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1801719 tn?1320669957

neck pain after c5-c7 fusion

i had a c5-c7 neck fusion in dec2010 it cured the numbness n pins n needles in my left arm but im left with this severe pain in right shoulder up neck in2 back of head which feels really hot n stings,ive been sick with the pain  n its had me in tears a few times.doctor from pain management have changed my meds a few times n they never last 4 long im just worn out. has any1 had a gud result from there op?
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178107 tn?1315947630
SSD is Social Security Disability. I'm currently waiting on approval for a spinal cord stimulator. That seens like my last chance at getting some relief.  I hope your find something that will give you some relief.
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1801719 tn?1320669957
sorry 2 hear ur in so much pain i totally understand how ur feeling its so degrading isnt it.i dont have the pain in my left arm since i had the op but still have pains in my hand n wrist,elbow,i 2 find it unbearable sleeping in bed,wot is SSD? n yes i totally agree with the finding a gud p/management n tablets it just seem endless really. i really hope u find something that helps x
Helpful - 0
178107 tn?1315947630
I know exactly how you feel. I am a 49 year old female. I had a ACDF (C5-C7)  four years ago.  I have been in constant pain since the surgery. I have pain in both of my arms and weakness in both hands.My neck and shoulders hurt and I have terrible headaches everyday. I have been seeing a  pain management doctor for a year and a half.  I've had several epidural injections, nerve blocks, PT and I am on Fentynel patches 100mcg and Oxycontin, and I'm still in unbearable pain. I've not slept in a bed since I had surgery due to the pain and both arms and hands being completely numb. I may get 2 or 3 hours a night sleeping in the recliner.  I recently had another MRI and it said that the disks above and below the fusion are buldging. I also have DDD, but my surgeon says that surgery would not benefit me at this time.

I have been to the point to where I was ready to blow my brains out. I've been seeing a mental health therapist for about 6 months, but the antidepressants or the therapy are not helping.  I have not worked since before the surgery, nor will I ever be able to work in this kind of pain. I finally was approved for SSD. I have two young children and I can not even care for them. I depend on my husband and family to do everything for me.

Finding a good pain management doctor and getting the right combination of meds could make a world of difference.  When I first went on Fentynel it really did help.  Good luck.
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