Spianl fusion; can the pain return

For 8 long miserable years I suffered from stenosis,spondlythosis & spondylythosis (sp).  I had 4 fractured vertebrae, and 2 disc were actully grinded away due to the fractured vertebra in the lower lumbar. In time the horirifc nerve pain radiatied down both legs to my feet completely immobolizing me. Two years ago I could no longer continue living w/ chronic pain. Whether I was sitted or standing the pain was the same a raging 10.   Two years ago I had a 2 level lumbar spinal fusion.  My surgeon built the 2 missing discs, with cement & glue and installed a bridge, which was not his original intenetion. He did not know until he opened my back.  I have a 9 inch scar. The surgery was 7 hours long.  The bone fragments were caught in the nerves & cord, which is why the surgery was longer then anticipated.  I have been in PT for 8 years.  I do my exercises religiously.  I tried it all: Chinese medicine,TENS, Chiropractor w/o adjustment, meditation...nothing worked.  These were all tools I wanted to try before surgery.  Truly the only thng that came me relief and somewhat of a normal life was Norco & even that did not stop all the pain.  My question:Can this pain return?  It is not absent I still have some very bad days but recently the pain is becoming more intense which scares me. I just want my active life back.  My surgeon is amazing as is my Pain Management Dr.  I asked how long a fusion last... knees implants last 10-15 years.  How long does a fusion last?  Neither Drs could not answer my question.  Having the surgery was my last resort. I chose surgery or else a one way ticket to the Netherlands, the latter was not an option. The only adverse effect from surgery is a numb right foot & ankle. The pain is becoming worse. What can I do?  And please be candid..can the original pain return? I have had 3 Bilateral nerve root blocks, one epidural in the past 5 months.They have yet to give me relief, but I always hope they will work. Thank you.

[Shazia Alam, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to obtain a history from you and examine you, I cannot comment on a formal diagnosis or treatment plan for your symptoms. However, I will try to provide you with some information regarding this matter.

Unfortunately, I will also unable to give you the answer you are looking for as I am not a surgeon and this answer would be best answered by your surgeon, who deals with spinal fusion surgeries on a mor regular basis.  However, if I can make a suggestion, it would be to learn a way to work through your pain.  There are programs around the country that focus on this, such as chronic pain rehabilitation programs.  These programs are interdisciplinary, meaning they have neurologists, pain doctors, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists—all who help you to learn to function and get your life back on track. Patients just like you would be going through this program—patients who want their life back. The goal is not to make you pain-free in these programs, but at least to teach you how to work through it.  

I’m sorry if this answer wasn’t what you were hoping for, but I do hope you consider this.  I hope this was helpful and good luck to you.!