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  • #16
    Jackie, OMG, that x-ray is incredible.....you had your surgeons sighing on that one, no doubt.

    Its amazing the distance variation of your chin from your chest in both x-rays. It looks like its at least 3 inches.

    Did any of the surgeons comment on why your neck fell so far forward? It doesn't look like you have a huge kyphosis. It looks like the anterior body at T1 just collapsed.(right above your scoliosis fusion mass) Its hard to see.....

    There are not too many of us fused from the tops of our fusion masses into the neck. (Bridging from T1 into the lower cervical)

    I cant imagine the pain.

    Ed
    49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
    Pre surgery curves T70,L70
    ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
    Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

    Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

    My x-rays
    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

    Comment


    • #17
      Ed if you look at the X-Ray dated 10- 2-18 it is the X-Ray taken a few days after the car accident surgery it looks good. But by pushing myself up in bed ,I pulled the rod out of the collection to the scoliosis rods. My head basically had no support. They read it as an unstable cervical fracture. If I didn't lay down or push my head back I was chocking. We can see why. And why I was admitted immediately back in the hospital and back into surgery within bours.
      I really don't know why it is turning out mostly ok.
      The second set of xrays shows the surgeon added an additional level of screws. Those are extremely bothersome just under the skin and sore. No wonder I don't want any neck rubs.
      It was an absolute incredible experience. Still turning out mostly ok. Remember I had huge blood clots in the epidural layer of the spinal cord. I think the
      surgeon had all he could handle. I thank him every day.
      It was a horrific amount of pain. Especially down my arm. It still isn't totally healed. And remember on Tylenol!!
      Last edited by jackieg412; 08-18-2019, 11:04 AM.
      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


      • #18
        I forgot about the arm pain. Was it mainly in the upper arm shoulder humeral head area? Right or Left side? or both sides?

        I had the "Mike Tyson" punch feeling on my upper left arm with my cervical herniation's years ago and numb left hand. Forearm was ok. It was devastating. The arm was useless. For those that don't know, nobody punches harder than Iron Mike...Imagine the hand damage he has....the arthritis must be incredible. You don't hear retired pro boxers complaining about their hands and wrists which is hard to believe.

        For upper pain in the "high back" and neck, I think you are setting some pain records....I know others here that have chosen not to post that are struggling with serious neck related problems. Its debatable on which areas of the spine produce high or highest levels of pain, but I would consider the (cervical) neck area critical due to the spinal cord in the neck. (smug face) There are a multitude of reasons for headaches, but when you have serious neck problems, it makes it difficult to assume other reasons for having a headache. Do you always assume its the neck?

        Cervical scoliosis is extremely rare......but spinal deformities that include thoracic and lumbar, scoliosis and kyphosis seem to have a "direct relation" to our necks. For spine, its a complete package, and every level counts.

        You can also have minimal deformity or none, and have major pain. Soft tissues count highest for pain, deformity not so much.

        I did a lot of massages years ago, probably spent over $100,000 on massages alone. After my surgeries, my masseuse was devastated since massage over rods and screws does not work. It was extremely uncomfortable when she entered the surgical area 4-6 inches wide down the whole spine.

        I don't know if a "topical" analgesic would help you out since you have a lot going on. You would have to ask Dr Young. The topical's are some easy ways of getting some sort of relief with scoliosis, products like Blue Emu, Super Blue stuff, etc....These products permeate into the body, so its something to consider. They also have topical NSAID's this again would be something to ask your doctor about for your neck.

        Do you take any prescription anti-inflammatory meds at all? NSAID's? Has this been brought up after your Arachnoditis discovery?

        Ed
        49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
        Pre surgery curves T70,L70
        ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
        Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

        Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
        http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

        My x-rays
        http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

        http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

        Comment


        • #19
          The pain in the arm was nerve pain. Unbearable nerve pain. If I got up from laying down the pain shot down my arm in to my 2 fingers. I was told that a piece of the broken cervical partially severed the nerve to my right arm. I know the neurosurgeon repaired it. I think the pain was from that. It has eased up since the second surgery but at times still grabs. The 2 fingers are either numb or painful.
          It is still better than it was . It is my right arm and of course I'm right handed. It functions for the most part.
          It is also the side with the scapula problem. So I don't know which one is the cause of the numb feelings.
          I still think it could have been worse. The surgeon did an excellent job of helping me maintain a quality of life.
          I know that punched in the arm feeling. Not fun
          Last edited by jackieg412; 08-19-2019, 06:47 AM.
          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


          • #20
            Originally posted by jackieg412 View Post
            The auto craft will be from my hip. A good thing is in all of the other surgeries I never had that done. I can't tell you how hard it is to be fixed though the back of the cervical. The anterior approach is easy. The screws up there are irritating. It is skin over screws. I have someone I work with that keeps wanting to run across them. I don't understand doing that and I have told her very firmly not to do that.
            Jackie, I’m not on here often, but just happened to see your post about your bad luck. I feel so bad you have to do another major surgery. I’v been through many surgeries. I’m like you, as I had cervical surgery too. (front and back) The one from the back is like yours, skin over the screws and you can see them and feel them!!! Darn! I hate it. I hope all turns out alright for you. I wish you much luck as you go forward with this surgery. God Bless 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


            • #21
              Hi Linda,

              After your "multi level" neck surgeries a few years ago, I will never forget when you stated that if felt like someone hit you in the neck with a baseball bat. This had a profound effect when it came to my surgical decision making on my neck. Of course Linda Racine knew and warned me, my surgeon also, these stacked neck surgeries can be especially difficult to deal with especially after doing full fusion surgery.

