Question?

[Yvette]

I'm just over 6 months post op and still have to use my hands to lift my head off my pillow in the morning, or up from the dentist's chair, should I still be so weak in that area? I had translab. Anyone else still experiencing this weakness? Yvette

[HeadCase2]

Hi Yvette,
  Did you have trouble lifting your head before surgery?  Is it a matter of strength or a matter of pain when trying to lift your head?  This sounds unusual to me-- at least I haven't heard of anyone unable to lift their head 6 months after surgery.  Check with your doctors, they may refer you to a Physical Therapist to help strengthen your neck muscles.
Regards,
  Rob

[Yvette]

Hi Rob, thanks for the reply. Just lack of strength, no pain. It has only been as such since surgery. I hadn't mentioned it to my docs since I figured it was probably expected (they do have to cut through some muscle for translab) and would most likely improve with time. Seems too long a time now though. Really... no one else was like this? Hmmm

[tcrnko]

I too am 6 months out.  Jan 10 was my surg date.  I am back to work, full speed ahead.  Occasional word searching and dyslexic typing are really my only challenges, (also SSD).  Get back to your doc.  You shouldn't be having this issue.

[Battyp]

Yvette,
 check w/ your doc.  I still have trouble 18 mos out but had neck issues before surgery. I know my muscles were very week for a long time after surgery. My head is still tender too and the hairdresser helps lift my head. The postion is what makes it difficult for me to lift. There are exercises you can do to strengthen those muscles. Simple one, place a balloon or soft object behind your head sitting in a chair against the wall and push your head back. feels good and strengthens at the same time!

[Yvette]

Hey Batty Princess, My hair dresser also had to help me lift my head. It's that tilted position. I think I Will try some neck/head exercises, and perhaps a call to the doc is a good idea too. Especially since this doesn't seem to be common amongst you all. Funny how you don't want to call them for fear of having to go back in. My docs were great and I hope I never see them again! haha  Thanks all, Yvette

[Brendalu]

Yvette,
My head still feels as heavy as a bowling ball and it is easier to roll to the side and lift than straight up.  My neck is strong, but my head feels like it weighs a ton!  No explanation from any of my docs.  PT hasn't helped in this area................................. so far

Brendalu

[Yvette]

Hi Brendalu, yep, the roll thing is the only way sometimes! I tried to find pictures of the muscle areas that the docs cut through with translab, but Barnes and Noble didn't have anything detailed enough. I'm better than I was, so se la vie. Take care:-)

[Brendalu]

Did you google to try to find that area?  I'm not good at the searches....I also find so many things I don't want and not near enough of what I do!  It is a thought though.
Brendalu

[Yvette]

Good idea, I'll try right now.