Constant Post-Op Pain After Lumbar Fusion Surgery

I had the same spinal fusion. Recovery was supposed to be one year. After 11 years, I’m on Norco in the 11th year after. The pain just got worse year after year. Thank God for Norco. Without it, I couldn’t live alone and do at least half the thing I use to do. I miss traveling and going for long walks.

@linda6101 You went to wrong Doctor. Mines been in place since 2000 and never a bit pain the way it was done But you need to follow rules and do PT or muscles never heal right. Has lower spine completely rebuilt using my own genes.

Go to an MFR therapist for an evaluation. I found one that wasn’t too expensive that I pay for on my own and I’ve been seeing him for a year and a half. Down from three times a month to one times a month and this month I might be skipping. They will tell you if it’s your bones or your muscles or what the deal is.

@raymond111deluca I definitely think it is out of line to tell her she went to the wrong doctor! You don’t know her situation you were just reading a sound bite. And you don’t know her doctor it is possible, but it may be probable that she needs to go back to her doctor and find out what the pain is from. I have the most amazing surgeon that took 20 years to find. When he was done with my lumbar fusion surgery, I was still in some pain. But I got my life back. My nerves were damaged permanently. He did not do that. The stupid neurosurgeon who wouldn’t do surgery did that. Also, my damaged tailbone for which no one is willing to do surgery. A lot of times people here don’t isolate what their pain is from. All of my pain has not gone away with all of my many surgeries, but there are definite reasons for that. Some of the doctors were bad and some of them were fantastic. But the problem is is that people here are not getting sufficient attention to diagnose where their pain is actually coming from.

@raymond111deluca That may be the case. I went to a hospital that is big in trauma patients, not orthopedics. I regret that. I now changed to an orthopedic hospital which suppose to be one of the best in Chicago. I work with a 5 star pain specialist who tried 10 procedures including the spinal stimulator that did not help. I’ve been through tons of physical therapy, including water therapy. Still on pain meds. Any suggestions other than what I’ve already done? I know my primary doctor wants me to drop 20 lbs.

I have spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease, also sciatica. I had a laminectomy to open up my spinal canal. I couldn’t walk at all after that and had to go to in patient rehab for 2 weeks. I filed a complaint against him. I really think that losing weight would be helpful. Tried Wegovy and couldn’t handle the side affects. I’m trying to get my insurance to cover Zepbound. Time will tell.

Venture into the Medtronics Pain Pump arena this week, crazy or not? I have spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease lumbar 2 to 5, four laminectomies in my life time. Can sit all day, but standing and walking is out of the question, severe pain. My stenosis has also led to neuropathy, right leg worst than left leg. My balance is not good and never forget my cane when standing or trying to walk. Fallen, oh yes many times and try and protect that head as Eliquis and head injuries are not a good marriage. So with the inability to walk any distance due to pain and standing, my Doctor has suggested the Medtronics. Can you tell me if this has been successful for those Medtronics implant persons? Getting out more often would be nice.

@linda6101 Thank you for replying, Linda. I'm sorry to hear about the pain you are in. This is going on 3 years since my back/side issue started, and I keep looking for anyone that has any idea what could be happening. Keep reading, watching, and asking as much as you can. This is how I have found many of the doctors I've seen.

@loriesco Hello Lorie, thank you very much. I have heard one doctor mention MFR, (he is a DO), after I saw him right after my surgery for an issue most likely caused by the catheter. This doctor had seen me for less than 5 minutes and told me everything I had learned about my body over the past two years. I have scoliosis (right-hand C-curve) and a twist in my spine, and my right hip sits higher than the left. He saw all of this as I was standing there fully clothed, so that was very impressive. If there is no change after another week from the epidural, I will be contacting this DO regarding MFR.

@marcd2k I have exactly the same! The MFR person will straighten you out. He will relax the muscles pulling/tugging attaching to your misaligned spine. You might need to try a few. I pay out of my pocket because the guy is really good. Your muscles glue together and they must be unglued to stop pulling. Sometimes the pulling on the lower back effects the muscles opposite the spine in the shoulder blade area.
The epidural is okay but this is a BETTER solution because it will really get your body into better shape and you can be more active again. good luck. Go for a while! I always say it's a painful massage!