penske212
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Message Posted: Apr 22, 2012 4:25:02 PM
PT session went very well. I will try to go 2x a week as my schedule allows. It was very interesting, and even though she says she is still learning she is very good. Started with gentle stretching exercises and some gentle traction and acupressure. It is like a mix of PT and massage. Gentle pressure is applied, and positions of hands held for at least 2 minutes in place. It feels very good, and I did feel better after the first session.
If you look for a therapist who does Myofascial Release, try to find one who studied under John Barnes. He trained my therapist, and he must be the best in the business. Large network of people nationwide learned from him.
I definitely think it would be worth while. They can help people who suffer from chronic pain, post op pain, fibromyalgia, migranes etc. Good luck trying to find someone.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Apr 12, 2012 6:52:31 PM
How was the new physical therapist? I'd like to hear more on what she did and how much it may have helped. Of course, you may not really know how much it helped until after a day of work to see if the positive effects last. I looked on internet and found a couple therapist nearby that are similar to the therapist, so I might give them a try if you think it is worth it.
Spine class was as expected... mostly what I already knew. But, what I did learn new was that making muscle changes to achieve good posture will take time, but eventually get better. Same I've heard about the neck and arm. PT said we may never recover to perfect posture due to age and how muscles and bones have changed. The guy presenting was one of the PTs where I go. He's doing a fellowship and he had watched one of my PT sessions. So, I told him to tell my PT hello and that I was coming back. If I ever do my exercises every day, then I might have some progress to report.
Enjoyed my 4 day weekend at Easter. Tue and Wed were tough as the girl (temp) was still there at the desk space and teaching me the job duties and expectations of the faculty I will be supporting. Was better today with temp gone, and I moved into new office (cubicle)space. I liked where I was sharing a closed door office, but I think the cubicle gives me more privacy as there is no one who can see what I'm doing unless they walk in open doorway. I can do my neck exercises w/o anyone knowing what I'm doing unless they walk in.
Looking fwd to hearing about your pt session
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penske212
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Message Posted: Apr 1, 2012 11:52:37 AM
When I left my massage, I felt great, but the next day I felt like I hadn't even had one. My upper back is just so tight, I think a lot may be related to the weather, which is cold and damp. We had 80 degree weather in winter, in March, and now it's in the 50's and damp in spring. I do have an appointment set up here, for April 12th. This woman will continue doing the myofascial release therapy, that I had done with my therapy, when I was out of work. She had an ad in the paper for an Introductory price of $30. That's less than my copay for a PT session. She sounds very spiritual, from talking to her on the phone. I really look forward to working with her.
As far as the metal in the suture, it was something that was discovered before it got out in the public. An inspector saw it on raw materials when it first came in the door, which made us start to look at all of our gut suture with 100% inspection. I doubt it would cause much harm, because most of it is microscopic, but we don't want to take any chances, s we're just removing all of the bad strands that we can find. We receive it in precut lengths of 18", 20" and 30". That particular type of suture is used in veterinary medicine and in dental applications in humans, and there's a lot of metal in ones mouth many times, so I don't think the risk would be high.
Sorry to hear that stress has got you down. I don't think I could ever give up sugar. Although I'm sure it does hamper my weight loss. I have struggled with that for about two and a half years now, ever since I had the steroidal epidural injections in my neck in the beginning of all this. Then all the steroid treatment I've had since, and after my surgery, it has been a challenge. I am trying to re-loose about 25 pounds. It has been a long battle.
I wish us both continued hope, and strength to get better.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Mar 31, 2012 8:12:42 AM
How was the massage Wed? Hope it helped the neck and shoulder pain.
Scarey to think of metal flakes in sutures. I'm sure we had dissolvable sutures internally with out surgeries. Were there reports of problems? With MRI magnets pulling out embedded metal in people, that could be very dangerous for the person and the machine. Cause what would happen to the metal left when suture disssolved?
Sounds like a very tough job for the neck and shoulders and upper back.
I started out Mon with all the exercises again and everything went downhill from there (as usual), not even doing neck exercises... which I have really felt after missing them for one day.
With the stress over my job, I reverted back to my sugar addiction (after over a yr of no sugar... if that tells you what kind of stress I've been creating for myself since all stress is self-inflicted)... and that makes me so tired that I do not do the exercises. Got to make a change and get back to the exercises this weekend. Even knowing sugar is a "poison" to my body, it's a real addiction that has to be broken again.
I can't wait for the class on posture (although that's more exercise to add to my evening). I find it very hard to sit w/my shoulders up and back (that started with the initial neck issues) and of course that causes pain.
