Met w/ neck doctor this week.

Cindylou · #1 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 04:11 PM

I had my appt. with my neck doctor on Monday, and he said since my MRI of the neck was 2 years old, we needed a new one. So I had that done yesterday, and am waiting to hear back from them. He said he needed to call Dr. Stark, who did this latest SI Joint Fusion, to see if it was ok to administer a steroid injection in my neck. Very good point, so I wait and see. I'm wondering why he couldn't go ahead and do the nerve cauterizing, but perhaps there is too much steroid injected for that procedure as well. Meanwhile, the muscle relaxants are helping keep the demons at bay, so that is good. I definitely think the crutch use and coddling my back exacerbated the neck issues. My right SI Joint fusion is coming along nicely. 2 more weeks of cane use, unless he thinks I need more. So all good there.

Cindylou

Maria · #2 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 04:48 PM

Hi CindyLou!
So glad to hear how well the SI joint fusion is coming along! Whoopee!

Re the neck use of crutches,canes or anything (even heavy purse slung over my shoulder) exacerbates my muscle spasms altho I think the C5/6 disc bulge on me acts up when really aggravated.

My regular spinal OSS suggested that the guy treating my neck (in his office) order an ESI next time I show up there with neck pain since I'm a non surgical candidate at this point.

Really sometimes I'm exhausted by this neck pain tho because unlike the low back pain which has almost never kept me awake at night the neck just cannot be comfortable enough unless use of muscle relaxers and whatever else are poured into my system and I really dislike going there as I just end up feeling so very tired the next day.. but then again that neck pain is extremely exhausting..

As you well know I'm sure. Good luck with your MRI results and hope whatever the outcome is that after you're off the cane and back to a bit of normalcy re your low back the neck and surrounding musculature will feel OK!

Justin · #3 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 04:49 PM

Good news about getting a new MRI. Crutches are awful on your body. Hopefully, the increase in pain and symptoms is only temporary. Your neck is just saying "enough with those freaking crutches!"

Let's hope your new MRI looks good.

Kathy · #4 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 09:08 PM

Great news CL! I am so happy the fusion is coming along nicely. Hopefully, some neck injections will calm it down. Praying for pain free days ahead, K

dshobbies · #5 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 02:19 AM

Time sure went by fast. Glad to hear you're doing well. I know crutches interfere with your normal carriage but soon enough - gone!

Wishing you the best, Dale

treefrog · #6 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 07:23 PM

It is very good to hear that things are going so well with the facet fusion [edit - SI fusion]. I am sure that you are very thankful that this information and surgeon came along, before you went and had the hip surgery. I really hope that once you come off the crutches, that your neck will start to feel better, along with your lower back, and that you will feel in tip top shape again soon.

Cindylou · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009, 12:34 PM

Thanks everyone for the kind, supportive words. Just a correction for Cathy, in case it confuses anyone reading my thread, it was a right SI joint fusion I had, not a facet fusion. I see my surgeon this week for the 6 week, but it's actually my 5 week, post-op appointment. Am very eager for appt. Am also very eager to get results for my cervical MRI and, hopefully, a pain relieving injection of some kind.