Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Terrible neck , shoulder and upper thoracic pain!

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • #16
    Hi Linda, it does seem if there is a treatment order. Such as steroids, PT,etc. However, I think that works for awhile but the spines we have sure suffer a lot. I have t2-pelvis and C-4-7 fusion. The cervical fusion did help with the issues you are having. I am able to turn my neck but not put it to the shoulder. My same surgeon did all of the surgeries.
    T10-pelvis fusion 12/08
    C5,6,7 fusion 9/10
    T2--T10 fusion 2/11
    C 4-5 fusion 11/14
    Right scapulectomy 6/15
    Right pectoralis major muscle transfer to scapula
    To replace the action of Serratus Anterior muscle 3/16
    Broken neck 9/28/2018
    Emergency surgery posterior fusion C4- T3
    Repeated 11/2018 because rods pulled apart added T2 fusion
    Removal of partial right thoracic hardware 1/2020
    Removal and replacement of C4-T10 hardware with C7 and T 1
    Osteotomy

    Comment


    • #17
      Linda,
      I keep thinking about you and the pains you are having. Have you thought more about seeing a cervical surgeon? Did Dr. Lenke feel that fusing more vertebrae above your fusion would be the best option?
      Karen

      Surgery-Jan. 5, 2011-Dr. Lenke
      Fusion T-4-sacrum-2 cages/5 osteotomies
      70 degree thoracolumbar corrected to 25
      Rib Hump-GONE!
      Age-60 at the time of surgery
      Now 66
      Avid Golfer & Tap Dancer
      Retired Kdgn. Teacher

      See photobucket link for:
      Video of my 1st Day of Golf Post-Op-3/02/12-Bradenton, FL
      Before and After Picture of back 1/7/11
      tap dancing picture at 10 mos. post op 11/11/11-I'm the one on the right.
      http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k630/pottoff2/

      Comment


      • #18
        Originally posted by golfnut View Post
        Linda,
        I keep thinking about you and the pains you are having. Have you thought more about seeing a cervical surgeon? Did Dr. Lenke feel that fusing more vertebrae above your fusion would be the best option?
        Hi ~ thanks for your thoughtfulness! I think of you often. When you ask if Dr. Lenke was willing to refer me to a cervicle specialist, the answer is "yes"! But at that moment I thought I wanted to try some less invasive treatment. He said I need a collar, and physical therapy. I also go in for a steroid shot the 10th of this month. But with the bad osteoporosis I have, I don't like to use steroids too often. I have lost 6 inches in the past six years. I take "prolia" for strengthening my bones. I'm a peace of work!(smiles) I still am thankful to Dr. Lenke for finally helping me to walk again. It is a blessing every day.! I also have an appt. with a physical therapist a week from today. I will keep trying some of these things before I speak with a surgeon. But when And if I do, I want Dr. Lenke's opinion on who he thinks can do a good job.(in St.Louis) Even if he will be in New York. Will you still see him for checkups Karen? Or are you done? I was thinking you are going on your fifth year. Time goes by too fast! Best regards to you! Linda
        Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
        Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
        This started adult onset scoliosis
        July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
        Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
        Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
        May 30th 2013 revision
        May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
        May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

        Comment


        • #19
          Linda,
          I saw Dr. Lenke in April and everything looked fine. I am in a study at Washington U. and will see Dr. Kelly or Dr. Bridwell in Jan. in St. Louis for my 5 year check up. My left hip is starting to "pop" with every step, so I may call Dr. Lenke for a recommendation for a hip surgeon. It doesn't hurt, but I'm thinking down the road. Naturally, it didn't bother me when I saw Dr. Lenke in April. If I would need something major, I think I'd go to New York to see Dr. Lenke.

