LOVEBUGS! 18min update. “Debilitating Not Dangerous” 3yr post multilevel (3) ACDF SURGERY C4-C7
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2023
- Hope you all are doing well. Post EMG :)
My new motto re: my Neck: “debilitating but not dangerous”
also: Yes I move my neck too much. I know.
Kim, thanks for the update. I had two levels done six months ago and have been following your journey since before my surgery. You looked and sounded great in this installment and I’m glad you’re adapting to your challenges and are making the best out of what you’ve been going through. I still have occasional pain and numbness but I had issues for fifteen years before the doctors thought I was risking permanent paralysis not doing anything so I went for it and I can say I am no worse than before and should be better off for the long run. I hope you continue making progress and also wish you an early happy birthday and I hope you enjoy the balloon ride. Take care and thanks for sharing. You are appreciated.
Thank you so much! Fingers crossed you have a speedy progress
Thanks for , sharing i have compressed discs too. The bad days are terrible. But thank god for the good days
I hope you get well soon.
Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. It has to take a lot to put it all out here like this. I really wish the best for you and feel for you. I really believe a positive attitude helps. Obviously that’s not always easy. You seem like a very strong person. We are all rooting for you!
Thank you. :)
Hi Kim. Im glad your feeling better. I wish you the best. Im praying you continue with the great attitude. God bless you!
Thank you so much!
I’m glad you’re doing better 🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾I’m going in for my second acdf next month at the C2-C3 level
why a second? was that just a failed fusion? what were you symptoms ?
Wishing you an early happy birthday. Your posts have been such a help for me. I’m 2 weeks post op ACDF after 10 years of chronic pain from multiple herniated discs and a bulged C6. I can relate to much of what you’re saying, even the hot air balloon ride. I came to the same conclusion that it’s a safe alternative to other activities I used to enjoy. I liked what you said about knowing the pain isn’t a danger and to stay positive. Prior to surgery I was at risk of paralysis but now I know I’m safe. I’m still recovering but I know I’ll still have pain and all I can do is appreciate the good days. Best of luck, Kim. See you in the next video.
Thank you!
2 weeks!!! I hope you’re ok
I hope it improves. I'm 3 months post op. Doing great, no nerve pain at all. Just muscleaches from the stratching., I start pt today. Sux your roads been so rough
Yo!!!!!
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y KIM!!!
Hope you are doing well. I just had ACDF on C4-C5 4 weeks ago and you are the reason that now I need to take it easy after hearing that you pick up a box or vacuuming. Love hearing about your journey as I am just starting mine. I hope have a great 41st! Make good memories!
Best Wishes
🎂🎊🍷🍷🍻🥂
Thank you so much
Good luck on this healing journey!!
C4-C7 almost 2 month here wish you the best vibes. Thanks for share your situation. 💪🏼🇵🇷
2 months??? You got this!!!! No vacuuming 😆
Love your attitude!! I do terrible flying too so only do it when I need another medical treatment. I never thought about a balloon! Planning a trip back up north and thinking about taking a train.
Lol. Thank you. When I said flying - I meant actually piloting the plane. I was going for pilots license before having to get back on meds :(
Great content Kim. I had ACDf C5-C6 around 12 years ago. It's been pretty smooth sailing until last 2 years. Looks like C3 C4 are herniated now. Getting those old symptoms like shoulder pain, losing finger dexterity and facial numbness. Hoping I don't need to go through surgery again. 😢 thanks for sharing your journey. ❤
keep the updates coming but hopefully things stay stable.
We are about the same age, I am turning 41 in August. I feel your pain, and my heart goes out to you. Keep going and be your best advocate. I am having ACDF on my C6-C7 in September. I have chronic pain as well. I decided that I will try all the natural things first. I am either allergic or have intolerance to most pain management medications, so I don’t have a rescue med at this time. I wish you many blessings and hope you find that a combination of treatment helps on the long term. Having fibromyalgia showed me that not one treatment fits all and a combination of mental health and the physical health goes together while dealing with pain.
the fibro dx.. wondering how that works and what the tx is
i hope you get some relief. keep me posted
Kim.. thank you for your videos! Very helpful- comments too.
