Viewing 6 posts - 19 through 24 (of 34 total)
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  • Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8660

    It sounds like you are finally recovering nicely. I am not sure why you were put on Neurontin as this is a nerve medication and is atypical for post-operative pain control. Nonetheless, I assume this medication usage will be short lived and you will be off in a matter of weeks.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    Jellyhall
    Participant
    Post count: 91

    Hi Dr Corenman,
    I am well recovered from surgery now and my swallowing and voice are almost back to normal.

    As I weaned off the Gabapentin, my symptoms have returned including the stiffening spasms when I get up from lying or sitting. This is as bad as every and the back and neck arching is happening again.

    My surgeon and GP are still hopeful that with time I will get some relief.

    I am thinking that the fact that it is still there now 9 weeks after surgery, means that I may be left with it. I was left for over 2 years after having my symptoms, which included brisk reflexes in my legs and arms.

    What do you think is the chance of me getting relief of my spasms and the pains I am still getting in my hands, arms, legs and feet?

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8660

    Your symptoms can still reduce much after nine weeks post surgery. Some of these symptoms can take six months to improve. If you have not yet been to physical therapy, this would be a good time to participate.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    Jellyhall
    Participant
    Post count: 91

    Thank you Dr Corenman,
    I will try to stay hopeful and be patient.
    After my lumbar fusion, my symptoms were helped enormously immediately after surgery, and I think I was hoping that would be the case this time. I have been put back on the Gabapentin again to help things. Generally I am not needing to take any other pain meds.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8660

    Again, therapeutic rehabilitation would be helpful for recovery. I hope you are in a good rehab program.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    Jellyhall
    Participant
    Post count: 91

    So far I am not in any sort of rehab. (I assume you mean exercises. Would this include anything else?)

    I do walk daily for just under 2 miles.
    I don’t do anything other than that.
    Perhaps I should contact my surgeon and check he is happy for me to start exercises. Then I can visit my physiotherapist who was great after my lumbar fusion.

    My fusion has been done with 2 titanium Cespace cages. No graft, no plate or screws and I didn’t have a collar at all. He seems confident that the ‘teeth’ on the cages will hold my neck secure. But I would feel more confident to get his ok before starting any exercises.

    My turning to the right is much reduced compared to turning to the left.

Viewing 6 posts - 19 through 24 (of 34 total)
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