Nerve Decompression/Excise Nerves/Botox

Post by Fruit2O
Does anyone out there have any feedback or information on these
subjects? I've about run out of options to relieve my head pain.

I do have one sugestion, if you are drinking the stuff you took your
name from, STOP! as it contains aspertame and that is a major headach
trigger for a lot of people.

Bear

Fruit2O

2006-12-26 04:40:51 UTC

Thanks - didn't know that!

Post by Bear

Post by Fruit2O
Does anyone out there have any feedback or information on these
subjects? I've about run out of options to relieve my head pain.

I do have one sugestion, if you are drinking the stuff you took your
name from, STOP! as it contains aspertame and that is a major headach
trigger for a lot of people.
Bear

Bear

2007-01-11 04:29:16 UTC

It doesn't affect everyone the same, nothing does, so if nothing
changes no harm in going back to it I suppose. I just know it's a bad
trigger for me. Your milage may vary.
Bear

Post by Fruit2O
Thanks - didn't know that!

Post by Bear

Post by Fruit2O
Does anyone out there have any feedback or information on these
subjects? I've about run out of options to relieve my head pain.

I do have one sugestion, if you are drinking the stuff you took your
name from, STOP! as it contains aspertame and that is a major headach
trigger for a lot of people.
Bear

Karen Peterson

2006-12-24 00:15:48 UTC

I think I've posted to you before about the Botox. I does work for me
for about 90% of my Migraines. The other 10 or so percent are weather
related and I can't do much about the weather.

Next week I am going to have a cervical epidural to try and decrease my
neck and shoulder pain. My neuro referred me to a pain specialist and
this is one of the most common procedures that they perform.

Go ahead an Google "cervical epidural" and read up on how it is done and
what the potential outcomes are. I know from a recent MRI that I have
bulging discs in my cervical spine, degenerative disc disease in my
thoracic spine, and my fibromyalgia makes my lumbar and sacral spine
regions extremely painful, mostly due to myofascial pain. If all of
your scans are normal, and there are no impingements to your spine or
nerves, a pain doc would be less likely to treat you with injectables.

One thing that I know helps me the most is sleep. Real sleep, not drug
or alcohol induced sleep. I've had a sleep study done and the doc said
I had unusual brain activity that wasn't letting me get to the stages of
deep sleep. These stages are where your body repairs itself. Everyday,
as you move and walk about, you are making minute tears in your muscles
and tissues. These tears are repaired at night when you sleep, but only
during certain stages of sleep. That is why fibromyalgia sufferers are
often asked about their sleep habits. Lack of sleep can cause me migraines.

Karen in San Diego

Post by Fruit2O
Does anyone out there have any feedback or information on these
subjects? I've about run out of options to relieve my head pain.

Fruit2O

2006-12-26 04:46:14 UTC

Post by Karen Peterson
I think I've posted to you before about the Botox. I does work for me
for about 90% of my Migraines. The other 10 or so percent are weather
related and I can't do much about the weather.
Next week I am going to have a cervical epidural to try and decrease my
neck and shoulder pain. My neuro referred me to a pain specialist and
this is one of the most common procedures that they perform.
Go ahead an Google "cervical epidural" and read up on how it is done and
what the potential outcomes are. I know from a recent MRI that I have
bulging discs in my cervical spine, degenerative disc disease in my
thoracic spine, and my fibromyalgia makes my lumbar and sacral spine
regions extremely painful, mostly due to myofascial pain. If all of
your scans are normal, and there are no impingements to your spine or
nerves, a pain doc would be less likely to treat you with injectables.
One thing that I know helps me the most is sleep. Real sleep, not drug
or alcohol induced sleep. I've had a sleep study done and the doc said
I had unusual brain activity that wasn't letting me get to the stages of
deep sleep. These stages are where your body repairs itself. Everyday,
as you move and walk about, you are making minute tears in your muscles
and tissues. These tears are repaired at night when you sleep, but only
during certain stages of sleep. That is why fibromyalgia sufferers are
often asked about their sleep habits. Lack of sleep can cause me migraines.
Karen in San Diego

Post by Fruit2O
Does anyone out there have any feedback or information on these
subjects? I've about run out of options to relieve my head pain.

Karen, let me know if you are the person who directed me to an article
about peripheral nerve surgery done at Georgetown University by Dr.
Ivica Ducic. I had it done and would like to share my results with
you.

HorseLvr

2006-12-26 12:59:48 UTC

Post by Fruit2O
Karen, let me know if you are the person who directed me to an article
about peripheral nerve surgery done at Georgetown University by Dr.
Ivica Ducic. I had it done and would like to share my results with
you.

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

judy.n

2006-12-26 13:23:42 UTC

Anne, we heard about the neurologist they sent you to, what was your
experience with the neurosurgeon--I know there are a lot of people in
this group with chronic neck pain who've been wondering what happened
in Georgetown.
Hope it all went well.
Judy

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

Fruit2O

2006-12-26 18:30:23 UTC

Judy, I actually think it was YOU that put me on to Dr. Ducic (I seem
to remember the name). Thank you.

