A re-introduce :)

[Domzy]

Hi everyone,

I don't post here at all, however I do read posts frequently. A little background on me, I had my first ACDF in 12/01, I was extremely lucky the operation was a total success!! In 8/05 I herniated my C5-6, I pretty much dealt with the pain as best as I could, I had all the recommended treatments, rest, heat, 3 epidural injections which didn't help. Finally in 5/06 I couldn't take the pain any longer and had the surgery, ACDF with a plate. They harvested the bone from my hip. While in the hospital I got a staff infection in the graft site. So basically I spent the next six weeks with a pic line and getting antibotic treatments 3 times a day. After the 6 weeks the infection cleared.

I am still having pain. I work for my family doctor and he does his best to keep the pain under control. Currently I am taking 3 vicodins daily and am taking Skelaxin for muscle spasms. My doctor would really like to put me on a long acting pain reliever, however I want to take as little as possibe. The reason being I am 43 years old and if I start taking the strong medication now what will be availble to me when I get older? I should mention the Vicodins take the edge off but I am still left with significant pain.

Anyway I want to become a more active part of this very caring group!!

Kathy*bunch

[slipnslide]

Kathy,

Remember me?...I remember you!

I'm so sorry that you are still having to be here with us all, but am glad that you are here because we had some similar issues.

Kim

[Kathi49]

Kathy,

I remember you too! :)

And count me in as well. Kim and I have both have had two fusions. I also take Vicodin. But I will wait until someone else comes along that takes a longer acting med. They could give you better advice. I am sorry you are still in such pain. :(

[Domzy]

Kim and Kathy,

Thank You for the warm welcome! I remember both of you. Kim, you and I had surgery around the same time. I am so sorry you are dealing with all of this stuff. Kathy, I always read all of your posts, you are a real inspiration here.

Kathy *bunch

[Kathi49]

Thank you Kathy,

But Kim is the one that is far more familiar with harvesting bone from the hip...ouch! I had cadaver bone used both times. And you are right...I think we were all having the ACDF's right about the same time.

[Mark N]

Kathy, welcome back, it will be good to have you more active to share your experiences with spinal surgeries and pain.

I had to start strong pain meds when I was 44 after years of fighting the pain until it got to be too much. Don't be afraid to start the meds for fear that you need something stronger later. I have been on the same dose for almost four years now even though I still use it to just manage my pain. Recent studies say the longer we delay pain meds the more likely our pain becomes permanent because our brain ends up hardwiring the pain circuits. You are far better off using the meds to reduce your pain as much as you can because you may be albe to eliminate the pain some day.

[Rozia]

What Is Acdf

[Kathi49]

ACDF = Anterior Disectomy and Fusion