purplefluffything
07-02-2002, 07:24 AM
Hi peeps,
Could anyone say weather i should still be in the same pain or worse Ten months after my fusion with rods screws and cages on the lower lumber area? I live on pain killers and muscle relaxers and can hardly do anything i did this time last year.I still use my cane to go out with i FEEL SO OLD!
It's just so many have different ideas about this, Most saying i should have some sort of relief now, I think even my consultant thinks that to.(i see him today)i will let you know what his opinion is.
Kind regards Purple xx
Could anyone say weather i should still be in the same pain or worse Ten months after my fusion with rods screws and cages on the lower lumber area? I live on pain killers and muscle relaxers and can hardly do anything i did this time last year.I still use my cane to go out with i FEEL SO OLD!
It's just so many have different ideas about this, Most saying i should have some sort of relief now, I think even my consultant thinks that to.(i see him today)i will let you know what his opinion is.
Kind regards Purple xx
Sponsor
davidc66
07-02-2002, 03:14 PM
Hi purple, The same thing happened to me. The addition of a dozen screws and 8 rods put me in worse shape than I was in before. I do know some docs remove the hardware at the one year period if it's giving a patient a hard time. Particularly women because they don't have the bone mass to support the pedicle screws.
I've met people it helped and I have met people it didn't. My fusion didn't take so it's the only thing holding my back together. Pain management has given me some of my life back. Not much, but at least I can get comfortable now.
One year is pretty much the standard time for fusions to be considered a success or not. It's also very hard to prove whether it's a success or not. Most docs rely on Xrays and if the hardware doesn't shift on flexion and extention they consider the fusion is solid. My first fusion was solid right up untill the hardware snapped.
If your surgeon is no longer comfy prescribing meds you really should look into pain management. You can learn useful stuff and some not so useful,LOL and some great docs and some not so. It does take some time to find a good doc and the best way to manage your pain.
Your pain does meet the requirements to be called chronic now. If they are unable to DX another pain generator the descriptive diagnosis is Post laminectomy syndrome, Failed back syndrome and failed fusion syndrome, They really just describe the problem more than a DX that can be cured, The pain can be treated with a good Pain Management doc though.
Did the surgery relieve your leg pain or other Neuro symptoms ? Mine did, just left me with crushing spine pain and a nice squeek and crunch when I walk.
As much as we need help with the physical pain, the mental baggage that comes with being disabled and loosing your former life and hopes and dreams also needs to be adressed.You will certainly find support here. Take care, David
I've met people it helped and I have met people it didn't. My fusion didn't take so it's the only thing holding my back together. Pain management has given me some of my life back. Not much, but at least I can get comfortable now.
One year is pretty much the standard time for fusions to be considered a success or not. It's also very hard to prove whether it's a success or not. Most docs rely on Xrays and if the hardware doesn't shift on flexion and extention they consider the fusion is solid. My first fusion was solid right up untill the hardware snapped.
If your surgeon is no longer comfy prescribing meds you really should look into pain management. You can learn useful stuff and some not so useful,LOL and some great docs and some not so. It does take some time to find a good doc and the best way to manage your pain.
Your pain does meet the requirements to be called chronic now. If they are unable to DX another pain generator the descriptive diagnosis is Post laminectomy syndrome, Failed back syndrome and failed fusion syndrome, They really just describe the problem more than a DX that can be cured, The pain can be treated with a good Pain Management doc though.
Did the surgery relieve your leg pain or other Neuro symptoms ? Mine did, just left me with crushing spine pain and a nice squeek and crunch when I walk.
As much as we need help with the physical pain, the mental baggage that comes with being disabled and loosing your former life and hopes and dreams also needs to be adressed.You will certainly find support here. Take care, David
purplefluffything
07-02-2002, 05:06 PM
Davy,
THANK YOU, You are a breath of fresh air.
My drs have perscribed painmagment but no appt untill 19 Aug and that is meant to be Urgent! I also have to go through Caudal injection, if i get no relief from that, I then have an impending MRI. 16th Dec, NHS,Typical waiting list for you, I did read your post RE: private but I to am on benifits three teenage childeren, just cannot stretch..
