1. < Spine Health

Has anyone had a failed spinal fusion?

Posted by denman55 @denman55, Nov 1 5:30am

I am almost 6-months post-op from having had a Lumber spinal fusion (L3-4-5). I am experiencing a lot of pain in my spine and across my lower back. I'm fearful that I may have the signs of a failed spinal fusion. I would like to hear from those who may have experienced this.

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besmith57 | @besmith57 | Nov 6 5:01am
In reply to @annie1 "What is Sprint PNS ? I had decompression surgery only, but now I have pain in..." + (show)
@annie1

What is Sprint PNS ? I had decompression surgery only, but now I have pain in my left toes when I walk too much and can't walk on for half a day after.
They want to do cortisone shots but I have osteoporosis which gets worse from cortisone.

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I was on prednisone for over 9 months for polyfibromyalgia rheumatica. I had just got my osteoporosis back to osteopenia. I'm sure I'm back to osteoporosis now so I understand your concern.
Sprint PNS is an implanted wire with a Pulse Generator attached to my back that I will wear for 60 days. It's supposed to change the brain waves so they don't respond to the pain. I'm scheduled for the procedure on 11-22. I pray it works.

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annie1 | @annie1 | 1 day ago

Is that a type of Spinal cord stimulator? I did a trial for the Nevro Hfx but it didn't do much, so I didn't get the permanent stimulator. I hope the sprint one works for you. Please let us know how it goes.

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annie1 | @annie1 | 1 day ago
In reply to @denman55 "Yes -- I did have the Sprint PNS System prior to having my Laminectomy and Lumbar..." + (show)
@denman55

Yes -- I did have the Sprint PNS System prior to having my Laminectomy and Lumbar spinal fusion. It was prescribed for my lumbar spinal stenosis. It was effective, but it did not save me from ultimately needing a Laminectomy followed by the spinal fusion. I still have lower back pain, rib cage pain and bilateral side/hip
pain, which was initially diagnosed as SI joint pain, but after receiving steroid injections it was confirmed that it was not SI joint pain. So I am seeing my Neurosurgeon again this week and hope to get an answer as to what is causing my pain.

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After your laminectomy you need another surgery ?

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willjean19 | @willjean19 | 23 hours ago

I’m sorry you’re experiencing ongoing pain. I had a 3 level cervical fusion a little over 2 years ago. Despite having a successful fusion (bone is fused, hardware intact with no issues) I continue to work on muscle recovery. With a fusion one area of your spine is fixed & secure, forcing a realignment in the biomechanics of the spine. This can take time to adjust and ongoing exercises to strengthen and improve those areas can take time. Do you have continued follow ups with your surgeon? I’m so sorry - I understand the ongoing soreness and pain is a challenge

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besmith57 | @besmith57 | 2 hours ago
In reply to @annie1 "Is that a type of Spinal cord stimulator? I did a trial for the Nevro Hfx..." + (show)
@annie1

Is that a type of Spinal cord stimulator? I did a trial for the Nevro Hfx but it didn't do much, so I didn't get the permanent stimulator. I hope the sprint one works for you. Please let us know how it goes.

Jump to this post

I will let you know. I'm sorry you didn't get relief with the Nevro HFx as I was considering that if this procedure doesn't work. My pain surgeon won't do a stimulater because of my hardware from my double spinal fusion. I will have to find a specialist who can try it. My pain is as bad as it was before I broke my back just in my lumbar area now. I'm at a total loss as to what to do. I''m even considering going to Mayo. The pain is so bad it's making me nauseous.

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