Hope days and are getting better for you every week.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Mar 25, 2012 4:55:19 AM
I am a Quality Assurance Inspector for a medical device company called Angiotech.I know that this microscope inspection is something we will eventually get through but it might just take a week or two longer to complete. It is actually surgical suture that is made from sheeep gut. And yes, as a result of being made in stainless steel tanks in Argentina, some metal flakes have found their way into the strands of suture. We are trying to prevent a recall before it starts. My company makes surgical suture, blades, and needles at my location.
I do have a massage scheduled for Wednesday and having time off on the weekends really helps to get my back and neck back in good shape. I feel recharged.
I will have to look at my local hospitals for one of those courses. Sounds like something I could use.
[Edited by: penske212 at 3/25/2012 7:59:13 AM EST]
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Mar 24, 2012 9:51:28 PM
What is your job? Gut suture as in human gut? How do metal fragments get in there?
Sounds like you would be bending neck right where it should not be bent down... just enough to really hurt, weak neck or not.. not to mention probably bending shoulders down, too. So sorry. Maybe you need to have a Dr's note to do something less strainful until you can get neck and back strengthened. Have you thought of looking for job less stressful on neck and back, although there aren't too many of those?
Hope the med, rest and heating collar help this weekend.
Local hospital offers "health education" sessions in the evenings and one is Posture Matters: Aligning For Good Health--Tips on the important role posture plays in decreasing painful joints, sore muscles and improving flexibility. Sounded like something I need.
I guess I thrust my chin fwd when looking at computer along w/slumping shoulders and not even thinking about abs in, butt tucked. End up sitting on edge of chair instead of up straight. Chair is just not right. I will be moving offices when my new job starts on April 10, so will see about another chair then or keep the one I have...
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penske212
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Message Posted: Mar 23, 2012 4:25:30 PM
I guess I need the exercise police too. My back is terrible at the end of week 2 now. I spent 20 hours of 40 on a large table top dual microscope. High powered, for 100% scanning of inbedded metal material in gut suture. Only 487,000 pieces to look at. Neck is fine. Upper back is a mess. Will use heating pad, pain pills, and muscle relaxants all weekend long, jus like I have a work too. Very tired too. I see the doctor in April, around the 8th. I have a massage, scheduled for this coming Wednesday and it can't come soon enough.
What's the class in April? My posture is most of my problem, as I am a chin thruster forward person.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Mar 22, 2012 8:43:05 PM
How are things going at work now? Are you using heat collar at work, doing PT at home? Hope you are seeing improvements and work is not too tough. Do you see your Dr again?
I think I've seen a little strengtening in my neck. But I think I should be able to turn my head further to look over my shoulder w/o having to turn whole body. Depends on how much strain of looking down or having to twist head from paper to PC as to how much pain I have. And, my posture needs some help (going to a free class in April)
Arm strength is slower to return, but I am not doing exercise every night. I tried to do a standing push up against the wall, and I can make it about 10 times before the right arm feels like mush with no strength to push straight out. Need to get my exercise "hat" back on and commit to exercise every day.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Mar 15, 2012 2:03:48 AM
And yesterday started good, but my shoulder - left side, got worse as the day wore on. I probably should do some stretching before repetitive motion. I was sore til I went home on. I'll do the PT exercises at home, when I'm not to tired, which is seldom, but I see I really need to make time to do them.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Mar 14, 2012 3:55:12 PM
What a good boss - I could stand a nap midday :-) They really are happy to have you back. Hope the solicitiousness continues. How are you feeling now? Still doing PT exercises at home?
I have good days and not so good days, but all will eventually heal and might do it faster if I didn't slack off my PT once a week.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Mar 13, 2012 2:18:42 AM
Good morning! I'm just going to try the heating pad today and take the hydrocodone with me, but I'll only take a half dose of the 750/7.5. I did get a great night sleep and never woke up once. Stress of retuning will be much less too which I'm sure contributed to things. My boss told me if I needed to, I could lay down in the first aid room for a while too. It's a good feeling to be so needed, that they'd offer me the moon if it helps!
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Mar 12, 2012 8:26:11 PM
so glad you are happy to be back at work and they obviously missed you with the party.
Wow, I'd have passed out taking that many meds. I take 1/4 flexeril and have a hangover the next day much less pain meds, too!! You have a strong constitution. A girl at work takes 2-3 flexeril at a time and no side effects.
