Failed Back Syndrome in Nebraska

I am a 38 year old male that has posted to you in the past. I had a lamnectomy and the a fusion with an LT Fusion Cage device in Sept 2003. I have seen another neurosurgeon and two pain management specialists and have had not relief from the pain.

I currently use 10/650 Percocette e/4-6 hours, 400mg Ibuprofen e/4 hours, 300mg Neurontin e/6 hours, and 3 Lidoderm 5% Patches daily. I have been doing this since Feb '04.

My latest EMG showed dysfunction in the L4/L5 and L5/S1 nerve roots with peripheral dysfuntion from the nerve root to the end of my toes. The surgeries were at the L4-S1 levels.

My question is, what else can be done? I have been told by the last neuro that my only hope is for an SCS in which I have been able to consider because of insurance and bipolar disorder. There is no other surgery available to me because nothing else has ruptured and the pain is form nerve damage.

I am tired of doctor hopping but I need relief and resources  here are pretty scarce. Could you give me some kind of new direction? The last neuro and pain management doctor I saw was at the University of Nebraska and they have pretty much given up since I can't have the surgery.

I am on disability and I want some kind of a quality life back.  The chronic pain makes the depression so much worse and would love to be able to get some kind of footing back on my life. My pain level is usually around a 7 and the meds knock it down to about a 5 for a couple of hours a day. I sleep 2-3 hours a night and then live in pain the rest of the day.

Any advice would be so helpful Thank you

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Unfortunately, without examining you and reviewing your tests I cannot make a diagnosis. It may be reasonable to have a second opinion at another academic spine center. I am not sure, but Mayo Clinic, St. Louis, and Chicago should have well established spine centers. To make the most of your visit, make sure to bring a copy of all films, pre and post operation, and all test reports. They can re-evaluate your case and make recommendations. Also, having a pain management consut at that time would be reasonable. Good luck.

[pillpusherpfe]

A related discussion, failed back surgery was started.