topic Re: It’s always something in Wellness

It’s always something

smoochy — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:05 GMT

I'm learning not to be surprised at the medical things that keep popping up. My seventies have been marked by these. Today's news is that I need neck surgery. Specifically a cervical discectomy and vertebral fusion. Aug 24. Doc says the relentless shoulder and arm pain I've had for six months will be relieved. I'm greatly looking forward to being pain free once I've recovered from surgery. Have any of you had this surgery and what was your experience?

Re: It’s always something

KittySoftPaws — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:05:55 GMT

You didn't mention, and my question is, do your Doctor's know what is causing that constant arm and shoulder pain? I am always wary, because so many just treat the symptoms and not the cause which can then bring with it it's own set of problems. And surgery in that area, and in general is nothing to approach lightly, which I'm sure you are not.

Re: It’s always something

arizona babe — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:33:32 GMT

@smoochy I sure do know what you are talking about, I too am in my 70's just got over covid and now on antibiotics for pneumonia- as for your neck I had that surgery at C5-C6 because the disc was blown however he did not fuse it as he said it would do that on its own- hopefully you have had an MRI that shows the disc is blown, if it is just herniated that its not a reason to remove the vertebrae- I saw a neurosurgeon instead of an ortho guy- as a former RN I know that the older you get surgery is not always the best route to take unless it is an emergency- have you tried a chiropractor? acupuncture? or even physical therapy- proceed with caution that is all I can say

Re: It’s always something

spumoni99 — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:38:02 GMT

Years ago I had shoulder/arm pain with numb finger tips, it was a pinched nerve, it was horrible pain. I finally was referred to physical therapy and he had me stretch my neck with a contraption I put on a door knob and layed down next to, I finally got relief.

Re: It’s always something

SilleeMee — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 01:36:35 GMT

I had all of my cervical spine vertebrae bones removed (from the base of my skull to the top of my shoulders) and reconstructed with bone replacements made from a special sea coral they used in a type of moldable clay where they hand-formed the individual cervical bones into their natural shapes, placed them into my neck and secured them with lots of screws. I was in surgery for about 13 hours.

I had to have that surgery done b/c there was a mass found along my cervical spine that was causing bone destruction and collapse. The cause was not known but I was in grave danger of becoming paralyzed from my neck down if not for surgery. The pain was so unbearable for several months prior to the surgery. I thought of suicide to end my suffering. But TG I found a doctor to help me. I really don't know what I would have done if not for that doctor...no, I do know what I would have done and it's not good.

I am pain free today but I have limited mobility in my neck. I would rather die than to have to live with the pain I went through prior to the surgery...and I'm not lying.

ETA-

As for recovery, there really wasn't any. I was out the day after surgery and went home with pain meds they gave me but I never took them b/c I had no pain to speak of. The worst part was the back of my head was shaved and it looked awful back there.

Re: It’s always something

pdlinda — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:33:48 GMT

@SilleeMee May I ask how long ago that surgery was?

Re: It’s always something

Goodie2shoes — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:37:29 GMT

Well I will be 74 next month if I'm blessed to see it but I've never had any cervical or lumbar surgery. My issues have been knees! Left knee replacement ( I was 65) but 2 right knee replacements ( first one at 69 got infected due to diabetes and I was 70 for the redo) I wish you a speedy recovery with minimal discomfort.

Re: It’s always something

smoochy — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:01:03 GMT

@KittySoftPaws wrote:
You didn't mention, and my question is, do your Doctor's know what is causing that constant arm and shoulder pain? I am always wary, because so many just treat the symptoms and not the cause which can then bring with it it's own set of problems. And surgery in that area, and in general is nothing to approach lightly, which I'm sure you are not.

my MRI shows severe stenosis and a bulging disc

Re: It’s always something

smoochy — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:06:42 GMT

@arizona babe wrote:
@smoochy I sure do know what you are talking about, I too am in my 70's just got over covid and now on antibiotics for pneumonia- as for your neck I had that surgery at C5-C6 because the disc was blown however he did not fuse it as he said it would do that on its own- hopefully you have had an MRI that shows the disc is blown, if it is just herniated that its not a reason to remove the vertebrae- I saw a neurosurgeon instead of an ortho guy- as a former RN I know that the older you get surgery is not always the best route to take unless it is an emergency- have you tried a chiropractor? acupuncture? or even physical therapy- proceed with caution that is all I can say

all conservative measures have been tried and failed. I don't believe in chiropractic or acupuncture. PT was tried without success. My doctor also said we are past the point of an epidural steroid injection. My condition is quite advanced.

Re: It’s always something

SilleeMee — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:12:38 GMT

@pdlinda wrote:
@SilleeMee May I ask how long ago that surgery was?

