substernal notice edema

[cjudy]

I wasn't sure where this questions should be put on the forum, but here goes!  I have had two cervical spinal fusions related to bone spurs compressing the spinal cord.  I also have severe degenerative disc disease throughtout the spine.  The first surgery was in 2007 (fusion of C5 and 6) and one in 2009 (fusion of C3-4 and C4-5).  After the first surgery in 2007 I did not have any problems except cracking and stiffness and some pain but nothing unbearable.  After the fusion in 2009 I have the following symptoms. Since the surgery I have substernal notice edema.  It is noticeable to anyone who is near me.  It swells to the point that it looks as though the skin is drooping. No real problems swallowing, alot of neck cracking and poping, alot of stiffness and some pain.  It feels as though my neck get "stuck" sometimes.  No other cervical neck swelling except at the surgical site itself.  It has been over a year since the last surgery.  Could the swelling continue to be related to the trauma of the surgery?

[cjudy]

It doesn't hurt at all.  I think I will have my internal med. physician look at it.  Since it has been a year since my last spinal surgery, the ortho office says I need a referral to be seen by the spine doctor.  Go figure!!

[Kalvin]

Does it hurt there? You should probably have a Doctor look at it.