post spinal fusion surgery pain - Back & Neck

reliefordad

Mar 03, 2011

I have been reading this forum in the hopes of finding a tidbit to help my father. He is 68 and has severe arthritis in his vertebrae and the deterioration caused dangerous pressure against his spinal cord in the neck and shoulder area. Though he was in constant pain, he still managed to function somewhat and was leary of surgery. But beiing told that he could become paralyzed if the crumbling bones severed his spinal cord,and, on the promise of being in 75% less pain, he had spinal fusion in his neck last July 2010. They opened him in front of neck and also the back.of his neck. From the moment he opened his eyes in ICU, he was screaming out in pain. I wont go into the really bad 4 weeks that followed but even as time has passed, his pain is 100% worse than before. One miserable complication has been his throat and not being able to swallow. Most of his pills have to be crushed, but the ones that cant be crushed, even the tiniest ones get caught and he nearly chokes to death. He used to enjoy eating so much but now has to start meals well before others and still lingers long after everyone trying to get soft food down without choking. His surgeon almost defiantly insists the surgery was a success and starts every exam with "I did everything right, this is not due to anything I did!" That in itself is a red flag to me. Two other doctors have said the plate was set too high up and that it is lterally pushing his adam's apple against side of his throat. It is a wonder he gets anything past that point!! Another problem is that a large cyst like lump has formed at the end of the incsion on the back of his neck. It looks horrible and is area where most of his pain radiates from. Again, no answers to why that has happened. He has even had rhizotomy on the nerves and still no relief. He is now merely a shell of the man he once was. 68 years old is too young to see him this way. I want relief for my Dad so bad. If anyone has taken the time to read this and has ANY suggestiions or advise, please help me help Dad! Thank you!!!!!!

knotinmyleg

Mar 06, 2011

To: all

Has anyone on this site tried acupuncture?

mamatripe3309

Mar 08, 2011

i too have had back surgery with a fusion of the L2 ans L3. Before my surgery I was having severe pain on my left side right above my buttock. My doctor first treated this as a pinched syatic (sciatic) nerve. After 3 months the pain was getting so severe that i had to be on pain medication all day just to beable to walk. My doctor decided to have an MRI done and the results SUCKED!! I had a mass in my spinal cord. I was refered to aneurologist. my nuerologist told me that i needed to have the mass removed as it was growing and was at the base of my spinal cord. He said it was approx. the size of an andes mint. I had the surgery done and the mass was larger then they thought. It was the size of a breakfast sausage link. It was wrapped around my nerves that went into my left leg and they had to cut out and remove some of them. The mass was starting to pushg through the lining of my spinal cord so I had to have part of a bouvin heart put in there. It has now been a year since my surgery and my pain is getting worse. I am now noticing more weakness in right leg. i have tried everything I can think of from PT to medication. I am currently on a muscle relaxer, nerve medication and pain medication and still have trouble getting things done do to the pain. I am a 31 year old mother of three and am scared for my future. i am also afraid that I am putting my family more and more in debt. I have to have MRI's every 6 months for the next several years to make sure that the tumors dont come back. The tumor that was in my spin is called a shwanoma tumor. I feel for everyone above that is having pain. i hope all of us can one day me pain free. If anyone has any suggestions on how to help me please let me know!!

cobri3408

Mar 17, 2011

To: post spinal fusion pain

I am new to this forum, I have read almost all of your responses and I hope everyone is feeling better than they were before. I am supposed to have a spinal fusion at L4/L5 S1 on 3/31/11. Im very scared especially after reading all of this and every doctor asking me if I really want to have this done. I have a herniated disc, ddd, and arthritis but I am afraid it will be worse after the surgery. Im currently on percocet 10 4x daily, lyrica (damage in foot) and soma. I don't think any doctors will continue to give me the pain meds next month if I don't have surgery. What do I do?

marypirl

Mar 23, 2011

To: cobri3408

I am in Ireland and had fusion on L4-L5, 2 weeks tomorrow and it has been successful and recovery manageable so far. Doctor took his time taking over 5hrs to do the operation, said the nerve was very decompressed and very arithritic. Was in a bad way as above posters beforehand, couldn't work much and oxycodin wasn't helping much. Nerve pain down leg was gone as soon as I came around and have heard of others here with similar improvement straight after surgery.
It is a very difficult decision, I felt I had no choice but the doctor was highly recommended by the neurosurgeon, physion and other medics and he was very upfront, not promising and pointing out the possible downsides. So maybe try to check out how good your surgeon is reputed to be. I hope this helps. Problem is the scans only help a bit and they don't know what they have till they are 'eyes on' and obviously every back is so different. Hope you and others on this list do ok
The nurses after surgery remarked on how relaxed I was able to be and felt this helped me to manage the post-op pain.

tynk

Aug 19, 2011

I had a lumbar fusion decompression of the L2 l3 L4 L5 S1 and I had this 2/24/11 n went back 3/6/11 with discitis the er dr told me infection the infection dr was called ivs 5 times a day 7 to 8 weeks still in major pain 10 screws a bone stimulator.this dr told me after 2 yrs in pain I wanted my life back yes I did.yea I've been on lortab 2 n a half years morphine 2 months after surgery valium soma skelaxin to no avail there are days I wanna kill myself.I don't like this quality of life I go to physical therapy n went back to work as a nurse 5 n a half months after n I am not doing to great but this dr thinks all is ok.am I crazy?not many drs wanna touch you after someone else has whacked you.I've asked for a pain med to make my life bearable and I'm being ignored.don't know what to do anymore.god please take me.thanks for listening god bless!

