Four weeks ago I have my c4/5 5/6 fused with plates. Here is a bit of history 5 yrs agoI had the c4/5, 5/6 fused, 3 yrs ago drs had to fuse the c 3/4 due to severe weakness. I knew at the first surgery I would need to have the 2 surgery at some point in time. Well @ months ago due to severe pain and problems I had an MRI done. It showed that my fusions did not heal all the way. Both the 1st and 2nd surgery where done threw the front of my neck. This time they had to go in and repair what wasn't fused. I knew It would not be an easy recovery due to the fact they had to go threw the back of my neck. But I have so much pain I don't know what to do. I am taking pain meds and muscle relaxers. At times my neck feels like it is on fire. (I am not running a fever) it also feels like it keeps swelling up till the end of the day. My husband says it looks like the site does get puffy later in the day. In the morning it looks pretty good. I am only doing the things my dr told me I could do which is very little. I have tried ice packs and now trying the heating pad. I don't want to be a wimp but is this a normal feeling to have?
Thank you
Suzydep