Spinal Fusion

Five years ago I had a Spinal Fusion.  I did pretty good after my surgury but I was always afraid to overdo it.  My  Dr told me if I messed it up again he would go through my stoumach.  The past 6 months the same pain is coming back.  Do Spinal Fusion usually last very long,  I also crushed my right knee in 1977.  The tibia and fibia were crushed together.  I thing they built it back up and held it together with pins.  At age 41 I recrushed it in a fall.  I have had more surgury's plus synvisc injections which work for a long time but not the pain is getting unbearable  Between my back and my knee I can't take it much longer.  Everybody tells me to apply for disibility.  I can't walk without my knee giving out without notice and I can't sit or stand or lay for long amounts at a time.  The pain even wakes me up from my sleep.  Any suggestions..would be greatly appropriated.

[seano]

Go see a pain management specialist or a physiatrist (not psychiatrist). You will be happier, and more functional with less pain.

[lotsofpain]

My ortho told me that on average your discs above and below your fusion last about 10 years.  He said he had printed a journal study on this. I got about 16years out of mine. So far I am not getting any relief from anything. Currently in PT, which hurts, and seeing a pain doctor. I lived a very active life just 2 months ago. Now I can't move for I am in pain. Your in my prayers.

[irishpassion]

i know what you are talking about  i had the same thing done about 5 years ago .. i just went to the dr on the 13th of nov and they told me that the place they worke on in my back is doing fine.. so i ask him then why iam i in so much pain .. i mean when i work more then 4 hours at work (which i do most days) iam in so really bad pain when i go home ..dont know about you but iam getting all kinds of pain in my leg and arms mostly on my right .. it gets so bad at times iam draging my leg along .. not a pretty thing to see .. so iam not sure how long it last but i really dont thing we get in real relief  from anything we do ...