How about trying the soft collar a few hours for the first days til your body is used to sitting at a desk again? I know the heating pad will help. Bet you could not wait to get to the heating pad tonight. I still have those days.
Do you still get the "choking" or "knot" in throat feeling? I think I get it when my posture is poor.
Hope the rest of the week is better with the pain.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Mar 12, 2012 4:34:09 PM
I survived. I am exhausted. I took a flexeril first thing in the morning when I got to work. Within the first 45 minutes I had a terrible pain in my mid back in the center, somewhere I never had pain before. I think it was from tryng to sit correctly. I took 2 tramadol (mild ro moderte pain pills). Usually only took 1 and a flexeril. Never made me tired. 2 did. It was hard to keep my eyes open. MAde it through though. Won't do that again. And I'll take my heating pad in with me tomorrow. I was so sore early one I tried some Biofreeze, and was wishing I had my elec. stim unit with me.
Was met up at work with cards, ballons, and some spring decorations, and a big cake. They missed me.
I had a lot of catch up training on documentation rev-ups in the morning, and then after some help with resetting passwords on my computer we were up and running. It was good to be back!
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Mar 12, 2012 3:13:39 PM
hope your first day back at work went well without major neck aches tonight..
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penske212
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Message Posted: Mar 8, 2012 4:04:24 PM
My last therapy appointment is tomorrow. One more really good massage, then I'll be looking for a therapist who does the myofascial release. And seeing them maybe once a month, in addition to my regular massage therapist.
I did see the neurosurgon today who was very happy with my progress. He has allowed me to return to light duty, no more lifting than 20 lbs, and no OT what so ever! That makes me so happy. No OT for a month, until I am re-evaluated. That's great since I know they are working mandatory 50 hours a week, and encouraged to do 60 hours a week. That means I'll just do 8 hours a day and have all my weekends off!
I'm sure I'll need my flexeril the first day back, and I'll bring all my pain meds too. I'll be curious to see how well I sit for a full day. I had to special order my office chair, so I had one with a high back and a head rest. I think I'll be very happy I have that.
Don't know what I'll do tommorrow, on my last free day. Definitely get a really nice walk in, and a special lunch too I suppose.
Hope your neck feels better soon, and that ROM comes back soon too. Good luck to you!
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Feb 29, 2012 6:48:55 PM
I had to make 50+ phone calls on Tues inviting applicants to interview. The headset I had did not work.. they couldn't hear me very well---sounded like a sketchy cell phone. So, I had to hold the phone receiver, look down a lot to find phone numbers and write the schedule as well as type in schedule on google docs. I was in such bad pain that I came home and put on my collar and and slept in it, too. And, took 1/4 flexeril. Was better today, but luckily had PT appt and he found a lot of knots that he worked out with the pressure massage. I told him I needed a deep tissue massage, but no such luck... just more exercises to mostly stretch the neck and shoulder muscles with a little isometrics thrown in.
Noticed the other day that when reaching up for a dish in cabinet, I couldn't get it w/left arm and could reach up and get it with right arm... the one that is still weak. So, range of motion is definitely improving, just need that endurance and strength back.
How is your PT going? Hope you are enjoying your last 1.5 wks of "freedom".
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penske212
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Message Posted: Feb 23, 2012 12:14:00 PM
I appreciated all the trouble it took to get those pictures on line. Our spinal cord compression looks just terrible in all of our MRI photos.
And yes, those heals were actually comfy, but a blast from the past! My husband is 6'5" and I was still a bit shorter than he, and I'm tall! Just took baby steps!
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Feb 22, 2012 7:29:11 PM
Ibuprofen and heating collar helped a lot last night.
My director wanted me to contact Dr. I emailed with his nurse and she said the fusion has healed enough by now (3 mo post-op) not to be a problem and that it is probably just strained muscles... take muscle relaxant and ibuprofen. If the strained muscles continue, then call and she will order a steroid pack (which I do not want). Nurse said that the concern would be if I damaged discs above or below the fusion... the symptom would be nerve issues in arms. I am praying the muscle relaxant and ibuprofen with heating collar will do the job. My director was satisfied that we had checked it out and have it all documented in case there were to be problems in the future. I was really surprised not to hear from the Employee Health group today. I think some of the arm soreness I am having is related to the PT exercises... semi push-up using door frame and leaning forward...really affects the arm muscles.
It was a hassle to get the xray and MRI pics loaded (scanned in as tiff, used paint to convert to jpeg, used microsoft office to crop personal medical info from the photos), but they are there now. One 'before' xray is out of place. So, take a look. The after MRI is the album cover. I was about to do a buddy request so you could see the pics and saw you had already sent a request. I accepted the request. I never look at that stuff so sorry I had not accepted before.