The op did not take my sciatica away, It is worse sometimes, But like you say my back is a killer, The only way to describe - is i would like it cored out and start again! NO proper sleep for the past year.
Please Davy COULD YOU GIVE ME INFO ON WHAT TO EXPECT IN P/M I know i will be having more pyhsio, God give me strength.. :mad:
TA! for now..
Love Purple xx
THANK YOU, You are a breath of fresh air.
My drs have perscribed painmagment but no appt untill 19 Aug and that is meant to be Urgent! I also have to go through Caudal injection, if i get no relief from that, I then have an impending MRI. 16th Dec, NHS,Typical waiting list for you, I did read your post RE: private but I to am on benifits three teenage childeren, just cannot stretch..
The op did not take my sciatica away, It is worse sometimes, But like you say my back is a killer, The only way to describe - is i would like it cored out and start again! NO proper sleep for the past year.
Please Davy COULD YOU GIVE ME INFO ON WHAT TO EXPECT IN P/M I know i will be having more pyhsio, God give me strength.. :mad:
TA! for now..
Love Purple xx
Michael Hurts A Lot
07-05-2002, 12:08 AM
As is common with many spinal problems that are corrected with surgery. The surgery corrects the bone/structure problem and prevents FURTHER damage to the nervous system. However, if you suffered permanent nerve damage before surgery - that pain may last forever. I believe the time they give for nerve problems is 3 months - if you have constant pain for 3 months before surgery, there is a very high chance that you suffered permanent nerve damage.
**kylie**
07-05-2002, 02:42 AM
M-h-al
Thanks! for the info at least i now have some knowledge i can put to the dcs, Yes i had pain a lot longer than three months before surgery so what you say makes sense..
CHEERS!
PURPLE XX
Thanks! for the info at least i now have some knowledge i can put to the dcs, Yes i had pain a lot longer than three months before surgery so what you say makes sense..
CHEERS!
PURPLE XX
purplefluffything
07-05-2002, 12:03 PM
M-H-AL,
the post from KYLIE IS REALLY ME, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif my daughter joined the board and our user names caused a bit of a mix up .
So don,t worry it was not some srange woman posting to you :p
KIND REGARDS purple xx
the post from KYLIE IS REALLY ME, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif my daughter joined the board and our user names caused a bit of a mix up .
So don,t worry it was not some srange woman posting to you :p
KIND REGARDS purple xx
davidc66
07-05-2002, 12:51 PM
Hey Purple, There are docs that specialize in PM that may work out of their own office or through a PM clinic. The goal of PM is to improve funtion and to help you deal with the pain. A 50%-70% reduction in pain is usally the best they can offer or the most you can hope for. Very few CP patients get 100% relief unles they are medicated to the point of being non functional.
Most climics use a multi disciplinary aproach. If you go to a clinic-PM program, You would likely learn some form of relaxation technique like self hypnosis or Bio feedback. They would likely include PT along with counseling. They would likely make medication adjustments but there are basically 2 camps of philosophy.
Pro long acting opiates and the school of thought that pain can be managed without opiates when the right methods are learned. Could be a stretching, excercise, relaxation techniques, yoga,etc. and the use of anti depressants or anti convulsants for nerve pain.
Some clinics and docs also do nerve blocks, trigger point inj. steroid inj, There are plenty of modalities to treat pain it's more of matter of weeding out what works for you.
There are many PM docs that never prescribe opiates, thinking the negative aspects outweigh the positive. Then there are docs that simply do medication management with long acting pain killers like OxyContin,MScontin,methadone or the Duragesic patches.In Canada, You also have long acting Dilaudid and Codeine
A PM doc may be an anesthesiologist, neurologist,physiatrist,physciatrist,int ernal medecine. I'm probably forgeting a speciality but their background usually is something that somehow gives them some specialized knowledge or training. Some call them selves pain interventionalists, They most likely rely on some type of nerve block or injections to manage acute symptoms. .
