"Metal plate" sensation following lumbar fusion

Posted by abb123 @abb123, Jul 21 6:18am

Almost 5 months ago I had a L4-5 fusion due to leg/creeping saddle numbness. I'm a 70 yo woman with osteo. I've been on Forteo 10 months now. The surgery took care of the numbness, but I have developed a painful sensation about 3 inches above my fusion that feels like a metal plate when I lie down, cough, bend even the slightest, etc. I also am now developing chronic pain around my S1, likely due to the mechanical load it now has to carry. Has anyone experienced this "metal plate" sensation? My guess is it is the long thick muscles that now are somewhat anchored and unable to move naturally .

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jul 21 7:23am

What does your surgeon say about this?

Donna A. | @dadkins | Jul 22 7:30am

I am 62 (near 63) yo woman with RA, osteopenia, DDD, osteoarthritis, and Raynauds (those are the biggies). I am 14 months post L5/S1 fusion and had to have both SI joints fused at 5 months and 10 months thereafter. I have been complaining to my neuro that I have severe pain along the cage area, especially when I lay down. He has completely dismissed this complaint. I’ve said to all of my physicians that I believe I can feel the metal and it causes me pain. NO ONE, other than my family believes me.

I hear you. I believe you. I am very sorry, and I will pray for you because I am living it, as well!