tynk

Aug 19, 2011

I had a lumbar fusion decompression of the L2 l3 L4 L5 S1 and I had this 2/24/11 n went back 3/6/11 with discitis the er dr told me infection the infection dr was called ivs 5 times a day 7 to 8 weeks still in major pain 10 screws a bone stimulator.this dr told me after 2 yrs in pain I wanted my life back yes I did.yea I've been on lortab 2 n a half years morphine 2 months after surgery valium soma skelaxin to no avail there are days I wanna kill myself.I don't like this quality of life I go to physical therapy n went back to work as a nurse 5 n a half months after n I am not doing to great but this dr thinks all is ok.am I crazy?not many drs wanna touch you after someone else has whacked you.I've asked for a pain med to make my life bearable and I'm being ignored.don't know what to do anymore.god please take me.thanks for listening god bless!

Stevenlumbarfix

Aug 20, 2011

To: All

11 months ago I had lumbar spinal fusion L5 l4 S1. It was truly the most painful experience I have ever gone through. I still am in pain and decided to go back to the Doctors to check it out. I just picked up all my mri reports and in reading the most recent taken 4 months after my fusion, it says I still have my bulging discs??? They were to be removed during the fusion surgery. I now have all this hardware, rods, cages, bone graphs that are encapsulating the bulging discs. I'm in trouble and will have a hard time finding a doctor that would be willing to go in and cut through all this to get the discs causing the spinal cord compression. I am strong and will not give up my quest for a pain free life. After that first surgery I just can't give up no matter how much pain I am in. I need a surgeon that will help. Are there any out there?
Steven
South Fl

casper_47

Aug 24, 2011

To: all

It has been 14 weeks since my surgery 2 disc replaced.. bone from both hips to repair the spine.. 2 metal rods... 5 screws .. and spacers... I can stand, sit, walk, and drive.... but nothing for very long...I have pain, stinging, tingling, and numbness in my left thigh and the same thing on the right foot and calf... my big toe gets so cold I cant stand it... I cant wear shoes cause my foot is constantly asleep... and I also feel like I am carrying a heavy fanny pack on my back.... i am on vicoden, flexeril, and ambien... same as everybody else the doctor does x-rays and says Im doing fine... but how long does this last... I go back to the doctor on friday.. he says I should be walking a mile by now... I can make it 3/10ths of a mile and I have to stop... HELP!! please and thank you

themillers

Aug 31, 2011

To: Everyone

On May 18, 2010 I had surgery to repair my L5S1, then 2 weeks after that surgery I told my Dr. that I was in even more pain, he then did another MRI and found that the disc had ruptured again. So on July 17, 2010 I was having the fusion on my L5S1 and a week after that I had to have one more surgery on that area again. It is now a year and a half later and I am in so much pain, I can't sleep, walk or do anything at all. I have told my Dr that did the surgeries and he sent me to a pain management Dr. The pain management Dr treats me like I am there just for the drugs, which I'm not, I would love to get off the pain pills!!! I keep telling him that I am in all this pain and he does not believe me, I have told him that a medication that he wrote for me did not work and he told me that I was lying to him. He did the spinal injection, that didn't help at all, then did the spinal cord stimulator, that caused even more pain! So here I am now, I can't move because anytime I do, I feel something grinding in my back where I have had the fusion done and if I move then the pain is so severe. I can't go to the ER because they look at me like I'm an idiot and tells me that they can't do anything for me and that they do not have a back surgeon in the area. I am new to the state I am in and the nearest back dr is 2 and 1/2 hours away. I can't ride in a car that long and I don't know what to do to get the Dr I have to listen to me.

preciouspaws7130

Oct 09, 2011

To: chacha

Boy I can't wait til these people who think pain in your head has something happen to them; that will cause the worst pain they have ever felt. These people should have back surgery and then lets see what they have to say.

jcb10

Oct 13, 2011

To: All of you with Back Problems

I was at the point of feeling like I was crazy until I read all your post!! I had a 5 leval fusion April 2010 - L2-S1 - was doing pretty good walking daily, until January of this year - I went down hill so fast could not tell you what hit me! and all the Dr tells me is theat the surgery is not the problem and the fusion is fine, and this is something have to live with. I am a survivor of 13 major operations healed up and went on my merry way - for a Dr to tell me I have to live with is was not the right answer, however getting is more difficult - due to the amount of hardware in my back any new exrays are limited and they can't read them well. I was told I had Piriformas Syndrome - am going through physical thereapy, but not getting much better - the Physical therapist is the one who suggested a new Dr - I see him in a couple of weeks - however the thought is something has moved and putting pressure in places it is not supposed to be - and since they can't read the exray's properly they can't see it. My point is don't give up - You know your body better than any one else!!!!! Good luck to you all!

MajorBoy

Oct 18, 2011

To: Shane

Try Trazodone for sleep. It surely has helped me.