              I myself have had a "taste" of this neuropathic neck pain with my cervical herniation's, and I consider myself lucky since I avoided fusion in my neck.....I think that the small amount of scoliosis and kyphosis patients with "severe" neck disorders have paid a very high pain price....you guys have done your rounds.

              Neuropathic pain is your worst nightmare. When its in the neck, it can be devastating when the cervicogenic headaches kick in.
              https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3201065/

              Kudos to those doctors that are looking in new directions when it comes to pain control....

              I hope you are hanging in there. Sometimes that's all we can do.

              Thanks for posting.

              Ed
              49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
              Pre surgery curves T70,L70
              ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
              Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

              Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
              http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

              My x-rays
              http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

              http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

              Comment


              • #22
                Thanks Linda. It has been rough. As you know this posterior cervical fusion is one of the rough ones. I am sure it wouldn't have been except for the car accident.
                And Ed there is another video with Dr Young presenting a talk on genetics and it's role in chronic pain. If I can find the link, I will post it.
                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


                • #23
                  Oh very nice....I am very interested.

                  This thread sort of morphed from scapula into a neck discussion. Serious neck discussion. Thoracic, Cervical fusions.

                  Who is left? Melissa Susan Chet. I don't know if I have missed anyone else....Jaymoe.

                  If they post, we will have the worst neck patients in the world on this thread.

                  Enough pain to lock up the NSF server. I don't think the server can handle that much pain.(smiley face)

                  Let us know what happens tomorrow.

                  Ed
                  49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
                  Pre surgery curves T70,L70
                  ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
                  Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

                  Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
                  http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

                  My x-rays
                  http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

                  http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DiCiV0qvr788
                    here isDr. Adam Young taught us about the role of genetic in chronic pain
                    Last edited by jackieg412; 08-28-2019, 07:39 PM.
                    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


                    • #25
                      [Well I found out the surgery date. It will be Oct 22 at Rush hospital. There is a lot to do before then.
                      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


                      • #26
                        How long did they say you will be in the hospital?

                        Ed
                        49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
                        Pre surgery curves T70,L70
                        ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
                        Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

                        Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
                        http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

                        My x-rays
                        http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

                        http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          The orthopaedic reserved 3 days. We all know the insurance companies limit them. But, there is a real big chance of needing a chest tube. If that happens it will change things. They have to safely be able to remove it.
                          Also, multiple doctors have told me this is more painful then any of my spinal surgeries. Also more painful then the broken neck. I can't even imagine that. So by some magic a plan will have to be in place for pain. That is being worked out.
                          Just one more really big recovery!
                          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


                          • #28
                            3 days sounds ridiculous. They wont release you unless you are hunky dory. The insurance companies, they are a funny bunch, I guess conjoined twins get 4 days now....I wouldn't worry about it.

                            I hated my drains and tubes....I felt trapped and would always wake up laying on a drain which felt like laying on a small pot. I had the day shift nurse call my surgeon after around a week to start pulling some of them which took a few days at a couple per day. They come out easy..... I have read that drains are up to the surgeons, some use a lot of them, and others do not, which is probably due to infection.....

                            I would imagine that this one is going to hurt. They should come up with something for pain.

                            Ed
                            49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
                            Pre surgery curves T70,L70
                            ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
                            Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

                            Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
                            http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

                            My x-rays
                            http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

                            http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              I know they are going to use ketamine during the hospital stay. Pain management suggested it as I know the surgeon approved it. I guess it is a more expensive drug. But it is IV and only in a hospital setting. It would have been great during the broken neck.
                              I am doing a methadone trial before. Most medication causes severe vomiting that is uncontrollable. They don't want that in addition to the surgery and immobility.
                              The surgery is on my back. Not the typical shoulder surgery.
                              Now I am working on the clothing choice as the right arm can't be moved at all for 3 months.
                              It will be difficult as anyone can imagine.
                              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


                              • #30
                                Jackie, You could ask about an NG tube.... They drain your stomach's contents through suction. I did not vomit in the hospital. I had one for my scoliosis surgeries and was NPO due to an Ileus.
                                https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasogastric_intubation
                                https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_by_mouth
                                https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ileus

                                The benefit on this setup is that you don't have to eat or go to the bathroom. The drawback is your Adams Apple can get really sore.

                                At home, I would imagine a blanket wrapped around you will be indispensable especially in the recliner chair. You might get a heated blanket setup by your recliner and bed before you go in....winter is coming, we get cold.

                                There are shoulder surgery shirts available....Amazon also sells these items.
                                https://www.shouldershirts.com/Blue_...ara-p-1003.htm

                                Ed
                                49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
                                Pre surgery curves T70,L70
                                ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
                                Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

                                Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
                                http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

                                My x-rays
                                http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

                                http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

                                Comment

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