So I had surgery last Wednesday for chiari malformation which was rather large. My surgical pain in the neck is doing quite well in the Percocet is controlling the pain. The problem is that I am having terrible meningitis type pain which comes and goes.
They say that it will continue until the blood inside slowly resolves as it is causing irritation to my meninges.
Does anybody have any suggestions as to help with the pain has the Percocet is not really helping much with this and they are not interested in getting any additional pain medicine.
Super, I’m so sorry you are in pain. I do not have suggestions for the nerve pain, and I’m sorry for that too. If they will absolutely not help you with another prescription, you ALWAYS have the option of going back to the hospital. You can go to the ER, and even be re-admitted if need be for them to get the pain under control. Consider this especially if you are unable to sleep because of the pain. I’m going to pray for you and send you positive and peaceful thoughts. Please continue to let us know how you are.
The pain is getting better. Really believe meningeal irritation due to blood.
Yes, my MRI
No fusion…only craniectomy and c1 laminectomy and bovine pericardium patch
I am actually a medical provider myself so that’s what makes it double frustrating. This doctors just only likes one narcotic and is not interested in options ( fear I believe)… But they continued steroids for longer, I’m setting alarm for round clock drugs and that’s helping…plus rest and prayer. Not sleeping tons but not due to pain…steroids ;)… But God is good and I’m alive. So lots to be thankful for.
What does meningeal pain feel like? I've never had meningitis before, so I don't know. I have unbearable constant pain even 11 years after my last surgery! I didn't have constant pain before that surgery, just intermittent pain. You can read about my case in the post that says, "What helps your headaches?". Might your doctors be willing to increase the Percocet dosage or frequency? It's about the most potent pain killer out there that doesn't require an IV drip. Perhaps they're just trying to keep you out of the hospital. I'm so sorry you're going through this. How long has it been since the surgery? Could you be getting blood CLOTS irritating your meninges? If so, seems like a blood thinner would be indicated. Keep us updated.
Years ago I actually had meningitis. It is a sharp pain. Hurts when you move your head, walk, move your eyes or lift your head. Light and sound make worse ( different from migraines) When you are perfectly still and lying down it is usually better.
In the hospital that pain would only be controlled by iv pain Meds every hour with oral Meds every 4 hours. With the continued steroids and drinking fluids to make more csf to replace some air they also think might be trapped I am soooooooooooooo much better.
I am sure I have an old blood clot in there too that needs to absorb which caused irritation. We would. It use a blood thinner because that could make bleed more. Now it just needs to slowly absorb. The back of my head feel like I have a helmet on too tight under my scalp. Otherwise now with the pain regimen I have going I’m happy to report I am a comfortable 3/10 most of the time and compared to presurgery that is amazing!..and considering the day before I left the hospital I was 10/10 and I left there 8/10…I am a much happier campier. My surgery was only a little over a week ago 11/20 so I think I’m doing great.
So glad to hear it! Thanks for letting us know. I pray your pain gets much lower though- even without meds. You're on the right track though for being one week post-op. Good luck to you.
Yes, doing WAY better. My best friend had been in town to help take care of me….She left today :(. But Im feeling good enough to be semi-independent.
Stitches come out today (the photo attached is from day 10) and I think Im on my last day of steroids so Im SOOOOO much better. Still have to take pain meds every 5.5 hours but its totally controlled……so yes, Im just resting :),
Funny now that Im off the steroids, I finally want to sleep…..those darn steroids, they just super hype people up….so about time that I actually want to rest, but they sure did help with the pain and swelling!
Sorry this is going on for you. I dont think that this is relevant but post surgery I had bad pain down my spine and upper legs. NS said this could be blood gone down the spinal cord. And I had HOT baths to this area (not getting my head wet & having someone to help me in & out of the bath) to relieve this. It lasted two weeks only...All the best.
Im not really sure how long they are are? when I look online at other people's scars they look about the same length. So today I went for my 2 week follow up and had my stitches removed. I form scar tissue really quick which is why it looks a little irritated, she had to dig the sutures out a little bit.
My doctor totally allows me to wash my hair with baby wash and neck with antibacterial soap to decrease bacterial content , so I LOVE to sit in the shower (I got a shower chair which was the best $23 spent) as that helps the neck pain.
I am now having terrible pain in my hips and my SI joints from sitting. My massage therapist is going to stop by the house in a few days to help with that
