4 mos. post-op...is this going "normally"???

[AmyFS]

Hi everyone! I haven't been on this site since right after my surgery.  I have questions about my recovery at this stage (surgery was on July 6th).  I know that I've made a lot of progress and for that I am very thankful, but I seem to have new issues now. I know that there is no "normal" anything when it comes to Chiari, which is frustrating!! I also know that stress in general seems to aggravate it, like it aggravates any physical problem...but I am starting to worry. My main questions, I guess, are:  for those of you who have had physical therapy post-op, what kinds of stretching or exercises do you do?  I feel SO tense in my neck and shoulders, plus I now have CONSTANT lower back pain where I used to only have it once in a while.  I still don't have full range of motion in my neck.  I can't turn around to look over my shoulder, etc.- I have to move my shoulders & turn to look instead.  Some one told me that maybe its because of scar tissue? Does that seem right?  When my NS saw my 6 weeks post-op, he just looked at the scar and said it looked great and that I had no restrictions (he said that I wasn't going to "break anything" in there..everything was healed and sturdy).  This leads me to the next question.  Should I have had a post-op MRI?  Has anyone had this? Is it routine or not?  It seems to me (but I'm not the NS) that they might want to look INSIDE and make sure that stuff is healed right in there?
I'm a little frustrated as you can tell.  I have SO much respect for my NS, I don't want to doubt him.
One other thing- does anyone experience a throbbing and almost like a "pulling" feeling near the top of their incision site?  I notice this when I am bending down (like putting things in the dishwasher or picking something up), lifting, and sometimes just when I am stressed out.It is a really creeping feeling. I am trying to figure out if its just my imagination or if there is something wrong.  I also get pretty stong head rushes when I stand up from squatting down to do something. This seems to be getting a little better.

On the bright side- I hope that those of you that I've met on this site are doing well. I have a lot of reading & catching up to do!
Thanks!
Amy

[max666]

hi Amy, just thought id see how you"re doing. Have things started to get any better for you? Did you try any of the exercises and have they made a difference. When do you go back to see the ns? Sorry, lots of questions, was feeling a little better but have had a set back the last few days had to take oramorph the pain has been that bad. Hope things are good for you  xxxxx

[selmaS]

Well, knowing u have to do certain things...ask that the boxes be placed up on something so u can empty them with out bending so far.....we have to plan ahead....

as Maxine said listen to ur body...go slow...even with the exercises....and remember to use the heat b4 u start.

Rest inbtwn what u have to do...break it up.....

"selma"

[AmyFS]

Thank you so much for the feedback.  I was never given any info on exercises at all.  I saw a PT twice while in the hospital to just help get me up and make sure that I could walk & climb stairs before I left. That was all-- no further instructions.  I thought that was wierd. I will definitely check out the link Selma sent. Thank you!  I wasn't given any follow up instructions (appointment) either.  
Unfortunately I have to lift and bend. We just moved about 7 weeks ago (a long distance move) and there are still boxes to unpack, plus I have 2 pre-schoolers.  I may have jumped back into life too fast, but in my situation I had no choice. And life is kicking my butt LOL. Once my new insurance kicks in I think I will find a good NS here follow up. I think my neck is healing into this current position.
Thanks again!
Amy

[max666]

hi Amy, i know this is not the "right" thing to say but .... im glad its not just me. How selfish does that sound! Im just relieved that its not just me, you seem to be having the same as me. I had convinced myself that something else had gone wrong and would end up back in hosp. The things you describe sound so much like mine however i dont do much bending and havent lifted anything more than a kettle since my op.  I have been doing a couple of basic neck movement exercises to see if that helps, but i wasnt given any from the hospital.  As Selma has told me before, we all heal differently and some heal quicker than others after surgery, so i will pass on her advice. Listen to your own body and dont rush things, we have to give ourselves time to heal. Take care max xx

[selmaS]

Hi....first, u should have had some type of neck exercises to do while in the hospital and to continue once at home...here is a link to what I had to do and read my comment on how I was to do them....it is important to not move ur shoulders up or forward......
http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/171420?personal_page_id=197028&photo_collection_id=1369
I have more range of motion in my neck than I ever did...so I am so happy about that and I still do my exercises : )
My MRI was at 6 months post op....but u have to move ur neck so it doesn't heal in one position...it may be sore and diff to do, but u have to do it...slowly....use heat on it b4 u start for approx 15 mins to relax the muscles....then stretch.....u will see a diff.

U r still healing, so it may depend on what u lift...try getting someone else to lift for u and bend as little as possible....it can take up to 2 yrs to heal completely and as u heal some symptoms may return or new ones pop up as the nerves heal...it is more of a new sensation then symptom....so unless it is something severe and lasts for more than 4 to 5 days...call the dr...otherwise it is the normal healing process.

Glad to hear from u Amy : )

"selma"

[vohsie]

There are two things that concern me here.
First it could be a simple infection a puss that would not have any place to exit.
That would be my first action.
Secondary there seems to be a nerve that could impair your circulation and that would cause your pain.
Because you respect your NS, so do I.  It proves your trust.  Print this out and get back to your Doctor.  If he can't solve it, he will get you to someone that can.
Further, check your ears.  If there is fluid (which I suspect) a simple cure from an indian woman says buy a good old fashioned bottle of Marshmallo root and take it diligently.
Let me know.