1. < Spine Health

Has anyone had a failed spinal fusion?

Posted by denman55 @denman55, Nov 1 5:30am

I am almost 6-months post-op from having had a Lumber spinal fusion (L3-4-5). I am experiencing a lot of pain in my spine and across my lower back. I'm fearful that I may have the signs of a failed spinal fusion. I would like to hear from those who may have experienced this.

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sbraden1234 | @sbraden1234 | 5 days ago
In reply to @denman55 "I've never felt this bad in my entire life. I am now facing another surgery, in..." + (show)
@denman55

I've never felt this bad in my entire life. I am now facing another surgery, in January. This time my Neurosurgeon will do an XLIF procedure. He says that I have a new herniation at the L2 level, and I have loose screws at the L3 level. The SI joint pain that he said I had did not end up being SI joint pain per the Pain Management Physician who gave me 2 steroid injections directly into the joints with no relief. I continue to tell the Neurosurgeon where my pain is, pointing to the areas on my body directly in front of him, and it's like he just doesn't get it. Plus I have ribcage pain - he doesn't know what that is all about either. I have continued pain across my lower back (L) to (R). He says this XLIF procedure will reduce my pain. I'm not so sure to be honest. So now I will have to begin the recovery process all over again from Day 1. My greatest fear is that this just isn't going to end, and it's going to be one surgery after another and I still will be in pain -----

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I am so sorry, I feel very similar. Please keep us updated as you go through this next phase of trying to be pain free.

REPLY
nan2701 | @nan2701 | 2 days ago

I'm a 76yo female with degenerative disc disease. It involves the last three disc's.
The middle one is being crushed by the top and bottom ones and is pressing on the sciatic nerve in both legs with the left leg being much worse. I can't walk too far without being in a lot of pain. I'm on Gabapentin and Celebrix for pain and am waiting for an MRI which is in January 2025.
I won't know if or what can be done until after the MRI.
I'm diabetic and would be interested in hearing from those in my age bracket with diabetes on what was done to help you.

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