My goodness... 3-inch heels are something I have not worn in many years. You were quite brave! Hope the evening was fun.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Feb 22, 2012 3:38:25 PM
Oh I feel so bad for you! I hope you stop aching soon and everything turns out ok. I dressed up today to go out to an appointmnet with my husband and wore high heeled shoes for the first time in a very long time. Wedge clogs with a 3" heel. I felt I needed to be extra cAreful too when I was out.
I had hit my head on a metal shelf in our warehouse about 2 weeks before my surgery. It hurt so bad I had to hold back tears. Fortunately I was ok too, but worried so much after it happened.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything turns out ok.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Feb 21, 2012 4:43:19 PM
I found a pdf of MRI pics (not full set), but apparently that is not an acceptable file type to upload on my GB profile.
So, will have to try to scan them in as jpg, bmp, or some acceptable file type when at work.
I fell today... Had left manager's office, turned to go back, and rubber sole (clog type) shoe caught on carpeting and I fell over sideways to the left. (so horrible to slow motion fall sideways and there is nothing in sight to grab to stop the fall. I hit my left knee and shoulder. My manager's boss was concerned about my neck, saying she is sure I jarred it when falling, but I brushed it off as I have a steel plate in there, so it is okay. When I got back to my office, I had that "knot" in my throat like I had after surgery and I still feel it now. I thought it was just stress related. Neck was okay at the time of fall, but my shoulder and neck are sore and aching now. I had to fill out an accident report and submit to Employee Health. If this pain and achiness continues, I guess I'll go see them and get an xray to be sure all is ok and just sore muscles. I so want to be well and no complications from this fall. It's just so easy to catch rubber soled (or in my case any soled shoe and I've seen many others have the same issue) shoes on carpeting when walking along, much less go to make a sudden turn and shoe catch.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Feb 19, 2012 1:03:25 PM
Yes, that's my hard collar. And I did have the actual films to take pictures of. I thought they would give me copies, but no. The new pictures don't really look much different, so I don't think I'll post them. I should find the MRI pictures from pre-surgery, in 2009, they are nasty to see how bad it really was.
Doc says my arm pain, he still feels is nerve related, and will go away in time. If I don't think about it, I don't notice it, but once I feel it start to ache, it lasts a long time. And surprisingly, it was not a problem before my surgey, just after.
Ask IT at work about uploading the pictures, unless you have a charge cable with a usb end on it, you could then plug right into your computer to upload them.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Feb 17, 2012 11:05:30 PM
Glad you get to stay out of work a little longer to recover and to do more PT. What did the Dr say about the pain in arm? How long did you have the problem/pain before surgery?
Your incision appears to be on the right? Mine is on the left.. wonder if that is because my surgeon is left-handed? And my incision is about 2 inches above collar bone (or clavicle?). Your incision has healed differently than mine. Mine was glued, no steri-strips and still has a brown line where incision was and a tiny bit of scar tissue left puffy above the incision... everyone says it will heal flat not visible in wrinkle of the neck if I keep on with massaging in mederma.
Also, since I had 3 fusions, he used one single plate with screws in each vertebrae (4 sets if I remember the xray)
btw... how do you have pics with ability to see car through the xray? Did you have the actual films and took a pic from the film? Mine were sent electronically.. no films.
I'll have to scan in my xrays and post. Will let you know. Is that your soft or hard collar in pic? It looks similar to my hard collar and the soft one I wore for showering the 2nd wk. I have pics on my phone of the collars, but I don't have internet on phone, so not sure I can upload them to PC. I'll ask the IT guys at work or the guys in computer section of GB, unless you know how??
Has anyone mentioned taking B6 and B12 to help with the nerve healing and tingling? I had B50 viamins here (and have to take B12 shots each month since stomach is missing intrinsic factor to absorb oral B12 and I am deficient w/o the shots) and started taking the B50 and believe it is helping some, esp with the tingling during the PT.
We'll get there... just need more time for nerve regeneration/waking up.
[Edited by: ccb711 at 2/18/2012 2:12:44 AM EST]
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penske212
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Message Posted: Feb 17, 2012 6:00:59 AM
I saw the neurosurgeon yesterday and we agreed I can return to work on March 12th. That is as long as the insurance company would cover me for sure, without additional paperwork. I have a new script for PT. And I will try to get a few extra massage sessions here and there whenever possible. Arm pain is still forever present, but if I don't think about it I do occassionally forget about it.
