Ain't life grand? NOT!
Hi my name is Teresa and I suffer from 24/7 non-stop PAIN!!
I'm 52, married (God bless that man who married me)I have a 25 yr old son and I used to work and be a productive citizen, but now I sit at home and cry and bitch most of the time.
(Try not to be jealous people!!)
I do try to keep my sense of humor ...hell, it's all I have left.
About 10 years ago a moron did a neck fusion on me that I knew from the moment I woke up was bad...but nobody listened to me for YEARS. Later...OH, about 5/6 years I was informed that the fusion never took...(REALLY?) and that my neck was an incredible mess!
I went to UCSF and found one of the most fantastic Dr's around but he could only do so much.
10 hours of surgery later of which, he had to bring out the big guns (and saws and chisels) I woke up and was told that they could not finish the surgery and they would be going in through the back in a few days.
Well....long...sad...story, short...The moment the back of my neck was cut open my life would never be the same!!!
The muscles did lot like that and they talk to me everyday all day long about how unhappy they are.
*(I'd be curious to know if anyone else has had any neck work done through the back and is smiling today)
I was just recently told that my latest MRI and CATs showed that the fusion surgery was successful this time.
That was a real mixed blessing. I certainly don't want more surgery, but....what is to be done with me now?
Living like this is so difficult.
Crying every day just isn't flattering...you know what I mean?
Anyway...that's pretty much my story...
I am looking for support and possibly some help and answers to my situation..
All suggestion and friends welcome!!!
I used to be very involved with digital photography and Photoshop and I am an absolute animal LOVER!
I am waiting for some relief and inspiration to pick my camera back up.
Teresa
I have had several posterior cervical surgeries and although the surgeries provided much needed relief, I lost a couple muscles in the process. As a result of the surgeries, 2 muscles were denervated and atrophied into oblivion with no hope of ever returning. This caused a domino effect with other muscles in my neck and shoulders and there's a battle waged every moment of every day by these muscles trying to become the "most supportive".
It takes a large amount of Zanaflex and my Spinal Cord Stimulator to smooth things out enough so I can function during the day.
So yes I can empathize with you in regards to your discomfort.
Do you have a good Pain Management doc these days? I initially got some relief from acupuncture and moist heat that was provided by the Pain Clinic.
Hope this helps somehow.
"C"
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. "
- Dolly Parton
hi and welcome to the forum!
we are here to offer you support and answer what questions we can. you have come to a place full of animal lovers and even a few camera buffs.. i have a 70# boxer/pit, Sirius, i just love to death... 
i take you live in California, me too!!! well, i am sorry you are in chronic pain.. 
i do hope you find some relief soon. of course for many of us there is no such thing as being pain free but it can be brought under control with alot of trial and error. 
i hope this is the case for you.. 
good luck!! and hang around anytime!! 
Jenny 
Double laminectomy L4-L5, bulging discs, DDD, Bone spurs, nerve damage in left leg and hip, DJD, and that to familiar visitor,arthritis
I thankfully have not started with the neck issues yet (sure my time will come) but I did want to welcome you and let you know that you have found a great place for understanding and support. There is nothing else like being able to talk to people that really do understand your pain. I hope that you will find some type of relief soon and I will look forward to seeing you around the board.
I am in no way associated with the medical field. Anything that I post comes from personal experience only.
DDD, Facet Arthropathy, DJD,Collapsed Disc, Sleep Apnea
PT, Epidurals, Facet Blocks,Medial Branch Block, Rhizotomy,Discogram,Annular Tare L3/L4 Endoscopic MicroD and PLDD,
Methadone, Percocet, Baclofen, Welbutrin
Thanks for the warm welcome.
Sorry for the delay in my response. As I'm sure
many of you are the same, there are days when I just disappear.
But I am here today and anxious to look around.
I am open to new friends and listening and chatting anytime guys!!
Thanks again,
Teresa