I am now 11 weeks post op from decompression and stenosis surgery. Physically there is still severe neck pain which I started pt again. Its funny how the physical therapist cant understand why Im not feeling better which leads me doubting once again about the medical field. Emotionally im scared mostly about going back to work. I am on short term disability but its not enough. I hope you all have loving support but my living condition doesnt give me much. I feel ive gone off the deep end and forgot how to swim. Someday I hope to find alittle humor with all this. I truly thank you all for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
hi Robin,
SO sorry that you are feeling like this. I have to tell you, however, you are still very early on in your recovery. It does get better…
You PT sounds like a fool! I do not think it takes years of college to figure out why a person 11 weeks post op from a major surgery is in pain!!! Can you ask for another therapist? I know that may be weird to ask for another PT…but…wow…talk about lack of empathy!!!
Please keep posting on how you are feeling…it will help you to know that you are not alone…we are all here for you…we cannot take your pain away…but we can share our histories and be a sounding board for you.
Keep us update…thanks!
Hi Robin,
Brain surgery is major and its going to take some time to recover. My NS said it will take at least 6 months to a year to fully recover. I’m now 2 1/2 months post-op and I did not not have full range of motion in my neck until 11/2 months post-op, so you just hang in there it will get better.
My daughter's NS said look for full recovery after 12 months or so and she's a teenager! Baby steps...
Robin,
I understand how you are struggling and wish more than anything you were not having a difficult time. I had a rebuilt C Spine with my CM surgeries because of stenosis and other issues. That makes your recovery harder and your neck pain and stiffness worse. There was nothing PT could do to help me. I was advised to watch TV and every time a commercial came on to look from corner to corner to corner in the room I was in. I do have total motion from left to right. Which I consider a great thing. Your bones and connective tissue hasn't had time to heal and fuse.11 weeks is an eternity when you are miserable, but not long after these types of surgeries. Please find a good pain management or spine specialist. They will be able to treat you for your pain. Not just by medication but nerve blocks and ablation therapy. You can also get pressure point injections but they don't last long. Heat helps me, cold is my enemy. It takes time and I know you don't want to hear that. You just want to feel better. I wish I had a secret or a special trick or medication that would take your pain away. You may want to ask your Dr about Amitriptylene & Klonipin, which was developed first as a muscle relaxer then they figured out it worked for anxiety. Those both help my neck more than anything.
Please just remember you aren't alone and please know just because you might not have support at home we are here for you.
I cant add much to what everyone has said,just ditto on Lori's post, but I just wanted to reach out & remind you that we care & things are bound to get better. so sorry you have to deal with all this.
Robin,
I’m so very sorry you are having such a hard time right now.
Pain wears us down and makes us very weary and depressed so it’s understandable.
I am past the point of caring what Drs. And Physical Therapists think. Or most anyone for that matter. I am of the firm belief that no one ever fully understands anything or situation until they have experienced it themselves.
Just as I can’t say I know how you feel as I continue to put off my recommended decompression surgery in spite iof my worsening symptoms, due to a fear of repeat surgeries or returning symptoms.
I am 54 years old and I just can’t bring myself to do it yet.
I do want you to know that even though I’m sure you feel alone, just as many of us feel, you aren’t.
Keep your chin up and take it say by day always believing tomorrow will be a better one.
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
I’m sending prayers to you for a better tomorrow.
Hi Robin. All I can say is remember you’re not alone. I’m on short term disability too and I totally understand how you feel. I’m having a lot of trouble making ends meet and I’m an emotional wreck because I’m afraid I’m going to lose my job because they just don’t understand the pain after a CM surgery. Everyone here are like family so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take care hun!
Hey there! I just had surgery 9 1/2 wks ago (feels like years), but I just went and saw my surgeon for another follow up Thursday. He said it takes at least 3 months to start to feel better. I get frustrated, and scared all the time. I loose feeling in my foot and now my leg (this Is new), but he says all kinds of weird and sometimes painful things can and will happen as my body heals. It made me feel better, hope that helps you. I really liked both of my surgeons, and especially this one. He really puts me at ease, and reminds me that I didn’t have any “Mickey mouse operation,” and it takes time. Feel better to you and everyone!!
Robin,
I’m 11 weeks post op as well. I am still having a stiff, sore neck; weird pains in my head (nerves healing?); tiredness; visual and balance issues; and some other things. I had a home nurse, 5 weeks ago tell me my recovery was too slow because I wasnt doing enough, not because this is just a tricky healing time. Fortunately, my NS saw me and told me to keep being careful. This can take a long time to heal and get back to a new normal. It is frustrating to me too (thank uou for reminding me that I’m not alone!), to not be better already. The visual problems are really bothersome and keep me from being able to drive, therefore no leaving the house most days. I have seven kiddos, 13 and younger, so this makes it a challenge keeping everybody happy while trying to also heal. But, many have more to deal with and God is good.
Please know you are not alone. Everybody heals and deals differently. You will get through this. There are so many people here who are very experienced, educated, and just plain compassionate (which might be the best thing!), to listen and give feedback!
I will be praying for you!
Randi
Like many others here, it took a good 12 months before I felt 100%. I also did PT and meds, neither which helped much. I finally started seeing a massage therapist once a week for a few months and that made a huge difference. Good luck - it does get better!!!