cervical athritus, not recovering from cervical fusion.

tina hughes
tina hughes Member Posts: 3
edited 14. Dec 2010, 13:28 in Living with Arthritis archive
hi, im new to this forum . but so glad i found you. i have cervical ostioathritus, causing cervical stenosis, iv had a fusion at c6/c7. back in june, but the bone isnt fusing, i dont know wether i should be claiming a dif benefit im on incapasity at the moment, but cant see me getting better soon, and money is so tight. my dr and surgeon dont have time to explain whats happening to me, my gp said i could stay at this level for the next 20 years or the condition can excellerate and i could deteriorate very quickly but i dont know what he means by that. can any one offer any advice please. :(

Comments

  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there and welcome to the forum

    Don't really have any advice for you except are you under a rheumatologist for your condition who could perhaps answer your questions. Sometimes a rheummy nurse has more time to expain things.Could you make an appointment with her?

    Hope some one on here comes along with some advice soon

    good luck
    Juliepf x
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Tina and nice to meet you. :D

    It seems a bit harsh that neither your doc nor your surgeon has the time to explain things more clearly to you. :roll: and it does sound as though you weren't given a lot of information before having this op on what the 'normal' healing process was :shock:

    When are you due back to see the ortho or rheummy? I think I'd be putting into writing what questions I had that need answered and be prepared to sit in the consulting room until you have a clear idea from them of what having the cervical fusion means and how long it might take before the fusion fuses... if you see what I mean.
    I had a wrist fusion (no comparison of course) and was told it takes 12 months to fully fuse. It does help to know these things and it would help you to feel more re-assured.

    Regarding your benefit entitlement....you could contact CAB or your local Welfare Rights Officer (if you have one) for advice on what you could/ should claim. DLA (Disability Living Allowance) springs to mind but there may also be other benefits.

    We have a great helpline team (number at the top of the page) and it might be helpful for you to speak to them?

    Iris xxx
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Tina,

    Welcome from me as well, they are a good lot here.

    I jut have to agree with Julie and Iris its not right they don't make time for you and I hope one of the team will do at some point! Its just not right....

    I also agree talking to the helpines here is a good plan, they are very nice, very human and know their stuff a well. They might be able to help with what you can claim.

    I think bone fusion can take some time to take full effect but you should probably talk to your surgeon and agree it might take a m but you need to get some answers and really they should have given you info at the time.

    I really hope you can get some answers and nice to meet you. Cris x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,781
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI Tina

    Have you thought about applying for disability living allowance? If there are things you need help with now either getting about or care-wise.

    Don't do it on your own though (the others may have warned you), but get advice from CAB (there is a waiting list I thinkfor appts with them ).

    lOOK IT UP ON THE INTERNET AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK.

    loVE

    TONI XX

    Sorry caps lock on :oops:
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi tina, welcome to the forum, I hope all is as well with you today as it can be. Sometimes doctors and surgeons forget that we, mere patients, don't have the training and knowledge that they possess, and so they don't explain things that well. There are quite a few different types of arthritis, and umbrella terms such as osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis don't help that much! Everyone's version of their type varies, and doctors can never predict how fast it could progress, or how slowly. It may be sensible to ring the helplines here, see what information they have - I know they produce a number of booklets, there may well be something that covers your cervical problem. As for the benefits etc, then yes, contacting the CAB is probably a good move, they should be able to tell you what you could possibly claim: DLA (disablilty living allowance) is usually the first port of call, but they are now being very stringent with new applicants. The CAB will be able to help, of that I am sure. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • tina hughes
    tina hughes Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thank you so much every one im now awating an mri scan and then i get to see the surgeon to discus wht will happen next, i will call the help team in the morning, thanks again. :)
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, Glad you found us! :wink: I'm sorry that you'r having such problems with your op. Not knowing is something thats very hard to deal with, I know. Do as the others say and get the answers you need.
    As for benefit, I hope that turns out well for you. Its not a lot to manage on these days is it? Do get some advice before doing anything, its all so complicated and you need to understand everything to make a good claim, but I'm sure the helpline team will help you! x:D Love Sue
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