New neckie introduction

[LauraB]

Prior to my first surgery, I went through the steroid injections and in some cases felt worse pain than before. Like everyone said, for some it works, but usually for a short period of time. It takes a toll on your insurance too.
Generally speaking, you will KNOW when you need surgery. When it affects every aspect of your being and enjoyment of life - you better do something. You are young, but that should not be an indicator NOT to have surgery.
I lost feeling in my arms every time I turned my head. I couldn't sleep on a pillow, I dropped things (even hot coffee) at randomn, and had intermittent pain that would cause me to "yelp" out in public - embarrassing. My first C5/6 fusion corrected the problem and I resumed my active life - with some restrictions (because it was fusion). After my car accident in 2008, I damaged C3/4, C4/5, C6/7 - herniated discs and DDD. I've started the process all over; steroid injections, facet block, and a neurotomy. Only one time did I have a DAY without pain. I called my husband elated.

This type of pain can be intermittent. I have days it is tolerable, but then I have those days when I am in so much pain it disturbs the rest of my family. I can't be touched or in some cases can't even talk. Twice I went to the ER thinking I was having a stroke - my entire left side went weak and the migraine was skull crushing. I've waited five years for a better choice than fusion and ADR was my answer. My last visit to the ER is what prompted the search.

BTW I also had a pain management doctor that ate up the entire medical proceeds of my accident settlement. The lawyer took the other half. Now my ADR surgery is "on me." Nice......

[Cheryl0331]

Originally Posted by 2Confused

Awwww! Those shots in the neck! I had a series of three and, no, they did not help and I actually felt ill after each one. However, many others say the shots are very effective. Hope you find relief!

i had facet joint injections and, well you can read my signature and take it from there. a Waste of time and money!

[Katjonmadi]

Thank you to everyone for sharing!

I'm definitely not sold on the cortisone shots, especially because I've been through them before with my lumbar issues. My pain level has been getting progressively worse and has gone from intermittent to constant. With the way I'm feeling I'm leaning towards keeping my surgery date of the 6th...
I'm hoping the 3rd opinion appt I have on Wednesday will help make up my mind

[Katjonmadi]

Well I'm back!

I did do a cervical ESI in August with no relief so I ended up scheduling my ADR for Nov 26.
Over the Labor Day weekend I fell down the stairs and ended up having a flare up with my lumbar issues. The sciatica was excruciating which put all my cervical issues on the back burner. After taking it easy and trying a round of steroids with no relief my n/s ordered a current lumbar MRI. MRI showed a large recurrent disc extrusion at L4-5 (it seems my spine/discs never do anything small). Upon exam, I had foot drop so I had an emergency (next day) micro d/s (3rd one at that level in the past 11 years) on Nov 12. My n/s pushed my ADR to Dec 17 to ensure I was healed from the lumbar surgery. I woke up from surgery with my sciatica gone and my arm pain is back and worse then ever. I think the sciatica was masking it..
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the ADR in a couple of weeks. I'm hoping I can wake up pain free from the neck surgery too and can start 2014 pain free!