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

[ms38]

Dr Abhijeet,

Please help me understand.. I talked with the radiologist yesterday that read my Ct report b/c I wanted to clarify the conflicting report and stories I have been told. When I saw my surgeon last week, he said everything looked good on the CT scan and that I am fused.  I asked him about the report saying "no recurrent disc herniation at C5-C6 and no recurrent disc herniation at C6-C7."  His PA said that it was ligaments. And I asked why would the radiologist report that.. I also asked him if I had any scar tissue at any of those levels and he said "no, not really."  I am so upset.  I cant get a straight answer from anyone.  So I called the radiologist that read the report and he said what he meant by that sentence was I have no stenosis or narrowing at those levels. He also said he saw entire bone at C5-C6 and C6-C7 was 90 percent solidly bone. He said there is a little that isnt bone at that level and that I have normal scar tissue but nothing causing narrowing. My surgeon didnt even inform me of this scar tissue and that I am not 100 percent fused at c6-c7.  I just dont know anymore. I am in constant agonizing pain but I cant give up. What is your impression.. Is it normal not to be 100 percent fused. I have an appt to see a 2nd opinion with a neurosurgeon next week.  I am just so upset, I want answers. All I want is someone to be honest with me and help me..I also see the pain managemnt doctor in 2 weeks..for evaluation.. What is your opinion Dr Abhijeet....?  THanks again for your advice....

[ms38]

bumping up

[ms38]

bumping up

[ms38]

HEllo again.  I stopped Physical Therapy months ago... I believe in December.  My neck muscles do feel tight as well as the upper shoulders too.. I am hurting all the time.  Do you think I could be rejecting the cadaver bone?? What are the symptoms and how do you know if you are?? Are there any tests to determine this?  I see the Rheumatologist in April 29th and a neurosurgeon who treats spine in 2 weeks. Thank you

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The chances of a hardware problem are very low, as the earlier CT scans have ruled out any problems. The screws are fixed during the operation and an internal fixating cervical plate is inserted to give the hardware additional support. With this much precaution, I do not think the problems you are having are due to the screws coming out.

It seems no one has answers for your pain. Have you been taking any physical therapy? How about the neck muscles? Are they unusually stiff?

Regards

[ms38]

Dr Abhijeet,

Hello again.. I still think there is something that my surgeon is missing. I believe that it is either referred pain like you said from the neck down to my back or something... THe right side of my neck feels like a pulling sensation, sometimes tearing. I have chronic upper back pain that is intractable.  I just dont understand why I cant get any answers from my surgeon... I just want to find one doctor who will listen to me.. Do you think it could be a screw that isnt in right that could be pulling... I asked my surgeon about scar tissue after the surgery and he said "not really." He also said it couldnt be possible that it is referred pain.. Why is it that some doctors think they are perfect and that a mistake couldnt have happened? I am not looking for trouble, I just want answers. I am tired of being in pain.. Will a CT scan show my screws??  I am still waiting for my surgeons office to send my paperwork to the pain managment doctor. I found a doctor on my own for a second opinion. The problem is like I told you before, everyone knows my surgeon..I am not giving up... You have any suggestions? Thank you again