Just got some news today and it really is getting me down. Turns out my right arm is having trouble, because my C3, C4, C5 and C6 are herniated. Most likely from my EDS and Chiari Surgery combo. Now there may be another surgey to come. When will this end?!? I feel like someone's favorite old car. Fix one thing and there goes another. My Husband should trade me in for another model...don't tell him I said so (LOL). Does anyone else ever feel like this? PLEASE tell me I'm not the only one and if you are one of the unfortunates I am so very sorry for you.
I had C5 & C6 fused about six months after decompression because of such terrible pain in my upper arms. Unfortunately this did nothing to relieve the pain. I then ended up having carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand, and at the same time, they opened up my left elbow and repositioned the ulnar nerve. This has helped quite a bit, although recovering from that surgery is very difficult. I still have the upper arm pain, but it is not as bad as it was before. It does seem like there is one thing after another sometimes. I now have arthritis that has formed around the plate and the fusion in my neck, I had to have my gall bladder removed 6 weeks after my arm surgery, having pressure headaches but they can't adjust my shunt because of other deformities in my skull, etc.
I know we could all go on and on. I just want you to know that we all understand what you are going thru and are here to listen and offer support! You will get thru this! We all do! Life goes on and with the support of our friends and family "this too will pass". We all love you and want you to know we are here for you, my friend.
THANK YOU LADIES FOR EVERYTHING!! I WAS JUST HOPING THAT I WAS DONE AND READY FOR MY "NEW" LIFE TO START. FEELS LIKE 1 STEP FORWARD 3 STEPS BACK SOMETIMES AND I USUALLY TAKE THINGS WITH A POSITIVE, BUT I'M JUST TIRED AND MY ARM REALLY HURTS. WAS HOPING FOR AN "EASY" SOLUTION. I AM SORRY FOR YOUR PAIN AND AM GLAD WE ARE HERE TO GET EACHOTHER THROUGH.
I can totally relate to how you are feeling....what next?? right???? I too had C-spine issues..had 1 fusion b4 decompression and another about 1 yr ago...My neck ..most days...feels better....I have a total of 4 disc fused..I think they may be the same ones you have...
I was in the hospital overnight...NS did the surgery at 4:30PM and I was out by 9AM the next morning....I was very lucky..I did not find the recovery very bad....everyone is differnt...
I am struggling right now with balance issues...dr. wants me to get a cane...pride is standing in my way....b/c of the many falls i have had recently ..I was Dx's with RSD ..Reflex Symathetic Dystrophy....very painful.
Keep your chin up...we are here for you.....just let us know how we can help.
I am just wondering how you are doing! Haven't heard what is happening with you for a while and am praying that you are well and are painfree:) Keep us posted.
Thank you ladies for you concern :o) I had an EMG on Friday and have to say that was a VERY painful experience for me. Who knew such a thin needle could hurt so bad.Didn't help with the Dr. pressing on it while he is making me flex the muscle he put the needle into. OUCH and may you NEVER have to experience this. Not so bad in my hand, but my neck and shoulder were killers :o(
Will keep you posted as soon as I find out, but my PCP believes surgery is the only fix. Here's keeping my fingers crossed.
I agree! EMGs hurt like crazy! So very painful. At least once the needle is out it doesn't hurt anymore:) I hope you get some positive results and there is something they can do for you. I am sorry that you may be facing surgery. It sure is no fun, but if it will take away the pain it may be worth it. I hope that you had a great weekend and Mother's Day:)
Love,
Carla
Crystal said:
Thank you ladies for you concern :o) I had an EMG on Friday and have to say that was a VERY painful experience for me. Who knew such a thin needle could hurt so bad.Didn't help with the Dr. pressing on it while he is making me flex the muscle he put the needle into. OUCH and may you NEVER have to experience this. Not so bad in my hand, but my neck and shoulder were killers :o(
Will keep you posted as soon as I find out, but my PCP believes surgery is the only fix. Here's keeping my fingers crossed.
Idon't know if my Dr. did it wrong or if there is a problem with my muscles, but for me it felt like I had a HUGE tetnus shot on mu upper right side and neck. I killed me for 2 days and now I am in more pain than before the test. So I don't know if it was the test or just something that was going to happen any way, but I wish I were a Barbie doll and could pop of my right arm at will. It just hurts so bad I could cry and do. I really hope there is an end or a fix to this, because I feel like this is torture. Thank you for the positive thoughts. Hope you had a fab Mother's Day!!
Much Love and Blessings,
Crystal
Carla Jo Stone said:
Crystal,
I agree! EMGs hurt like crazy! So very painful. At least once the needle is out it doesn't hurt anymore:) I hope you get some positive results and there is something they can do for you. I am sorry that you may be facing surgery. It sure is no fun, but if it will take away the pain it may be worth it. I hope that you had a great weekend and Mother's Day:)
Love,
Carla
Crystal said:
Thank you ladies for you concern :o) I had an EMG on Friday and have to say that was a VERY painful experience for me. Who knew such a thin needle could hurt so bad.Didn't help with the Dr. pressing on it while he is making me flex the muscle he put the needle into. OUCH and may you NEVER have to experience this. Not so bad in my hand, but my neck and shoulder were killers :o(
Will keep you posted as soon as I find out, but my PCP believes surgery is the only fix. Here's keeping my fingers crossed.
Crystal, I had pain in my left arm that I actually had to go to the ER for. I then was referred to an ortho dr and he did carpal tunnel release and cubital tunnel release along with repositioning the ulnar nerve in my elbow. The severe pain has let up but I still have some pain. I'm hoping in time it goes away as well.
Julie, I believe that a lot of our problems are cervical, but is that from the Chiari? I hope your PT order comes thru soon and you can get some relief.