Sandy041354

Oct 19, 2011

To: Dreamduv5

Did you ever have the stimulator put in you? If so did it help? The doctor wants me to have the pain pump and I am just not sure. Nothing is working for the pain. I had the neck and back fusion surgery and 2 years later I am much worst then I was before the surgery. I had the injections at least 8 times and they do not work. The pain meds make me sick so I hate taking them I had to quit taking Morphine Sulfate the side effects were worst then the pain so I take Oxycodone 30 mg but that is not strong enough to take away a lot of the pain but it makes me feel so nauseated I can't take any stronger of a milligram and I am just miserable. All I do is sit in a chair with a heating pad what a horrible life. My name is Sandy and my email is s.***@**** I would really appreciate it if you would write me back and let me know if you got the stimulator.

emt221

Oct 23, 2011

To: Everybody who has had a spinal fusion

This is a comment to share my experience with overcoming a very difficult time dealing with post operation pain. I am now 18 years old, when I had my spinal fusion I was 16. I don't remember the exact section, but it is from the top of my neck to the bottom of my lower back. The entire section was fused due to scoliosis that started to rotate as well as curve. I had a lot of pain for 2 years after my surgery. I have had all the treatments from physical therapy to prescribed painkillers. Here is what I have discovered from others I have talked to, and my own personal experience.

1) It has to do with your body size. I was a small guy, and although I'm 6'1, I was only 135 lbs. Everytime I moved, I experienced pain, since I had no muscle to "buffer" anything I did to my body. Everyone my size who I have talked with in physical therapy, and in the hospital told me the same story.

2) Get moving. I really thought, "I can't do it" because of the surgery, and the pain it caused me to start lifting light weights. And guess what, IT HURTS FOR MONTHS when you start lightly working out. But here's the thing, I knew that i needed to get in better shape if I were to feel better. It has been 6 months since I started to workout, and I finally feel no pain for the first time. I even moved to a colder climate for school, and that didn't make it worse amazingly. I go to the gym now as much as possible, careful to lift LIGHT weights. The important thing is just getting your body moving, stretched, and in shape. This goes for big guys as well. If you are overweight, you will be putting stress on your FUSED BACK! And if you are very thin, like I was, then everything you do to move your back will be simply agonizing.

I hope that somebody with a similar problem will read this and take my advice. I know that 6 months sounds like a long time, and it is. And very hard work to get in the gym, thinking you might possibly hurt your back again. And you probably will. I did, and I took painkillers. Then 4 days later went back to the gym with the " I CAN do it attitude." I am 13 pounds heavier now, and its mostly upper body. The extra pounds on my body REALLY helps support and buffer things I do that would USUALLY otherwise hurt my back. Good luck to everyone. Spinal fusion *****. But hey, it could be something much much worse.

-ET

emt221

Oct 23, 2011

To: Everyone experiencing post operation pain.

This is a comment to share my experience with overcoming a very difficult time dealing with post operation pain. I am now 18 years old, when I had my spinal fusion I was 16. I don't remember the exact section, but it is from the top of my neck to the bottom of my lower back. The entire section was fused due to scoliosis that started to rotate as well as curve. I had a lot of pain for 2 years after my surgery. I have had all the treatments from physical therapy to prescribed painkillers. Here is what I have discovered from others I have talked to, and my own personal experience.

1) It has to do with your body size. I was a small guy, and although I'm 6'1, I was only 135 lbs. Everytime I moved, I experienced pain, since I had no muscle to "buffer" anything I did to my body. Everyone my size who I have talked with in physical therapy, and in the hospital told me the same story.

2) Get moving. I really thought, "I can't do it" because of the surgery, and the pain it caused me to start lifting light weights. And guess what, IT HURTS FOR MONTHS when you start lightly working out. But here's the thing, I knew that i needed to get in better shape if I were to feel better. It has been 6 months since I started to workout, and I finally feel no pain for the first time. I even moved to a colder climate for school, and that didn't make it worse amazingly. I go to the gym now as much as possible, careful to lift LIGHT weights. The important thing is just getting your body moving, stretched, and in shape. This goes for big guys as well. If you are overweight, you will be putting stress on your FUSED BACK! And if you are very thin, like I was, then everything you do to move your back will be simply agonizing.

I hope that somebody with a similar problem will read this and take my advice. I know that 6 months sounds like a long time, and it is. And very hard work to get in the gym, thinking you might possibly hurt your back again. And you probably will. I did, and I took painkillers. Then 4 days later went back to the gym with the " I CAN do it attitude." I am 13 pounds heavier now, and its mostly upper body. The extra pounds on my body REALLY helps support and buffer things I do that would USUALLY otherwise hurt my back. Good luck to everyone. Spinal fusion *****. But hey, it could be something much much worse.

-ET

thepitbull

Oct 25, 2011

To: every one

Anybody suffer from lost of bladder and bowl control after the L4and L5 fusion? I had it seven months ago. That area is num and felling is not comming back. I have to wear the depends at the age of 45. The pain is gone, sugery went well. But now different problems. Including Lost of feeling on the right leg and just able to walk without the cane. I want to know anyone has any problem such as this? I do not want to wear the dippers for rest of my life. I did had a very active life.