@pdlinda

Around twenty years ago. I was in my late 40's. I'm 69 now. My neck problem wasn't age-related.

Re: It’s always something

smoochy — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:31:08 GMT

@arizona babe I'm sorry you're ill with pneumonia. That must be so awful. Speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

Re: It’s always something

wagirl — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:50:08 GMT

Geez people!!! This aging stuff ain't so fabulous is it-----oh I forgot--It's 50 and fabulous!!! I guess in the 60s and 70s--your on your own-----mine haven't been a walk in the park either. But I haven't dealt with such conditions as many here. Am dealing with a former broken ankle that is still giving me grief---and digestive issues, but nothing as serious as I've read.

@smoochy --hoping this surgery will do its job ---and to the many here--wishing you well too. Aging isn't for sissies!!

Re: It’s always something

Still Raining — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:33:01 GMT

Sending healing winds your way. When it is all over it should be wonderful. Pain indeed does hurt.

Re: It’s always something

KailaS — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:45:44 GMT

The same surgery was recommended and I refused it. I am learning that some of my doctors like to do "procedures." At nearly 77, I think for now I will try to handle the pain-- I have had it for 8 years-- without intervention. I have had so many surgeries since I turned 60. I am giving myself a break (emotionally, financially, and physically ) from new medical procedures. I respect those who search for surgical options. Best of luck. Keep us posted.

Re: It’s always something

smoochy — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:55:34 GMT

@KailaS wrote:
The same surgery was recommended and I refused it. I am learning that some of my doctors like to do "procedures." At nearly 77, I think for now I will try to handle the pain-- I have had it for 8 years-- without intervention. I have had so many surgeries since I turned 60. I am giving myself a break (emotionally, financially, and physically ) from new medical procedures. I respect those who search for surgical options. Best of luck. Keep us posted.

this wasn't presented to me as an elective surgery. It's not just about the pain. Which is interfering with every aspect of my life. The herniated disc and severe stenosis are continuing to press on my spinal cord. Left untreated, the neurological symptoms will worsen until my gait and balance are affected (already having increased balance problems) with falls, loss of bladder and bowel control, paralysis. I won't take chances on those horrible things happening

Re: It’s always something

foxywoods — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 01:01:51 GMT

@smoochy Wishing you safe surgery and gentle healing. are you being treated by a neurosurgeon I hope? I had C-spine surgery couple years ago, I was told that paralysis was possible if I did NOT have surgery - if I fell or got in an accident. My neurosurgeon also does brain surgery. my scar starts at the base of my skull, he went thru the back. I was scared but all came out well. Just give yourself time to heal. I took 2 types of muscle relaxers which helped with nerves, muscles to "re-marry" post-op. my neck issues started in my late 30s, by the time I had surgery there was no other option.

one thing, hair appt ask them not to wash in the reclining chair in the sink. this hyperextends the neck and could make things worse. forgot about this 3 months ago when I went to a new stylist and the next day my neck & arms were super numb, sore and stiff. really threw me for a loop! after a few days it got better.

Re: It’s always something

MoJoV — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:55:58 GMT

@smoochy I don't know anything about the surgery but wish you well and a speedy recovery. I hope the pain you're in is gone.

Re: It’s always something

MoJoV — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:01:24 GMT

@SilleeMee What an ordeal you endured. Modern medicine is just miraculous. I'm glad you're here with us and appreciate all your helpful posts.

Re: It’s always something

smoochy — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:34:58 GMT

@foxywoods wrote:
@smoochy Wishing you safe surgery and gentle healing. are you being treated by a neurosurgeon I hope? I had C-spine surgery couple years ago, I was told that paralysis was possible if I did NOT have surgery - if I fell or got in an accident. My neurosurgeon also does brain surgery. my scar starts at the base of my skull, he went thru the back. I was scared but all came out well. Just give yourself time to heal. I took 2 types of muscle relaxers which helped with nerves, muscles to "re-marry" post-op. my neck issues started in my late 30s, by the time I had surgery there was no other option.

one thing, hair appt ask them not to wash in the reclining chair in the sink. this hyperextends the neck and could make things worse. forgot about this 3 months ago when I went to a new stylist and the next day my neck & arms were super numb, sore and stiff. really threw me for a loop! after a few days it got better.

my doc is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spinal conditions and surgery.

Re: It’s always something

wilma — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:57:05 GMT

@smoochy

I'm sorry to read about your health issues. I hope things improve soon. 🌈

I've had my share of tough times too. I was chronically ill for 15 years before life changing surgery. I've had a few other medical issues since then. Family, friends, and good doctors helped me survive.

Wishing Everyone Here the Best!