I had a posterior cervical laminectomy at C4/C5 on October 29th. This was to correct compression of the spinal cord caused by deterioration above a spinal fusion at c5/c6 done in 1991. This was causing leg pain, pain and numbness in both arms with pins and needles in my hands
About a week after the operation I developed severe deep aching pain in my left arm extending into my shoulder and hand, particularly my thumb. This subsequently spread to my right arm, shoulder and hand. The pain has now become so severe, that I am taking 240mg morphine tablets (2x120mg) per day and having to top up with oral morphine sulphate (10mg/5ml) when the pain breaks through the the tablets.
I had an MRI scan on Friday which apparently shows satisfactory decompression.
Can anyone help me to understand what is going on?
I don’t think I can cope with the pain for much longer.
I am seeing the surgeon this Friday, what questions should I be asking?
I don’t know whether it is significant or not, but when I woke after the operation I had burning pain in my forearms and thumbs which lessened up to the point the severe deep pain began a week later.
Sorry to have gone on for so long, but I am at my wits end.
Michael