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

Posted by denman55 @denman55, Nov 1, 2024

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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traindogs1015 | @traindogs1015 | Jun 15 1:48pm

In reply to @dwill2152 "No doctor follow up yet. Just read the report on portal. I already lean forward from..." + (show)

I hear ya, eight months after my spinal fusion in my L4 L5 vertebrae, nerve pain, shooting down my femur and sciatica nerve that hurts worse than the back. The pain is a lot worse than before the surgery! I can barely walk, bend or do anything! Very hard to do my job. I’m a dog trainer. Did you find out what was going on with yours?

jcassndra | @jcassndra | Nov 5 7:44pm

Hi there. I had a spinal fusion in February of 2024 and I did not fuse. 5 months ago I started wearing a spinal cord stimulator to help me fuse. I find out in a couple weeks if it was successful. It has been almost two years and I have been in absolute agony and the days are hard to make it through sometimes. I don’t think I fused yet which means I would have to go through the surgery again. I don’t think I have the mental capacity to do it again. I hope you are feeling better now! Did you fuse?

linda6101 | @linda6101 | Nov 6 12:18pm

I had a spinal fusion 11 years ago and it didn't help the pain. My pain specialist at Rush Hospital said it was done right with all screws and bolts in place to hold the vertebrae together. It just didn't help the plan. I am on Norco for 6 years and considering asking about a pain pump to get off the norco.

annie1 | @annie1 | Nov 6 6:01pm

In reply to @traindogs1015 "I hear ya, eight months after my spinal fusion in my L4 L5 vertebrae, nerve pain,..." + (show)

@traindogs1015
So sorry to hear about your pain after surgery. What type of pain did you have before the surgery ? Was any in your legs ? Mine is all in my legs.

Thanks,
Anne

alexis7 | @alexis7 | Nov 7 9:42am

I woke up from surgery in 2020, with nagging ache in my left lower back. I thought it was the back brace putting pressure there. Come to find out, I have left chronic L5 nerve damage. I went to 3 different neurosurgeons and they all said they couldn't help me. One suggested a SCS (spinal cord stimulator) which my pain doctor inserted. It helps but now my left SI joint isn't happy. Has anyone had success with an SI fusion?