          Are you wearing a neck collar? It might relieve some of the pain. I sure hope that physical therapy will work for you, but don't be too reluctant to see a cervical surgeon. I know you have been through so much, but it might make a world of difference to your quality of life if that is your only option after you've tried less invasive methods. Please continue to post with your progress. I am hoping and praying for you!
          Karen

          Surgery-Jan. 5, 2011-Dr. Lenke
          Fusion T-4-sacrum-2 cages/5 osteotomies
          70 degree thoracolumbar corrected to 25
          Rib Hump-GONE!
          Age-60 at the time of surgery
          Now 66
          Avid Golfer & Tap Dancer
          Retired Kdgn. Teacher

          See photobucket link for:
          Video of my 1st Day of Golf Post-Op-3/02/12-Bradenton, FL
          Before and After Picture of back 1/7/11
          tap dancing picture at 10 mos. post op 11/11/11-I'm the one on the right.
          http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k630/pottoff2/

          Comment


          • #20
            Appt. with Dr. Gupta Nov. 18th at Washington Univ.

            I'm back and having an awful time. I have posted about my awful neck~ shoulder~and arm pain. I also started having terrible pain in my lower back. But all that aside about a month ago I went to an orthopedic foot surgeon cause I need bunion surgery. But my feet are numb and burn all the time. So he said he would not do it till I had an MRI of the neck and lower back and send it to Dr. Gupta. I did and Dr. Gupta's nurse called me back to say that Dr. Gupta is seeing some serious stenosis in my neck. So she set me up to see him on 11/18/15 I also have been having terrible pain in my lower back and he will address that too.
            I have taken a couple of falls in the past six months, so don't know if that has made things worse or not. My feet are so bad that my left foot turns in , causing me to be off balance . This is causing some issues with falling. I just can't get out of this medical Merry go round. Has anyone had issues with numb, burning feet two years out? It goes up my legs into the ankle and a little above into the calf of my legs.
            Well, wishing all of you the best~~~ and those still having issues ~~ praying for better days for all of us! Linda
            Last edited by babyboomer16; 10-20-2015, 10:20 AM.
            Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
            Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
            This started adult onset scoliosis
            July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
            Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
            Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
            May 30th 2013 revision
            May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
            May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

            Comment


            • #21
              Linda,
              I am sorry to hear you are having so much pain. I will send prayers your way. Let us know what Dr. Gupta says.
              Karen

              Surgery-Jan. 5, 2011-Dr. Lenke
              Fusion T-4-sacrum-2 cages/5 osteotomies
              70 degree thoracolumbar corrected to 25
              Rib Hump-GONE!
              Age-60 at the time of surgery
              Now 66
              Avid Golfer & Tap Dancer
              Retired Kdgn. Teacher

              See photobucket link for:
              Video of my 1st Day of Golf Post-Op-3/02/12-Bradenton, FL
              Before and After Picture of back 1/7/11
              tap dancing picture at 10 mos. post op 11/11/11-I'm the one on the right.
              http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k630/pottoff2/

              Comment


              • #22
                Originally posted by golfnut View Post
                Linda,
                I am sorry to hear you are having so much pain. I will send prayers your way. Let us know what Dr. Gupta says.
                Karen,
                Thanks for your prayers.!! I think I wouldn't have so many issues if I would have found Dr. Lenke first.
                Instead I had three unsuccessful spine surgeries in So. Dak. The surgeons in So. Dak. didn't know enough about saggital imbalance. Hind sight is 20/20~ but it comlicated things more for Dr. Lenke.
                Hope you are getting along good!! It is starting to get chilly here already!!! I suppose it is there too!! Hope you are still golfing up a storm!!!!! Warm thoughts of you, Linda
                Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
                Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
                This started adult onset scoliosis
                July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
                Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
                Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
                May 30th 2013 revision
                May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
                May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

                Comment


                • #23
                  Linda, You and I drew the short straw of backs. I also have burning in my leg and foot which is probably nerve pain. My anterior leg pain follows the dermatome of L4 and 5.

