MIGHT Have Another Cervical Herniation

[Kathi49]

And I say MIGHT because I just don't know!

I had to call my PM today; thank goodness he was the doc on call. :) And trust me, I HATE doing this! I HATE calling any doc on his day off and have rarely done it anyway. The pain today was bad; and nothing was touching it. I didn't want to go to the ER because frankly it wasn't severe to go...just bad enough though to make a call. Trust me if it had been to the point where I was just about to scream, I would have gone. And I will say I have tried everything conservative I could think of during these past 7 days. Nothing is really helping.

I wasn't saying too much here or posting too much other than to speak of the Lyrica because I thought it was just my PN stuff acting up. But it seems much more than that; more like radiculopathy AND PN together!

Anyway, he called me right back and I told him EXPLICITLY everywhere I was hurting, what it felt like, what conservative things I have tried and what meds I had taken. So, he is ordering a Medrol Dosepak for the time being...my husband just went to pick it up. I am hoping it is just inflammation. But he did say if I am not any better by Monday, call the office and they will order a cervical MRI because I could have HERNIATED! And my guess, if I had to guess, would be the C6/C7 based on the path the pain it is taking (dermatome) and the condition it is in. But the C4/C5 is the one wedged in between the two fusions. It could be that one too. And this time around it is not one shoulder or one arm...it is both and they hurt like heck. And my hands feel like neuropathy has totally taken over. He also said to go ahead and continue to take the Klonopin and Vicodin and it was quite alright to take a Valium too! Geez, I need to take a Nexium is what I need to do! And crap, maybe some Colace too! Oh, I did ask about that darn dosepak too. The last time I took it I was in the ER a few days later with a ripped out gut! And he said I did NOT have to take all that first day of pills all at once. And I know they want you to have that "burst" and then taper down. So, I just asked if I could take maybe 3 or go slow with it. And he said that would be okay too. And wouldn't you know it...my husband is going out of town for the next 4 days!

And, yes, I am making fun of it all because I just got through having lumbar MRI's done...now this! But just know...I knew all of this COULD happen the minute I had the first fusion. I knew the risks. And I have said...if this ever happened again, I would have to cross that bridge when I came to it. And that MIGHT be now. I am just hoping that inflammation is all it really is. Actually, I am praying that it is all it is.

So, Mark N...wherever you are...I am right behind you with this cervical stuff...I think. :eek:

[Mark N]

Kathi, you are moving ahead of me on the cervical stuff because I will talk about getting an MRI in Sept during my appointment on Monday, it sounds like your's may be sooner. I am sure most of my issues are thoracic but I do have some cervical issues and I wonder if the pain and weakness in my right arm is cervical because it is really bad. Maybe I have just inflamed the tendons but they aren't tender and it goes up my shoulder and into my neck.

Sorry to hear that the pain you have been suffering may be cervical problems as you have already had enough problems there. I hope the med pack dose gives you some relief but there is still the long term issues. I know the weather also hurts your shoulders and arms so it isn't helping you out right now. Take care of yourself this weekend and I hope you are doing better Monday.

[Kathi49]

Thanks Mark,

I will just have to wait and see. I will start the Dosepak in the morning since it says...best to take before 9:00 am. It is hard to say with you though since I am just not familiar with all the thoracic issues. But if you are having pain and weakness in your arm it could very well be cervical. :( And, yep, the underlying issues are still there for me. But if the dosepak helps, then chances are it is just inflammation or spasms. I did take a bit of Valium awhile ago and it is already helping...moreso than the Lyrica did. At least my arms and shoulders are feeling somewhat normal...not like they were this morning. And I don't have any neck pain...it started across my shoulders and then down into my arms and hands. Anyway, let me see how it goes. :)

[Mark N]

Kathi, glad to hear the valium is providing some relief. Have a good night if you can and maybe the dosepak can calm down whatever is irritated.

[suede]

((Kathi)))

Sorry to hear this, glad though you are getting some relief with the V.

Linda

[BrokenBladder]

Kathi I thought you hadn't been posting much but I thought it was because of your dogs.:)

I'm sorry you're dealing with so much pain right now and honestly I think it would be a great idea to have another MRI. I hope you get to feeling better sooner rather than later. Keep us posted!!

[Kathi49]

Thanks you guys,

The Dosepak seems to be working pretty well. But I still have some tingling down my right forearm and into the fingertips. But the pain is not as bad as it was. Since I didn't start the Dosepak until yesterday, I want to give it another day or so before I call my PM. In other words, give it a chance to work. But he still may suggest another MRI. All he said was if I was not better by Monday to call him. So, I AM a little better...just holding off for a bit.

Lisa,

Yes, I have been with the puppers...a LOT! And is probably one reason my arms are ripped out...just the constant bending and stooping. But at least when they nap, I DO get a break. :)

[photonut]

Lisa:
I am glad the dosepak is helping..Even for a little bit. Give it some time and see if it clears up...Do not over do while the Hubby is away....Allie