I too am limited by how many sessions of PT I am allowed. 30 a year and each with a $35 copay.
I am off to get xrays this morning, and when I have the films I will post those pictures too if they look any different. I have put my first set of pictures on my profile.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Feb 12, 2012 12:06:18 PM
Your recovery sounds like mine... nerves are not regenerating as quickly as we would like. And, muscles not strengthening as quickly. It seems like a setback when we felt so much better right after the surgery from the steroids used.
For me the limit on physical therapy is how many visits my insurance will pay for, not Dr limited. I need to check that out. I am waiting 3 weeks before going back this time. It does cost a co-pay each visit and I can do the exercises at home until they get too easy and then it's time to get some different exercises.
May we both start seeing more progress. My left leg is the one affected. I hope your leg pain can be managed if you are ready to go back to work.
btw - I am finally getting the 3rd week of short term disability after the ins co spent a lot of money (probably more than they paid me) to ensure I was not treated for the stenosis as pre-existing condition in 2010-2011. They could have just asked the ortho doc who diagnosed me cause he saw the total shock I went into. That's why our premiums are so high on insurance, but I guess it could have turned into a lot longer out of work if something had gone wrong.
Stay positive and claim a healing and believe it. Thinking we will never heal is a negative that the body hears and co-operates with. We are going to heal.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Feb 11, 2012 1:52:39 PM
Myofascial Release is the type of massage used at my PT. I finished my 8 sessions I was approved for, and see the doc again this coming Thursday. We hope he approves more sessions, so we can fine tune my areas that need improvement. Mainly postural, and ROM to the sides is where I am lacking, and strength in my arms.
I did drive in the car today and noticed the leg pain I had prior to my surgery is still there. So driving over an hour straight will be tough to do, if even at all. I get pains in my right thigh, and a heavy feeling that I can't get rid of.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Feb 10, 2012 7:47:25 PM
How is recovery and PT going, Penske?
I've seen some improvement with neck muscles and tiny bit with arm, but tingling comes back into the fingers. PT said that the nerves in arm in stenosis cases normally take a while to recover. I'm going to heal, but just gonna take a while.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 26, 2012 12:25:19 PM
It feels so good to be able to drive again. I just wish gas were a bit cheaper.
My PT is going well. I had one of those massages the other day. It feels like a lot of accupressure to the back of the neck and scapulas. And it does feel painful, because the pressure is a bit intense, but I feel so good afterwards. And you're right. We just need to keep at it, and keep going.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 5:51:54 PM
Congrats Penske on the "release" to return to life!
How does it feel driving?
How is the PT going?
I finally went back to PT today... another one of those massages that wasn't really a massage... more a pressure point releasing of tension in neck muscles, but it really helped since I had no headache when I got home today. More arm exercises, but this seems to be a very slow process. PT said when the weak muscles are from nerves, it can take longer than it did when I broke my arm and had to learn to re-use arm. Oh well, I just need to keep at it.
So, does this mean you return to work now?
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:28:23 AM
Yeah! I can drive! I am collar free too, unless I feel like I may have overdone, and strained my neck, then I can wear if for support. I also can lift an occasional 10-15 lbs. He said on the xray, it looked like the C-6, C-7 level looks like bone might be starting to grow. Back in 3 weeks. My cat will be happy, he's 12 lbs, so now I can pick him up!
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 21, 2012 7:15:53 AM
Slight tuck, but still bringing chin towards chest. I am a long way away from chest. I can't imagine folding towels or shirts any more any time soon. I'm sorry to hear you've been so sick, and no sick days surely doesn't help.
I cancelled my therapy for today due to snow storm. They predicted ice which makes it very scary. PT is close to home but even getting to the car can be tricky in snow, with living on a hill, and car is on a slope in driveway.
Your reovery sounds like you have much more to deal with than mine. I am so happy to hear that you got some feeling back in your leg. I know how excited I was when I could feel my hands again after surgery.
Well like they say, "One day at a time."
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Jan 19, 2012 3:07:33 PM
Work is not going the best, but has nothing to do with my surgery. :-)
I developed a cold 2 days back at work and was really sick for 12 days... all I wanted to do was get home and in the bed and didn't have a lot to do, so it made it worse to sit at work, but no sick time to take off. I neglected PT exercises for arm, but kept up the neck exercises.
I got all the feeling back in my left leg on Sat when I got up (was so excited!!) and then the burning and oversensitivity came back and not as much in thigh, but settled more in knee and lower leg. Part of my prayers have been to send it on down my leg and out my toes, so that might be what is happening.
