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Spinal Fusion issues
All, I am currently 27 years old and have undergone multiple lumber surgeries and have had constant issues. In June 2020 I had a micro discectomy at my L5/S1. Approximately 6 months following I re-herniated the same disc and underwent an L5/S1 fusion in July 2021. I have dealt with constant chronic lumbar pain even after being prescribed pain killers and nerve blockers. In September 2023 I severely re-herniated the disc that was left in my L5/S1 that has severely compromised my right leg. Without getting an updated MRI my doctor inserted the minuteman device at my L4/L5 thinking this would relive pressure on my right sciatic nerve. This of course did not cure the right sciatic issue due to the disc at L5/S1 actually being herniated. My doc, not the one that did the first two procedures, says that the disc at the L5/S1 should have been completely removed prior to fusing it. Is this true? I am seeking guidance on this issue while I am waiting to be referred to the Savannah Spine Institute in Georgia, where I will likely undergo a surgery to possibly remove the remainder of the disc or just the herniated portion. My life has been completely overtaken and overwhelmed by my spine issues. I am a husband and father who currently goes from the bed to the recliner in hopes of one day being able to play with my daughter, and be the husband my wife once had. Any and all guidance is greatly appreciated.
-Myles
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I had spinal fusion L4-S1. L5-S1 did not fuse. Is it normal to have pain and be off balance?
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2 ReactionsI am suprised that a fusion of L5-S1 was attempted especially since L4-L5 was also fused. With both fused, there is no level remaining in the lower spine to allow or facilitate the amount of movement that the lower spine needs to make. I am speaking only from my own experience; I am not a medical professional and certainly not a spine surgeon. I am fused from L2-L5. I have significant pain from osteoarthritis at L5-S1. The brain/spine surgeon I see has said that any attempt at fusion of L5-S1 would result in a "failed fusion." He would guarantee it; therefore it was not an option to even consider. So I have been living with the pain and lots of Tylenol (not exceeding the maximum recommended dose), and considering the possibility of a spinal cord stimulator.
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3 Reactionshmmm spinal cord stimulator, will have to look that up.
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1 Reaction@lisajanec
I had decompression and fusion of L3-L5 in 2024 and many of my symptoms have improved (pain/weakness/numbness lower back, hips, buttocks, legs and feet). I have heard of many who get fused at L5-S1 and have failed fusions and pain. I have limited ability to twist and need to be careful when I do bend down to lift or reach for something. I have some L5 nerve roots exposed and being irritated and some issues with my L5-S1 joint causing radiculopathy and at times I lose control of my foot. My surgeon never suggested to fuse this level.
Have you tried cortisone injections? Do you use Salonpas lidocaine nerve pain patches for temporary relief? Does ice or heat help? I’m not sure if physical therapy would help you strengthen other parts of your body/core to better support your spine and reduce pain.
The person I know who had a failed L5-S1 fusion just recently had a spinal cord stimulator put in and he said it has helped him a lot deal with significant nerve pain.
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1 ReactionI do use the lidocaine patches and will review the spinal cord stimulator with my dr. Thank you for this reponse, although I don’t want anyone to have pain, it’s helps to know I’m not alone out there 😊
Had fusion 8 months ago and recently had pain in my sacroiliac area after twisting. Has anyone experienced this
If workup for sacroiliitis is not illuminating, consider middle cluneal nerve entrapment. It is a known complication of lumbar surgery. I’m not sure if it is exacerbated by twisting
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@d096819
I had L3-L5 decompressed and fused with hardware in 2024. I need to be careful when maneuvering in bed or bending turning/twisting due to changes in biomechanics.
It can take a full year to fully heal from surgery. You may have pulled muscles, irritated nerves or have new compression. Have you done physical therapy?
If you don’t notice improvement over 2-3 weeks after applying ice, heat, rest, pain patches/creams (like lidocaine or Voltaren gel for inflammation), it would be good to see your orthopedic doctor again to get updated X-rays/MRI to see if anything shifted or if you have adjacent segment issues above/below your fusion.
Thank you for your feedback
I had similar surgery but a triple laminectomy to pull it out of my spinal cord and then a fusion of all three. I am 15 weeks out and have noticed a stinging, stabbing and burning sensation in the area recently that wasn't there before. I'm using heat packs that seem to be helping and still not doing a lot of lifting and resting in bed about every 2 hours. He said it may take a year before we know what damage is permanent. Maybe try heat and rest along with Advil