Hi- I hope this is the right place to post this. One year ago today I had spinal fusion surgery. The surgery itself was a success and the hardware is in the right place and healing. My problem is with nerve pain, at least that is what I am calling it. Prior to surgery I had sciatica and part of the surgery was to clear the spinal column to give the nerves time and space to regenerate.
One year later the pain continues. I have participated in physical therapy and aqua therapy but pain returns shortly after sessions. I have been released from both with advice to continue on my own.
My surgeon prescribed gabapentin and pregabalin because it helps some people with nerve pain. Did not work and only experienced some troubling side effects.
I saw a neurologist who did nerve conduction studies and found no permanent damage to the nerves.
I am now scheduled to see a specialist at the Johns Hopkins Blaustein Pain Center to see if there are additional treatments that might help.
Currently I walk with a cane, however I cannot walk for more than 5 minutes without having to find a place to sit down. I can’t stand without some kind of support for more than 5 minutes. I am still able to get around in terms of day to day activities but I get tired easily.
Some people on this site have had far more serious outcomes from surgery so I am not complaining. Just trying to find some way to increase my mobility and frame of mind. I feel like I am in a holding pattern right now and it is hard not to get depressed.
Thanks for listening and maybe someone out there can share some info that could be helpful.