Dr's nurse said that it takes 3-4 wks for 1 inch of nerve to regenerate, so I may have a long wait for the leg to get 100% better. But, she said they'd order an MRI of lumbar if it wasn't better in 4-6wks. And, the tingling I'm feeling when I do the PT arm exercises is to be expected.
Have had to use heating pad at work in afternoons and when I get home and nurse suggested that again.
Your PT sounds a lot more intense than mine. I cancelled appts the past 2 wks since I hadn't been doing the exercises, but will go next week since I'm working on the arm this week. I think my arm ROM in shoulder area and upper arm (is that deltoid?) is maybe 20% better. I can walk my fingers up the wall 8x before the muscle fatigue which is better than the 3 or 4x I could go w/o assistance in the beginning.
I'm surprised about the tuck chin and raise head. That seems like too much so soon after surgery. Do you mean a slight tuck to straighten muscles in back of neck or a big tuck like towards your chest?
Something I keep forgetting and neck lets me know it, is I try to hold something under my chin such as the phone or a rack while hanging something on it, or a book while doing something else with hands... I am to never do that any more and I just forget. I think my neck will no longer bend to do that and it really strains the lower disk and muscles. That is the only limitation I've found that my neck doesn't function as it used to as far as bending and turning.
Keep up the good work on the PT--and hope you aren't too sore tomorrow. Think I'm gonna demand more intense exercises next week, get my arm back to 100% and something more than isometrics for the neck.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 19, 2012 7:40:38 AM
I had my first hour of PT. I think overall, I was quite satisfied, and challenged too. Did some pedaling with my arms to loosen up upper back muscles to start out. Did gentle stretches of shoulder. Some exercises with shoulder blades against a door, then move my arms up in front of me and to a 60 degree angle to the sides of me. Green band over the top of the door and pulling down, arms extended towards floor.
Remaining exercises were laying on my back. Turn head from side to side, hold for 3 seconds. Lift head slightly off pillow. Tuck chin, hold, etc.. Also had manual manipulation of back of neck & head, and a deep tissue massage of scapula area. No tenderness or pain throughout all of it.
Feeling good today too.
How are you doing, and how is work going for you?
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 13, 2012 7:09:56 AM
PT eval went well. It sounds like it will be similar to what I did 2 years ago when I first developed symptoms and had a pinched nerve. It will be 3 times a week, but we have to wait for the ins. co. to ok it first. Therapist thinks my arm pain is a rotator cuff injury, not tendonitis or nerve swelling. I love how everyone has an opinion on that! I have to really work on my posture, because my chin insists on creeping out, I need to remember head back, chin tucked, shoulders down!
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Jan 12, 2012 9:10:38 PM
Dr Corenman Spine Surgeon Back Pain Forum Vail Denver Aspen Co Spine Clinic
I found this site and asked a couple questions under neck category and received response the same day. Dr seems to be right on par with the answers I've been given. I was actually researching bruise on spinal cord (my topic that Dr answered Q) when I found this website.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Jan 10, 2012 6:29:41 PM
I'm shaking my head in disbelief that the Dr is testing your ROM and sending you to PT at 3wks post-op!
What a difference in docs... had the ortho who wanted to keep me in hard collar for 8-12 weeks; my doc hard collar 2 wks; your doc, hard collar only in car. I've been instructed to not tilt my head back...like if drinking something, tilt the cup, not the head. And, I am to no longer try hold anything under my chin, like holding a rack to put clothes on it or holding the phone when trying to type... it hurts if I forget... I think that is where I no longer have the ability to bend the neck when holding something under the chin.
And, PT 3-4x a week... wow, my PT said once a week and in a week or 2, we'll go to every other week---and I'm learning to reuse my arm. I think I'm being cheated with the PT! No good massages, just thumbs on neck muscles. I actually couldn't afford PT 3-4x a week at $20 each appt, however much better than when I had and 80/20 indemnity plan.
Look fwd to hearing what you do in PT.
I had awful scapula (good to know the med term), neck, and upper back tonight.. that heating pad was wonderful. Being sick with a cold and coughing endlessly is causing more strain.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 10, 2012 3:09:24 PM
The doctor said I look tight, and feel it too. Lots of muscle spasms through out my scapula region in my upper back. ROM to the right and looking down is pretty good, but back tilted and to the left aren't so good. I have a PT evaluation on Thursday and will have 3 to 4 times a week for a week or two at least. It's nice because it's 6/10th a mile away from my house. I will walk there when the weather is clear. Warm moist heat he suggested, so I'll be using my heating pad for sure! I follow up in 2 weeks.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 10, 2012 6:07:22 AM
I think I gained some weight on the steroids. They used them in my surgery too, and after I came home I was about 6 lbs. lighter. Now I ahave gained them back. They make me retain sodium and water, so maybe I'll look in to taking a water pill.