Jendmks

Oct 25, 2011

I had a my disc removed in April of 2010 and was in so much more pain I could barely walk so in October 2010 I had a fusion between L4 L5. It wasn't to bad at first but the pain started to return. I went to the doctor yesterday and was told I'm in pain because I am fat. He said the fusion looks good so lose weight and you wont be in pain then he discharged me from his care. I was in shock. It hurts to excerise alot and when I do it hurts the rest of the day. I think my tolerance for pain is pretty good but it hurts. Is this normal?

ren304

Nov 10, 2011

To: everyone

I just had fusion on L4/L5 and 6 weeks post op. I am starting to get horrible horrible back spasms in my lower back. Flexeril, Skelexin does not work. Norco 10, mg does not work. The doctor just prescribed Soma. Does this take time to get into your system? I haven't slept in 3 days. The spasms come when I am about to fall asleep and I end up in tears..HELP!!!

Vianna5

Nov 20, 2011

I had my surgery just over 2yrs ago l5 s1 I am in more pain now than what I was before the operation although the pain down my leg only comes when I overdo it. I have been back to my doctor several times at a great cost to be told I am fine I AM NOT FINE it's so hard because my partner doesn't understand and I run a breeding horsr stud by myself by the end of most days I can hardly move as I also work fulltime in an office that is 200km of driving each day I am at a loss as to where to turn now does anyone have any suggestions?

sickingerk

Nov 24, 2011

To: don56

  I read your post and I wanted to reach out and help you so bad!!  I can't believe what your Doc is doing to you by not returnig your calls and helping you through the tough part ~ which is the recovery part ~ which can go on forever .

  I had a l-5 fusion and the Doctor had to go back an have a synovial cyst remove and my pain is horrible ... I am 5 month post -op and in in pain ranging from6-10 daily !!!!

My Iternist manges my pain with me ~ ot my surgeon ~ he probably would do nothing etc..! We work together, and instead of critizim ~ she offer support !! I am on Ultram , Norco 10mg , dilaudid , Flexiril~ I hope you change Doc's ~ like do it yesterday ~ just kidding.( but do change Doc's)..

You don't know how much longer this pain of yours is going to last ~ but I know how bad it can get ~ so ~ my suggestion is to immediatly find a new doctor in order to keep going and not get stuck due to the inablity to get out of bed etc.... I have incredible back ad leg pain ~ but what is worse is the bottoms of my  FEET hurt all the time !!!!

  Please help with advise anyone!!! Does anybody have pain and numbness after their l-5 fusion surgery in their FEET  ??????

  I am a nurse who has dealt with  cancer patients that are usually in pain most of my career   ~  so I understand pain and it is real and that you don't have to BE A CANCER PT.to qualify has having true pain !!

  The Doctors that say it is in your head ~ I say ~ Yep U R right Doc  ?%^&$%***** ???, but it is also in my back , legs & feet ~ so let's work together & reduce the pain & begin working on finding the cause of it while I can still walk & move !!!

  So sorry for all the poor grammer & typo's ~ I am very shaky at times ~ I am not sure which meds make my legs & hands shake at times ~ I kind of think it is the Neurotin etc.. God Bless and watch over all of those that are trying to get better & add Quality to their life !!

So sorry for the long Post ~ this is my first time ~ so I am learning !
I would appreciate anyone giving me advise or if they have  knowledge on any issues they are having with the bottoms of their feet hurt ?????

  God bless everybody ~ Knurse

branimira

Nov 24, 2011

Hi,
I am having trap nerve to at L5 S1 and I have try lots of stuff but I am wiling to have know a ozone therapy ,ones I go true I will post you how it go,but I been talking to many people went true that and day are happy at lees is not surgical ,try all conservative methods! Hope you get better soon

llla

Nov 29, 2011

To: anyone

My husband is 4 weeks post surgery he had a spinal fusion l5-s1.He is in so much pain. I keep telling him it is the weather trying to give a positive hope. I hope I am right. He starts PT next week. Heis pain comes and goes. If he is on his meds he is ok but after 2-4 hours he can't stand the pain. He alternates valium, flexeril, vicodin, and tylenol 3 but it is not working. He has a high tolerancce for pain but you can tell he is suffering. He sometimes gets tired of taking the pain meds so he stops until he can't anymore. He was fine somedays he is ok but last 3 days it is unbearable. He had back surgery once before 10 years ago, but was still in so much pain. He says his pain is better then gets worst. Hoping it is the weather and that he needs to start PT. He hates to take all these meds but I wake him up to take them as if he sleeps and wakes up with no meds in his system it is worse. It takes a long time for someone to get addiicted to meds, but if you are in pain take the meds. Why suffer, but he hates not being able to function all day. It hurts him when he is getting out of bed alot. He says he feels something pinching his nerves and he starts getting pain in his incision sight, buttocks, right leg, He does walk everyday but he tries to hard as first surgery took years to get use to pain. I don not know if something is wrong or he is going to get worst. I hope not, but I pray and feel for everyone with back pain. Good luck to all.

