2 years ago I had surgery for cervical stenosis involving
C3-C5. Before the surgery I had no pain just some tingling in my hands which I still have. 5 days before the surgery I
had made up my mind to cancel the whole procedure. At the time I was having a tooth crowned and due to having my head
tilted back too far and too long I experienced temporary
paralysis from the knees up. Needless to say I decided to go ahead with the surgery.
Now 2 years later I have more or less constant pain, sometimes severe, in my neck, shoulders and upper back. Add
to that the pain in my back, needs surgery, and my knee, also needs surgery, it makes for some really lousy days.
I take 3 Lyrica (450mg), 8 tramadol (400mg) and 4 flexeril (40mg) a day. I am on nothing stronger because I am
still working. I am a water treatment plant operator and every day just about kills me.
Now for the million dollar question, would I have the surgery again givin the choice. Yes, Yes, and Yes, I was lucky that temporary paralysis was in a dentist's chair and
not behind the wheel of a car. 10 minutes as basically a
quadriplegic was enough for my lifetime. I may hate being in
chronic pain, but I have not had any more bouts with paralysis. I don't know if this will help anyone, but it sure felt good to say it.