Obviously not everyonne that has pain will need long acting morphine. However when PM docs do prescribe pain meds they prefer to use the long acting ones I mentioned. The potential for abuse and addiction is believed to be lessoned without the boost that short acting meds have.
Some doc believe in breakthrough pain meds, which means giving the patient some sort of short acting opiate to deal with pain that breaks through the base dose of long acting meds. The idea with long acting meds is that it's easier to keep pain in check than it is to bring really high levels down. You also have docs that will give long acting meds but not BT meds thinking we don't have the will power to strictly use it as needed or they think the base med should cover all pain if dosed correctly.
It's really hard to predict what any docs philosophy will be before meeting with the doc. You can always call ahead and ask if the doc ever uses long acting meds when other modalities fail. Most PM docs that won't prescribe have no problem telling you upfront. I do think it's important to try and learn some other ways to deal with pain before jumping into the long acting opiates. There is no way to prevent becoming physically dependent on the opiates, it's the nature of the beast.
Dependence doesn't mean addiction though. Addiction includes a psych component for using meds where dependence just means you will experience withdrawal if you discontinue abruptly. They must be tapered off to prevent withdrawal. Diabetics are dependent on insulin.
Here is a link to a really good article from a pro opiate PM doc. It's certainly worth reading. Good luck, David
Part 1 http://www.hosppract.com/issues/2000/07/brook.htm
Part 2 http://www.hosppract.com/issues/2000/09/brook.htm
[This message has been edited by davidc66 (edited 07-05-2002).]
Most climics use a multi disciplinary aproach. If you go to a clinic-PM program, You would likely learn some form of relaxation technique like self hypnosis or Bio feedback. They would likely include PT along with counseling. They would likely make medication adjustments but there are basically 2 camps of philosophy.
Pro long acting opiates and the school of thought that pain can be managed without opiates when the right methods are learned. Could be a stretching, excercise, relaxation techniques, yoga,etc. and the use of anti depressants or anti convulsants for nerve pain.
Some clinics and docs also do nerve blocks, trigger point inj. steroid inj, There are plenty of modalities to treat pain it's more of matter of weeding out what works for you.
There are many PM docs that never prescribe opiates, thinking the negative aspects outweigh the positive. Then there are docs that simply do medication management with long acting pain killers like OxyContin,MScontin,methadone or the Duragesic patches.In Canada, You also have long acting Dilaudid and Codeine
A PM doc may be an anesthesiologist, neurologist,physiatrist,physciatrist,int ernal medecine. I'm probably forgeting a speciality but their background usually is something that somehow gives them some specialized knowledge or training. Some call them selves pain interventionalists, They most likely rely on some type of nerve block or injections to manage acute symptoms. .
Obviously not everyonne that has pain will need long acting morphine. However when PM docs do prescribe pain meds they prefer to use the long acting ones I mentioned. The potential for abuse and addiction is believed to be lessoned without the boost that short acting meds have.
Some doc believe in breakthrough pain meds, which means giving the patient some sort of short acting opiate to deal with pain that breaks through the base dose of long acting meds. The idea with long acting meds is that it's easier to keep pain in check than it is to bring really high levels down. You also have docs that will give long acting meds but not BT meds thinking we don't have the will power to strictly use it as needed or they think the base med should cover all pain if dosed correctly.
It's really hard to predict what any docs philosophy will be before meeting with the doc. You can always call ahead and ask if the doc ever uses long acting meds when other modalities fail. Most PM docs that won't prescribe have no problem telling you upfront. I do think it's important to try and learn some other ways to deal with pain before jumping into the long acting opiates. There is no way to prevent becoming physically dependent on the opiates, it's the nature of the beast.
Dependence doesn't mean addiction though. Addiction includes a psych component for using meds where dependence just means you will experience withdrawal if you discontinue abruptly. They must be tapered off to prevent withdrawal. Diabetics are dependent on insulin.