I happen to be 20 plus years post MVA and first Lumbar surgery.. collected two more revisions with instrumentation over the years - read titanium rods & pedicle screws L-2 to S1.. I'm scheduled for an ACDF two level intervention to prevent accidental quadriplegia this week.. had a serious whiplash with bone spurs & damaged discs.. subsequent to a spill on our stairs which found me flat in the foyer and in bed for ten days from the week before Christmas; fortunately, or not, I've been a pain management patient .. for.. effen - ever! Well since my late 40's.. and I'm 68.. Fortunately, being married over 40 years with daughters 31 & 26 who'll come home to help Mom for a couple of weeks~ I have a supportive family. Still.. pain from neuropathy, radiculopathy & myelopathy is a force they cannot even begin to address.. Was thinking about acupuncture until your reflection made it less romantic of an idea.. First things first, I have a date with a scalpel this week.. Anyway, certainly do appreciate your cheerful disposition, evocative imagery & humorous reflections. Admire & respect your commitment to sharing your experience for the benefit of others.. esp. your personality, humor & communication style; I always appreciate candor and frequently leave the ubiquitous descriptive expletives undeleted too.. Oh.. stream of consciousness random thought from my meanderings- have you explored the possibility of impingement on the brachial plexus? Just a thought for what it might be worth. Thanks again.
Keeping a good thought & a prayer for you here and wishing you all best-
Godspeed & God Bless Twice, Sincerely, Bruce🙏🍀🖖🤠🍀🙏
thank you for all your words~
wow.
how did things go?
I have so many questions
when you say "prevent quadriplegia" that is what the dr's said ? thats so scary to me
also,, can you talk more about titanium rods & pedicle screws L-2 to S1
I am now dealing with Lumbar issues and it looks like I have to have a talk about what might be next and I have no idea.. can you share what your symptoms were and how the surgery went as well as recovery etc ?
and thoughts on : impingement on the brachial plexus?
what makes you suggest that?
Hello Sister. Just wanted to let you know how much your channel helps me cope. I’m a 46 year old male with heavy tattoo work and I was this super tough physically and mentally Street type character shall we say and my C3-C7 surgery has completely destroyed my life so far. I love to hear you cuss and be yourself as I’m similar in that way. I have my manners and all and was raised by good parents and have good morals but I just find it so funny that you are so similar to me. On another note I too have been told that structurally I’m sound but my nerve pain I guess is what they are telling me is very bad. Your right when you say how hard it is to explain the pain and the type of pain feeling. It’s funny because I heard you say when you look normal people tend to think there’s nothing wrong with you and here I am this 5-7” 180 pound pretty muscular guy who is tattooed with complete sleeves and a complete front piece and back piece and complete socks worth of tattoos and people look at me and think wow you look scary but they don’t realize that I have been in debilitating as you put it pain. I have a high pain tolerance and have been through so much in my early life living the Street life only to have my spine take me out of the game. It’s kind of funny to me, but obviously sad at the same time. On another note, I recently had some steroid injections in my facet joints, and I had some relative pain relief for a short amount of time and because of this my pain management doctor is now recommending a Cervical micro ablation procedure. Wow what a mouthful huh!! Supposedly is the same process as steroid injections, but they cauterize the nerves around where my pain is and some people get relief from six months to a year and some people getting none so we will see and I will let you know. Also, this all has giving me severe panic disorder and now I can’t smoke all the marijuana I used to so I can’t tell you if that will help but I do have some CBD that comes in a flower that I can smoke without it giving me a panic attack but I haven’t tried it yet, so I’ll let you know if it helps any. When my neck is really bad with tension and I have a lot of nerve pain, I will say the muscle relaxer tizanidine helps me for about two hours and the hydrocodone 10/325 seems to help for approximately four hours, or at least makes the pain manageable, but for some reason it gives me a severe migraine afterwards most days when I take it. I’ve never been a hard drug user so I don’t like taking pills but I to have come to the conclusion like your last video stated that this might just be my life now and I might just have to figure out a way to live it as comfortable as possible. I’m sure some days will be good and some days will be bad but the hard part for me now is I can’t do any of the things that I used to enjoy. So now I have to start all over and learn something new, I do have a small support system, especially with my mother because she is fused from her skull to her ass crack as you put it. I actually inherited my problem from her with cervical spondylosis I think it’s called or I was born with a narrow, spinal canal. So my mother has that, and it eventually turned into spina bifica and spinal scoliosis. My poor mother has had 13 surgeries starting in 96 when they used to butcher you. She has had a pain pump for seven or eight years but it seems to cause a lot of side effects that I don’t want she is 70 years old and I’m trying to help take care of her and my dad who was just diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 70 as well. LMAO NONE OF THIS IS FUNNY BUT ALL I CAN DO IS LAUGH AND TAKE IT ONE HOUR AT A TIME. I KNOW THIS IS A LONG MESSAGE, BUT I’M UP LATE AT NIGHT HERE IN TEXAS IN PAIN AND IN MANIA OBVIOUSLY LOL. I HOPE THIS MESSAGE RECEIVES YOU WELL AND IT’S NOT TOO BRASH. I’M PULLING FOR YOUR SISTER. Take care.
