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Justin, I'm not seeing how to join a group. I had L4/L5 fusion with cage, 2 rods and 4 screws. The 28-year pain was gone when I woke up, which was disc herniation against the nerve; and the 2-year pain was also gone, which was after more than 2 decades the fore part of the disc degenerated to nothing and I had bone on bone pain that would snap, crackle & pop just sitting. Getting up and moving got to be unbearable. Since the surgery, I've had a new pain on my right side which feels like it's in the muscle maybe being aggravated by a screw head (they aren't rounded). Then about 2-3 weeks ago, I think I bent and twisted at the same time while feeding my poultry and got a serrated-type weapon knife twisting feeling, so very sharp and deep. I'm wondering if my movement could have caused a screw to fracture a vertebrae, or it was just a severe ripping of my muscle. I don't understand how my muscle will ever not hurt with a screw head against it or a scar, which would also press on the muscle when I move. Right now, I can't hardly do anything, and I have had chronic fatigue, chronic migraines, and anxiety/panic attacks for many years, which makes it impossible for me to make appointments (like for PT), since my husband works so many hours.
I'm wondering who else has post-op pain and if it will ever cease? I read where a young action biker fell and had a serious back surgery and was complaining the hardware pain, and since his fusion otherwise took, the hardware was taken out after 3 months. I'm not young, though. I'm sure that I feeling a screw head or sharp end of a rod irritating my muscle and moving only hurts worse.
Thanks!
Replies to "Justin, I'm not seeing how to join a group. I had L4/L5 fusion with cage, 2..."
It has been a couple of years Since your post. How are you doing today?
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@mmader
Good morning!
I am so sorry you are having so much difficulty! I had two surgeries, one on my cervical spine and one on my lumbar spine. It is a miracle that after suffering from chronic pain 24/7, for over 10 years, that pain is gone.
When I had surgery on my lumbar, the doctor did something regarding the muscle on my thigh. For me, it was the left side. The pain was worse in the morning when I got up. It felt like spasms. Each morning started with me putting an ice pack on my thigh and groin area (for about an hour). I did not have any screws put in so I cannot address that. However, my doctor was VERY CLEAR that basically, I had to baby myself (my words, not his). No bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, over extending or sudden movements. All of these things can cause issues. Although it's been a year since the cervical surgery and about 7 months since the lumbar surgery, I do my best to continue to follow that advice.
You really do need to see your surgeon for another follow up. Each time I go for a follow up, I have an x-ray to make sure everything is still in place and healing correctly. It took me almost 4 months before all the pain went away. I do understand your situation, but it is important to see the doctor and start PT. The therapist will show you how to move so that you don't injure yourself. He/she will also help you to strengthen your core. I certainly don't want to spend your money, but can you take an Uber, get a friend to drive you or call the doctor and PT to explain your inability to drive or get a ride, they might be able to help you out.
Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)