Here is a link to a really good article from a pro opiate PM doc. It's certainly worth reading. Good luck, David
Part 1 http://www.hosppract.com/issues/2000/07/brook.htm
Part 2 http://www.hosppract.com/issues/2000/09/brook.htm
[This message has been edited by davidc66 (edited 07-05-2002).]
purplefluffything
07-06-2002, 07:03 AM
Hi David,
Wow alot of info, I see this post last night(friday) but could not reply as had one to many pain killers with one to many drinks oops! And needless to say i could not concentrate.
I have an appt to see pain management 26th july i think they are going to try this pilates stuff :( Not that keen and then on 9th August i have a Caudal injection block, Have you any info on this, I have had A FACET BLOCK IS IT THE SAME PROCEDURE? All i do know is i am to go in as a day patient.
The meds i'm currently taking are Diazapam,which i take if i wake up in pain early hours in the morning, Diclofenac but am now trying Celebrex and Dihydrocodeine which blow my mind..
Thanks again David for you support and advice.
Love purple xx :wave:
Wow alot of info, I see this post last night(friday) but could not reply as had one to many pain killers with one to many drinks oops! And needless to say i could not concentrate.
I have an appt to see pain management 26th july i think they are going to try this pilates stuff :( Not that keen and then on 9th August i have a Caudal injection block, Have you any info on this, I have had A FACET BLOCK IS IT THE SAME PROCEDURE? All i do know is i am to go in as a day patient.
The meds i'm currently taking are Diazapam,which i take if i wake up in pain early hours in the morning, Diclofenac but am now trying Celebrex and Dihydrocodeine which blow my mind..
Thanks again David for you support and advice.
Love purple xx :wave:
FREDO
07-06-2002, 10:52 AM
Hi Purple,
Be Happy if you can be treated with good results with the DHC, as its the least powerfull narc out there. Which means your current pain levels can be treated more favorably, with less dependance issues. [Trust me, this is a good thing :D] Also, if you drink
booze on some of the stronger narcs, as the docs told me - one morning you just won't wake up - ever.
David has given you excellant advice/knowledge [as usuall Dude] perhaps he has knowledge of the caudal blocks, I have had three series of EPI's, so if those are offered, I can help, but I have'nt had the other nerve blocks/ablations.
I would really recommend giving up the booze purple [as much as my Irish*** hated to give up the Jimmy, I did] as your condition becomes more long-term, and if you follow the DDD syndrome - you will inevitably run into more disc/facet problems, and the pain meds you take today, won't help much down the road and are usually raised - at which point - if the booze combo hasn't already put you in a coma/killed you, your chances of achieving nirvana increase dramatically. I am not trying to scare you into compliance - just giving you reality - it stinks!
Hoping for the best for you,
Later :wave:
PS-David-Any news on the pump trial? Meds considered?
Take care Dude :D
------------------
FREDO
Be Happy if you can be treated with good results with the DHC, as its the least powerfull narc out there. Which means your current pain levels can be treated more favorably, with less dependance issues. [Trust me, this is a good thing :D] Also, if you drink
booze on some of the stronger narcs, as the docs told me - one morning you just won't wake up - ever.
David has given you excellant advice/knowledge [as usuall Dude] perhaps he has knowledge of the caudal blocks, I have had three series of EPI's, so if those are offered, I can help, but I have'nt had the other nerve blocks/ablations.
I would really recommend giving up the booze purple [as much as my Irish*** hated to give up the Jimmy, I did] as your condition becomes more long-term, and if you follow the DDD syndrome - you will inevitably run into more disc/facet problems, and the pain meds you take today, won't help much down the road and are usually raised - at which point - if the booze combo hasn't already put you in a coma/killed you, your chances of achieving nirvana increase dramatically. I am not trying to scare you into compliance - just giving you reality - it stinks!
Hoping for the best for you,
Later :wave:
PS-David-Any news on the pump trial? Meds considered?
Take care Dude :D
------------------
FREDO
purplefluffything
07-06-2002, 01:04 PM
Hi fredo,
Thanks for posting, my dc thinks that dhydrocodene might not agree with me as i'm allowed 6 of thses a day and i only have to take half and i cannot fuction properly allday.. I know that that this is what narcs do to you but when i had these two years ago i was fine could take them as perscribed but latley they make me very sick indeed.
