I contracted a nasty rare bacteria during my discogram in 6-02. I had emergency suegery in 12-02 to remove infected disc ( L-3-4 ) that was a good disc before procedure. Doc did anterior discetomy and fusion with some debridement for infection, My original problems were at L-4-5 and L-5-S-1. 9 mo. and no fusion, infection still presentand now doc wants to do posterior surgery to remove more infectioedarea but won't address my herniated ,torn discs at 2 lower levels, to top this all off , my PM doc is lowering my pain meds significantly from 140mg of methadone to 90mg in 3 mo. He also discontinued my BTmeds, I feel like I am dying here. I finally got my discogram results to show him, and if he doesn't fix all 3 discs ,I am not agreeing to more surgery!!!!. What I really need to know is what antibiotic will kill osteomyelitis bacteria(gemella haemolysans). Has anyone had to deal with this all. It has been 13 mo. since I contracted infection and I am at the end of my rope, Can anyone help me out here ??? THANKS AND GOD BLESS,

------------------
Rick

Hi, I don't have any real answers, but it makes sense that the doctor doesn't want to start working on other areas of your spine until the infected area is cleared up. Because if it isn't first then any other areas of the back operated on it could also become infected.
When there's infection in the body, it doesn't stay in one place.
Infection will grow in any area where there has been some damage to cells, like it is in an area after surgery. It would be crazy to do surgery on another area with that infection in your body.

I pray you get some relief from your pain. I don't know if you are currently using an icepack, but I know you can use it all day long, if you have to. It may be mild relief, but some is better than none.

As for the doctor who wants to lower your pain med. I hope he gives you another alternative medication. I know methedone is habit forming. That's probably why they want to lower it. You should at least know why they want to lower it.
I sure wish doctors would do a better job on telling their patients why they are doing what they are doing. So much confusion could be avoided if only they would speak. Hope you see better days. Ricebird

Hello Rick,

I had never heard of Osteomyelitis until I read your post. I then researched this bacteria on the web. From what I read you must have chronic osteomyelitis since you have had it for 13 months. I really pray that your doctor finds and antibiotic that works for you. If anyone else has had this I hope that they post any information they may have.

I can certainly understand why your doctor only wants to work on infected areas. What I don't understand is how you got this from a discogram. I also hope that you do not have diabetes as that could be a problem. I am so sorry that I am unable to help you. However I am also a member of other message boards and I will ask around for you.

If you find the time could you please explain what your symptoms were prior to be diagnosed.

I am really praying for you.

Take Care.

------------------
Lumbar MRI 10/02
Lumbar Lordosis
L5-S1 disc herniation with moderate thecal sac deformity.
L4-5 disc desiccation with bulge which results in mild thecal sac deformity and mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.
L2-3 disc desiccation with Schmorl’s nodule of L3.
Lumbar Epidural 1/30/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/12/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/26/03
Lumbar Discogram 5/23/03
Lumbar CatScan 5/23/03
Posterior Fusion & Infuse on L4,L5,S1 6/30/03
Cervical MRI 10/02
Loss of cervical lordosis with reversal of the curvature.
C4-5 and C6-7 disc bulges resulting in flattening of the ventral margin of the cord.
C5-6 there is a left foraminal herniation which results in moderate foraminal stenosis In addition, there is flattening of the ventral margin of the cord due to bulging disc.
Cervical Epidural 5/19/03

Rick:

I have never heard of that bacteria. Very strange. Have you gone to look for a second opinion? I really wish I could help you.
I am praying for you Rick. I hope they find the right antibiotic. I know what is like to be in pain. I also suffer of a herniated disc that makes me feel miserable. Slowly getting better but who really knows if will ever heal at all. You know what I mean? Take care Rick. Please let us know how you are doing.

Raiza
7 weeks post/op

[This message has been edited by Raiza (edited 08-29-2003).]

Hi. You should me seeing a specialist in infectious diseases. Your spine surgeon should not be trying to treat this himself. Insist on going to an infectious disease specialist.

------------------
Each and everyday you have the opportunity to Choose Your Attitude. Choose wisely.
************************
Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis for 26 years, recently progressed to Grade II
With marked canal and foraminal stenosis and severe compression of L5 Nerve root.
Scheduled for L5/S1 360 degree fusion on 9/8
DDD and bone spurs T11-S1
Herniated C3-C4
Disk/spur complex C4-C5
Significant bone spurs C5-C6
Can anyone say "just give me a whole new spine!"

Thanks to all who responded, First I contracted rrare bacteria from needles used for test and it was done in shared outpatient GI lab. Colonostomys done in next room while he is sticking needles in my back. Second I have had an infectious disease doc from getgo. I have been thru all 3 docs in practice and I still have them stumped, they claim there is not much info on this rare bacteria, Did I mention that my doc just got home from Africa for the second time in one month. Who knows what he brought back!!!! I guess the bottom line is that I ha ve to get cut again and wait for infection to clear before other 2 lower discs can be fixed. It sucks going thru surgery knowing that when it is all over I still have intense pain from 2 bad discs. Surgery might reduce pain a little but it sucks knowing I am still gonna hurt all the time, Can you see my point? Thanks and God Bless

------------------
Rick

Rick
I'm so sorry that all this has happened to you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif I will pray that you find relief and soon. Hopefully you can find an antiboitic that will beat this infection.

A co-worker of mine had a fusion last year and he told me when they did his discogram they actually injected antibotics into him during the procedure just to be safe. I don't know if this is standard practice or not.

Katt

------------------
4/02 started having mid/low back spasms when sitting down - no health ins
8/03 started seeing chiropractor w/o ins - felt improvement
4/03 developed Sciatica down both legs
6/03 finally changed jobs to get ins!!
waiting to see primary dr 9/03 to see what is wrong