Pain And Disability After Neck Surgery

[Ashu]

I had neck surgery one year ago. The pre-operative pain was completely resolved. I had a moderate size piece of herniated disc removed from the seventh cervical nerve root. I also had bone removed from that same level and the level above.  10 days after surgery I developed a totally different pain in the left side of neck and down left arm with los of function of my left arm. ALso I have left leg weakness.  A year later I have had no resolution of these symptoms. The doctor can not tell me what is wrong or how to get better. Is it possible something happened during my surgery which has left me disabled. I am unable to work in the clinical setting of nursing, taking care of sick newborns, because of my symptoms and I am dependent on pain medication to get through the day. I am unbale to perform ADL's around the house to care for my four boys and husband.

Thank you for  your time

Mary

[Cathmor]

Hello Mary,

It looks as though something may have happened during the surgery.  However, you probably signed a consent form before, in which the listed risks included pain, loss of motion, loss of sensation, etc.  Depending on what the risks were explained to you and listed as, you may have a cause of action.

I suggest you seek a second opinion as to what the problem is.  You appear to have recognized that the pain you have now is different from the one pre-surgery.  It should be easy for you to convey.  I would recommend a neurosurgery consult.  I would also suggest you request your medical records and review them to address the consent issue.

I hope that helps.

Christine