I take your point about the DRINKING i will see what i can do about that it's just at the end part of the day when i have taken all my pain killers drink seems to help lots!!And all i have left.
Yes David is very imformative, I think i know what to expect re: the cauldal injection i had a date for it and i know it is going to be day surgery as that is already stated, i cringe the thought of the injection going into my op site as it is still very tender.. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bigcry.gif
Any more info or advice hard or soft :p: welcome.
Love purple xxx
Thanks for posting, my dc thinks that dhydrocodene might not agree with me as i'm allowed 6 of thses a day and i only have to take half and i cannot fuction properly allday.. I know that that this is what narcs do to you but when i had these two years ago i was fine could take them as perscribed but latley they make me very sick indeed.
I take your point about the DRINKING i will see what i can do about that it's just at the end part of the day when i have taken all my pain killers drink seems to help lots!!And all i have left.
Yes David is very imformative, I think i know what to expect re: the cauldal injection i had a date for it and i know it is going to be day surgery as that is already stated, i cringe the thought of the injection going into my op site as it is still very tender.. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bigcry.gif
Any more info or advice hard or soft :p: welcome.
Love purple xxx
davidc66
07-06-2002, 02:18 PM
Hey purple, A caudal injection is a descriptive term for where they place the needle while doing an epidural. Numbing agents and steroids are injected into the Cauda Equina area, this is the area just past the nerve root. In this area you actually have access to multiple nerves after they branch off the nerve root.So it'sore like a non selective block.
They still go into the epidural space and the purpose is to reduce inflamation of nerves beyond the nerve root by bathing them in steroids or numbing agents. If the simply did a nerve root they would only treat one nerve, Hitting the caudal area will treat several nerves. Spending six hours on your back after fluroscopy guided injections will prevent a spinal headache from a fluid leak should they nick the dura during the injection. Caudal injections are just a fancy name for an epidural into the caudel space.
I understand wanting relief but there is no way to predict how much alcohol is safe so the only safe answer is no alcohol.
[This message has been edited by davidc66 (edited 07-06-2002).]
They still go into the epidural space and the purpose is to reduce inflamation of nerves beyond the nerve root by bathing them in steroids or numbing agents. If the simply did a nerve root they would only treat one nerve, Hitting the caudal area will treat several nerves. Spending six hours on your back after fluroscopy guided injections will prevent a spinal headache from a fluid leak should they nick the dura during the injection. Caudal injections are just a fancy name for an epidural into the caudel space.
I understand wanting relief but there is no way to predict how much alcohol is safe so the only safe answer is no alcohol.
[This message has been edited by davidc66 (edited 07-06-2002).]
purplefluffything
07-06-2002, 03:01 PM
David,
Hope you don't mind me asking it's probably a question that no one can answer, But here goes anyway..
You explained the cauldal really well to me, as i said i have had facet injections and i suppose that name is also fancy for epiduaral, If that one did not work on me what are the chances this one will.
Yours Sincerly Purple http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif
Hope you don't mind me asking it's probably a question that no one can answer, But here goes anyway..
You explained the cauldal really well to me, as i said i have had facet injections and i suppose that name is also fancy for epiduaral, If that one did not work on me what are the chances this one will.
Yours Sincerly Purple http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif
FREDO
07-07-2002, 02:04 AM
Hey Purple, I'm not David, but...
Right now, they have assigned you to pain management, which is the same thing to a surgeon, as throwing up his hands. So they are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the problem, hoping for a "lucky hit", before kicking you to the curb.....What do you think your chances are?????
Best of luck,
Later, :wave:
------------------
FREDO
Right now, they have assigned you to pain management, which is the same thing to a surgeon, as throwing up his hands. So they are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the problem, hoping for a "lucky hit", before kicking you to the curb.....What do you think your chances are?????
Best of luck,
Later, :wave:
------------------
FREDO
purplefluffything
07-07-2002, 04:45 AM
Fredo,
I have no idea, Thing is i'm ONLY TEN MONTHS POST OP! And i have regular assesments every six weeks with my consultant and at the moment. And will have right up untill Jan 2003 then i will still Only be sixteen months post op, I have been asured i will not be a lost cause! my Consultant likes a challage.
