Could this be anxiety ??

[Wenben]

Hi, I am now at 4mg Pred and am having spinal surgery in three week's time on 12th November.

For about the last two weeks I have been having a pulsating pain in the left side of my neck at intervals throughout the day each time lasting a couple of minutes but sometimes quite strong and disturbing. Strangely each time at the same time it happens I go suddenly hot and sweaty. It all passes quickly until the next time.

Just wondering if anybody recognises these symptoms or is it anxiety relating to my forthcoming surgery.

[SheffieldJane]

My assumption would be that it was related to your need for spinal surgery, perhaps combined with tension that often resides in the neck. Make sure you have sound advice from your surgical team about your Prednisalone dose to carry you through the operation. I hope everything goes well for you and that it is a complete success. Let us know how you get on. I guess you’ll be given a pre-med and feel pretty relaxed.

[Wenben in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hopefully I will - thankyou. My surgeon is aware of my 4mg dose and seems ok with that. I have the pre-op assessment on the 2nd and will also have the opportunity to talk to the anaesthetist on the day of the op. My stenosis is in the lumbar spine. Thanks again

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to Wenben]

You should mention this at your pre-op assessment, whether it's due to anxiety or to something else. Your team shouldn't be dancing with shadows regarding anything out of the ordinary, or any of your medications or conditions. Be frank and be open.

We'll be thinking of you. Let us hear from you when you're up t it.

Wishing you all the best...

[Wenben in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Thankyou

[Hindags]

I don’t have an answer for you but did want to wish you luck with your upcoming surgery.

How long have you been on 4 mgs? Sweats aren’t unusual at these low doses.

I’m assuming you have seen your MD about the pains, or will soon? Keep us posted, please.

[Wenben in reply to Hindags]

Thankyou

[Angiejnz]

Could be stress, i went through a stage where I could see lumps and swellings appear in different parts of my body and you would have thought it was something serious judging by the size. However a lovely doctor reassured me they were a response to stress and not to fear them. Eventually they would disappear when I ignored them. Don't know if this is similar or even remotely helpful but I am sending best wishes for your back surgery, I've had a few so can understand any anxiety they may cause. Take care

[Wenben in reply to Angiejnz]

Thankyou

[Jim-CJ]

Hi Wenben,

My wife had back surgery last week (decompression L4 & L5). She was at 6 mgs of Prednisone at that time. During surgery she received a stress steroid dose (50mgs)and after surgery (that night) she received another dose (50mgs). These were recommended by four doctors at a major University hospital. So probably recommended. And my wife is doing well.

Good Luck On Your Surgery,

Jim & CJ

[Wenben in reply to Jim-CJ]

Thankyou so much for your reply. My compression is also at L4 and L5 the underlying cause being osteoarthritis. I already have two hip replacements. I hope your wife's pain has been relieved. I can truly sympathise. I wish her all the best.

[Jim-CJ in reply to Wenben]

Thanks Wenben. My wife is getting better every day and the surgery has relieved the pain she had in both legs. Still walking with a walker, but she leaves it behind occasionally. And she drove a car yesterday for the first time in two years!

God Bless,

Jim & CJ

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you JUST feel hot and sweaty? No dizziness or anything? I have similar feelings during episodes of tachycardia/arrythmia (fat heart rate/irregular rate).

[Wenben]

Thankyou for replying. I have had what I call 'tropical moments' for about 17 years now. I must have the longest menopause on record as I am now 73 !! I did notice however that when this latest pain occurred in the side of my neck I immediately went very hot. I managed to get cancellation with GP yesterday. He just felt my neck and looked in my ear but didn't seem concerned.

Hopefully it will just disappear but, if not, I will mention it at my pre-op on 2nd. Thanks again

[Wenben]

………...no dizziness