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Neck and head problems after successful fusion of c1 and c2

Posted by psale92415 @psale92415, Feb 22 9:18am

I had neck fusion of c1 and 2 about 3 yrs ago. Surgery went well and things were good for a year. Then I started getting all this pressure in my head, neck feeling tight and eyes watering. Went back to see surgeon and was told he did not see any problems and sent me to neurologist who kept giving me muscle relaxers and when I complained about them making me sleep he would have me try other relaxers. Stopped going to him because I could not keep taking muscle relaxers. Anyway, head has been getting worse and I have no idea of what to do. Has anyone had this kind of problem or is this just my new life

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marymargaret0501 | @marymargaret0501 | May 18 8:41am
In reply to @psale92415 "Had spinal fusion of c1 and 2. Did pretty good for first year. Started getting stiff..." + (show)
@psale92415

Had spinal fusion of c1 and 2. Did pretty good for first year. Started getting stiff neck and pain. Went back to surgeon and was told the surgery was fine and he sent me to physical therapy and referred me to neurologist. pandemic hit so had to stop PT and the neurologist just kept giving me muscle relaxers which were not helping, Every time I told him they did nothing he just gave me different ones.. Then I was sent for epidural shots by my rheumatologist who treats my RA but that did not work. Now I have same problem but have added pressure on top of head, dizziness, watery eyes and occasional sharp pains that don't last too long. Everyone tells me I have some nerve damage but I am really at a loss as to what to do. I also have copd which makes me cough and makes the head problem worse. Any thoughts?

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Covid is over. Start with Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy but call around, really interview the PT providers, for their previous experiences if any with similar type of fusions, go and attend for a minimum of 6 months, do your stretches and exercises, and then, reevaluate where you are with those symptoms and quality of life. C1-C2 fusion is a serious and special fusion. Take extra care to find therapists with previous experience, for the skills needed, insight required, listening capability, intuition, and ka-hootz to back it all up. That plus your honest best efforts will make a big difference for the better.

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psale92415 | @psale92415 | May 28 10:14am
In reply to @dkappel "This won’t help you but I thought maybe knowing others with same issues but took different..." + (show)
@dkappel

This won’t help you but I thought maybe knowing others with same issues but took different steps. They have wanted to fuse C4to C7, I stayed on pain meds because of one question I asked. Will it stop my pain, 2 neuro surgeons both said no they could not say that. So I didn’t and what you’re going through is why. I am very sorry for what you’re going thru.

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thank you very much for responding. I appreciate hearing from others who understand

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psale92415 | @psale92415 | May 28 10:18am
In reply to @psale92415 "thank you very much for responding. I appreciate hearing from others who understand" + (show)
@psale92415

thank you very much for responding. I appreciate hearing from others who understand

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I am starting to check with pt.

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