                  There will be better times for us in the future. Sorry about your falls. Can you figure out why you fall? I fell 2 days ago, but it was from a wet rubber bottom on a crutch that slipped on the floor. I came in from outside and need to remember to wipe the bottoms of my crutches off now that summer is over and it has started to rain agsin here.
                  Susan
                  Adult Onset Degen Scoliosis @65, 25* T & 36* L w/ 11.2 cm coronal balance; T kyphosis 90*; Sev disc degen T & L stenosis

                  2013: T3- S1 Fusion w/ ALIF L4-S1/XLIF L2-4, PSF T4-S1 2 surgeries
                  2014: Hernia @ ALIF repaired; Emergency screw removal SCI T4,5 sec to PJK
                  2015: Rev Broken Bil T & L rods and no fusion: 2 revision surgeries; hardware P. Acnes infection
                  2016: Ant/Lat Lumbar diskectomy w/ 4 cages + BMP + harvested bone
                  2018: Removal L4,5 screw
                  2021: Removal T1 screw & rod

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    Originally posted by susancook View Post
                    Linda, You and I drew the short straw of backs. I also have burning in my leg and foot which is probably nerve pain. My anterior leg pain follows the dermatome of L4 and 5.

                    There will be better times for us in the future. Sorry about your falls. Can you figure out why you fall? I fell 2 days ago, but it was from a wet rubber bottom on a crutch that slipped on the floor. I came in from outside and need to remember to wipe the bottoms of my crutches off now that summer is over and it has started to rain agsin here.
                    Susan
                    Susan, you ask what was causing me to fall~~ my feet are crippled from super bunions! My left foot's big toe is flipped over te top of the toe next to it. Both feet are bad , but left more than right. I walk on te inside of my foot. But the numbness doesn't help either. The numbness burns constantlly. Wondering if it's fron the stenosis in my lower back or neck. We'll see the 18th of Nov. I think it's that (and not my toes) causing it, because of what I'v read about it.
                    I sure hope you're right about times will be better for us later. But I can walk~~although I am off balanced a lot of the time. Yikes! But you my dear, have to get to to point you can throw away the crutches,so you can live out your passion!!! Keep on keepin on! Keep us up to date on what's going on. Thanks for giving me a boost ~~ I know if you are looking forward to better things~~ I better quit feeling sorry for me,. You are so inspiring and brave Susan, in spite of the crap that you have had to deal with. Thanks for being a good sport and example to all of us. Sending you a very gentle HUG,!! Linda
                    Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
                    Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
                    This started adult onset scoliosis
                    July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
                    Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
                    Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
                    May 30th 2013 revision
                    May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
                    May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Originally posted by babyboomer16 View Post
                      Susan, you ask what was causing me to fall~~ my feet are crippled from super bunions! My left foot's big toe is flipped over te top of the toe next to it. Both feet are bad , but left more than right. I walk on te inside of my foot. But the numbness doesn't help either. The numbness burns constantlly. Wondering if it's fron the stenosis in my lower back or neck. We'll see the 18th of Nov. I think it's that (and not my toes) causing it, because of what I'v read about it.
                      I sure hope you're right about times will be better for us later. But I can walk~~although I am off balanced a lot of the time. Yikes! But you my dear, have to get to to point you can throw away the crutches,so you can live out your passion!!! Keep on keepin on! Keep us up to date on what's going on. Thanks for giving me a boost ~~ I know if you are looking forward to better things~~ I better quit feeling sorry for me,. You are so inspiring and brave Susan, in spite of the crap that you have had to deal with. Thanks for being a good sport and example to all of us. Sending you a very gentle HUG,!! Linda
                      I wish that I could throw away the crutches. I do not have the strength in my legs. It would not be pretty without crutches.
                      Susan
                      Adult Onset Degen Scoliosis @65, 25* T & 36* L w/ 11.2 cm coronal balance; T kyphosis 90*; Sev disc degen T & L stenosis

                      2013: T3- S1 Fusion w/ ALIF L4-S1/XLIF L2-4, PSF T4-S1 2 surgeries
                      2014: Hernia @ ALIF repaired; Emergency screw removal SCI T4,5 sec to PJK
                      2015: Rev Broken Bil T & L rods and no fusion: 2 revision surgeries; hardware P. Acnes infection
                      2016: Ant/Lat Lumbar diskectomy w/ 4 cages + BMP + harvested bone
                      2018: Removal L4,5 screw
                      2021: Removal T1 screw & rod

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        We were just talking about neck and thoracic pain on the Facebook group today. Hope to see you there and share our experiences.

