Update on the Pain in the Neck

[gsmittle]

Well, here I am four weeks post-surgery.... The neck still hurts in the vicinity where the surgeon did the most work (C5-7, right posterior), but at least I'm on half the pain killers I was a week ago.

I'm able to go without the neck collar, and I'm teaching my full load and directing our next production for two-four hours every day after school, but it leaves me dead-dog tired. This whole recovery process seemed a lot easier when I was younger.

The most irritating thing about this whole deal is that I have almost no grip in my right hand and no fine motor control of my right hand & arm. The neuro says I have irritate nerve roots where he did the work and it should improve in 6-10 more weeks with therapy. It's a good thing I'm left-handed..

Fortunately, the other pains in my neck (my students) are taking it easy on me. The Central Office, OTOH--well, that's a subject for another rant, er, post...

Unfortunately, I can't really get out in the shop yet, since a) it's flippin' cold and b) I still can't lift anything heavier than a half-gallon of milk.

g.

[DUD]

g

It sounds like You are on the mend, just take it slowly. Bill

[cgallery]

I echo Bill's comment. Be overly cautious and take it slowly.

The mind plays tricks on us. When we're disabled, the brain tells us we will always be disabled. You'll get better, you just need to take time and not push it.

[JR]

Hang in there, man. Journey of a thousand miles and all that.

BTW - one of women in LOML's flute quoir teaches honors english. They staged The Importance of Being Earnest on Saturday. We had a ball. They do it all on their own nickel, begging for costumes and help with sets. There is nothing like a group of mostly hispanic high school kids doing and English parlor farce. What a ball.

You have a great job. I hope you find sataisfaction in it (I know you do from your posts).

JR

[scmhogg]

G,

Before I had my c6-c7 surgery I was barely able to hold a pen in my right hand. And, I am right handed. My doctor told me to expect recovery at an inch a month. My coordination came back must faster than that. But, the numbness progressed at the predicted rate. I was 58 when I had the fusion. The doc gave me some silly putty stuff that increased my hand strength.

Before the surgery, the pain was unbearable. In addition the the neck pain, I had floating pain that was excruciating. One day it would be my shoulder, the next, my wrist or elbow. Short of taking enough pain meds to render me unconscious, I had little success with opiates. The only thing that gave me any relief was Celebrex. I didn't think that was working either, until I stopped taking it.

Steve

[cabinetman]

I can't say I feel your pain, but I've had too many of my own. Some of those I'll trade with you. Seriously, follow the doc's orders and don't make it worse. A half gallon of milk makes more sense than a 3 1/4 HP router.

[Ed62]

You have 4 weeks behind you, and it's getting better. No doubt it takes longer to heal than a 20 year old would, but hang tough. Before you know it, you'll be saying you had it done last year, and all is good. Don't rush it.

Ed