hotflash or reaction to procedure

[krummie]

I just had my second Anterior Cervical Discectomy on C5 C6, three weeks ago, first one was 13 years ago what a horrible exper...
This one went much better and recovery is going well, however I keep having breakout sweats and wake up from a dead sleep due to these, I also have small burst of pain in my neck and shoulders. I am allergic to all but one pain med they have placed me on to help manage my pain. I have not taken any pain meds for 4 days but I'm not sleeping well and the tightness in the neck and shoulder are increasing day by day. I am no longer in the Aspen Collar; I only had to wear it two weeks. Should I call the doctor and check about these night/day sweats and increase in muscle tightness. Has anyone else had these side effects?

[krummie]

Hi Lisa, Yes my neck is some what numb and swollen on the side that the surgery took place and when I swallow I feel as if there is something in the back of my throat. I continually am clearing my throat and trying to expel what ever is in there
(Even though there is nothing there)
I mentioned this to the doctor the other day when I spoke with them and they assured me that this will go away with time. The explanation I received was that there is still tissue that is swollen and the feeling of tightness/choking will slowly subside as the swelling and tissue heal.
My incision is healing well, even though it feels like I have a giant earthworm in my neck where the incision is, this too will slowly flatten out and fade away. It took about 4 months for my incision to go down with my first surgery, and about 1/2 years for the red line from the incision to fade away, I used allot of vitamin E on the incision to help with the scaring.

[lisastull]

I'm glad to hear that.  My dr. has not been able to find the source of my hot flashes.  There is some concern that the long term medication my have given me one or more ulsers.  Because of my recent neck surgery they can't run most tests.  I've just started new meds for my stomach.  Let's hope it helps.

Did you find after surgery that the front of your neck was numb.  as I try to turn my head or any major movements it feels like I'm being choked?

Lisa

[krummie]

Thanks Lisa for you comment, I did call the doctor the other day and she said the hot flashes and sweats where most likely from it going off the meds so fast and not weaning off of them. I have refilled my prescription and took one that day...What a difference I started to relax and the tightness in my neck started to go away and I haven’t had that sharp pain and tightness since then, I guess not having pain management was a poor  idea on my part.

[lisastull]

Hey,

I am 2 weeks post surgery c5/c6 and I break out in a sweat a lot.  I talked to my dr about it and he said first thought was 'comming off pain meds' but I had not adjusted my meds at all.  He said the procedure should cause the hot flashes and I would have to wait and see.

I tried several strong narcotics to control the pain but finally my dr put me in Ralivia once a day and tramacet 3 times a day.  It makes the pain managable and much easier to deal with.  I have a post about what I'm experiencing if you want to read it.  It's on this board.

I would call the Dr. about anything that concerns you.  He or she is treating you.  I can tell you I experience much of what you talk about and am still waiting for answers.  If you stopped your meds that may be your answer.  set up an appointment.

Lisa