Fusion of L4-L5 problems after surgery..

[McDowell15]

I had a l4 l5 fusion surgery on November 20 2012 and ever since surgery i have had bad sciatica and hip and leg pain on my left side of my body and it hasnt gone away yet. Also, when i go to stand up i sometimes cant and fall over or only half my legs are working now and i look like i need to be in a wheel chair. There are also times that i will be walking and i lose all feeling and control and just collapse. Is this normal? Is anyone else out there getting these same results? What can i do to help it? I am only 22 years old and i feel like the rest of my life is going to be ruined because of this surgery, i had back pain before surgery but i was able to do all my daily functions, now i can barely stand up off the couch or get out of bed or even walk without having trouble and falling or being embarassed. all i keep getting from the Doc is its your nerves they are swollen still or itll go away. im starting to think this thing isnt going away and i need to look into some things. i was never warned of any of this before surgery. someone please help me out here.

[shinty]

I was the same age as you when my back problems started also! It was hard for me to be taken seriously by some doctors at times.I had the same surgery (fusion L4-L5/S1) in 2008 I think it was. It greatly helped my sciatica, and leg pain tremendously. I still have significant pain in my lower back/leg, but it's much better post surgery. I have had 9 lower back surgeries, and not all were successful. It sounds like you have "failed back surgery syndrome". It means is you had a major surgery, and didn't get the results you were seeking unfortunately. Your spine should have fused by now, and if it didn't, then that might be the problem. It may be scar tissue. It may be a whole new herniation, who knows? You need some more tests, etc. It most likely isn't the surgeons fault, but it is possible. I would find a physiatrist that you can talk to easily (not a psychiatrist). This type of doctor would be great for you right now, as they specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and can order and read any tests you may need. See your PCP, and ask about being refereed to one. The physiatrist will keep your PCP informed as to what's going on with you. Feel free to send me private messages whenever you have any questions, or whatever. I can help you make some informed decisions, as ive been in your shoes already! I wish you the very best of luck, and LISTEN TO THE DOCTORS! Don't be like me and go back to work early, etc. You don't want multiple surgeries and end up like me, trust me. Take care, and don't forget I'm here if needed.
        shinty

[Panther13]

I had l4 and l5 fusion in 2010. Felt good initially but had a shin splint feeling in my lower leg right after surgery that to this day has never gone away. It swells, cramps, flutters, spasms, and I lose my legs out from under me at times and have fallen as well. This never happened before surgery. I had some nerve conduction tests done and it showed nerve damage. Maybe get a neurologist to perform these. Just make sure a neuro does it because they have to see the test as it occurs.  I had nerve damage before the surgery and regained strength for a while but something happen and I lost it. Almost three years and I cant do much. I use to lift weights, rock climb,back pack, train in martial arts.  Is *****.

[McDowell15]

Thanks for the input, no it is not normal at all and we called my doc again yoday and he is worried and doesnt know whats going on so i am going in for diagnostics sometime this week. Hopefully i dont get to horrible news but you never know since we are deal with the spine and nerves. The pain i had before surgery was bad because my spine was pinching my spinal cord and it really sucked.

[Ellen038]

I had an anterior lumbar fusion several yrs ago. I did not experience most of the symptoms you mention. I still have pain issues and cannot work. I have permanent nerve damage but I am still able to walk. My activities are very limited and I've been told that there isn't anything that can be done to improve my situation. I would really be concerned about the falling. Have you thought about maybe having a second opinion? I don't know how that could be considered normal. I hope you at least get better to where you were at before this last surgery.