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Post-operative Pain and it's complications.
I'm back. As I just hit my 4-month post-op mark following my spinal fusion, I had to ask myself, do I feel better or worse. To be honest I continue to feel worse and I'm not seeing the positive healing that I personally feel should be taking place. I just saw a Pain Management physician to have injections into my SI joints due to the pain - a complication following the fusion. Now I keep wondering what's next? What new complications am I going to have as a result of having this lumbar spinal fusion. I'm just not in a good place and still in pain. I don't know if this will ever get better.
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I had a fusion back in 2017 on L5-S1 to correct supposed spondylithesis. The orthopedic surgeon had ordered a new MRI and he said it showed the problem. Interstingly, the two prior MRIs did not reveal the condition. I was not very savvy to the ways of medicine back then. So, after a couple of months there was no improvement in my pain(although it was not bad... I had it under decent control but was greedy for more). Looking back I doubt that I would have that surgery done. I have read that these spinal fusions are a big cash cow.
@denman55 If your fusion has begun to fuse, your surgeon may allow some physical therapy. What I might suggest is to find a PT who also does myofascial release. After spine surgery, there is significant scar tissue, and when that tightens, it causes pain. The scar tissue restrictions can be stretched and released by a certified MFR therapist. I did a lot of MFR work with my PT after my cervical spine surgery.
Here is our discussion where you can learn more.
Neuropathy - Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Have you heard of myofascial release before?
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2 ReactionsI hear you. I also am recovering from spinal surgery on July 1st This is my 5th spinal surgery and so I know how difficult the recovery period can be. My surgery 6 years ago was traumatic. I was in agony when I woke up. I did not realize that I was also partially paralyzed in my arm and legs. I was in the hospital for three weeks and ultimately all of that got better so I know that recovery is slow, but it does happen. It was 6 months for me. This time was also traumatic. I was in the hospital for a week just trying to control the pain. It gradually faded but it took a month. I still have incredible weakness in both hands and a hemi paralysis of some fingers. I expect that this will gradually fade away as well. It can't be soon enough for me
@ashgooddog Welcome to Connect. I saw your other post that mentions having MS. That must be a tough recovery also adding spine surgery. Did that cause complications? I hope your recovery continues to improve.
@denman55 you should expect to see decreased pain and improvement within a year of surgery. Your back didn’t require surgery immediately you had to work up to it over the years as your back got worse. Finally you have surgery and expect years of deterioration to go away in a heart beat. You’ve had major insult to your body by surgery and I recommend giving yourself some time to heal. Patients is my recommendation.