Really appreciate this message. I feel for you. I do hope that you get relief w the ablation. keep me posted and thank you for all your kind words!
I had my done 4 weeks ago and the sharp pain down my left arm and right is gone but I still have tingling and numbness on both arms I'm trying to be positive because still too early to tell if the surgery worked but hearing you talk about the issues you are having after so long I'm having some concerns not only that but my vocal cords got damaged during surgery and I'm still waiting for a authorization from workerscom to have a injection on my vocal cords to release them I'm just glad I'm not alone with this issues God bless ❤
Hi Kim :-)
You’re looking terrific!
I’ve now come off Lyrica feel better for it, I’m coming over to USA in March for a Holiday 😊
Have fun!
I am still on lyrica but am off the hydrocodone!
Thanks Kim
I’m going on my second ACDF SURGERY due to adjacent segment disease. Artificial discs are not an option for me due to my degenerative discs.. if anyone sees this DO NOT go through a fusion unless that’s your only option. Don’t let them lock you up!! Fusion should be last resort
Hey Kimmy Glen from Australia again. Iam 60 and been getting stiff neck and going into the shoulder blade. Had a appointment with the nureo surgeon in march he advised me fuse c4 to c6 i was devastated. Iam getting a second apinion 25th July. I tried acupuncture as well for relief 4 sessions same as you i did not think it help. Your video do help me with information as well as attitude. Please keep the videos comming. Take care god bless but it so scary on this journey
good luck! keep me posted on what you decide
Thanks for the update. I have 2 herniated discs in my neck but haven’t had surgery as I’ve been told I’m not a candidate. My biggest issue is tightness/pain in my traps/scapula. What I find most frustrating is doctors just don’t seem to know what they’re doing with this…I find videos like yours to be most helpful/validating. My doctor told me that the treatment plan is medication and PT with the end goal of being pain-free. So I was going to PT weekly until a few weeks ago when I found out after poking around in my insurance website that Aetna has denied every PT claim since January (and my PT didn’t say anything to me). I did verify at the start of the year that I get 40 sessions a year. My PT submitted medical documents to appeal the denial but I’m waiting for Aetna to make a decision. There’s a potential for Aetna to deny PT as being “medically necessary” so I’m going back to my doctor in a few weeks to request a letter from him in case I need to appeal the decision with ny state. Mind you, Aetna would likely require PT before approving surgery if I were to go down the surgical route 🙃. PT was helpful with pain management for me and my neurological symptoms are gone but I’ve learned that insurance will play games.
omg.. dont get me started on insurance .. I pay so much for it and hate how they deny stuff thats needed. My drs have all told me to deal w the pain.. that pain relief isnt promised on this journey.. its more about stabilizing the spine etc ... but it seems one part gets stable (maybe) but then the other parts fail .. its insane and I def feel for your struggle. I hope the appeal works
Glad to hear you staying positive,,,
Hello Kim ! Wow you are looking so much more happier and “rested“ compared to a couple of months ago. I’ve watched all of your videos leading up to your procedure and now today. Because like I shared previously I had the same procedure done on April 10 of this year. And it has helped compared to how I was feeling, but not by much. And I tried messaging you to try & give you some encouragement & humor for the video where you looked so whooped because you were tired…super tired & possibly at your wits end, but my phone or UA-cam deleted it😖. And I took a long time writing you and sharing my thoughts and experiences with this process that is annoying, painful, tiring & frustrating especially when doctors say 🧐there’s nothing showing on your x-rays 🤓and the Dr. kinda makes you feel like you’re just trying to get some drugs to go get wasted on 😵💫 instead of really acknowledging the realities that we face with this nerve damage. So yeah, after it was deleted I was just like so frustrated I said *bleep* it !!! it was a lot of work. So of course today I had to write you and just let you know that I think that you are such a little soldier with such a great attitude & sense of humor about it all. That’s refreshing ! As for me, I am finally getting disability and able to pay bills for the meantime until my surgeon lets me off work restriction…. And then hopefully back to work in a couple months.