Hertsman

Nov 29, 2011

To: Everyone

Wow this is the most informative website I've ever seen. It just goes to confirm what I always thought, surgeons just want to make money. Actually calling them surgeons is a joke, they are butchers. I had a private surgeon perform a discectomy/laminectomy L5/S1 in 1994. Told me my MRI was showing a bulge at L5/S1. I had pain in my lower back and shooting pains down the front of my legs. Following the butchery I lasted a few years pain free but the pain has now come back with a vengeance. Yep now he says due to the degenerative disc which he butchered I now need a spinal fusion. To be honest it was never explained to me that due to the procedure my disc would eventually become degenerative. Wow the butcher makes money out of the first op in the certain knowledge you will be back again. They make shed loads of money out of our misery. Also they do not actually address what is causing the issue. So even if by some miracle they do resolve your pain issue they know it will be back again because they did not identify what caused it in the first place. In most cases this is due to muscle imbalances. Great I know that now but in 1994 not much was known. Looking at this website I would rather commit suicide than undergo a spinal fusion. I would like to get a knife and twist it in my surgeon's back and make him feel my pain. Good luck to everyone, my heart goes out to you all.

Simpleman67

Dec 01, 2011

To: Illa

I had L5 S1 fusion at the end of June. I am still having considerable pain at the surgery site and numbness/pain radiating down my right leg. I have trouble sitting for more than 20 minutes or so and standing. I do the dishes and I have to sit down because the pain is unbearable. Sometimes sleeping is impossible, funny thing is that most people that have not had the problem have no idea what an ordeal this is to go through. I hope this is just part of the healing process but honestly it is scaring the hell out of me. I'm not young but I'm not old either 44 years and I hope I don't have to live like this for the rest of my life. Tell your husband I am pulling for him. My doc told me that there was a 20% chance that the surgery would not work. Maybe I'm just one of the lucky 20%.

bilmax

Dec 03, 2011

To: all

This board is a very depressing read. It seems the recovery period is longer than I have been led to believe.
I'm M, 76YO, and scheduled for L5/S1 fusion and laminectomy on Dec. 12. I was looking forward to it, but now am fearful. I've been taking about 50mg of Percocet per day for the past few months for the back pain. I have the early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, probably from pinched nerves in the back.
Does anybody here have any good advice?

Read more: Back Pain Forum - Spinal fusion recovery page 19 http://ehealthforum.com/health/spinal-fusion-recovery-t164734_360.html#ixzz1fU44br7X

llla

Dec 04, 2011

To: simpleman67

Wow, 6 months have passed and you are still in so much pain. I am sorry. Do you feel any relieve at all? is there some good days? Today my husband woke up in so much pain he stated he cant live like this and had tears. He has such a high tolerence for pain, but I know it is hurting him. We saw the surgent he said to give it 3 months. I hope he is right. IMy husband started complaining of needle pains through out his body. Dr says he can not give him stronger muscle relaxers as he is taking valium 5 mg tid and flexeril 10 mg tid. He alternates lortab 10/500 and tylenol 3. Every 3 hours he takes lortab and flexeril then he takes 3 hours later the valium and tylenol 3 not working. He is not supose to take them like that its is vidoin every 6 hours but he is in alot of pain and luckily he had a few tylenol 3 left but he will not get prescribed that any more. Dr said he gave him 3 refills after that he wants to wing him off. He wanted Somas but dr said no he will get hullusinations with the mix of the vicodin. I see his pain and I can not imagine what it feels. I hope he does get better PT wont start til Monday. I hope his recovery gets better soon, but it was getting better now just getting worse. We have not gone mfor a walk in 2 days so today we will try to walk hopefully it gets better. thankyou for your post. I hope you feel better as well. I am not letting him do anything painful I tell him I can do it. I took of work for a month but I think I need to be out longer.

Lorrie999

Dec 05, 2011

To: spinal fusion

Hi.  I am so sorry for all on the site.  I am glad that I found you...someone going through what I am.  I am realizing that others questions themselves too.  I always feel relief when I get a test result (MRI, CT, Discogram, etc) and it shows my pain source and is proof that this pain is legitamate.  Because I feel that maybe this isn't really happening.  Maybe I am making it up in my head or exaggerating it.  Maybe I am just addicted to pain medicine.  At least that is what all the doctors make you believe, isnt' it?!  And if I have so many tests showing you my back is in BAD shape, why would you question my request for pain management medications, Doc?  When I go to my doctor for my refil or check up I feel like he is judging me.  I too worry to death that they are one day going to say, ok you are better even if you don't think so and we are taking you off the meds.  And the other poster was right, we don't get "high" on these meds we take for pain.  We are lucky if they dull the pain a little.  It's been proven that people in pain do not get the same euphoria from these meds as person not in our state of pain.

I was in a car accident in 5/04 and ever since I have had lower back problems.  I began with epidural injections under fluro.  I was having severe leg, butt and foot pain.  In 8/05 I had a laminectomy/discectomy L5S1.  I do feel it was successful.  I would say 90% of that pain went away.  I still have trouble at the grocery store or the mall.  I think it is the hard tile floor.  I makes my feet, legs and butt hurt so bad.  X-Mas shopping...FORGET IT!  I struggle every year.  And every week for our food.  Can't get around that, huh.