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Originally posted by susancook View Post
                          I wish that I could throw away the crutches. I do not have the strength in my legs. It would not be pretty without crutches.
                          Susan
                          Susan, I still can't believe it yet, that this happened to you. But it did~~ and because it did ,it makes my problems seem so minimal in comparison. It's wonderful that you write requests for grants, and in doing so ,hopefully helping others. Plus it helps keep your mind busy for that amount of time.. Keeping you in my prayers~~~Linda
                          Last edited by babyboomer16; 11-01-2015, 01:56 PM.
                          Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
                          Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
                          This started adult onset scoliosis
                          July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
                          Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
                          Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
                          May 30th 2013 revision
                          May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
                          May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Originally posted by dixiesmommie View Post
                            We were just talking about neck and thoracic pain on the Facebook group today. Hope to see you there and share our experiences.
                            Dixiemommies~~ what's the Facebook page called where this discussion takes place? Linda
                            Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
                            Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
                            This started adult onset scoliosis
                            July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
                            Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
                            Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
                            May 30th 2013 revision
                            May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
                            May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Baby boomer, I don't post on this forum anymore but read your post as you wanted to get in on the FB page. I know exactly what you are speaking of. My mom and sister both have that bump between their shoulder blades I am having lots of pain in the same area. I just started a post about it. I recently fell and it feels like all the impact went right to that area. I can hardly look up anymore. Shoulders are so sore too.

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                Hi, I am back from my appt. with Dr. Gupta at the Washington University. I am going to try to explained what he told me about my neck first and then my lower back. He showed me a picture of my neck from the MRI that I sent him. It showed the disc in my neck squeezing my spinal cord together really bad. But I can't tell you the exact discs that are pressing on it yet.Then he surprised me by showing me that on my right lower side, where Dr. Lenke had put double rods,they are both broke into. I guess I kind of knew something was wrong with the lower back, but I was in denial!! I have felt like things were loose when I walk. Anyway, he wants a mylogram for to see my bones better. He said he could see the neck better to get a better picture as to how to proceed with surgery on the neck. Also the mylogram can show if I am fused in my lower back. That can tell him if that may be a reason for the broken rods( if I'n not fused). I hope I am fused. I walk kind of off balance and have been for a while. My feet are numb a lot. He thinks that's from my lower back. The pain is not good. Anyway, they woul have done the mylogram the same day, but I had taken an asprin and so because it is a blood thinner they couldn't do it. It takes three days to get out of your system. Anyway, I go back Jan. 5th for the mylogram and some more pre op stuff, and then he will do surgery on my neck six weeks later. It is more important than the broken rods. He put it this way'" the broken rods won't kill you, but the neck could. Well, sorry this is so long, but this is all of it in a hand bag!!!
                                I am so stressed about more surgery~~ but I guess I have to do what I have to do! Darn!!! I just want this nightmare to go away!! But like Susan says" It is what it is" !! I am going to bed now!! Long trip!! Thirteen hours!! Goodnight to all~~ Linda
                                Linda Brozik~~60 yrs. old at time of Lenke's first surgery. 62 now!
                                Surgery 2006 L3/4 L4/5 double fusion/ instumentation/ With 2 cages
                                This started adult onset scoliosis
                                July 1st, 2010/ surgery ~~fused T10 to pelvis (long rods/ screws)
                                Oct.20th 2010, extended rods to T4 / did osteotomy at L3
                                Oct. 29th 2012 Dr. Lenke St. Louis Mo. T4 to sacrum osteotomy anterior cage L3/4 titanium rods
                                May 30th 2013 revision
                                May 8th cervicle surgery 2016
                                May 31st Dr. Gupta revision 2017

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X