So you finally got acupuncture done ? Good for you ! But, the way you described it *gulp* you kind of scared the shit out of me how your session went. With your nerves getting irritated by the needles. I do not like when my nerves flare up, and they still do even after my recent surgery although I will be going to pain management really soon to see if I can get something for that pain that just doesn’t go away right at the base of my neck down a couple inches in between my shoulder blades. You know what I’m talking about. I’m sure everyone who is experiencing bulging discs/degenerative disc disease/neuropathy/all of it knows what I’m talking about. Anyhow it is really nice to see you smiling and in a way more positive light😎
Dr.Kevin’s diagnosis:
Physical therapy. Pain management. Big fat hits off of marijuana joints and of course eating right and whatever exercise we can get. Keep it up Kim ! And thank you for sharing your journey because it really does help me anticipate what might be in my future. If you could ever make it to California I’ll take you down to an awesome and beautiful place where they do hot air balloons in wine country by San Diego. Until then enjoy Life to the best of your ability and to anyone else suffering with this try and stay positive.
Oh no! Damn phone! Lol. Id love to come out and do that ride!!
I think you are so beatiful.
I hope you doing well.
Greetings from Brazil.
thank you
You have absolutely the correct attitude regarding recurrent, sometimes called “chronic” pain- and as I have mentioned before, this is my area of research at a major academic medical center and full professor on the West Coast. Pain not in itself dangerous. It can sap you. It can make you panic. But pain is a sensation. The more that you remain interested in things other than pain, the better off you are. It’s a matter of developing a whole set of tools for coping. There are a few especially sophisticated but great “self help” books that I can recommend that help many patients. Some sessions with a pain psychologist might also be helpful, though they are few and far between. Again, good luck
Thank you. Yes
I have looked into trying to find one, but there are not many and esp none that take my insurance
The spine fusions are the answer to pain 😊
Hello Kim, I found your video series while prepping for my surgery. I have used alternative therapies for over 30 years to avoid surgery, but now surgery is no longer avoidable. As for the acupuncturist. Find a new one. Acupuncture is the adjusting the the energy fields of the body by adjusting the meridians. There are like 10+ different modalities of acupuncture. A good acupuncturist will always help. One of the things I have done is called Craino-Sacral Therapies. In my case the patient became the Doctor. Here is how is should go with a good acupuncturist. You go in, do an intake, learning what the chief and secondary complaints are. They feel the energy pulses in the wrist to see what is out of balance. Yes, there should be some Q&A about your diet, what type of teas you drink, if you use natural foods or processed, and so on. Then they start needling to balance those variances in the energy fields. Some will tell you what they are doing and why, therefore engaging the brain to help with the session. A good acupuncturist will have his needle hand in a very soft glove so they can feel your energy but not expose you to their energy. I learned acupuncture, but practiced acupressure as a less invasive method to get the results. There is a thing called Zero pointing or Still pointing that you might have some positive results with. It's not hard. Get two tennis balls, put them in a tube sock and set them on the two points at the base of the occiput, then just relax, focus your breathing until you feel a pounding then subsiding. (Takes about 15 minutes.) It calms the ceribro-spinal fluid flow rate from the brain to the sacrum. It it works, cool if not no harm can be done since it is a passive technique. Just some hopefully positive suggestions in the holistic venue. Good luck, Tery from Tennessee.
Hello. It sounds like you have done an amazing job postponing the surgery. To give credit to the acupuncturist.. he did go over all those questions and did talk briefly about the meridians and kept holding my wrists etc but outside of that I am not sure there was much else. then while left alone, all I could think about was the needles and germs etc lol So yes, A less invasive approach I think would be best!
I will look into the tennis ball approach. please update your status after surgery and how your healing!
