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1750619 tn?1311979400

Recurrent pain after multiple cervical fusions

I have had three fusions of my cervical spine, C-4 thru C-7 is fused.  C6-7 fusion failed to fuse, unknown why,(I'm not a smoker).  I had C6-7 salvage posterior fusion May 16 2011.  I am still really struggling with pain issues.  I can only make  it until about 2:00 p.m., and then I have to take medicine because I'm in so much pain.  I really thought that I would be better by now, but I'm just not. I know that C-7-T-1 disc is not doing particularly well, and am concerned that my pain will never end.  The main pain I am experiencing is a continual aching and burning sensation that starts in my neck and into my left shoulder.  I'm scared when I see my surgeon, he will not be happy with the fact that I'm still hurting.  Realistically speaking, how should my pain levels be at this point?  Am I expecting to much too soon?    
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Avatar universal
The cervical collar will only weaken your muscles, and doesn't just sound like a good time to be in a collar all day. ya. There are exercises you can do for your neck, also keep your core muscles tight all the time, suck in all day and watch your posture. Soon you will be aware of how your sitting, standing and laying. Get good pillows, use them between your knees and under your arms at nite. I'm sure your doing all this but most of keep moving, walking  swimming.etc. I have fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple spinal fusions. I never heard a doctor say anything like this. Where is the compassionate side of these doctors. Ugggg!
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Avatar universal
I like the girl above have the same conditions. It's awful. Why can't these doctors stop taking our money if the fusions aren't going to work or at least help us with the pain situation?? When surgery is over so is the doctors work with the patient. What's up with that crap, so pissed, now I have to go face the same surgeon because the fusion he did a year ago a disk between the fusion is pressing on my cord, what, he didn't see that last year? Really? Because I was feeling this same pain 6 weeks into recovery. Sorry, just hate pain everyday of my life. Prayers help thanks.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there. Most patients recover within 4 to 6 weeks though it may take upto 18 months for the fusion. I assume that you have discussed relevant activity restrictions and rehabilitation with your surgeon. You have undergone a spinal stabilization where the surgeon creates an environment for your bones in the spine to fuse together over time. He might have used a bone graft or a biological substance which will stimulate bone growth. Spinal instrumentation with screws, rods, plates also help fuse the bones and stops movement between the vertebrae. After your surgery, you will not become instantly better. You would be out of bed in 24 hours, on pain medications for 2 to 4 weeks. You would have received instructions on how to carefully sit, rise and stand. Restrict your activites to allow time for your body to heal. Avoid contact sports or heavy lifting. Pain in the neck or arms is not unusual caused by inflammation of the previously compressed nerve. It will slowly lessen as the nerve heals. Medication should  be taken to control pain along with moist heat and frequent repositioning. You might be ordered a cervical collar to wear whenever you are out of bed. Hope this helps. Take care
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