Hello again
I though I posted this yesterday but it disappeared
. I continue to have more and more problems with my recovery, as some of you know I have had 2 ACDF surgeries leaving me with a fused spine from C4-7. Each day that I have PT the therapist usually gives out a "Hum" as in finding something else wrong with me. While doing some exercises we found out I am unable to bend either wrist backwards. She thinks it is coming from my C6 area and I'm wondering if this will get worse or can it correct itself??
My pain continues as bad as ever and I am getting more and more pain and tingling along my right arm into my hand. My left hand as some occasional numbness and tingling but usually while doing an exercise.
I am still going for my goal to be back to work driving a tractor trailer by October but I must admit it is not looking to good
Be Well everyone
Hello My Friend,
Sorry to hear you are having these complications. Have you been checked lately to see if possibly any of the fusions have failed? This is a possibility and could be causing these problems. If you have not had a recent MRI if I were you I would discuss doing this with my doctor. Keep us posted as we do care. Good luck and God bless.
Cajun Hugssssssssss,
MJC
Hi MJC
I hope you are feeling better these days. I have an appointment with my Neurosurgeon on Aug. 6th and that would put me at the 5 month mark. I think he usually has an MRI check at the 6 month mark but I will ask to have it done now if he doesn't suggest it. (I think he will though).
I'm not sure at this point what test would be better, An MRI or a CT scan. I think the CT scan shows more with scar tissue but not sure.
Not to sound too stupid but when someone says a fusion may have failed what exactly does that mean? The hardware snapped or the actual bone growth is not going as planned
Take care of yourself MJC and I'll keep you posted
Be Well
A failed fusion I believe is when the bone does not fuse like it is supposed to which can cause problems. The plates and screws are there to hold things in place but that bone has to fuse with the rest of it. I will be happy for you when you see your doc and your get some type of diagnostic study done to possibly see what might be going on. I will be watching for your updates. Good luck!
Cajun Hugsssssssssss,
MJC
Depending on what your surgeon says, ask if it could be some arthritis or inflamation in your wrists, due to the trauma you have been through, and if maybe a cortisone shot would help. Just a thought if nothing else explains the problem. Your PT should be gently massaging those wrists and advising on some range of motion exercising. Take care!
TPM, haven't ever heard of the wrist bending problem before, nor coming from C6 area, but maybe C4 of C5.
I can't remember which area you had fused this time? I know you had C5 to C7 done in 2007.
TPM, haven't ever heard of the wrist bending problem before, nor coming from C6 area, but maybe C4 of C5.
I can't remember which area you had fused this time? I know you had C5 to C7 done in 2007.
Your correct Bad Boy, had C5-7 done in '07 and C4-5 done just this past March. (C3-4 may be next) From what I found I think the C6 nerve effects the wrists but my doc will know better
Be well
I do not have any pain in my wrists (maybe just a little bit if any) but if I go into a push up position on a table I am able to bend them. I find I do have pain then but it is going up the arm, not at the wrists. I'll see what the doc thinks
Be Well everyone