tailbone/sacrum pains

hi, i am 9 weeks post op for fusion of l4-l5. symptoms before surgery were: extreme pain in the lower back, pain in buttocks, pain in the sacrum and tailbone area. discogram reveals, severe tearing at l4-l5 with internal disc disruption, and small annular tear at l5-s1.  after surgery pain is gone except tailbone/sacrum and buttocks. (currently on 45-60 mgs of ms-contin every 24 hrs) spine surgeon is unsure of these remaining pains, as ortho and pain doc.  we will wait for fuse to take place and re-evaluate.  my questions are: have you heard or treated this type of pain, what could the causes be, the treatments, and is this pain usually associated with a l4-l5 trauma.  my concern is that the pain is coming from the l5-s1 or another problem. the discogram produced extreme pain at l5-s1 and of course l4-l5. only 60% of my pain was duplicated at l4-l5 while the pain at l5-s1 was totally unfamiliar. any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. also should i seek the opionion of a neuro if pain persists.  (seen a internist, g.i., urologist, ortho, pain doc(2), and spine specialist already) thank you in advance. chris

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Chris:

Sorry that your continuing to have pain.  It is not uncommon that pain persists after surgery.  Usually the amount of time can vary from patient to patient as far as resolution of symptoms.  However, there are patients who do not completely have their pain relieved after surgery.  Without knowing more detail it is difficult to tell you much.  I would touch base with your neurosurgeon and neurologist to get their input.  Also, the people in rehab who probably know you the best as sometimes the most helpful in this area.

I hope that your symptoms will be relieved over time.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD