cut my arm off, please!

[lb420]

I fell approx 30 ft off a roof in 2005. In April 2007 I had 3 level cervical fusion & decompression because of compression fracture of C-6 and fractured C-7. My cervical vertebrae were "smushed together" as a result of the fall and after a 18 months had grown together. Doc cut the vertebrae apart and put in spacers. Several nerves were untrapped but according to doc "one nerve was badly chewed up". In June 2007 I had lumbar decompression - 8 nerves were released - 4 to each leg.

I still have constant pain and numbness in my left lower arm and hand from the nerve that was "chewed up". I have not slept since the surgery in June. I am taking Vicodin (limiting myself to 2 or 3 per day, Lyrica, Clinoril, and Lunesta. As of today I was prescribed Predisone. I will try it but I am at my wits end and need relief. I requested that my doctor just cut my arm off! Any suggestions?

[harleyphleb]

Repetative sympathetic dystrophy also know as CRPS. There is many websites with symptoms, diagnosis etc. if you type in RSD you will come to many web pages for it. It is very hard to diagnose and a very painful problem to deal with the rest of your life. I feel i have it, but yet to find a doctor to diagnose me. Good luck.

[lb420]

What is RSD?
Had EMG prior to surgery. Doc says I may have waited too late to have surgery and the nerve that was "chewed up" may never heal.

[lb420]

the Lyrica I am taking is supposed to do the same thing as Neurontin and I was previously taking Ambien CR with no results and switched to Lunesta. I am also taking Cymbalta 60 mg/day.
Thanks for your input.

[harleyphleb]

I am having the same problems with my wrist/shoulder/neck. I go to pain management which i might suggest to control the pain and tried all kinds of pain killers and was eatting them like candy with no relief. It was CONSTANT pain i could barely get out of bed or socialise. I finally was put on cymbalta 60mg. and Methadone 20mg and found a big relief. I can actually say that is the only thing that ever helped me. I have been diagnosed with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome and still having xrays on shoulder and neck to see what is going on with my nerves in my right arm that causes my fingers to tingle and turn numb. Have you ever had a EMG? Maybe you might want to start there and see if it is nerve problems or not. Best of luck.

[harleyphleb]

PS.  i would also read up about RSD just for the heck of it.

[susanthecounselor]

Possible Neurontin to help with the pain. And Ambien CR. My doctor has me check it so it knocks me out.

I thought I was in bad shape, I hope and pray you find some relief. I know what it's like to go for days with out sleep.