Posted 12/15/2019 8:52 PM (GMT -7)
Good evening! I haven't really had a moment to even reply. My apologizes. Here is the following snap shot of my cervical fusion history:
- Jan 2011: C4-C6 Anterior
- Feb 2017: C6-C7 Anterior and C3-T1 Posterior (yep 2 fusions in one surgery)
- Mar 2019: Revision of C3-T1, which led to a reconstruction from C2-T2
I previously began to write about my surgery from 2017. I definitely went back to work waaaaaay too soon. It was a nightmare. One I had no stamina, but the biggest issues was my ADA accommodations were not set up!!!!!! I gave my company notice in April of my needs and I returned in May and zero accommodations were not in place. It was awful. They tried a few options, but the options didn't work and my job just didn't get it. I finally got pissed and bought a VersaDesk (electric). It was the best investment ever! This lack of ADA accommodation caused soft tissue damage, which delayed my PT. From the 2017 surgery I had countless PT appointments, tried dry needling, acupuncture, massages, and the list goes on. I will spare all of the boring and countless appointment details/procedures from 2017 and 2018.
My current (Mar 19) surgery was very unexpected. At the end of the 2017 fusion healing, which is minimumally 18 months, I began to have some unusual symptoms within the C3-T1 fused area. I held off for two months to monitor my symptoms and I knew something wasn't right. I saw my PCM in Dec 18, was sent for a CT Scan, Jan 19 I am back in Neurosurgery. Oh the dread!!!! CT Scan reflected lucency (loosening) around the C7 screw. Neurosurgeon (in a nutshell) stated it had to be corrected. Lets just say I cried when I got back to my car. Mainly, because I knew the recovery road and the shocked of it all too.
March 2019 I had my 4th cervical fusion. This time it is called a revision. My loose screw at C7 was actually broken in half. I ended up with a reconstruction from C2-T2 and half of the C7 screw could only be removed. So hardware was removed and a lot more was added. Plus, a piece of the C7 screw will always remain.
I can't even put into words the emotional roller coaster this has been. It has been extremely difficult to try and bounce back from this surgery. I am currently not working. I did invest into short term and long term disability with my company and using it. I should had did this last surgery...things you learn the hard way.
I have been in PT (to include aquatics) since June 19 and it is still ongoing. I have started OT this month. Multiple medications. This surgery has caused depression for many different reasons, so I will be seeing MH soon. I haven't been able to drive since the surgery, no recreational activities, limited on tons of activities, and much more. I could write a novel at this point.
The 24/7 muscle spasms are unreal and unbearable most of the time. Increased headaches/migraines and other secondary issues. My Neurosurgery can't understand why I am still in pain. Really?
All of these surgeries is why I suffer from chronic pain. I keep telling myself today was better than the day I woke up from this last surgery and it could always be worse.
Well, the worst part is the insurance company stopped my long term disability pay on 4 Dec. It started in Sept. An Orthopedic doctor felt I could go back to work full-time. Now I have to work on an appeal. As if I don't have enough stress and appointments. This topic is a whole different story.
I am here if anyone else is going through similar or some of the same issues. Trust me I can relate!!!!!!!