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Chronic pain and spinal fusion
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I am wondering if there is anyone out there has experienced what I am dealing with? In 2006 I had a spinal fusion from T2 through L4. Actually the fusion failed and after one year had to be repeated, this time using a bone morphosizing protein that ensured fusion. Like most who have endured a surgery like this I am left with chronic pain. I have through the years also developed quite a dowagers hump. The surgeon explained that my problem went up so high that she actually bent the rod a bit forward during surgery otherwise noting that I may become off balance. As the years have gone by this hump is looking more and more pronounced. I absolutely hate it and feel so ugly, can anything safely be done or does it involve another dangerous surgical procedure? As you can imagine the thought of more surgery is frightening to me. What complicates matters is I am on Warfarin (blood thinner) due to aortic valve repelacement in 2001. Any surgery for me is always more complicated.
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@brendakaye I've had three back surgeries. My first one was for a herniated disc at L5-S1. The second surgery was for fusions in the same place you are getting them. They put in rods at that time. The third surgery, which was in 2013 was to put a cage in above L-3. These three surgeries were probably over a 10 year period and started when I was 54 or 55. I had never had any type of surgery prior to this and had been in great health all my life. I have degenerative disc disease so I continue to live with back pain. I was scheduled for a surgery to have my SI Joint screwed to my pelvic bone. After going in for the pre-op, I called the next day and cancelled the surgery. I've decided I won't have it done until I can no longer walk. I don't use a cane or walker and the only thing I take for pain in Advil. I can't walk more than one block without having back pain or stand for any long periods. But recovery from the first surgery was "a piece of cake".... so much so that I didn't do what I was told and felt so good that I drove and went to a meeting just 10 days after surgery. I probably should not have and learned what not to do with my second and third back surgeries. Don't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for 6 weeks after surgery. Walking is the best thing you can do. I was able to go up steps after surgery. Just don't do any bending. I wore the back brace with my last surgery and I think it helped for the first month. But you also need to build up your muscle strength so I quit wearing the brace as soon as possible. The pain meds made me feel terrible so I quit taking them as soon as I could. I did have a muscle relaxer that helped with the spasms. Physical therapy is also key to your recovery. I started six weeks after surgery. Excuse my french.... but back pain is a bitch. That's the only way to explain it. I've lived with it for 15 years now and I still garden and attend our grandkids sporting events. I'm holding on to my husband when climbing the bleachers and have to take it easy, but I refuse to let it get the best of me. Think positive and listen to your doctors. Wishing you well and pain free in the days ahead.
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2 Reactions@grandmar Glad to hear from you and that its been 9 months since your X-Lift happy your out of pain now.
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2 Reactions@lioness
Thank you!
Yes, I couldn't be happier with the result from the surgery!!
It was a tough road, but worth it!
Ronnie
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2 ReactionsOh my goodness thank you so much for your input. I had the fusion done on L3-4 and 4-5. I have degenerated discs and spinal stenosis. Been in rehab 10 days now and going home tomorrow. Have to say the pain is excruciating at times. The pain meds help. I’m walking with a cane, inside, and a walker outside. Like you, my best advice is to take it slow. Listen to your doc and remember no BLT: bending lifting twisting. As I shared before, I’m diabetic and my bs #’s have gone through the roof, and bp dips. So I get tired real easy. As much pain as this has caused I’d do it again simply because the only other option was losing my ability to walk. Thanks again
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2 Reactions@brendakaye
Hi!
I am so happy that you are doing so well.
I had an X-Lift Fusion (I don't know if this is different) on L3-4 in October.
It took me 4 months to re-cooperate!
It was the worst pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
However, now I am pain free for the first time in over a decade.
I, too, would do it all over again!
I am glad you reminded everyone about BLT!
So many people will go right back to doing everything the way they did before surgery and then complain that the surgery was not a success.
I MY experience (I also had C5-6 replaced 6 months earlier) that once you have any kind of spine surgery, you have to CONTINUE to follow BLT!!!!!
Once you have back surgery, it takes at least a year for it to completely heal and even then, it might not be as strong as it once was.
BTW.....I am sure you know that it is not unusual for your BS and BP to go haywire when you are in pain and taking all sorts of meds. I hope the rehab is taking all that into consideration when giving you your meds.
I wish you continued luck in your healing.....
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
Being home is sure nice but there are always challenges to overcome. I’ve set my goal to walk 15 minutes a day, with help from hubby and walker. I also have a list of exercises to do to build strength in my legs and back. I can do those with not too much pain. But the core exercises for around my middle are at the moment unbearable . My one advice is to take it easy and don’t get depressed when you have to step back. It’s all part of healing. And each day do Something that helps in healing process.
Hi Ginger. I see your post was 2018. Did you have more back surgery? My husband had sever scoliosis, huge hump in upper back. His last rod would protrude out his back looking like it would come through his skin any moment
I e week ago dr Jeremy Fogelson fused his entire spine except for c1. He looks amazing
@clogue8 Dr. Jeremy Fogelson is my surgeon too. It sounds like your husband had a big surgery. Blessings to him for a good recovery. I was very impressed with Dr. Fogelson and what he did for me. You might enjoy this story.
https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/
when i was young, the "dowager's hump" was quite common, and most people with it wore a scarf in summer and a fur or fox in the winter, with one end hanging down the front and the other down the back. for me, the look of my dowager's hump is not nearly as bad as the pain and uncertainty of surgery