me now..that's okay. I don't have my nose up in the air...lol They are going to love the pics I post when I get them all up. Some of them will probably write to me then...lol...I don't mean to be mean,it just erks me when u have worked w/someone for 3 yrs and see them at their concert and they wave, but at the end of the show don't know u anymore. Really that is sad. I am glad I never made it to be famous. I like who I am...a wife and mother. I am happier now than I have ever been in my life...even in the shape I am in. I thought @ my songs and maybe letting someone else record them, but I don't know. I am going to want to record them myself. I always wanted to hear myself singing my song on the radio. maybe some day soon.
Hey, I am sawy that I wrote so much. I was just venting as u said..:) We all have to at some time. I do it a lot. Can u tell I love to talk...lol
U take care of urself and talk atcha' soon and always GOD BLESS.. Karen
Wow...I didn't know u were a reverend...I just saw that...how kewl is that. So, God is w/u and that is awsome...me too.
I almost posted my page...forgot can't do that. Don't want to get into trouble for it. I will try to post it in my profile and then u can check out some of my photos. I have two wonderful boys...I only have one posted at the time. The other son lives w/his dad...long ugly story. Sad really. Pray for my oldest son. He seems to be lost at this time and he won't talk to me. As I said it is a long ugly story...but so true. I just pray that God is w/him and sends one of good angels to protect both of my boys and family....sawy...keep on talking....:)
I, despite my ordination, am not a person who will daily talk about God and his blessings. I believe what I do, and I support what you believe with all my heart and soul. I am here to listen and be a sounding board for all who come.....never think of me as a "bible thumper" as that I can never be.
as it is said .....Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you
as it is said .....Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you
I wish for…
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
“The Anchor,” St. Clement’s, Tampa, Florida
The Anglican Digest.
I don't do this as much as I know I should....
Peace be with you...
Rev. D. Erik Walton
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
“The Anchor,” St. Clement’s, Tampa, Florida
The Anglican Digest.
I don't do this as much as I know I should....
Peace be with you...
Rev. D. Erik Walton
Oh, BTW, don't worry about rambling....I am guilty of same....Mostly because it is nice and calming to talk to someone who is as "miserable" as you are.
I have had several weeks of bad days.........not surprising to anyone reading but it must be said anyway....
Since it is spring, I think those of us who have a wife, husband or significant other, should take this time to say a very, very, heartfelt thank you...we all know that they can (and in certain cases have) left us because they cannot, or will not, handle the pressure that comes with.......God bless everyone of you who stays and fights along with us in our daily struggles...They are the true saints/angels in our lives.
I have had several weeks of bad days.........not surprising to anyone reading but it must be said anyway....
Since it is spring, I think those of us who have a wife, husband or significant other, should take this time to say a very, very, heartfelt thank you...we all know that they can (and in certain cases have) left us because they cannot, or will not, handle the pressure that comes with.......God bless everyone of you who stays and fights along with us in our daily struggles...They are the true saints/angels in our lives.
Oh, BTW, don't worry about rambling....I am guilty of same....Mostly because it is nice and calming to talk to someone who is as "miserable" as you are.
I have had several weeks of bad days.........not surprising to anyone reading but it must be said anyway....
Since it is spring, I think those of us who have a wife, husband or significant other, should take this time to say a very, very, heartfelt thank you...we all know that they can (and in certain cases have) left us because they cannot, or will not, handle the pressure that comes with.......God bless everyone of you who stays and fights along with us in our daily struggles...They are the true saints/angels in our lives.
I have had several weeks of bad days.........not surprising to anyone reading but it must be said anyway....
Since it is spring, I think those of us who have a wife, husband or significant other, should take this time to say a very, very, heartfelt thank you...we all know that they can (and in certain cases have) left us because they cannot, or will not, handle the pressure that comes with.......God bless everyone of you who stays and fights along with us in our daily struggles...They are the true saints/angels in our lives.
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