Hi All,

Very conflicting feelings at the moment after my review with Surgeon today. ADR wise I am doing really well - still early days but significantly less more and far better mobility. BUT the Brachial Neuritis I developed just afew days after my surgery has caused such a drop in my right shoulder that my poor thoracics are compressed between this shoulder and my wonderful new lumbar posture. I have been in awful pain this week and even deep breaths are almost unbearable. The Srgeon discharged me today which is great news and although I am going back to the Neurologist at the end of this month I know that there is nothing he can do. If the nerve is going to repair it will - in its own time and thats not going to be any time soon, if ever :(

I jst don't know how to feel. I'm happy and angry all at the same time. To have waited sooooooo long for some relief to have it marred by such a rare condition seems just too cruel. That little voice that says 'haven't I had enough?' is shouting loudly at the moment.

I will bounce back I know but at right now its tough.

Sorry to rant. No, I'm not actually, I need to and I know that here is exactly the place to do it as we all understand that feeling - unfortunately :(

Hoping you are all feeling a bit brighter than I am right now and hoping that my old dog will not want to go out 5 times again tonight!!!! Tiredness does not help this mood!!!

Thanks for reading folks,

Here's to being able to see the bigger picture again ;)

Shirley
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Awww Shirley........ sending you a virtual hug and some sunshine, I've heard that little voice too and sometimes life really doesn't seem fair I know. It just seems one thing after another, but well, mainly because there is no choice, one deals with whatever life throws up as best one can. I know there are times when it grinds you down but as you say you will bounce back. Your sleep deprivation is probably not helping your coping mechanisms for sure.

Thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. And to your old dog too. ;)

Lynda

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I do hope you get some reprieve from the pain soon shirley, sending a virtual hug also. Will be thinking of you and sending feel better thoughts your way. Try and rest as much as possible to ease the sleepiness and lack of energy those sleepless nights can bring as I well know myself at the moment!

Take care x

Hi,

Its not an easy thing. These blokes reference a study which said 89% of patients recover after 3 years.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1888382/

I came out of it all with S.I.C.K. scapula. It can mirror thoracic outlet style symptoms due to brachial plexus impingement/irritation (i have this). Couldnt hold my hand up to the steering wheel or write without cramping and pain down the arm. Once the nerve recover and you have muscle control I expect the severe scapula dysfunction will remain, and it takes a lot of time and work to get that proprioception back to an acceptable level, so the dropped shoulder doesnt stay present.

orthodoc.aaos.org/JamesDavidsonMD/SLAPiii.pdf

It's slowly improving. You really need a switched on physio for it and will probably be important for your recovery.

If you still have pain in the shoulder, arm or neck I would push them a bit harder as it is clearly stated that brachial neuritis is marked by pain resolution after a few weeks then slowly regaining function.

I would be angry too, it is a fair question, when is enough enough, to be hit by a rare debilitating thing like that after the lumbar surgery. Surely we all need/desire respite at times in our lives from getting a flogging.

Well I read the article and it said " with a slow but progressive recovery of motor function over 6 to 18 months."

I'm sorry that you've been stuck with this, it is very unusual but I'm sure that if you give your body time and become a patient patient your body will heal itself. Getting stressed up about it isn't really helping you at all, I would try and be as laid-back as possible about it and just look on it as another thing.

I've got to agree with the previous poster that a good physiotherapist is essential.
Best,
Alastair :D

Thanks all for the very caring responses and virtual hugs. very much appreciated.

I agree completely Hooch that a good Physio is required and I hope the Neurologist will be able to point in in the right direction. My Osteo is excellent and has given me very useful advice re passive exercises to keep the shoulder from siezing.

Alastair, sadly I don't fall into the 6-18 months recovery category. The acute pain stage of the BR lasted over 2 months and this is an indicator that recovery will most likely be 2-3 years if at all. A contrast dye MRI showed significant damage in the branching of the shoulder plexus. Apparently my ESR was raised which indicates some sort of inflammatory thing going on. It has since returned to normal thankfully.

As a Counsellor I am doing what I know I should and have gone back into therapy to deal with that voice ;) I can't have it intruding in my cient work!!

I do know I will bounce back but as I am sure we all know sometimes we just don't have the 'Tigger' in us :D

Very best wishes to all and thanks yet gain for being such a source of sanity when it all gets too rough.

Take good care all,

Shirley
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exactly, I have spells as eeyore :(

Hope that today you are feeling a little better. I will be in touch soon Shirley but I'll leave it a while so that you can get as much rest as possible!

On a lighter note I must say that these:

are great, I love them! I think I may 'steal' them from you Shirley and Ajj! That is if you don't mind of course :rolleyes:

Feel free to quote Kirst!! Also contact whenever you wish. Very hectic week this week as my house is sold and it all happens on Wednesday. Friday I am seeing the Medico Legal Specialist to finalse the report for the personal injury claim. I am looking forward to some 'Phew' time to just relax - after the Neurologist appt next Wednesday.

Finances are massively tight after having so much time off work post surgery and the complications ( I'm self employed ) so no £ for a holiday but will hopefully have a weekend some time soon.

Today I seem to be a character somewhere between a Tigger and an Eyore - might I be a Pooh do you think?! My head definitely feels full of fluff ;)

Love to all - and mega thanks, as ever for being here :rolleyes:

xxx

just take it steady, sounds like you are far too busy. let us know how it goes with the neurologist . I'm on for an eeyore day, I'm fed up with rehab an my DH is having a nightmare time at work as well as him having to look after me :(

Hi All,

Medico Legal review was interesting on lots of fronts. He had done report in March for a personal injury claim but needed to review after my surgery but also he had said neck symptoms would subside within 2 years and they definiteky havent. Grim neuralgic pain from C1/2 so the saga goes on.
BUT, when he examined my back he was soooo impressed. He remembered my Pisa like tilt from last time and the tourettes spasms - all gone :D Sciatic pain significantly reduced and the first normal leg raising test I cn remember for yeeeeeeeeears!!

The issue is the result of Brachial Neuritis, his opinion seems to be that of my Osteo that it is linked to position during surgery. Having had 2 surgeries in my neck previously and a metal cage...... Obviously not definitive but hopefuly he will write a report which will get me somewhere near settling this wretched claim.

On a lighter note - have booked the weekend away I promised myself. A short journey, gentle on the back and some much needed R &R.

Hope all as comfortable as possible.

Shirley
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Sorry have got behind with everyone's post, been away and started with pains which may be gallstones!!!! but just wanted to send my best wishes to you Shirley and hope you have had a good weekend's break. When we are going through these terrible times breaks away seem to be the only option for some good metime and relaxation to recharge the batteries and help with the pain and the psychological side of things. Pleased to hear you are doing well with your back but so sorry about the BN.

Lots of Love
Gilly xxx