You’re hilarious! You make me remember to still laugh. It could take a lifetime and a fortune to get answers (not necessarily the best answers) as you’re already finding out). Stay active and stay encouraged! Stay away from doctors is the best advice I can give. Doxepin, baclofen, tizanidine (if you have migraines too- quilipta) and magnesium. If you can, get vitamin d and vitamin b levels checked.
thank you, im trying. did a little hike yesterday.. and OMG im so out of shape,
i take vit d daily.
idk what those other meds are other than tizanidine.
I wish you peace and healing . I'm having discussion with my doc about disc replacement or fusion for C5-C6, and C6-C7. I lost a lot of strength on my right side: pec, shoulder, arm, hand and lat/ core. I hope you find a plan and methods to help you.
Kim, Talk to your doctors about using tricyclic antidepressants and Xanax for your nerve pain. I have been on high dose imipramine and Xanax for 40 years and it kept me in the game. Now at 66 yo it looks like I am going to have a 4 level C3-C7 ACDF. I have never used narcotic pain meds and will try not to post surgery. Tricyclics have a broad side effects and are not liked by newer physicians. My current doctor doesn't like them but can argue that it has worked in my case. I have looked for total relief for over 50 years now. Hang in there. Relief in your future.
i have xanax for prn panic attacks.. but luckily havent needed it.. i want to stay away from antidepressants. I was on wellbutrin for a little and it helped for the depression, but I wont want to be on anything tbh... as I am trying to get off things as soon as i can in hope of going back to pilot lessons...
lmk how your surgery goes!
Good news Kim, happy for you.
Hi, Kim, you are so brave! I admire and respect you. Sorry that we are on the same boat dealing with so much pain. I tried many pain management and it’s no helping for past 5 years, so am heading for stem cell treatments, keep fingers crossed, will keep you updated, hope you feel better.
Hope the stem cells are helping. Keep me posted as that sounds interesting!
@@KimWrightregenexx in Colorado has been helpful for me but I have not had a fusion and hope to avoid it
I have enrolled the stem cell treatment that required 2 visits, part one is the bone marrow aspiration on 9/11, went real well and near pain less, the orthopedic physician is from USA and amazing team and service! This clinic only dealing with spinal regenerative treatment, also specializing in cervical treatments.
my 2nd treatment will be the actual stem cell injection scheduled on 10/20-10/25/23, after that will be the waiting for stem cell to take effective in my body, seem I maybe in a 70% chance of improvement, will notice the difference during first 4-8 weeks.
I am near are 68, have DDD from C3-C7, L3-L5 and both knee joint issues, had artificial cervical replacement done on C5/C6, 1st surgery on 2020 failed, so replaced it again on 2022, no improvement only worsen, DDD problem much worse now with facet joints pain, also shoulders, numbness arms, feet’s and all of the pains that you are dealing with. So much pain makes very long day every day, I went through all kind of pain management in past 4 years, realized that all of the pain treatment was degenerative treatments, our bone quality will only worsen so is our health, therefore I bear my head into research for additional option, discover the regenerative treatments with PRP and stem cell, and decide to give it a try as this is my last resort.
Wishing you well! Will keep you update.
Hi Kim, happy Easter!
Just saw your Tictok video Sat Jan 2024, seems you now need pillows to support your neck, sorry seems your condition not improving and I have gone through exactly what you have went thought and maybe in worse condition as my shoulder, lumbar and knees also giving up one me during last July 2023. I accepted stem cell on 10/23/23, oh boy; life changing experience! I am 80% relive pain free, no more pain pills and full of energy ready to travel, excepted and enjoying regular life with out the pains. I am reborn with stem cell! If you are financial capable , be worth to give it try.
Sorry I disagreed with surgery treatment, I am greatful with stem cell treatment and I can now say I wish longer!
God bless you, you are amazingly courage lady!
Hello. Glad to see you are better. My neck give me new present. Vertigo. Feeling little sick all the time. No pain worth mentioning though.
ugh.. i had that a few time when moving my head side to side ...
any relief?