Bob

Post by judy.n
Anne, we heard about the neurologist they sent you to, what was your
experience with the neurosurgeon--I know there are a lot of people in
this group with chronic neck pain who've been wondering what happened
in Georgetown.
Hope it all went well.
Judy

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

HorseLvr

2006-12-27 15:32:42 UTC

Hi Judy - After the neurologist referred me back for surgery everything
happened so fast I didn't even meet with Dr. Ducic again until the day
of surgery on 12/22. (I was taking Percocet a few times a day just to
get through, and also my Insurance is changing for the worse in
January, so they squeezed me in where they could.)

He explained about the surgery but I was so anxious I didn't retain
much although my husband did. He said that he was going to "cuff" the
muscles surrounding the occipital nerve. He also removed a small nerve
that probably would cause some numbness in the back of my head but
nowhere else.

They told me that I would not be in too much pain after surgery because
I would be so numb and they were right, the whole right side of my head
was numb for days and it was nice, but thats wearing off rapidly. My
neck below the incision is still painful, I'm sure those muscles are
not happy. The incision is actually horizontal and up in my hairline,
I thought it would be down on my neck.

What I didn't find out was what to expect as far as the healing
process. So I don't know how I'm supposed to feel at this point and
what to expect. So I'm excited to know that Bob has been through this
and can share with us his experience.

Anne

judy.n

2006-12-29 13:39:04 UTC

Anne,
Do they see you back or check in to monitor your progress?
With surgery, they often use versid, which causes retrograde
amnesia--no wonder you don't recall much of what happened.
I hope as you heal, it gives you lasting relief. I hope Bob can share
his experience as well, so you can compare notes, but ideally the
surgeon and his office would help guide you.
Recently I had a simple office procedure--one I've done to patients
myself (in the past)-- and I felt lousy the next day, and no one had
given me any guidance (and I never signed a consent form), so I called
the office and asked if it was normal to feel lousy the next day,
because all of my patient forms said to call if you did--the nurse told
me that "discomfort" was normal. Still, when it's your body, it's nice
to get guidance about what to expect.
Thanks for the update.
Judy

Hi Judy - After the neurologist referred me back for surgery everything
happened so fast I didn't even meet with Dr. Ducic again until the day
of surgery on 12/22. (I was taking Percocet a few times a day just to
get through, and also my Insurance is changing for the worse in
January, so they squeezed me in where they could.)
He explained about the surgery but I was so anxious I didn't retain
much although my husband did. He said that he was going to "cuff" the
muscles surrounding the occipital nerve. He also removed a small nerve
that probably would cause some numbness in the back of my head but
nowhere else.
They told me that I would not be in too much pain after surgery because
I would be so numb and they were right, the whole right side of my head
was numb for days and it was nice, but thats wearing off rapidly. My
neck below the incision is still painful, I'm sure those muscles are
not happy. The incision is actually horizontal and up in my hairline,
I thought it would be down on my neck.
What I didn't find out was what to expect as far as the healing
process. So I don't know how I'm supposed to feel at this point and
what to expect. So I'm excited to know that Bob has been through this
and can share with us his experience.
Anne

Fruit2O

2006-12-31 18:25:12 UTC

I will write soon. Keep watching this thread.

Bob

Post by judy.n
Anne,
Do they see you back or check in to monitor your progress?
With surgery, they often use versid, which causes retrograde
amnesia--no wonder you don't recall much of what happened.
I hope as you heal, it gives you lasting relief. I hope Bob can share
his experience as well, so you can compare notes, but ideally the
surgeon and his office would help guide you.
Recently I had a simple office procedure--one I've done to patients
myself (in the past)-- and I felt lousy the next day, and no one had
given me any guidance (and I never signed a consent form), so I called
the office and asked if it was normal to feel lousy the next day,
because all of my patient forms said to call if you did--the nurse told
me that "discomfort" was normal. Still, when it's your body, it's nice
to get guidance about what to expect.
Thanks for the update.
Judy

Hi Judy - After the neurologist referred me back for surgery everything
happened so fast I didn't even meet with Dr. Ducic again until the day
of surgery on 12/22. (I was taking Percocet a few times a day just to
get through, and also my Insurance is changing for the worse in
January, so they squeezed me in where they could.)
He explained about the surgery but I was so anxious I didn't retain
much although my husband did. He said that he was going to "cuff" the
muscles surrounding the occipital nerve. He also removed a small nerve
that probably would cause some numbness in the back of my head but
nowhere else.
They told me that I would not be in too much pain after surgery because
I would be so numb and they were right, the whole right side of my head
was numb for days and it was nice, but thats wearing off rapidly. My
neck below the incision is still painful, I'm sure those muscles are
not happy. The incision is actually horizontal and up in my hairline,
I thought it would be down on my neck.
What I didn't find out was what to expect as far as the healing
process. So I don't know how I'm supposed to feel at this point and
what to expect. So I'm excited to know that Bob has been through this
and can share with us his experience.
Anne

Fruit2O

2006-12-26 17:36:56 UTC

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

OK, email me your phone number and time zone - and when is a good time
to call. Us as a subject "Dr. Ducic" so your email doesn't get skipped
by my spam filter. I still have a problem although I think the
procedure is helping a lot (albeit slow). So, I can't always call at a
certain time if I'm in pain. I'm 62 years old and retired.