Well, the lami worked for most of the radiating leg pain, but my back never change.  In fact, my lower back got worse.  Since early 06 I have been taking epi's under fluro about every 3 mos.  I have tried radio frequency, no help.  I feel like it is traveling up my back, maybe cause I am so tense.  I have zanaflex a muscle relaxant for that, but it doesn't help.  It doesn't even put me to sleep anymore, now I am up most of the night again.  I have been on pain meds for years!  God only knows what damage all these pills are causing to my liver!  It's scary. But I am only prescribed 7.5mg hydrocodone 3x's a day.  I am suffering here Doc!  I was so depressed about the pain and my lack of "life" that I tried Cymbalta for months and months.  But that didn't help the pain at all and barely the depression. So I have since gone off it. So he has sent me back to my surgeon.

My surgeon has decided a fusion of L5S1 is the best option.  Not to have an implant unless the surgery does not work.  I was ok with this.  I would prefer to have surgery to FIX my condition and get off pain meds.  I want to have children, I am only 27 and just got married.  I don't want to take meds while pregnant.  I don't think I could carry the weight of a child in my condition and still have a quality of life that an expecting mother should have.  I can hardly keep my house together as it is.  So, my husband and I thought now is the best time.  Not to try to have a child and suffer through pregnancy just ot find in 2 years I REALLY can't take it and then go ahead with a surgery where I really won't be able to take care of my child, my husband or my house.

BUT after reading this info and all of you very heartwrenching stories, I am terrified.  I don't even know if I want to bring all of these scary things to my husbands attention.  I am so worried that something like this may happen to me.  And I am so sorry that this has happened to all of you.  I wonder why they perform the surgery if it has so many risks.  When I asked my surgeon the risks I was told ONLY the normal risks of surgery relating to anesthesia and infection...LIES??  And what do I say to my doctor, I change my mind about the surgery.  Can you just give me enough medicine a day to really keep my back pain under control?  I am so lost at this point.  Until a few weeks ago I was working.  I had a wonderful professional position that I enjoyed and made great money at to boot.  I had to quit.  I had to find out what I needed to do to fix my back.  Now I feel like I am failing my husband.  I am not helping financially by not working and I am hardly able to keep the house in order.  One chore a day.  I haven't cleaned my kitchen or bathroom in I can't tell you how long.  It's depressing and hopeless.  I just don't want to be sad or in pain anymore.  But it seems maybe this fusion is not the answer.  I have so many new questions.

Thank you for listening to me.  I know my post is long.  But this is the only way to get it all out.  NOBODY except you all understand what I am going through physically and emotionally.  Thank you all for this support and I promise, I AM PRAYING FOR YOU...FOR ALL OF US.  Take care.

Lorrie999

Dec 05, 2011

To: Lorrie999

I did not post this comment.

Hertsman

Dec 10, 2011

To: Re spinal fusion

Dear Lorrie, my prayers go out to you and everyone on this site. Surgeons make shed loads of money out of these operations. Do not take the opinion of a surgeon as gospel. In most cases they are completely wrong. I wish I knew more about my condition before electing for surgery but in 1994 not much was known. If I knew what I know now then I would never have elected for surgery. Yes I was in agony and just wanted him to open me up and get rid of the pain, the same as most folk on here. You need to do lots of research, try inversion table therapy, Portable Traction machine, try acupuncture, osteopathy, trigger point therapy, TENS, Alpha Stim, natural therapies. I have stopped taking Tramadol, Lyrica, all they do is kill your brain. I am on a very high dose of vitamins which help my condition more than medication. Vitamin B complex, Fish Oil, very high dose vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, oral hyaluronic acid, sam-e, magnesium malate etc etc. Make sure to buy the best quality supplements. There is a wealth of information available today. I really do believe that armed with the information today I could have cured myself. Surgeons are liars, they just want to profit from your misery. My surgeon did not tell me even half the story, i.e. degenerative disc, sexual dysfunction, depression. He just kept saying oh yes I can definitely fix the problem and why live in pain. Even now he is trying to get me to elect for spinal fusion. I did get a second opinion from a very highly qualified surgeon and he disagreed. Says best to learn to manage the condition, spinal fusion is not a cure. Fusion puts stress on other discs and can cause further issues. All I'm saying is try everything before electing for surgery. May god be with you and very best wishes to you and family.

Aussie68

Dec 13, 2011

To: ChaCha4

Don't know what to say except I feel his pain I had L5 S1 fusion 3 months ago and all my Doc tells me is that the pain is in my head. I have played Rugby League for a lot of years (28 years) and have even played with a fractured ankle so pain in my head I have no i dear what that means. It feels like I have a rock in my back where the fusion was and my Doc told me I don't need PT I could do it all myself. Maybe the doctors need to feel pain so as they know whats in some-ones head and when it is not. It is a shame I have only just found this web site now because after reading all the post it seems 99% of us are in the same boat,we are in pain and no-one believes us. You have to tell your Doc what the problem is or tell him you will go see some-one else, either way I hope it works out for you as I do myself, I have two young children I want to run around with and although it's only been 3 months and the Doc has given me the all clear and I think he is so wrong it is not looking very good for me to run around the block without stopping. Good Luck.

emt221

Dec 15, 2011

To: ChaCha4

Hi There,

I had spinal fusion 2 years ago. Regarding the numbness and tingling feeling, I have that too. It usually happens when I am sitting, playing guitar, anything that might cut off circulation to the bottom half of your body. Although this is a "normal" feeling, there is no doubt it has INCREASED since the surgery. It comes and goes, but it is not nearly as bad as it was a few months ago. I am not taking any meds for it, just give it time. If your back hurts considerably, try percocet if you know you can take that. Vicoden and Soma did not do much for me. Goodluck!

