A Pain in the Neck

About 5 years ago, I had this pain in the neck and it's been a "pain in the neck" ever since, in more ways than 1.

It's ultimately how I found out I was pregnant. There was literally this severe pain in my neck. I was popping Aleve like candy and as a side note thought I should take a pregnancy test "just in case". Well, the Aleve had to stop because I was pregnant. I called my family physician, described the pain to him through tears. He diagnosed it as a "slipped disc" but only based on symptoms b/c he wasn't going to order an MRI since I was pregnant and especially since I had not seen my OB.

He called in some steroids and anti-inflammatory by hoping it would correct itself. The following week my OB took me off those meds as a precaution and told me to just "wait it out".

The pain did ease up and I had no problems with my neck throughout my pregnancy. The boys were born and 13 months later...there was that "pain in the neck". I was able to have an MRI this time since I wasn't pregnant. The MRI revealed a "protruding disc" on C6 with C7 slightly bulging. I was referred to a conservative neurosurgeon who wanted to treat it with steroids and anti-inflammatory meds. He thought I was too young to do surgery and wanted to hold off as long as possible. He literally stated, "If you can get 4 more good years before loosing 2 joints that's 4 good years."

Off and on for those 4 years, I've dealt with this pain in the neck. It would typically correct itself with Ibuprofen and a little rest.

The past month, this pain in the neck has become more severe and unforgiving. Ibuprofen is not working, prescriptin pain meds are not working, rest is not working despite my active 4 year old twins. Another MRI and Dr. visit with my neurosurgeon revealed that the pain in the neck has worsened to 2 herniated discs filled with bone spurs. And now this "pain in the neck" will be dealt with surgically. So, I have literally gotten the "4 more good years" that he predicted and hoped for.

My surgery is scheduled for July 1st and will take place back home. I'll have to stay with my parents for about a week to recover as I will not feel like riding the 2 1/2 hours to G'ville. My boys will be staying with my in-laws for a few days and then back with me for the rest of the week.

While I am ready to get rid of this "pain in the neck"...I wish he could rid me of a few other "pains in the neck" that obviously can't be dealt with surgically. Hmmm...anyone know a good psychiatrist for these?