Last year fusion...now having pain

[potterwith3]

Last year I had fusion at the L5-S1..I could hardly function before the surgery, after a year, I have felt great. A few days ago I thought that I may have over-done-it with some gardening and took it easy for a few days. I was having minor back pain.(for you that live with pain, minor to us may not be so minor to others). The pain is moving down to my leg now...like before(not as bad)but it is there.  Has anyone experienced pain like this on occasion after their fusion, or may this just be the beginning of another set of problems?  Any advice would be helpful  

[pofdog]

  Maybe you just have swelling that may be pinching nerves. Hopefully that is all and rest for a few days will help. Maybe anti-inflamatory such as motrin. Just because you had a fusion doesn't mean back problems are over. You other discs are taking more pressure also.  I have also heard of peoples fusions things go wrong with the hardware they put in. I am new to the "fusion" thing but have researched it because I am told I need a 2 level fusion and L5S1 is one.  Good luck.
   Maybe you can tell me what to exspect from and after a fusion?  I have had 2 surgerys L5S1 and now have another herniation there, as well as a bulging  disc above it and severe DDD in both. I also feel I have more herniated discs since my last MRI.  Anyway, I am having a fusion in the future. Please tell me what to exspect. Is your "range of motion" compromised? More pain sometimes?  Does the pain ever "flare up".

[cin49]

I have exactly the same problem as you are having. I had a fusion L5-S-1 in 2005, and have had pain ever since. It is now almost unbearable, pain going down from my hips to the feet on both legs. MRI shows nerves pressing on the spine are causing the pain-it is spinal stenosis. I am ready to just give up at times because I don't even have anything close to a pleasant life.. I take many meds and they don't seem to help that much. I am on fentanyl- 150 mg, percocet, Soma, and neurontin. I probably should have something done to take care of the disc protusion that I also have, but hate to be cut open again, as I also had a discectomy in 2003. I feel for you, and wish we could have a magic wand that would help us. Maybe we should call Dr. Phil, and let him take care of us?  LOL

Take care

[big orange fayray]

I had my fusion L3-L4-L5_S1 April 05'. After 3 months  went back to work. It lasted about 3 months. Had to quit work completly Dec. 05'. Pain is 24/7. I take Opana, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Lortab. It is no life and I wish it on no one. We just have to take it 1 day at a time. Hopefully you have a good pain mgmt. doc. Soft hugs and prayers.  

[kcore]

is there anyone out there that has found success with their surgeries ?