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Recent L5-S1 fusion
Diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis about 30 years ago. Didn’t cause me much pain except for the yearly episodes of throwing my back out and being laid up for a week or so. But 2 years ago morphed into pretty much constant pain, especially when sitting.
Doctor finally recommended surgical fusion option and I had the procedure done 9 days ago. According to him it went well and he is optimistic on the ultimate outcome. I am fairly mobile, doing about 90 minutes of walking each day, but by the end of the day, when it’s time to go to bed, the pain becomes almost unbearable without meds. During the day there is pain, but it’s quite manageable. Why does it peak at night? Am I doing too much during the day perhaps? Or some other reason? I do not take pain medication during the day, but do have to resort to a pill at night.
Overall what does recovery from surgery look like, how long might it take for that whole area to calm down so that most of the pain is gone, even though it will be 3-6 months for the bone to grow? This recovery is not like any I have experienced before, meaning it feels plateaued where I don’t have marked improvement on a day to day basis, but rather plateaus followed by slight improvement. Is that normal.
I know my doctor should answer these questions, but while a highly respected surgeon he seems to have no time for these types of queries.
Thanks
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@suerc Yes for steroids you can only have 3steriods are also if to many on your kidneys Right now I'm suffering from L5S1sacrelosation they are fused by themselves I ask my pain Dr to give me more pain medication he will if you tell him you don't want steroids he can give you something else where it's every 6weeks I go or sooner of needed I opt out of surgery
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1 Reactionthey wont give me to many but I have SI Joint pain ESI injectiond into my L4 as I shattered my spine in a boating accident 3 yrs ago. My rt leg goes numb and down to my knee. When teh disc at L4 I get those symptoms. I have terrible tailbone pain , and terrible back anf get RF's ecery 6 mo. and also for my neck. as I had spinal stenosis and did a fussion there . I feel like a human pin cussion. but so much better after injections. But still have tailbone pain when sitting.Bummer
What did they give you ? And can the do that before you have a problem from injections. I am so afraid to have surgery. No I should say I don't want surgery.
If you can forgo getting more steroid shots I'd stay with meds. As you know the steroids do very bad things to your bones, kidney arteries, etc. Yes it works to a point but is the long term effects worth it? I opted to stay with my 1992 L5-S1 SS bar fusion vs. removing it all and putting in new titanium. I have chronic pain controlled with buprenorphine, oxocodone 5/325mg, baclofen and medical marijuana. Thankfully except for high BP I'm relatively healthy.
@enatsky Thank you for your reply I decided to see a acupunture so have an appointment @3.:30 Fr different people they have been very pleased with the results I have osteoporosis also so am very worried about my prognosis
I won't take steroids again .
Thank you for sharing the benefit of your experience. My question is how to see a neurosurgeon? There is a 3 month wait here and Mayo refused my application for an appointment. As a result, I am in continual pain and without a diagnosis for months.
I was injured in 1988, had surgery 1992, only Medicare disability until 1996 when I returned to work, but not as a nurse any longer. I probably didn't do enough continuous PT over the years and now I have spinal OA with bilateral peripheral neuropathy. I had your same diagnosis plus I had fallen down stairs and fractures L5 too leading to surgery. The fact that you're not even 3 months postop and walking well is great. But you need to rest during the day and allow your body to regenerate after you exercise. I cannot make it without laying down in the afternoon otherwise my back just gives out. Now that you've gotten your back fixed you need a good HEP to carry you though the rest of your life. You're a candidate for OA due to the back problem so treat yourself well and good luck.
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1 ReactionYou indicated Mayo refused your application. I presume you didn't have enough preliminary testing done first? The site coordinator might be able to assist you with what is needed if that is still an issue.
Thank you for checking in with me. I have gone from a healthy active life as a professor in April to being unable to sit or walk more than a short distance. In June, I applied to be seen by Mayo Neurology. After a phone interview followed by submission of my written responses to a questionnaire, Mayo decided my case was not complicated enough. In August, as my condition continued to worsen and still unable to obtain a diagnosis locally, I visited the Mayo ER. I received a tentative diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. The ER doctor said that I needed additional lab work and to follow-up with Mayo Neurology, if my condition worsened. Since then, I am dramatically worse and had to take medical leave one month into the semester. About 3 weeks ago,, Mayo Neurology refused my application for a follow-up appointment. They have a referral from my local doctor and her office also called Neurology to try to get me seen. I was previously seen in Mayo Ophthalmology and thus am an established patient. I'm concerned about the potential for permanent nerve damage. Please help!
Pacer, there seems to be a disconnect in the communication. Since you are a patient of Mayo Clinic, I might suggest that you contact the Office of Patient Experience to discuss the denial from neurology.
Mayo Clinic Office of Patient Experience
Phone: 844-544-0036 (toll free)
Email: opx@mayo.edu
Find out which additional lab work you need to have done, if you haven't already. Be sure to convey how your situation has worsened since your visit to ER. Have as much documentation ready as you have available.