Bob

Paul T. Holland

2006-12-26 21:51:34 UTC

can't speak to the cervical, mine wasn't by ducic, but i am familiar
with him [he was trained by dr. dellon], re neuroapathy and tarsal.

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

judy.n

2006-12-26 22:58:26 UTC

Bob, I did pass the info on to you, because it dealt with neck pain,
and you were having a lot of problems in the area. I got the
information off of the list. So, now both you and Anne have had the
decompression surgery, would you recommend it?
It sounds like you, Bob, have gotten some relief, which is great.
I would imagine that the results will become clearer with time.
Any information would help-- another approach to a tough problem.
Judy

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

Kelly

2006-12-27 06:24:06 UTC

I have an appointment with Dr. Ducic in mid-January. Can anyone tell me
about the procedure and their results? I've been stuck in a constant
migraine cycle since March--and am willing to try anything!

Kelly

Post by judy.n
Bob, I did pass the info on to you, because it dealt with neck pain,
and you were having a lot of problems in the area. I got the
information off of the list. So, now both you and Anne have had the
decompression surgery, would you recommend it?
It sounds like you, Bob, have gotten some relief, which is great.
I would imagine that the results will become clearer with time.
Any information would help-- another approach to a tough problem.
Judy

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

Fruit2O

2007-01-09 23:09:26 UTC

Post by Kelly
I have an appointment with Dr. Ducic in mid-January. Can anyone tell me
about the procedure and their results? I've been stuck in a constant
migraine cycle since March--and am willing to try anything!
Kelly

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

If you have some specific questions, go ahead and ask (anybody).

HorseLvr

2007-01-18 13:48:11 UTC

Post by Fruit2O
If you have some specific questions, go ahead and ask (anybody).

Bob,
How long has it been since you had your surgery? Did you have both
sides of your neck done or just one? Did you have muscle spasms in
your neck before surgery and if so have they relaxed? I know what you
mean about the pain, I have a terrible time sitting here typing, the
position really hurts my neck for some reason. So does pushing a cart
in the store and a million other things, but the computer one stinks
the most.
Hope you are doing well,
Anne

Fruit2O

2007-01-20 23:31:39 UTC

Post by Fruit2O
If you have some specific questions, go ahead and ask (anybody).

Hard to explain pain. It's been 3 months. Thaneck area where I had
the most pain is now (almost) pain free. However, the area of pain has
moved up to about the top of me ears (back of head). I see the Dr.
this Wednesday for a further evaluation. Aes I said, every body is
different. I'm still high on Dr. Ducic's strategy and procedure.

Fruit2O

2007-01-09 22:56:01 UTC

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

Had the surgery - but am still in some pain - that's why I haven't
written until now. The pain is different, though, and I don't think it
is a result of the surgery. Actually, I think the surgery has helped
and I am considering pursuing more of it with the doctor.

judy.n

2007-01-12 13:16:10 UTC

It sounds encouraging. We haven't heard from Anne lately, as she's
recovering also. I hope she's doing well.
Judy

That would probably be me, in fact I just had the surgery last Friday
myself. I would love to talk to you.
Anne

HorseLvr

2007-01-17 14:14:54 UTC

We haven't heard from Anne lately, as she's

Post by judy.n
recovering also. I hope she's doing well.
Judy

Hi Judy,
I was recovering well, but seem to have had a set back. I must have
done to much lifting on Saturday. Now I am in constant pain, but I
don't know it is related to the surgery or a muscle spasm involving
totally different muscles. The right side of my face hurts again, I'm
so afraid I'm ruined my surgery. I will try to get in contact with Dr.
Ducic today.

I did get my stitches out on the 10th and at that time everything was
going well. He said it was too early to notice any real changes and
I'm going back in April when hopefully I'll have noticed some results.
Anne

judy.n

2007-01-17 16:23:37 UTC

Anne,
Hopefully it's just a strain, especially if he feels it takes until
April to get the full effect--but wise to call him. I hope it's just a
brief problem.

Completely off topic, our horse is at a boarding barn that gets new
arrivals periodically, and now he's in quarantine for this new equine
herpes virus, he's an old guy, and they're quarantining all the new
arrivals--but he lost his premiere stall with the view for 3 weeks,
because his barn became the quarantine barn.

I really hope it's just a strain.
Judy

Post by judy.n
We haven't heard from Anne lately, as she's

Post by judy.n
recovering also. I hope she's doing well.
Judy

Hi Judy,
I was recovering well, but seem to have had a set back. I must have
done to much lifting on Saturday. Now I am in constant pain, but I
don't know it is related to the surgery or a muscle spasm involving
totally different muscles. The right side of my face hurts again, I'm
so afraid I'm ruined my surgery. I will try to get in contact with Dr.
Ducic today.
I did get my stitches out on the 10th and at that time everything was
going well. He said it was too early to notice any real changes and
I'm going back in April when hopefully I'll have noticed some results.
Anne

HorseLvr

2007-01-18 14:29:25 UTC