@@KimWright Surprisingly, yes. For some reason I'm all good now. It lasted for about a week, then it wend away. Also no pain, no tingling ... I guess this thing comes in intervals, when it feels like it :)
I just listened to a previous update. I too have tinnitus. Some tests that fall under a neurologist(not a neurosurgeon) that I was looking at until I got a C Spine MRI which my son and I had to just tell my GP to just do it. fMRI, dMRI, qEEG without bio feedback. Some places do these tests and charge quack prices. UPenn should offer these in their neuro schools for a reasonable price. If after my CSpine stuff, I still have previous issues these are next on my list to do. I did have a CT of my C Spine in the mid 90's and it showed 1 mild disc stenosis. I had insurance at the time but they would not approve a MRI. My injuries probably go back to my freshmen year in high school and Contact sports. Then life got in the way me and my docs sort of forgot it. I have had to get new GP several times due to retirement and death. I got COVID in 2021 and started having occipital headaches which is different than what I used tricyclics for. I fought with my doctor for over a year before he would order the imaging.
i hope you've had some relief
I’m looking at C3-c7…..learning lots from your experience
You need spine fusion c1 through c7 is best for pain 😊
Find a better acupuncturist! They really can provide great drug free relief. I don't think I can avoid surgery. I appreciate the reminder you gave about protein, diet, & not overtaxing youself after surgery.
im going back to massage next week! :)
Just came across your videos. I found out I need multi level ACDF surgery. I'm feeling very anxious about having it done. I'm looking for alternatives. If I don't have it done I could risk being permanently paralysed. This totally sux!!!
i know that headspace so well. it does suck. i hope my videos and everyone's shared comments help
Hi Kim, I’m 52 and my cervical disc degeneration started when I was 40. Over the last 12 years, epidural injections and oral pain killers were my solutions in 2010, 2017 and 2019.
Just a few months ago, I started feeling severe pain in both my shoulders and right arm, much more than my neck. This time, I am also diagnosed with 2 hernias on my lumbar foraminal stenosis. Basically, I have pain almost all over my body.
After MRI scans, I was diagnosed with severe disc degeneration on C5-6 and C6-7. I had 2 epidural injections in the last 2 months, but no improvement. Went to a physiotherapist and received an injection directly into my right shoulder (not sure what that was). It didn’t help either.
My neuro-surgeon suggested ACDF since the injections didn’t seem to help anymore. Since I didn’t want to rush for surgery, I requested to try for a third epidural injection in my neck. I heard some people achieved success only after the 3rd injection.
As for my lower back, I just had my second injection today. Will have to wait and see how it goes.
Based on my own research, I am quite confused with all the information I found from trusted resources e.g. university hospital, spine health, etc. There’s an obvious consensus on 90% success rate of ACDF and that we should consider the benefits vs risks.
I am so glad I found your channel. Thanks for sharing your story; and in such a lively way even when you’re in pain!
All the best to you and hope you’ll completely recover very soon. I’ve subscribed to your channel and hope to share my story too (if I chose surgery, I’m scared). At the moment, I am trying to distract myself by doing things I like.
Thank you ! I also am now dealing with lumbar issues. After a few ER visits and getting MRI denied - after a month of chronic pain- the MRI was approved and now have to start that process ... it really is whole spine and never ending. I am so sorry you are also going through this. please keep the updates coming
@@KimWright I am so sorry to hear that they could even deny MRI?! That's terrible! I hope you can get transforaminal injections at the lower back. I am feeling better now after my second injection in my back at L5. I will finally start physiotherapy next week after 4-months of pain. I hope I can avoid ACDF. Sending you all my best wishes for quick treatments. Take care!
did you ever get the ACDF did it help?
@@imveryhungry112 yes.. I am 3 years post op from acdf of c4-c7
Very lucky dude not missed showed you his true colors.
:)
Splendida come stai voglio che vada bene roberto
I am about 3 weeks post surgery. C4-c6. I'm in a soft collar and.will start p/t next week. My left shoulder is still weak and I had atropy prior so hoping p/t will help. I'm 41! My main issue is swallowing and feeling like things get stuck or that I need to take a big burp but can't. Hoping over time that will subside.
i get that now at times after exercising. i think maybe its inflammation ?
Have you tried walking every day? Helps me! Had c4-c5 acdf with revision to c5-c7 on May 4th. Doing very well with walking as part of my instructions for healing. Good Luck!
