This One's For Mom

[titaniumed]

Thanks Amy, and Happy b-day to you also. So glad that the surgery went ok.

No skiing this weekend...its been warm and raining...

I’m recovering from last night. Overeating, that is! I think its worse than drugs, and LOL I’ve done those before.... I don’t have a gall bladder, so digesting fats, or higher amounts of fats, taxes the digestive tract and interrupt’s sleeping.
Ed

[foofer]

....the continuing story:

My mother had surgery Dec 10 of last year, so she's right at 7 months. The result was considered successful in that her CT's show her neck looking as it should- bearing in mind that they fused 5 levels, so lots of metal in there.

The problem is that she is in more pain than before surgery with the pain being in the same place- off to the side of her neck and into the shoulder. She's had three facet blocks since March and just had a "Radio Frequency Ablation" on July 1. So far that has not eased any pain, but it's still early from my understanding.

I'm just wondering if any of the neck surgery people here have any input or similar experiences. She's going to start taking muscle relaxants in the next couple days. A bit of a scary thought for her age- 81. My mom is usually a pathologically cheerful and optimistic person, but for the first time I'm hearing extreme wariness.

[loves to skate]

Amy,
I'm so sorry to hear that your Mom isn't doing well after her neck surgery. Maybe I will just put up with my neck pain for the time being. I hope someone will chime in with their neck surgery success or not stories.
Sally

[titaniumed]

Hi Amy

Oh boy, so sorry about all of this. Maybe the muscle relaxers will calm things down a tad and make her feel a little better....

Try your best to keep her spirits up,(and yours) I know it can be tough, but its important.
Ed

[jeneemohler]

Hi Amy-

I'm saddened to hear this... This must be hard for you.

My surgical pain has been gone a long time, but I get muscle pain and spasms quite often. The muscle relaxants, taken as needed, really do seem to help. I hope your mom finds some relief. I know it is worrisome for you to see her down. Just be supportive, as usual, and just listen to her. I know I sometimes need my hubby to just listen to me vent, even if he can't do anything about it, when I have gripes or complaints about stuff. (Yes, I do complain and gripe once in a great while...) Others that haven't been around just don't understand, and it is frustrating trying to explain to them. And I really don't want to, anyway. People tend to think or say, "yeah, yeah, yeah, so you had surgery..." , "I have back aches, too", or "I've had surgery for a bulging disc, so I know exactly what you are going through". I'm thinking to myself, "not the same, bucko!"

I suspect she will ask for help or advice if and when she truly needs it. And I know you will be there! Good Luck.