Is work any better? I hope I can still use a microscope when i get back to work.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Jan 9, 2012 3:13:18 PM
Hope all goes well tomorrow. Keep me posted.
Nurse told me when shoulders are aching, that the muscle relaxant and NSAID (ibuprofen) will help with inflammation. Of course, since you have the steroid pack, NSAID shouldn't be needed.
Do you gain weight with the steroid pack? I normally gain 20lbs, so I refused to take steroids right after surgery cause I'd just lost 45 lbs and had no desire to regain it. But, I think steroids the Dr used during surgery have made me stop losing.
I have felt like the biggest lump is in my throat and choking me for the past week. If I sit w/head up, it relieves it. Was reading on internet that some say it is the plate used pressing against esophagus, but Dr had said scar tissue. I'll give it the extra 6 wks to see if things improve more. Tingling in hands is much better now... comes back when I do the arm exercises, but have to do them to get use of arm back.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 9, 2012 6:59:00 AM
Morning! I actually haven't had any numbness since I had my surgery. Still have some pain in my shoulder blades across my back. I did have problems with pain in my right arm. Doc says it's nerve swelling. Prescribed muscle relaxant, and steroid pack for that. I am now taking half of an extra-strength vicodin for pain. I was never told to take ibuprohen. Just my RX pain meds, Tramadol for mild to moderate pain, and the vicodin for worse pain. And my 1st post op appointment is tommorrow in stead of the 17th since I had some problems over the weekend. So I would have seen him after 4 weeks, but now it will be 3 weeks. I haven't worn a soft collar at home at all. I go without, except my hard collar in the car and out in public.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Jan 8, 2012 11:31:55 AM
Hope you have been feeling well this week, Penske. Any problems?
Is the relief from pain and tingling/numbness in extremities still there?
Are you using soft collar a lot at home? Is pain mostly gone and just achy muslces now? Ibuprofen helping more than pain meds?
Do you see Dr at 6wks post op to maybe be allowed to start the neck exercises to strengthen muscles before returning to work?
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 7, 2012 1:03:18 PM
I am out of work until the 11th of March, at least. That's what insurance company says. That would be 2.5 months. Surgeon says 3 months minimum.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 6:30:00 PM
How's the recovery going, Penske? Do you have 6 wks out of work?
I've had a really rough 4 days back at work. Finally put collar on while at desk so I don't get the nape/neck/shoulder aches. Add other "changes" at work and that exacerbated the return.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2012 1:57:48 PM
It's interesting how 2 peoples' recovery is so different. I could shower on the first day. No swimming for 3 months, no baths for 1 month at least. I just towel dry my neck area. Food hasn't been too bad with eating. I can eat anything I want to. I do chew a lot of ice, and suck on ice too. I drink a lot of OJ.
I am sleeping on more pillows than usual. In a bed, and can sleep on my side. or my back. It's kind of hard to get up from my side. But that is a pretty comfy way to sleep with a big body pillow.
The car scares me too. My trips out are just a mile or so away. we do worry about other drivers hitting us.
Constipation isn't too bad, and I am really keeping on top of the pain meds. I take about every 6 hours, just in case.
I don't have that knot feeling yet, in my throat but heard it will always be there from others who had this surgery.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Jan 1, 2012 12:03:45 PM
Good to hear you are getting out and are doing so well. I was not ready for over a week to be out---totally afraid on the 25 mi home from hospital that someone would hit the car and all would come undone.
Some lessons learned and preached by nurses... keep ahead of the pain and take the pain meds on schedule, even if you switch to ibuprofen. Once in pain, the meds take much longer to take effect, so better to keep a constant level and avoid suffering while meds take effect.
Paperwork and nurse repeated, take a laxative when on the pain meds. Do not get constipated. I can't remember why, but I had diarrhea when on the pain meds which like you, the meds usually cause constipation.
I had torodol when in hospital with severe diverticulitis infection, but they said they never send people home on it cause it can cause problems with kidneys (and maybe liver, can't remember). So, be careful with it. Obviously your Dr thinks it is ok.
Anesthesia makes you weak and needing naps for about a week or longer, but my Dr said walk in the house until able to get out to avoid blood clots in legs.
