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Chronic pain and spinal fusion
Spine Health | Last Active: Apr 4, 2023 | Replies (173)Comment receiving replies
Hi All, I'm a newby to the forum. I had a fusion in 2014, and although it helped with one really big problem, it didn't help with a lot of other pain issues. I am very frustrated with my situation, although I'm sure there are some who have it a lot harder than I. I have wondered if the fusion hasn't created a muscular problem...seems as though the muscles in my lower back (fusion area) are always in ball and won't let go. Has anyone else experienced this? I am also (of course) on pain meds and I am just at the end of my rope with THAT whole "ball and chain". I feel very trapped with the whole mess! I would love to get rid of the pain meds and I think I'm going to taper and see if I don't feel better. I've heard that plenty of the pain is cause by the pain meds ( or caused by the reduction of meds, and the nerves coming back to life), but once you've reduced or stopped, the pain is not as bad as when one was ON the pain meds. Anyway, I just wanted to write a little something to encourage myself to talk about it, which is another problem I have...I don't talk about any of it, and I really should! It is hard to talk about it with people who don't KNOW about it, so, here I am! Ha! I am looking forward to returning to this forum and meeting more people who understand what it's like to struggle with this mess! Take care, 😀
Replies to "Hi All, I'm a newby to the forum. I had a fusion in 2014, and although..."
@hopoekeeper
Welcome!
I have not had a fusion as you described, but I am having one on Monday.
I had 2 discs replaced in my cervical spine in February.
When I had the disc replacement, the neurosurgeon informed me that when doing a fusion, the weight of it causes a domino affect and additional surgery on lower discs WILL be needed.
Sadly, this is not available for lumbar surgery.
I have also been told that there could be permanent nerve damage (or temporary), new pain in the thigh, weakening.
The result can suck, but I am willing to take the chance.
Have you attempted to see another doctor to get someone to diagnose what is going on now?
You should!
You never know what can happen over time.
You need to find a doctor who will believe what you say and is willing to work with you to find an answer.
I started to have an issue with my right foot.
When flat, I cannot rotate it and I cannot lift my toes.
My doctor says it presents like a person who has had trama done ot the spine.
I HAVE NOT.
I've taken 3 tests to try to find the answer.
When I took the 2nd test, he found something on the CAT scan that was not mentioned on the report.
He did not know if it was a tumor or cyst.
So, he sent me for an MRI with contrast.
Guess what? This time the person who read the test, found the spot the doctor saw in the previous test.
Thank God it was a cyst.
The point is, he believed my story and was willing to do something about it.
Now, he won't do any surgery on it, yet, because it is in my spinal canal.
It is very small and he won't watch it.
If the surgery does not work, I will be sent to another doctor for more testing.
In addition, the nurse practitioner suggest a brain scan. Brain? I wonder if they'll find it. lol
Anyway, don't give up.
Be your own advocate and find someone who can help you or at least is willing to give it a try!
Here's to a pain free day!
Ronnie
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@hopekeeper, what a great introduction, welcome to Connect. I have entirely different reasons for my chronic pain, but have also had major joint surgeries and continued pain. I also talk about it sparingly. I know my family and friends care, but I am also aware of the "zoned out" look you can sometimes get from them because they either can't understand or are possibly tired of hearing it. It is a fine line to walk isn't it? Do you talk about it because it makes you feel better to get it out, even if it risks people "getting tired" of hearing it (whether they admit it or not)?
You have found a great place where members will not get tired of listening and where members do understand what you are going through. I look forward to seeing you participate in the discussions more!