I have. And it helps. Although sometimes I don’t know if it’s a sports bra or bouncing or what, but there are times that if I walk, I can get inflammation and the pain acts up again. It’s always a hit or miss w things 😆
I’ve done everything but surgery. The only thing that touches my pain is Botox back of head and traps. It’s like incredible relief.and I have fibromyalgia and cfs in addition to my stenosis,bone spurs and bulging from c4 to c7. I’ve had 3 doctors opinions and getting my neurologist helping me decide by viewing my mri and I’m looking into a neurologist surgeon to see if it’s better than the orthopedic one. This pain is not fun and very difficult to deal with. Im so sorry you have to deal with it too. Thank you for your videos
I was thinking about botox but of course the rabbit hole of issues w trap botox etc
I hate how we have to do all the leg work for something that should be in the Dr's wheelhouse
how long does the botox last and who does it?
@@KimWright my neurologist does it fit my migraines but it helps my trapezius muscle spasms so much which causes so much of my neck pain and migraines. You get them every 12 weeks but for me they take a week to kick in and last 2 months and wear off but I can’t function without them I was making trips to the er it was that bad and living on muscle relaxers . If it’s just for your neck maybe pain management Dr can do it I know they do where I live. My insurance covers it but I use the Botox saving card I signed up for to cover extra out of pocket. I pay zero instead of 2,000 a visit
@@AprilLeighchronicallyme did u have to wear a neck brace?
@@Question759 so I got a 4th opinion. I went to a neurosurgeon. He went over my MRI in great detail and explained to me I have 3 bulging discs, bone spurs and stenosis which all work together to cause my symptoms. He is recommending to hold off on surgery because he said the discs below my current issues will progress faster to compensate so he is sending me to a pain management Dr who is an anesthesiologist who specializes in epidural steroid injections and my other drs all agree this is worth a shot know pun intended lol I’m hoping this will really work for me as I do well with injections. He did recommend a soft neck brace to wear when cleaning my house or when pain creeps up but haven’t done that yet . I’m hoping the shots allow me to heal a bit so I can work to strengthen my muscles around my neck
Hello Kim , it is your Jersey neighbor . Hope all is well and you are in good spirit and health. I was wondering if you would know what is good to put on the scar in order to minimize it ? Also did you do physical therapy after the brace came off ?( I still have some catching up on your videos.)
This coming Friday will be six weeks since the surgery and I will need to wear the brace for a total of 8 weeks . I feel good but I'm still getting some pain in my neck on occasions. Just figured I would reach out and see if you would be able to help me out by answering my questions. Anyway have a great 4th of July . Be safe .
Edgar🙂
I didn't put anything on it tbh
I know some ppl use oils or there is this product called scar away .. maybe that would help?
I did do PT for a little, but didn't find it too helpful. I think it was the place I was capitated to bc of insurance. I think I need to pay out of pocket for a better place
are you feeling any better?
@@KimWright Hello Kim and thank you for your input. I am feeling better and better as the days go by . It's 8 weeks in and my doctor suggested I keep the brace on until my next visit with him at the end of July. I am being patient and learning from you and others going through the same deal to be careful throughout the recovery process. I hope all is well with you and praying you are having a pain free life or at least minimal pain. I hope you do well in all your endeavors. Take care of yourself and continue staying positive in all you do. Once again thanks for your response . Ttys.👍
May I ask how long did it take you after ACDF to feel good enough to get back to work? Did you start immediately with full-time or could start with part-time and gradually back into full-time work?
Since you’ll be a pilot soon, do you have to declare the “metal” in your body when you get through the airport security?
Anyway, Happy birthday! Enjoy as much as you can.
Hello
I hope you get some relief! As for, me since I work from home and I am a therapist, I was able to get back to work after a week because as long as I could talk, I was fine and because I work for myself I cannot take time off. I am not a pilot.
After spine surgery I wanted to do some thing adrenaline-focused because I cannot skydive anymore, so I was taking pilot lessons, but I had to stop that because you can’t be on any medication‘s.
In terms of metal in the body I don’t know because I haven’t traveled since surgery lol.
Sorry to hear that you had to stop your pilot lessons due to this. As for the ‘metal’ plates, I think they are titanium right? I have to research a bit to find out if titanium would cause any ‘beeps’ at airport security. You take care! Stay cheerful
Ti adoro e non voglio che soffri
I like The MS Gym his channel & his threat bucket video on you tube or RehabHQ these are both more neuro PT focused.