Between the muscle relaxant and oxycodone, I slept most of the first week after surgery. Couldn't shower for a week, so sponge bath and waking to eat, which didn't really want much more than soup on the drugs. Are you on soft foods/soups for a few weeks?
Not sure you can do it now, but Dr told me at last appt that when swallowing if I will lean head to the left, then swallowing is easier. But, I'm sure you need to keep head straight for now. I was hoping I'd learn to chew my food longer to keep from choking, and I did at first, but back to old ways and food still gets stuck in throat.
Have you had the "knot" in throat feeling like almost choking yet? I may have it cause of the scar tissue formed around esophagus. And, Dr said I may have to live with it. Things they don't tell us before the surgery! (guess cause we had to have the surgery anyway)
Good that you are able to wear the soft collar at home. Are you sleeping propped up on pillows in bed or sofa or in a recliner?
hope you continue to feel better every day.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Jan 1, 2012 10:26:27 AM
Doing pretty good. Tired all the time. Naps taken daily. walking exhausts me. I was in a pharmacy yesterday, and a grocery store today. I get one car ride a day with a short venture out. Then I come home and nap. I like to wear the soft collar when I'm on computer to hold head uopright. Torodol is working good for my pain. Didn't even take any this morning, since I've been so consipated.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Dec 30, 2011 10:39:25 PM
So glad to hear that all went well, Penske.
Great news that most of the numbness is gone! I'm sure that they told you it can come and go for 6-12 weeks, so don't get upset when it comes back if the steroids used during surgery wear off. But, I hope for you that the numbness stays away.
That hard collar seems restrictive, but with the bone grafts, I was grateful to have the collar holding my neck up straight and pressure from trying to hold up head compressing the grafts. As I said, when I started weaning out of the soft collar, I was ready to try the hard collar again just to give my nape, neck, and shoulder muscles some help.
I had flexeril muscle relaxant and oxycodone for the pain and by the next week, was on 1 flexeril and 600 mg ibuprofen twice a day (or 400 3x day) which was what helped the inflmmation pain more than the oxycodone was doing).
I guess you slept with pillows sitting you up in the bed if you are in a hotel.
Keep us posted on your recovery. Glad the heating pad is working well for you. I think all surgeons should tell their patients about the renue shoulders/neck heating pad!
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penske212
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Message Posted: Dec 30, 2011 6:06:09 AM
I was released from the hospital on Thursday around 4pm. I have a hard collar to wear while outside and in the car. On Tramadol for moderate pain and Extra strenght Vicodin for severe pain. Practically all of my numbness is gone. Today I will start walking the corriders at the hotel. The heating pad feels great too! I did sleep in my collar last night, and have a friend picking up my soft collar at home today. I don't have to sleep in it but it gives me some support and comfort at night.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Dec 27, 2011 4:39:53 AM
Thanks for your prayers as my nerves are starting to really set in. I will be in surgery this time tomorrow.
They told me I could sleep in / on whatever I felt most comfortable. Didn't matter - sofa, recliner or bed.
And continued luck to you in your recovery. I'll keep you posted once I'm out of the hospital. Should be an intersting time.
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ccb711
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Message Posted: Dec 26, 2011 1:22:57 PM
So glad you ordered the Renue and hope it helps you as much as it does me. I'm thinking I may get a second one to have at work for a while.
Surprised about no collar or soft collar inside house, esp for sleeping. I was so scared I'd move the wrong way and damage the fusions, and still am since Dr said I have soft bones...I'm scared a screw will come loose and that would mean surgery again and the screw could damage something else.
But, xray looked ok, just know it takes a full year for the fusions to heal.
Did the Dr suggest sleeping in recliner for a while? I was so thankful that I had the electric recliner that was my mom's. I don't think I could have pulled the lever on manual recliner with my weak right arm.
Best of luck to you, Penske. Will be praying for you.
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penske212
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Message Posted: Dec 25, 2011 2:20:06 PM
I ordered my Sunbeam Renue Heat Therapy wrap, as you suggested. It should be delivered on the 30th, the day I expect to be released from the hospital. It looks ideal, thanks for the suggestion.
As far as collars goes for me, any time I am outside or in a car I must be in a hard collar. Otherwise I can just wear the soft collar at home. He even told me I can go without any at home, but patients do complain of head feeling heavy, and difficult to hold up without anything on. I have that problem now, especially if I hold my head to the left too long, head gets heavy, so I know I'll wear a soft collar. I have very poor muscle tone in my neck and I'm sure PT will be in order.
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