Well, I moved up my 6 mo. follow up,because the pain now is worse than before the surgery. I had an MRI and an Xray done. The Xray shows no fusion at all and the MRI showed 2 air sacs (Which I am not quite sure what that means). My Orthosurgeon wants me to go to a pain center to see if they can find something that he may be missing. He said the pain could be from the failed fusion...but he doesn't want to state that and there be something else going on. He has also set me up to be fitted with a type of bone stimulator. So, I guess there is still hope that there could be a fusion in the future. Wouldn't that be nice:).

I've been trying to keep up with all of your situations...but it is hard to sit for more than 20 mins. at a time. So, I haven't been able to keep up with posting.

I hope you all have a good night sleep:yawn:

Lorie:angel:

Ah I'm so sorry - that's so frustrating. I hope a bone growth stimulator will help you see some long awaited results soon. :)

Hello Lorie-
Gosh, it is good to hear from you even if your news could be much better. I am so very sorry that your pain and discomfort are not any better. I hesitate to say it but it sure seems like maybe something is being missed. After all, your hardware should be providing a good bit of stability even if the fusion hasn't taken off - yet. But, really, I haven't a clue. Like you, I am having a rough time of it. Actually, I had 4 great days. Just great. I wasn't sick and my pain was no more than a 1 all day and maybe a 2 at night. Child's play! On Friday I started having a new, severe burning pain in my left posterior low rib area. At times I've wondered if I am having a stomach or intestinal problem, it gets so pervasive. But I suspect it is a muscle issue. The fun just never stops.
But Lorie, I wanted to tell you that I am so excited that your doc thinks there is a chance an EBGS (Electronic Bone Growth Stimulator) could still help at 5 months out. That gives us both hope. I have no fusion bone as yet, either. And I already have been doing the EBGS (4 hrs a day, faithfully). I was having loads of pain in my lumbar spine along with some nerve pain. I'm at 30 mg Oxy CR and 2700 mg Neurontin - both have been helping tremendously.
And by the way, I did a search on air sacs in MRIs but I got nothing. I'll ask at work tomorrow and see what I can dig up.
I am keeping an eye out for CXarol to see how she recovers from her fall. By gad, we're an unlucky bunch! And that about covers it for me tonight. Sitting isn't too good for this rib pain thing - whatever the cause. Take care - Suzy-Q

HI Lorie,
OMG I can't believe all the bad news on here lately. They didnt' see any growth on me till after 5mo. this past time and that was only on the CT becasue it was inside the cages in the center of my spine. Dont' be discouraged yet. I had the bone growth stimulator too, with all my surgeries. It's a great tool and I do think that it does help alot.

I do know for me, when my screws started to loosen with surgery #1, I started to get lots of pain. Even with the hardware, if there is not fusion to help stabilize the area the hardware does give a very little bit when you move, I hate to be negative, but the sooner you find the trouble you'll find pain relief. The loose screws did not show up on ANY films at all, CT, MRI or xray. Dr. had to go in to see it and he could wiggle them they were so bad.

I'm so sad that your in so much pain, I know how it feels, the disappointment is unreal when you hear those words failed fusion. I do hope & pray that your doc is wrong on this one and your just a slow fuser.

Please keep us update, I miss you on here too.

God Bless

Carol

Thank you guys so much for your encouragment. I am really looking forward to the bone stimulator--it gives me hope that this is not the end. I really hated to mention it...because I did not want to discourage or scare those who are about to have their surgeries, but I am glad I did. I had forgotten how much it means to have others who truly understand.

I am sorry for your problems as well. I hope we all have much bettr days ahead of us:)

Hugs and prayers,
Lorie:angel:

Lorie,
I hope the bone stimulator helps to move things along for you. I can understand how frustrated and upset you must feel after hearing that. I wish you only the best. cas

Hey Lorie:
I haven't been on the boards in a while (Hi Suzy, Carol and Caszy!) and I just read your story. I am so sorry to hear you are having a rough time and I hope the stimulator is an option for you and that it all works out. This must be so disappointing for you after going through such a big surgery. I am 5 months post-op too (doc says I fused) but I am still hurting most days. My back is fine, but my legs and feet burn and ache and I am going to see the doc today and let him know. It's such a long haul for all of us and even though I haven't posted in some time, you're in my thoughts and good wishes.
Schragie