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Wow—zero hardware! I’m so glad to hear that you are pain-free, Jennifer!
I had laminectomy, discectomy and transforaminal interbody fusion at L4/L5 and L5/S1 three years ago. Some of the symptoms that developed shortly after surgery were as painful as, if not worse than, the sciatic pain I was hoping to treat with that operation. Over time, symptoms increased in number and intensity. I have an excellent surgeon and never expected I’d be so disabled (relatively speaking) at 67. Can’t walk without a cane and I am in constant pain.
My surgeon has indicated what his plan might be if the MRI, scoliosis x-rays and EMG/NCS point toward the need for a revision.
I requested consultation with Dr. Lyons because a friend is scheduled for fusion at the same levels with him, and a friend of *hers* had wonderful results from her own fusion. I would like to know what he would recommend in my case.
Thanks so much for this exchange. It’s very heartening.
Replies to "Wow—zero hardware! I’m so glad to hear that you are pain-free, Jennifer! I had laminectomy, discectomy..."
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Thanks, @lmandriese . You might be interested in this discussion about Myofascial Release therapy. It can help stretch out surgical scar tissue which can cause pain. I did a lot of this before and after my spine surgery and it really helped with the recovery. I think it made surgery easier for my surgeon because the tissues were looser and a bit easier to retract. I continue to do MFR types of self stretches at home to maintain function and address tightness as it arises. I also broke my ankle 4 years ago and had 3 ankle surgeries, and I've been working on that too with stretching the scar tissue and tight muscles.
Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
If you find out that you don't need a revision, MFR may be something to try. If you do need further surgery, you can just keep this in mind. There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/
I hope you find a resolution to your pain and better abilities. I'm glad to hear about another surgeon who is respected by his patients. You are welcome to share your journey here.
Jennifer