1. < Spine Health

Chronic Back Pain for Years

Posted by jlfisher56 @jlfisher56, May 2, 2017

6 back surgeries (extensive cervical and lumbar fusions) with neurological complications. Left with chronic pain. Accident happened in Nursing career 1992 and worked with first fusions until 1999 (failed fusions). At my age, and as a former nurse educator, I never wanted to had to rely on medication/s for the severe pain. Having thoroughly exhausted exploring sites using non-pharmaceutical methods, using psychological methods, biofeedback, trying to accept my limitations, i.e., I still believe somewhere...out there...is hope. The strong medicine has caused gastroparesis, further complicating my health problems. They are too numerous to write and I will not focus on them. I am looking for "help" and guidance. If I can be of assistance to anyone throughout their trials, (perhaps similar to some of what I have gone through), I will.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

polygons | @polygons | Oct 4, 2020

Milligram shows L- 3 disc blown out now. Broke four vertebrates seventeen years ago and suffer all the time , doc just likes to to keep the opiates at bay , four 10mg tabs hydrocodone. Second B.S. nero. stem is disturbing tissues to much. Leg feels like it fills and won't empty ,pain is through the roof 24/7 , I'm useless. LelandMiller 05/05/1955 Ret. Permanently disabled .dues paid ,P.S. , Leland waiting for surgeon to call . I have had surgery before and I am seeking an alternative for a blown disc.

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 4, 2020
In reply to @polygons "Milligram shows L- 3 disc blown out now. Broke four vertebrates seventeen years ago and suffer..." + (show)
@polygons

Milligram shows L- 3 disc blown out now. Broke four vertebrates seventeen years ago and suffer all the time , doc just likes to to keep the opiates at bay , four 10mg tabs hydrocodone. Second B.S. nero. stem is disturbing tissues to much. Leg feels like it fills and won't empty ,pain is through the roof 24/7 , I'm useless. LelandMiller 05/05/1955 Ret. Permanently disabled .dues paid ,P.S. , Leland waiting for surgeon to call . I have had surgery before and I am seeking an alternative for a blown disc.

Jump to this post

Hi @polygons, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this discussion called "Chronic Back Pain for Years" in the Spine Health group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/spine-health/) I did this so that you can connect with other members like @jmweissler @artscaping @wsh66 and others who also deal with chronic back pain and issues with discs.

Leland, I can understand looking for an alternative for a blown disc and hope you hear from your surgeon soon. You mention that your leg fills and won't empty. Is this a symptom you've had for a while? Do you have edema?

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Oct 4, 2020

@polygons

I learned a few months ago that I had severe spinal stenosis at L3-L4, and L4-L5, with no sign of a disc in that area. Ten days ago I had surgery for the stenosis. It was keeping a tight squeeze on the nerves going through the canal. The neurosurgeon said that it's possible that dealing with the stenosis could reduce the neuropathy pain in my feet and ankles, which it did for a few days, but now it's back to the level of pain before surgery. I'm trying to remain hopeful that I'll have some level of pain relief after my back has a bit more time to heal, but it's not looking good at this point.

The surgeon didn't seem to be concerned about the disc. I'm going to ask her about it at my appointment this Thursday.

Jim

REPLY
3 replies
wisco50 | @wisco50 | Oct 4, 2020
In reply to @jimhd "@polygons I learned a few months ago that I had severe spinal stenosis at L3-L4, and..." + (show)
@jimhd

@polygons

I learned a few months ago that I had severe spinal stenosis at L3-L4, and L4-L5, with no sign of a disc in that area. Ten days ago I had surgery for the stenosis. It was keeping a tight squeeze on the nerves going through the canal. The neurosurgeon said that it's possible that dealing with the stenosis could reduce the neuropathy pain in my feet and ankles, which it did for a few days, but now it's back to the level of pain before surgery. I'm trying to remain hopeful that I'll have some level of pain relief after my back has a bit more time to heal, but it's not looking good at this point.

The surgeon didn't seem to be concerned about the disc. I'm going to ask her about it at my appointment this Thursday.

Jim

Jump to this post

Hopefully things will get better. I’m guessing it is possible as you get a bit more active at home you may stir things up a bit and have some swelling in the area. Which in turn will increase pain. I would think if the surgeon saw anything resembling a ruptured disc during surgery, they would have dealt with it at that time. Just remember, the patients I would see come back for a redo were almost always the ones who didn’t listen or follow instructions for postop care! Ice/cold packs are your friends!