bp007

Dec 16, 2011

To: ChaCha4

I had surgery on June 22nd, 2011. After the surgery in the recovery room the neurosurgeon told me that the spinal cord was pinched very badly at C5-C6-C7, worse than he had seen on the myelogram he had done, which he fused with a bone from my hip at my request instead of a cadaver bone. The MRI first done by another neurologist had shown the cord pinched there, but the neurosurgeon said the myeologram was more accurate and showed the cord not compromised. After the surgery I have worse pain throughout my body and electric shocks. My right leg and foot are mostly numb and I have daily headaches at the base of my skull, and nausea. I have since hired a law firm to fight for worker's comp and social security disability, which the county has been fighting , so another myelogram to find out what is causing the ongoing symptoms has yet to be done. I am hoping to be able to get a second opinion from another neurosurgeon somewhere in upstate New York, as I believe my neurosurgeon isn't being honest about the problem. I had been telling him and the doctors at the pain clinic for a year prior to the surgery that I was having electric shocks and my feet had been going numb, among other symptoms, but he kept having them try injections and physical therapy. I now had my first visit back at the pain clinic post surgery. That doctor is very up front with me about everything, and he says that my symptoms show that I have serious damage to my spinal cord. If anyone knows a very good neurosurgeon near upstate New York or maybe even New Jersey I am open for suggestions. I forgot to add that a recent MRI shows the disc between C2 and C3 vertebrae also extruded and osteophyte complex causing left foramen stenosis. The disc at C3-C4 is bulging and the is a right paracentral disc protrusion. At C4-C5 is an asymmetric disc ostiophyte complex to the right causing mild narrowing of the right neural foramina. C5-C7 is undiagnostic in the MRI due to susceptability artifact from the fusion done. The left sided foraminal stenosis at the C2-C3 lever has potential impact on the left C3 nerve root.

Brendazee

Dec 16, 2011

I had a spinal fusion two years ago. Now I have a lot of pain in my entire spine. The fusion was on L5/S1. I just want to know why the top of my spine hurts. I would NEVER recommend this surgery to anyone. It is never ending pain.

barbh411

Dec 17, 2011

To: Allen

I had an anterior fusion7 Weeks ago and still in alot of pain vac down left leg and sides of birth legs. Will this ever go away?

callmenea

Dec 20, 2011

To: bilmax

Hope your recovery goes smoothly =). I have had a great experience with my spinal fusion. I am 29f w/ a fusion on a grade 2 L5-S1 slippage w/ fracture. My surgery was on Nov 3rd and it was the best decision I ever made. I had an orthopedic surgeon w/ many years experience only on spinal surgeries. Before my surgery I was basically bedbound w/ a lot of pain, using a walker to get up and use the bathroom. I was in a lot of pain before surgery. Now, my progress is unbelievable. I am 6wks post-op and I can walk 2 miles a day. I can stand up and move w/o pain. Some days I am sore more than others but every day is better. I know a lot of ppl have had unfortunate experiences, but from my perspective it is absolutely worth a shot. I have my life back. Best of luck to everyone.

callmenea

Dec 20, 2011

To: Lorrie999

Read my above post. My situation may not have been as hard as yours, but it is a little similar in that we are close in age both hoping to have control over a household and have kids. I am 29f and have a 6mnth old child. I am 6 wks post op from an L5-S1 fusion and I can already hold my child again and in 1yr my Dr. gave me the ok to get pregnant again. Please give a fusion some serious consideration. I was afraid too, before the surgery b/c of the horror stories I read all over boards like this. I had a great experience. My surgeon seemed surprised when I told him that I read so many stories. I have my life back and I'm getting better every day. Best of luck to you, hope you are able to get the help you need!

neeps66

Dec 20, 2011

To: chiclette

I had surgery similar to yours - fusion L4/5 and L5/S1 disc trimmed and put back in place. That was when I was 29 years ols - I am 45 now. I have to say the operation was a great success, but after 5 days in hospital I was 5 months in physio learning to walk again. I combined it will a major weight loss (lost 5 stone), then cycling daily. I still have ocassions maybe once a year where it is sore and on verge of spasm, but overall it really can work int the long term. Just need to bare with it.

Capndave4582

Jan 05, 2012

To: All

I had L3 to S1 fusion at the end of August 2011. I am so happy that the pain before surgery is gone, but unhappy that the muscle pain is so intense. 2 screws are taking their time fusing so I am not able to start physical therapy yet (4 months now). Cold days are painful, warm days are comfortable, but I feel I pull a new muscle when I try to stand up, sit down, lay down and walk. My doc is great with communications and told me it could be up to a year before I am fully fused. I hope it comes quick.
I had some Darvocet I got before the ban and it works great on controlling the pain. Tylonol 650 helps also but not as quick. Good luck all.

