What has gone wrong with my disc replacement??

[Bad_Neck_Luke]

I am a 40 year old married teacher.  Before my accident I was a fit active individual enjoying mountaineering, rock climbing and mountain biking.
In November 2006 I banged the top of my head on a beam whilst running up some steps.  After much delay it was discovered I had a herniated disc at C6 C7 - This was replaced in September 2007 with a Prodisc C.  I made a good recovery returning to work, sport and a normal pain free life.

However in the last six months I have suffered a progressive deteriation resulting in me being unable to work since October 2009.
My current symptoms are:
Neck Pain
Left arm pain
Numbness and pain in left hand and fingers - particularly middle finger
Back pain
Left and foot pain
Leg arm and back spasms
Pain on the left side of my face
Frequent headaches above right eye
Electric shock type pain shooting down back and left arm when I bend head forward.

I have had an MRI and CT - showing nothing obviously wrong - however the MRI was of dubious value due to the distortions caused by the Prodisc C.

I have been referred by the neurosurgeon to a nuerologist - although there is a long wait.  He was also talking about nerve conduction tests and a myleogram.

I am currently taking 1800mg gabapentin, 2x10mg zomorph, 8x 500mg paracetamol and oramorph for breakthrough pain. However this is having little effect!!

Any ideas what could be wrong with me? I am feeling desperate and very worried.

Thanks

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
Well your doctor is absolutely right. You need a Myelogram in present scenario as the MRI won't show good pictures due to prosthesis present inside the body.
The present medications prescribed by your doctors is not good enough to control the pain. You need to get the Myelography done soon, as we can have a diagnosis in a real quick time.
Meanwhile get a NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity) testing done also as it will help to rule out other differential diagnosis of pain, like thoracic outlet syndrome, nerve plasy, etc.
After these investigations only i will be able to help you better as without any physical examination i will not be able to conclude a diagnosis.
Regards.

Feel free to discuss more.

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
You need muscle relaxants as well as good NSAID which will control the pain as well as the inflamation.
So you need to discuss that with your doctor.
Regards.

[Bad_Neck_Luke]

Thanks for your reply.

You mentin that the medication I am currently prescribed is not good enough (I agree as I am still in severe pain).  What would you recomend?  What sorts of medication should I discuss with my doctor?

Thanks again

Luke