Has anyone had a second fusion? Can a second fusion even be done? I feel really stupid asking this as I have had a diskectomy and a fusion at L5-S1 and should know this stuff. I had a diskectomy in August 2001 and a fusion in April 2002 and still have such major pain and no feeling in my left leg below the knee. I know I have nerve damage and that is the cause of the "dead leg", but am still concerned about the pain. I have been without medical insurance for the past year and Thank God finally got approved for my medical and disability today. I would just like to know before I make a fool of myself at the doctor if a second fusion can be done or not and if so........what has been outcomes for anyone that has had it done. Thanks, Tammy

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Thanks for answering me. I feel like I should know all there is to know about backs and spines, but everyday I have a new question. Before I lost my medical insurance, my doctor suggested doing another surgery because of small cracks (he called it spider cracks) around the screws that were put in my verterbrae. In my last MRI, I had some collapse and nerve impingement. For the last year, I have used my local ER for pain management because I had no income and no medical insurance. The ER doctors have told me that over the past year, I have gotten progressively weaker but basically did nothing but prescribe pain pills and muscle relaxers. Now that I have my medical benefits I am going to be able to go to a doctor, but will not be able to go to the doctor that did my 2 previous surgeries because he doesn't take medicare. I am praying that a second fusion is not required. I had a hard time recovering after the first one. Thankfully I have a huge support group in my family. I live with my mother and my 2 sons live with us. Between the three of them I will most likely never be at home alone and if by some chance I am.........I have 5 sisters and a massive amount of neices and nephews that will take turns sitting with me. I was never allowed to do physical therapy except for aqua therapy. I have a swimming pool and was able to use it during the summer months and access to the YMCA indoor pool during the winter. My previous doctor is setting up an appointment with another doctor that will accept medicare so I guess I will know soon enough what is going to happen. It sure does help to be able to vent to someone that knows what is going on with me though. I hit the message boards and no longer feel alone. Thanks again for the reply. Tammy

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FYI I recently read that Medicare won't pay for BMP. Back to the dark ages.
fly

Quietcook, No I am not able to swim. I walk around in the pool. The doctor says that walking in the pool is low impact walking and less stress on my back. My last surgery was in April 2002. I depended on a cane for over a year to get around, but weaned myself off of it and taught myself to walk (even with the dead foot). I still use my cane if I am going to walk thru the mall or on uneven terrain, but in the house I can pretty much get around with no cane. You learn all kinds of things after back surgery. I no longer wear shoes that I can't just slip on. I bought backless tennis shoes that don't tie and slide on sandles for the summer. After all the surgeries you have had, I feel kind of whiney. I try to not complain alot but it is hard to keep silent when your in pain. Anyway, thanks for the reply and I will definately make sure that I am satisfied with a doctor before I commit myself to using him/her.

Keep smiling!!
Tammy

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I asked my Doc before my surgery and he said if the fusion was to fail for any reason, yes it can be done. Also I wanted a Disk Replacement, but he said it is too new. However when it proves itself, the fusion can be switched over to a Disk Replacement.

Stardust