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Oct 5, 2020
In reply to @jimhd "@polygons I learned a few months ago that I had severe spinal stenosis at L3-L4, and..." + (show)
@jimhd

@polygons

I learned a few months ago that I had severe spinal stenosis at L3-L4, and L4-L5, with no sign of a disc in that area. Ten days ago I had surgery for the stenosis. It was keeping a tight squeeze on the nerves going through the canal. The neurosurgeon said that it's possible that dealing with the stenosis could reduce the neuropathy pain in my feet and ankles, which it did for a few days, but now it's back to the level of pain before surgery. I'm trying to remain hopeful that I'll have some level of pain relief after my back has a bit more time to heal, but it's not looking good at this point.

The surgeon didn't seem to be concerned about the disc. I'm going to ask her about it at my appointment this Thursday.

Jim

Jump to this post

Hi Jim,
I had an X-LIFT FUSION on L3/L4 three years ago.
Although it took care of my pain, it did nothing for my neuropathy.
I was told that it depends on WHY you have the neuropathy.
Did you have it before the surgery?
Could the damage be permanent?
Do you have diabetes?
There are many reasons for the neuropathy.
Best of luck in your recovery process!
Ronnie

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Oct 5, 2020
In reply to @lorettabl "i have had two radio frequency procedures on my back but they didnt last long. are..." + (show)
@lorettabl

<p>i have had two radio frequency procedures on my back but they didnt last long. are there other avenues i can take for the pain. the doctors say i have osteoarthritis.</p>

Jump to this post

Hi!
I had the radio frequency, too. I found it useless.
Good luck!
Ronnie

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Oct 5, 2020

Hi All!
For many years, I suffered from back pain and later on pain from my shoulder blade to my fingers. On the advice of my orthopedic surgeon, I went to see a pain management doctor.
I went to several pain management doctors for over 10 years. I went through so many different things in order to get relief. All sorts of shots, radio frequency, chiropractors, cupping, PT, etc. I did finally find a pain doc who was able to help me and for about 4 years, he would get me comfortable for about 3-4 weeks at a time. This was huge for me. However, after a few years, all his efforts stopped working. Against his advice, I decided I could not take it any more. I had no quality of life.
I researched and researched and decided to see a neurosurgeon. I decided to take my chances with surgery. After lots of tests, we found my spine to be a mess from top to bottom. The surgeon had to narrow down where to start. He decided on C5/6 and L3/4.
First, I had my discs at C5/6 replaced. The surgery went well (out patient) and the recovery was easy.
Six months later I had an X-LIFT FUSION on L3/4. That surgery went well, too, but recovery was HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! It took over 5 weeks for the horrible pain to subside. I hate pain killers so I only took them at night in order to sleep.
It's been about just over 3 years and I can happily say that the pain that I had is gone. I do sometimes need a shot on my cervical spine, but that is because there are still issues there, but not bad enough for me to want to get surgery.
The BIGGEST come away.....
1, I know many people who have gone through back surgery and said it failed. After conversations, I realized that it was not the surgery that failed, but the patient.
2. It takes approximately 18 months for 2 years for the internal healing to be COMPLETE.
3. Although it has been years since my surgeries, I STILL baby my back as if I just had surgery. I do NOT do anything to strain my back. I DO NOT make any quick moves, lift anything heavy, over-extend my body bending or stretching, I exercise regularly.
4. I listen to my body and when I am having pain or discomfort, I rest. I do not push through the pain.
I hope this helps someone and I wish everyone good health and a painfree life!
Ronnie

REPLY
2 replies
lioness | @lioness | Oct 5, 2020
In reply to @grandmar "Hi All! For many years, I suffered from back pain and later on pain from my..." + (show)
@grandmar

