It's been over 10 years now since I had my spinal fusion surgery. No regrets in having the surgery and thrilled that I have been able to play tennis 3x/week, fully interact with my grandkids, and live life fully.
I have a hit a brick wall this summer though. It started with a mammogram and then being called back for a diagnostic mammogram. For those of us who have long rods with many fused levels, the mammogram experience is quite a challenge. At least it is for me.....my back usually goes into spasm for a bit but settles down after a day. Unfortunately this time, the diagnostic mammogram led to a mammogram led biopsy in three different areas. What was supposed to last 1 1/2 hrs. ended up taking 3 hrs. During most of that time, my right breast was being smashed as in a regular mammogram, but the killer for me was having to position my right arm over the machine for that extended period of time. By God's grace, I made it through the biopsy, but now I am suffering from muscle spasms in the Rhomboid Major muscle group along with the Serratus Anterior muscles. (My massage therapist who has a unique background in kinesiology was able to pinpoint the issues and was able to provide relief for 24 hours.) The spasms have returned resulting in that burning/stabbing pain that is all too familiar that I experienced immediately following my spinal fusion surgery.
I have been applying ice 2x/day, take Duexis 2x/day (prescribed higher dosage of ibuprofen), applying Biofreeze and Penetrate anti-inflammatory ointment. I have even tried electric stim but that doesn't make that much difference.
I have scheduled a dry needling appointment with my chiropractor for this Tuesday. I hope to squeeze in another session with my massage therapist this week.
Does anyone have any other suggestions for me to try? I had tried a steroid regimen a few years ago for tendonitis in my foot, but had to stop because of severe headaches. So the use of steroids is not really a good option for me.
I figure that this forum would be a good place to ask since many of us have learned to adjust to our bionic bodies in different ways over the years. Any input would be much appreciated. Thx!
Donna
I have a hit a brick wall this summer though. It started with a mammogram and then being called back for a diagnostic mammogram. For those of us who have long rods with many fused levels, the mammogram experience is quite a challenge. At least it is for me.....my back usually goes into spasm for a bit but settles down after a day. Unfortunately this time, the diagnostic mammogram led to a mammogram led biopsy in three different areas. What was supposed to last 1 1/2 hrs. ended up taking 3 hrs. During most of that time, my right breast was being smashed as in a regular mammogram, but the killer for me was having to position my right arm over the machine for that extended period of time. By God's grace, I made it through the biopsy, but now I am suffering from muscle spasms in the Rhomboid Major muscle group along with the Serratus Anterior muscles. (My massage therapist who has a unique background in kinesiology was able to pinpoint the issues and was able to provide relief for 24 hours.) The spasms have returned resulting in that burning/stabbing pain that is all too familiar that I experienced immediately following my spinal fusion surgery.
I have been applying ice 2x/day, take Duexis 2x/day (prescribed higher dosage of ibuprofen), applying Biofreeze and Penetrate anti-inflammatory ointment. I have even tried electric stim but that doesn't make that much difference.
I have scheduled a dry needling appointment with my chiropractor for this Tuesday. I hope to squeeze in another session with my massage therapist this week.
Does anyone have any other suggestions for me to try? I had tried a steroid regimen a few years ago for tendonitis in my foot, but had to stop because of severe headaches. So the use of steroids is not really a good option for me.
I figure that this forum would be a good place to ask since many of us have learned to adjust to our bionic bodies in different ways over the years. Any input would be much appreciated. Thx!
Donna
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