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"Metal plate" sensation post-lumbar fusion. Felt like this?

Posted by abb123 @abb123, Jul 21 6:18am

Almost 5 months ago I had a L4-5 fusion due to leg/creeping saddle numbness. I'm a 70 yo woman with osteo. I've been on Forteo 10 months now. The surgery took care of the numbness, but I have developed a painful sensation about 3 inches above my fusion that feels like a metal plate when I lie down, cough, bend even the slightest, etc. I also am now developing chronic pain around my S1, likely due to the mechanical load it now has to carry. Has anyone experienced this "metal plate" sensation? My guess is it is the long thick muscles that now are somewhat anchored and unable to move naturally .

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | 2 days ago

Navigating the administrative crap patients are required to deal with keeps us on our toes. In the U.S. administrative costs are responsible for 75% of every healthcare dollar spent. It’s a major burden for all providers. It’s a shame that a talented physician’s attitude can get in the way of their ability to provide care. Glad you were able to find an alternate treatment team.

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ladyaceintx1 | @ladyaceintx1 | 8 hours ago
In reply to @abb123 "@ladyaceintx1 Thanks for your reply. I'm trying to picture a metal bookend that would feel good..." + (show)
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@ladyaceintx1 Thanks for your reply. I'm trying to picture a metal bookend that would feel good ....! Could you post a photo ? But I do find a lumbar roll is helpful in the car. I am pretty thin and petite also and I do wonder if our body types might be more sensitive to our spines feeling differently. I was just finally approved to start PT ( 5 1/2 months out ) , and my surgeon is hopeful that will help things along.

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@abb123 I'm working on designing a prototype of this device I mentioned. Will let you know when I get it perfected. Glad to hear you're headed to therapy and hope it helps. I'm so happy that in general my back pain was healed with the surgery. I just wish it wasn't so difficult to get comfortable especially when I'm trying to go to sleep at night.
Let us know how your therapy goes.

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Donna A. | @dadkins | 3 hours ago
In reply to @gravity3 "What does your surgeon say about this?" + (show)
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What does your surgeon say about this?

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@gravity3

She is concentrating on my nerve pain in my left leg and right hip to my knee right now. We are in the early stages of cage removal but we want to see if the spinal cord stimulator implant works. I am having the Evoke stimulator implanted with paddles. I am scheduled for the implant surgery on 10/7/26. She has also diagnosed me with allodinia at the fusion site-I’m not sure if that’s relevant.

I will update after my surgery recovery. Prayers to all!

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