I'm just curious how many people besides myself are still in pain after their spinal fusion. Had a L3,L4 & L5 done 3 yrs ago. Of course the original pain is gone, but talk about spasms, muscle aches, my hips, my legs, my everything hurts. Been going back and forth with pt for a few years. Seeing a psyiatrist (sp?) right now, I think he's at his wits end. Any comments? I just want to know if I'm the one and only, or if there is more. Thanks

I can relate to your pain-literally. I am 2 years post fusion and am in pain everyday dispite physcial therapy, injections, meds, you name it. When you go to the doc. they just look at you like you are crazy. For some reason if a doc can not see a clear problem on an xray then there simply isn't a problem. Good luck to you. :angel:

When my pain appeared to be the same, my spine specialist ordered new MRI's, etc and found that I had three more levels to collapse. Not always the case, but if your doc has not ordered new tests, you might consider inquiring about it being confirmed that you don't have new/additional problems. We cannot, and the doctor should not just assume that the pain, which appears no different than you had before is not something new. It simply can be.

Also, if your doc is a general ortho surgeon or general neuro surgeon in that they treat more than the spine, consider looking for a true spine specialist. That has proven to be a blessing for myself, and I would be paralyzed today instead of leading an active life after having 10 levels of my spine fused just 9 months ago. If you don't know how to locate a spine specialist, I have a thread you can locate with the advanced search on this board. The post is titled "how to locate a spine specialist in your area.

Not to say there may not always be some aches and pains, and yes I still have some, but they are quite manageable with non-narcotic meds and it allows me to maintain my home, my yard, and care for an ill parent. Could not do nearly all of that were it not for the skills of a spine specialist. Hope you can find the much needed relief from your pain very soon.

Best wishes for better days ahead.