Three fusions in l and l/2 years - still hurt.

[Muffi]

I am 56 years old and have recently had my third back fusion in l and l/2 years.  The first two were done by the same surgeon, a general neurosurgeon.  He placed cages in L2-3 and 8 months later in L3-4.  Pain has been great for four years and in January another neurosurgeon - a back specialist, refused L2-4 with rods and screws, leaving the cages but was able to remove the screws from the cages.  I am left from the second surgery with no knee reflexes in my left leg and numbness from the knee down under the arch of my foot and the bones did not fuse from surgeries one or two.  I now have an implant in my back to stimulate bone fusion, hopefully!  The last fusion feels more solid but I am still in pain with the right leg and hip area.  It almost seems like muscle pain at times because I can push on an area in my upper leg and relieve the pain temporarily.  I am still in a brace and won't see the surgeon until May 15 (surgery was Jan. 5).  I am allowed to walk and no physical therapy until seeing him again. He said to pretend I was on vacation.
I teach fourth grade and hope to return next year, but am worried about the pain in my leg. Will it ever go away?  I'm okay if I can lay down with the pain.  Could the area where he removed bone be causing any of this because sometimes it feels like it stems from that area?  I feel like I am aging before my eyes every day, but I'm not ready to call it quits. What do you think I should do?  The second surgeon is saying the cages were inappropriate surgery for the condition my back was in.  Will the cages be a problem in the future?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Pam:

I am sorry to hear about your pain.  Unfortunately, I really can't tell you much as I have never seen the films, done the examination, know your history as why the back degeneration, etc.  I don't know how the surgery went, the problems, etc.  I also cannot comment on whether the cage was the correct surgery in the first place.  

Unfortunately, many times spinal surgery for the problem of pain is not satisfactory in completely removing the pain.  Since you have failed rehab before the pain started (the usual course of events) does not mean that you will fail rehab and PT after this surgery.  I would give it time, as all back surgeries require.  Depending on how well you rehab, will determine the amount of pain you will have left.  

I hope that you recover well and completely.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[JOSEPH RANUCCI]

hi, IM THINKING ABOUT HAVING THE RAY CAGE FOR MY SURGURY . I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE KNOWS OF THIS CAGE. I HAVE A HERNIATED DISC AT L5 AND ALSO SPODOLETHESIS GRADE 1. mY FLEX XRAYS WERE 4MM STANDING AND 10MM BENDING. ANY HELP OR IMPUT WOULD BE APPRECIATED..                                                                                                         THANKS                                                                                                                         ***@****

[GARRY]

I am 36 years of age,just over 3 years ago I was involved ina small car accident,after the accident within two weeks I lost use of my left arm and hand.My neck was stiff and sore and at the same time my head gradually pulled down to my left shoulder ,so far that my ear was touching my shoulder.The doctors called spasmodic torticollis and treated me as that,but 3years later I am still in the same situation, I am seriously thinking of investigating myself to have some sought of fusion so that my head can sit straight.Ihave a neck splint to support my head up but it would be nice for it to support itself.
Can you point me in the right direction?

[Mary Beth]

Having had spinal fusions I have a question regarding the fusion.  Why does the bone not fuse and is there anything you can do to help the bone fuse.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Gary:

I would recommend that you seek a good neurologist.  What you describe should not last 3 years.

CCF Neuro MD

[Carla Z]

What is the difference between a neurosurgeon, spine
surgeon and orthopedic surgeon?   Is one better than
the other for back surgery?

[Jo Godwin]

Spinal Fusions:  I want to hear to SUCCESS stories!!