I will add them. thank you
I guess accepting what is now your new reality is going to be a lot more constructive going forward. Yes it sucks but as the old saying goes, when life gives you Lemons 😂. I really hope you continue to improve and thank you for sharing your story
Mmmmm 🍋
Kim have you tried red light therapy? Ive tried this one called bioflex, it helped me quite a bit. Some PT or rehab clinics my offer it. Also your birthday is 2 days after mine.
Happy early bday!!
I have not tried that. Sounds like Ultrasound?
had acdf surgery fused in 4 places my right side was messed up (right arm right chest) that feels better
but now it slightly has switched over to my left side, is this normal post healing 4 weeks after? not numb but like almost like im feeling recompression (difficult to flex my left arm)
surgeon said it cant be since he looked at the xray and its perfectly aligned now.
but since they were working back there its possible they touched it nicked it or something?
i guess my question is can you feel the difference between compression? vs just surgery post pain/numbness that heals?
You need a better spine fusion it sounds to me 😊
@@imveryhungry112 maybe went to surgeon again said the equipment looks good and everything seems to be fine but theyll do imaging again soon if it doesnt get better
@@zobistone i think it will get better you just had the surgery very recently!
I don' t think i know how to answer this. I still feel a lot of compression and pain at times.. sometimes i can't tell if its spine or muscle or nerve.. it's annoying esp when the dr's say all is good..
@KimWright I'm holding off on my acdf. They want me to do one due to severe arthritis in my neck. I'm learning to manage my symptoms on my own hope I can push off surgery 2 or 3 years.
Kim, you don’t need to accept the pains and using pain pills to get through your day !
Highly recommend you seeking into stem cell treatment, it changed my life and 8 am now 80% pain free!
where did you get that done? did insurance cover it?
Good video. I had neck surgery 10+ years ago and im only 35. About to get another, at some point.
As a young person who has lived with pain for a long time i suggest going on a few dates before bringing up pain and limitations. Let them fall for who you are as a person a bit. This isnt being selfish or misleading you might be perfect for them and your true colors deserve the spotlight for a bit. You can walk and do many couples things, most ppl dont do much together anyway lol.
Yes. this is what I was thinking, but the constant pain and limitations at times - you cant hide it
shifting in seat constantly, etc but it is what it is lol
Kim what kind of work are you able to do? I am looking for advice
in what sense? im a therapist so i sit at my comp all day.. doenst bode well for pain relief but that's the work i do
Did they Put a needle in Your muscle during EMG ?
Yes.
look into heat infrared sauna
Look into it
And cold exposure
Cold hurts too much
Dr Riew NYC
I was told the nerves take approximately 2 =3 years to healing
yeah.. slow moving
Have you tried CBD oil for your pain?
A little. THC and CBD seem to do the opposite for me lol
How are you kim.❤
Im good. My 3 year video never posted. IDK why it takes so long to upload things here. But Im ok :) Thank you for asking. What about you ?
I’m new here
lately I've been having severe neck pain up and down my neck shoulder pain really bad. it is unbearable.
I hope you have some relief :(
@@KimWright not yet would a neck brace help?
You need a spine fusion 😊
@@imveryhungry112 I need ACDF surgery 😊
I had one @@imveryhungry112
Are you concerned about becoming paralyzed? That’s the first thing the surgeon said to me if I didn’t have the surgery
yes all the time
I like your haircut
Thank you ❤
Maybe you can read rock steady
By Joey remenyi is a good book
You not alone had fusion in 2003 now I can barely move my arms had mri last week now he needs ct because join above the fusion fuse on it on he can’t tell we’re the first fusion disk above and below the fusion are gone. Pain medicine they will not give anything I’m waiting 2weeks evertime I have to insurance approve test gets old . Two things I’ve tried that’s worked still have but help wal mart has ice pack called Cryo max put it on back of neck at night if it’s too cold put in a shirt and CBD OIL , last resort THC but start small
I am so sorry. I know that pain and limitation.. I really hope you get these tests and appointments made
@@KimWright Well I finally got some results had to get another Dr his wants to due posterior cervical decompression and fusion C3 to C7 but now got to get cleared by my liver and blood Dr first still will not give me pain medicine because of liver I have low platelets and cirrhosis
Come stai tesoro ora sei sempre stupenda come vorrei che fossi tutta mia