Connect
← Return to Has anyone had a failed spinal fusion?
Discussion
Has anyone had a failed spinal fusion?
Spine Health | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
Sorry it’s lengthy : After having a failed lumbar surgery April 2023 I’m worse than before the surgery . After my surgeon ignored my plea and sent me for a stimulator which luckily that doctor agreed there was something wrong and sent me to 3 other surgeons all agreeing there was nothing wrong ( why would there be any change if they all went by the same MRI that was taken 6-8 months prior and my pain got worse after it, non of them looked at my back. I could literally rub the tailbone and pain go straight to the testicles and was told by my surgeon I don’t have that) . I was then referred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester and had a CT Scan and Scoliosis X-ray which showed a loose screw. Their recommendation was leave it alone and get a stimulator. I came home and contacted my surgeon again who said that loose screw was just a halo probably not a loose screw so get a stimulator . I’m confused as to why you would leave a loose screw @L5 in that’s causing more pain and new nerve zaps everyday! If the stimulator blocks the pain wouldn’t the screw continue being loose and do more damage ? Running out of options I go see the Physiatrist Dec 2 about putting the stimulator in I hate to do it if somethings wrong( wait I’m laying on an air mattress because my back is tender and I can’t lay on a bed I slept in a recliner for 4 months until I got the air mattress ) but I’m running out of Doctors and taking way to much meds . I feel like a scarecrow would be more understanding than my local Neurosurgeons!
Replies to "Sorry it’s lengthy : After having a failed lumbar surgery April 2023 I’m worse than before..."
Connect
I had spinal fusion in Nov 2023 to correct my scoliosis. I was fused from T12 down to L4 (8 levels). I was in severe pain and I was passed off to pain management after X-rays and CT scans came back "normal". In July 2024 I was still in severe pain with a cyst emerging on my L4 which protruded about an inch horizontally. I went to urgent care and they performed an ultrasound which I was then told to go straight to the ER for a CT and infection screening. I went to the ER and had an MRI performed. From the MRI it was discovered to have a loose screw on my L4 which then lead to blood tests and CTs. I was admitted and the cyst was removed and the L4 screw was replaced with a larger screw. I felt amazing immediately following the procedure. 2 weeks into the recovery I started to feel nerve pain in my left armpit. I went back to the ER and they ran every test thinking it was a blood clot. I was sent home. The following week I felt that dreaded pain and was back in the ER, this time they ran a MRI. It was determined my L4 screw was loose again. My spine surgeon had a dexa scan and determined osteopenia. I was then sent me to my endocrinologist who prescribed me Tymlos for bone growth. I've been on Tymlos for almost 2 months. My revision surgery is scheduled for Jan 31st 2025. It appears my hardware will be replaced with an additional fusion and cage to L5. Last night I felt the same dreaded pain 3 inches above my L4 loose screw. I fear another screw has come loose. With the amount of pain and lack of mobility to function saying basic tasks I am in a hard place mentally and physically. I am 44 yo woman, 5'9" and 160lbs. I feel like this is now my new normal. I do not know how to advocate for myself as I am not educated in spinal issues. Any guidance you can provide as you go through your process is greatly appreciated.