Mzzsilky

Jan 11, 2012

To: Everyone

I know this is a rollercoaster ride for everyone! I hurt my back at work in 96... They wanted to fuse me.... I was 22 with a brand new babygirl... She was 10 pounds. The dr said I could no longer picker up after surg.. So I denied,,,2008 I was down ... Could barely crawl to the restroom. My dr was quick to offer fusion.. I had spondy,aherniated disk and my bones were bone on bone grinding like two cement blocks in an earthquake.. So I got fused...thought I'd be back at the gymnasticnasium and doing things I love in a couple monthes but guess what ... 2012. Still stuck in bed ... Can barely walk with my walker, car rides vibrate the hardware and I wanna die... My dr put me on great meds....100mcg fentanyl patches...soma..neurontin for the nerve pain. And 800 mc fentora for socalled breakthry.... And with all these meds I'm still in a pain I never knew was possible after having kids....and all my tests come back ok too. Drs tell me that I'll nevr be out of pain this it it I have to accept it and work with it. Now I'm waiting approval for my spinal stim. That's my last hope for any relief. If that doesn't work I just dnt know what's next. I have plenty if meds to put myself to SLEEP forever. Then there will be no pain

Hitchinmygetalong

Jan 14, 2012

To: knotinmyleg

I suffer with multiple disc herniations due to Ankylosis Spondylosis. I do get accupuncture and it gives me relief. If I am in alot of pain, ie unable to walk well because of the pain it takes 3 accupuncture sessions and Chiropractic to get me back standing straight. After reading all the negative's of surgery, I will continue my regimine of Accupuncture and Chiropractic.

bma2568

Jan 18, 2012

I had two level fusion on nov 2011 L5-S1. It has not been the most pleasant. After a year of trying different therapies and experiencing bladder issues both the Dr and I decided it was time. Now almost 8 weeks after I'm experiencing extreme pain in my legs and feet to the point I that is painful to walk. On my left leg I feel hip pain and pulling and now my leg is falling asleep and I feel needles in my foot. Not happy with all this pain. I'm on Gabapentin for the nerves but it does not seem to be working. At night I have to sleep with ice on my back and feet because I feel like I'm burning. Had to call my Dr today which said I need to see him tomorrow to run some test and see what is going on. I suggest if anyone is considering back surgery please ask questions. Questionss especially related to what happens after the surgery. I never had this much pain in my legs and feet. They said it's nerve related however I feel that I should start to feel better not worse.

BigRich321

Jan 27, 2012

To: richellefry

Why don't you go to your primary doctor. Tell him you want a MRI or cat scan.this will let you know what is going on. I had a two level fusion one year ago. The levels are l4-l5-s1 the fusion did not take. I am now looking at a revision surgery. I am in pain all the time. This is a horrible way to live. I wish you the best of luck.

BigRich321

Jan 27, 2012

To: reliefordad

I'm sorry your dad is in so much pain. First off you need to get him to a great dr. ASAP. Take him to a teaching hospital or university hospital. Second I would find a good lawyer and bring this dr. To court. He messed up this surgery and that's a fact. I wish you good luck and hope your dad feels better real soon.

knotinmyleg

Jan 29, 2012

To: all

2 back surgeries in 2006 and 2007. (Laminectomy, 4 level fusion). Continued pain. Fast forward. 2010 -insertion of morphine pain pump. Over a year later sill in pain. Finally last week went to surgery center for testing. Turns out the catheter from the pain pump had fallen out of my spinal cord. Surgery for reinsertion scheduled for this Friday. Wish me luck. Has anyone out there ever had this happen to them? My pain doctor says it is not uncommon.

rainiermec

Jan 31, 2012

To: thepitbull

I am 47 and had a previous L4-L5 fusion and had L5-S1 fused 3 weeks ago. My bladder problems immediately went away that I had had for years. The Surgeon told me the L5-S1 fusion would not help my back pain or Bladder problems, but it did. He said some peoples nerves are simply routed differently.

Momekit

Feb 08, 2012

do not get surgery -Your life will be Hell--take up acupuncture . massage----Get Close to God --He can Help and learn to get in the Zone----speak to the inner you-- BUT don't have surgery-- you will end up in hosp for the rest of your life.. For god sake don't do it ..

suwansmm1

Feb 14, 2012

To: Everyone

Due to spondylolisthesis which resulted in lumbar scoliosis, and non-operative treatments that could not correct the problem or relieve the pain, I had surgery the end of last August, an XLIF on Monday and a PLIF on Wednesday, fusing T9 down to the sacrum and anchoring the sacrum to the pelvis.  Yes, it was very painful but recovery has been slowly progressing to the point where I could get back to work after 4 months off, surgical pain is diminishing (pain that got me into surgery immediately disappeared, I realized that even though I was heavily drugged for a few days), and I have gradually weaned down pain meds to maybe one Tylenol #3 a day at most.

I do still take muscle relaxers since physical therapy does stress the area while helping at the same time.

Did I just have a great surgeon?  I don't understand and would be very upset if I was in the pain many of you are in post-surgery.  I feel awful for you, I know how painful this can be, but at the same time, why did I recover as well as I did (even though to me it feels like forever) and others are having so many problems?

GypsyGina

3 hours

My husband had back surgery in 2006. This year 2012 he had another MRI which showed he needs another surgery either a fusion or disc replacement he is not in much pain and is wondering weather to have the surgery. Please give some input.
Thank you