had a full disc replacement and it failed. I am losing control and need help

[Louosmundson]

Hey Everyone,

My name is Lou and this is my story.

The doctors made me feel like an idiot but finding this forum, I realized that I am not the only one (in a weird way, I feel so relived that I a not alone). I was injured at work in mid June of 2013 which rendered me with absolutely no feeling in my left arm (as a musician, this took away something near and dear to my heart) and partial feeling in my right arm , between June and October I was under the care of workmans comp and for the entire time they treated me for a pulled muscle or  strain, the doctors a lot kept me in work without a care (I work in a warehouse where lifting is my main objective, so you could image how that went). After multiple X-rays, "second opinions'' PT visits and epidural injections they finally did an MRI which reviled that I had 4 ruptured/Herniated discs and crushed nerves. At this point workman comp and the doctors had suggested a full disc replacement. I fully accepted the offer after being in so much pain for so long, On November 18th I had the surgery for only one disc out of the 4 , thinking all was going to be alright- about 3 weeks following the surgery I felt a pop or break in my neck and the pain instantaneously returned, at my follow up appointment the doctors told me that it was normal sent me on my way and back to work. The following weeks produced more intense pain, headaches, vomiting, fevers, sweating and dizzy spells until I couldn't handle it any more. I went back to the doctors and he did an xray to find that the disc has shifted and dislocated. My workmans comp rep is now sending me to another doctor and this doctor is saying that there is nothing wrong with me and and the disc is fine. I guess what I'm trying to say is I am scare, and I am in pain and I feel like I am falling apart. this injury is ruining my life, my marriage and ruining my life with my daughter. I just do not know what to do anymore.

I just need some advise

I am sorry that it is a lot of jumbled context, I am just lost, I am only 27 in excruciating pain every single day and I want my life back.

[mevina]

So sorry to hear your M6-C less than perfect results; thanks for the share. How are you doing now?

[Fragmentedpain]

Your situation sounds very serious and you should see a specialist regarding spine issues outside of your work recommended MDs... I'm feeling they are just grinding you and yes the network is,protecting the doctors and vice versa. Not trying to scare you but this sounds really bad...sorry

[gochoosy]

I know who you feel, I also have been in pain for 9 months. since may/june 2013. I used to hike, dance, sled, and now I have nothing but pain,  The only thing they find upon MRI or CT scan is MILD Degeneration of L5, S1. Wow, how can that ruin someones life?? But boy it sure can, I guess.  Everyones story is different, I heard people who become pain free after one year, or two years, even up to 7 years later.  Some have been in pain for 10 or 20 years. I hope for your sake and mine too, that we will eventually become pain free, because the quality of life for me and sounds like you too... just BITES and it HURTS like hell.  

[cove81]

Do not feel alone. I am having the same problem with my neck. Although I only had 1 herniated disc. I had a M6-C prosthetic put in almost 2 weeks ago and everything was going fine until last night when my neck made a loud crack and the instant pain and migraine that will not go away. I am going back to the doctors today, although on the phone they didn't seem to worried. That seems to be the case with ALL doctors, everyone on this site on other posts say the same thing, "doctors say nothing is wrong". Well then what is all the popping and where is all of the pain coming form? They act like we are all making it up. I just want you to know that you are not alone in this, there are many of us that suffer with you.
As far as your work goes, I would contact one of those work related injury lawyers and have them file something against your employer or at least have him threaten to, they usually back down real fast. I think that most of them work for free unless you get some sort of settlement, then they get a percentage or something.
Stay focused and stay strong.

[Nate1023]

Sorry cant be much help at this but if your work involves lifting and putting it on top shelves i suggest using ladders (if thats applicable) to avoid neck extensions.

I think its a work related damage so they have to atleast reconsider your case.

Or you could take a long leave until the surgery and precautionary orientation, and physical therapy is done.

[Louosmundson]

Yes, however I can not drive or sleep with it so I will remove it during those periods. The work is a whole different ball park, they are harassing me at this point. They have already declared  that they can no longer supply light duty for me and I can hardly do that.

[Nate1023]

Are you using any cervical collar for the time being until the surgery is done?

If you really are unsure with these doctors, see someone with a better reputation on spine conditions.

As for your work, it is best if you see an occupational therapist or ergonomist to modify work place or work habit.