Has anyone had a failed spinal fusion? What can be done?

2008 Neuro surgeon removed from my spine,
S-1 L-2. L-3. L-4. L-5 I should have sued him! I played tennis, hiking, so many things were taken from me.
Failed, Laminectomy, severe pain, than Failed Fusion!
Pain is so bad I have a pain pump now. but it does not help sitting!!!
Does anyone know what other things I can do?
Thank You!

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.

@jennirob01 I’m finally getting the permanent band aid ( pain stimulator ) put in Tuesday January 14th . Hopefully it works as good as the trial, I’m sure praying it helps with the tailbone nerves so my feet don’t go numb when laying down the trial didn’t help that. My family doctor suggested trying an osteopathic dr instead of a chiropractor after I get the stimulator put in Tuesday.

I will be praying for you! How long is the recovery time for the stimulator?

@jennirob01 I’m finally getting the permanent band aid ( pain stimulator ) put in Tuesday January 14th . Hopefully it works as good as the trial, I’m sure praying it helps with the tailbone nerves so my feet don’t go numb when laying down the trial didn’t help that. My family doctor suggested trying an osteopathic dr instead of a chiropractor after I get the stimulator put in Tuesday.

I posted earlier that my neurosurgeon fused my lumbar spine out of alignment. He sent my case to a forum of surgeons dealing with spinal deformity. I lean forward at the waist and he says that is from the failed fusion. Well the general consensus of the surgeons was, fusion from cervical spine to sacrum. I am not doing that even though I am in pain. I think I want the hardware out. He says he doubts it will make a difference. Guess I have to modify things now that I know this is permanent. I am 73. Still have to work.

Having CATscan tomorrow.