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L2 – S1 spinal fusion pain questions

Posted by drxtract @drxtract, Dec 18, 2024

I am three months postop from my lumbar fusion. I can’t walk more than 10 steps without pain into my left buttocks. This pain will increase to the point that I need to sit down which stops the pain almost immediately. Wondering if you folks have experienced similarities and how are you doing today?

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Dec 26, 2024

The stories here about spinal fusion gone awry scare the hell out of me. I'm 70 y/o and in very good shape and in the gym everyday. I've had both big toes fused and both knees replaced. My lumbar spine is a disaster area. My surgeon tells me that my strong core is holding my lumbar spine together and keeping me from fusion.

I dropped my weight from 190 lbs to 160 in the last year. Now my weight is normal for my height, 5'10".

Thanks to all who posted here, and thanks for your bravery. Spinal fusion is complex. I have a great surgeon and if I need fusion someday, I'll get it.

Again, thanks to all. Joe

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drxtract | @drxtract | Dec 27, 2024
In reply to @bajjerfan "For me 25mg of Lyrica/PreGabalin would be those lowest taper dose before stopping it altogether." + (show)
@bajjerfan

For me 25mg of Lyrica/PreGabalin would be those lowest taper dose before stopping it altogether.

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After taking Lyrica for three weeks and getting no results, I stopped taking it completely, which my neurosurgeon said was OK.

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1 reply
bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | Dec 27, 2024
In reply to @drxtract "After taking Lyrica for three weeks and getting no results, I stopped taking it completely, which..." + (show)
@drxtract

After taking Lyrica for three weeks and getting no results, I stopped taking it completely, which my neurosurgeon said was OK.

Jump to this post

When I first made the switch from GabaPentin to PreGabalin I didn't wean off of the GabaPentin; just went direct to the PreGabalin. Also after my partial nephrectomy in August I just stopped Tramadol cold turkey with no ill effects.

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drxtract | @drxtract | Dec 27, 2024
In reply to @sbtheplumber1 "@drxtract I’ve spoken with @dlydailyhope quite a bit and will agree with her see pain management..." + (show)
@sbtheplumber1

@drxtract I’ve spoken with @dlydailyhope quite a bit and will agree with her see pain management surgeons are just there to FIX the problem . The Salon Pas patches will be your best friend and you can even try the roll- on it’s easier to do if you’re alone. Since your fused to S1 be careful twisting or bending I was twisted at 3 weeks after an L4-S1 fusion and then told by my surgeons np I could start bending and twisting at 4 weeks , that night I bent to dry my lower legs and there was a burning that has never improved since May 2023. The anal and groin pain got worse, it started feeling like bottle rockets being launched in my legs! I just found out a few weeks ago at Mayo Clinic I have a screw loose at L5 and leave it alone and get a pain stimulator which I just finally had the trial put in Tuesday and it has helped! Good luck and don’t ever be afraid to ask questions even if they sound silly odds are others have been there and have great advice!

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Astounding! Ask any competent neurosurgeon or physical therapist and they will tell you no BLT for the first three months. That’s bending, lifting, or twisting.

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1 reply
sbtheplumber1 | @sbtheplumber1 | Dec 27, 2024
In reply to @drxtract "Astounding! Ask any competent neurosurgeon or physical therapist and they will tell you no BLT for..." + (show)
@drxtract

Astounding! Ask any competent neurosurgeon or physical therapist and they will tell you no BLT for the first three months. That’s bending, lifting, or twisting.

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@drxtract sad part is my Surgeon had done Peyton Mannings surgery you would think he’s highly rated ! When he done the surgery he said the longest I would be off was 3 months I WAS a plumber/pipefitter I had been doing all the med gas pipes in a hospital patient and surgery rooms so a lot of climbing , twisting working overhead all day and at 3 months still couldn’t walk without a cane . Couldn’t walk to his office so I would use a wheelchair I could rub the tailbone and it went straight to the testicles and from what I’ve read when the inner thigh is tender it’s danger zone all he said to both without touching me is you don’t have that! I was able to get him to keep me of 4-1/2 months then luckily I met my new pcp that week and she signed me off the 6 weeks I had left on temporary disability then I was 8 months of no income before I finally got disability.

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