Hi All!
For many years, I suffered from back pain and later on pain from my shoulder blade to my fingers. On the advice of my orthopedic surgeon, I went to see a pain management doctor.
I went to several pain management doctors for over 10 years. I went through so many different things in order to get relief. All sorts of shots, radio frequency, chiropractors, cupping, PT, etc. I did finally find a pain doc who was able to help me and for about 4 years, he would get me comfortable for about 3-4 weeks at a time. This was huge for me. However, after a few years, all his efforts stopped working. Against his advice, I decided I could not take it any more. I had no quality of life.
I researched and researched and decided to see a neurosurgeon. I decided to take my chances with surgery. After lots of tests, we found my spine to be a mess from top to bottom. The surgeon had to narrow down where to start. He decided on C5/6 and L3/4.
First, I had my discs at C5/6 replaced. The surgery went well (out patient) and the recovery was easy.
Six months later I had an X-LIFT FUSION on L3/4. That surgery went well, too, but recovery was HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! It took over 5 weeks for the horrible pain to subside. I hate pain killers so I only took them at night in order to sleep.
It's been about just over 3 years and I can happily say that the pain that I had is gone. I do sometimes need a shot on my cervical spine, but that is because there are still issues there, but not bad enough for me to want to get surgery.
The BIGGEST come away.....
1, I know many people who have gone through back surgery and said it failed. After conversations, I realized that it was not the surgery that failed, but the patient.
2. It takes approximately 18 months for 2 years for the internal healing to be COMPLETE.
3. Although it has been years since my surgeries, I STILL baby my back as if I just had surgery. I do NOT do anything to strain my back. I DO NOT make any quick moves, lift anything heavy, over-extend my body bending or stretching, I exercise regularly.
4. I listen to my body and when I am having pain or discomfort, I rest. I do not push through the pain.
I hope this helps someone and I wish everyone good health and a painfree life!
Ronnie

Jump to this post

@grandmar Hi Linda here I'm slo glad your fusion helped you with your back pain I remember how you suffered Happy for you

REPLY
1 reply
grandmaR | @grandmar | Oct 5, 2020
In reply to @lioness "@grandmar Hi Linda here I'm slo glad your fusion helped you with your back pain I..." + (show)
@lioness

@grandmar Hi Linda here I'm slo glad your fusion helped you with your back pain I remember how you suffered Happy for you

Jump to this post

Thank you Linda. I remember you, too!
Ronnei

REPLY
jfsherley | @jfsherley | Oct 5, 2020
In reply to @grandmar "Hi All! For many years, I suffered from back pain and later on pain from my..." + (show)
@grandmar

Hi All!
For many years, I suffered from back pain and later on pain from my shoulder blade to my fingers. On the advice of my orthopedic surgeon, I went to see a pain management doctor.
I went to several pain management doctors for over 10 years. I went through so many different things in order to get relief. All sorts of shots, radio frequency, chiropractors, cupping, PT, etc. I did finally find a pain doc who was able to help me and for about 4 years, he would get me comfortable for about 3-4 weeks at a time. This was huge for me. However, after a few years, all his efforts stopped working. Against his advice, I decided I could not take it any more. I had no quality of life.
I researched and researched and decided to see a neurosurgeon. I decided to take my chances with surgery. After lots of tests, we found my spine to be a mess from top to bottom. The surgeon had to narrow down where to start. He decided on C5/6 and L3/4.
First, I had my discs at C5/6 replaced. The surgery went well (out patient) and the recovery was easy.
Six months later I had an X-LIFT FUSION on L3/4. That surgery went well, too, but recovery was HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! It took over 5 weeks for the horrible pain to subside. I hate pain killers so I only took them at night in order to sleep.
It's been about just over 3 years and I can happily say that the pain that I had is gone. I do sometimes need a shot on my cervical spine, but that is because there are still issues there, but not bad enough for me to want to get surgery.
The BIGGEST come away.....
1, I know many people who have gone through back surgery and said it failed. After conversations, I realized that it was not the surgery that failed, but the patient.
2. It takes approximately 18 months for 2 years for the internal healing to be COMPLETE.
3. Although it has been years since my surgeries, I STILL baby my back as if I just had surgery. I do NOT do anything to strain my back. I DO NOT make any quick moves, lift anything heavy, over-extend my body bending or stretching, I exercise regularly.
4. I listen to my body and when I am having pain or discomfort, I rest. I do not push through the pain.
I hope this helps someone and I wish everyone good health and a painfree life!
Ronnie

Jump to this post

I had Vertiflex surgery at pain clinic a month ago for stenosis the incision was only 1 inch long but I still have nerve pain at the incision... I’m 75 yrs old and I’m wondering if a small incision is it normal to still be hurting after surgery for it’s not severe but just a dull pain and my back is really weak so my question is this normal ?

REPLY
2 replies
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.