Dr Abhijeet PLEASe help

[ms38]

I had ACDF surgery in 08/07.  I started experiencing burning pain on the right side of my neck approximately 6 weeks after surgery.. I have had several MRI's and the cervical ones indicated I have enlarged lymph nodes on the right side approximately 15millimeters in diameter. They were there presurgery as well. The surgeon says my bones are fused and evertything looks fine. My problem is this burning pain comes and goes on the right side of my neck and it has spread to under my breasts sometimes in the arms and now I have noticed my hands are turning red and they burn and sting as well.  It seems they turn red when the neck burns intensely. My sed rate on 2 different occasions was 27 and 35. My c reactive protein was normal. SOmething just doesnt feel right on the right side of my neck, it feels like a stretching pulling pain. I have seen 2 different neurologists and they have no answser for me. I havent had an EMG yet but think I should schedule one soon.  I am so worried about it and I want some answers. Are there any tests I can have done to get to the bottom of this."?  Could the titanium plate be causing this? I just need some answers and advice. I have an appt to see a Rheumatologist in late April. Please give me some guidance.
Thank you

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Your MRI does not confirm any nerve root impingement. But I strongly suspect there is ongoing injury to the nerve roots. The distribution of the burning is suggestive of this.

The next best to find out is the Nerve conduction study and EMG. I guess you are getting the EMG done today. Let me know what happens.

Regards

[ms38]

Well thank you for your advice doctor. I had to postpone my EMG for next week. I am sick with the flu.. If I have nerve root injury, will it heal on its own? I hope I dont have to suffer with this the rest of my life.  Injury to the nerve roots can happen in surgery right? I will let you know how the EMG goes next week. I appreciate all your advice. THanks again.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

A nerve root injury should heal, but it may take a long time, especially if the source of injury is constant. Even without a compression, a nerve root can get irritated.

Regards

[ms38]

Dr Abhijeet,

I am so worried. My hands have been turning red off and on. Do you believe the neck can be related to this? I am supposed to have my EMG on Friday. Oh, I noticed they were a lilttle purplish the other day. I am so concerned. I just hope I dont have nerve damage. What do you think of the enlarged lymph nodes that were noted on the MRI? SHould I be concerned of that too? I am lost. NO doctor has given me  a diagnosis as of yet. DO you think it would be wise to go see a neurosurgeon? Also should I get another CT scan to make sure my bones are fused? SOrry for all the questions. I just want some answers thats all.. THank you

[ms38]

bumping up.

[ms38]

bumping up