Also i know i'm not a lost cause I cannot work and have Dissability and invalid Benifits and have been checked out by the goverment Doc as well. And you have to be a Bl**dy good actor to pull the wool over there eyes....
Saying that though Fredo, If evetually they do come to the end of the road i will except it and go gracefully and Take hold of my pain. But before they do cast me to the kerb, THEY KNOW I HAVE A DODGY DISC IN MY BACK! but they felt it was o.k to leave at the time, but now they are not quiet sure, Hence the pain managment, Weather that works or not i still have an MRI at the end of the year, If that is not so clear then a Discogram (which i do not envey myself for i've experienced it)
I won't feel alone though FREDO as i have alot of peeps here which have alot of Experience of being on the kerb side it seems already...
Purple .
I have no idea, Thing is i'm ONLY TEN MONTHS POST OP! And i have regular assesments every six weeks with my consultant and at the moment. And will have right up untill Jan 2003 then i will still Only be sixteen months post op, I have been asured i will not be a lost cause! my Consultant likes a challage.
Also i know i'm not a lost cause I cannot work and have Dissability and invalid Benifits and have been checked out by the goverment Doc as well. And you have to be a Bl**dy good actor to pull the wool over there eyes....
Saying that though Fredo, If evetually they do come to the end of the road i will except it and go gracefully and Take hold of my pain. But before they do cast me to the kerb, THEY KNOW I HAVE A DODGY DISC IN MY BACK! but they felt it was o.k to leave at the time, but now they are not quiet sure, Hence the pain managment, Weather that works or not i still have an MRI at the end of the year, If that is not so clear then a Discogram (which i do not envey myself for i've experienced it)
I won't feel alone though FREDO as i have alot of peeps here which have alot of Experience of being on the kerb side it seems already...
Purple .
purplefluffything
07-07-2002, 06:40 AM
:wave: Fredo,
What i was trying to get across in my last post, Is that i am having pain managment and the block to see if it helps with the dodgy disc, If all else fails it will be surgery again! But my consultant want's to leave it at least eighteen months to two years as my incision as been a pain from day one i have only just finished my last lot of Antibiotics 4th lot since op. apparently just one of those things! I also have had it cauterized once, And it is still a very unsightly scar about nine inches long and very bumpy..
But as i stated in the post above,This is a long ride! And i will go Gracefully if i have to, To be quiet honest i'm fed up with living from test to test, I'm only 38 yrs with a young family, I want to get on with my life... :D Love purple xxx
What i was trying to get across in my last post, Is that i am having pain managment and the block to see if it helps with the dodgy disc, If all else fails it will be surgery again! But my consultant want's to leave it at least eighteen months to two years as my incision as been a pain from day one i have only just finished my last lot of Antibiotics 4th lot since op. apparently just one of those things! I also have had it cauterized once, And it is still a very unsightly scar about nine inches long and very bumpy..
But as i stated in the post above,This is a long ride! And i will go Gracefully if i have to, To be quiet honest i'm fed up with living from test to test, I'm only 38 yrs with a young family, I want to get on with my life... :D Love purple xxx
Michael Hurts A Lot
07-07-2002, 08:51 AM
Purple - as for the success of the injection, rarely do the 1st ones take. A lot of people experience relief following the 2nd and sometimes 3rd. It seems that the 1st injection is mostly absorbed into the surrounding structure. The 2nd isnt rapidly absorbed and therefore it has a better chance of working.
purplefluffything
07-07-2002, 09:12 AM
Hi MICHAEL,
Thanks for the post, thing is michael it will be in a different place altogether and i had the last one about about eighteen months ago.. And the only one at the time. I am going to think and stay positive with this one.
Kind regards purple xxx ;)
Thanks for the post, thing is michael it will be in a different place altogether and i had the last one about about eighteen months ago.. And the only one at the time. I am going to think and stay positive with this one.
Kind regards purple xxx ;)
davidc66
07-07-2002, 02:41 PM
Hey Purple, Just because the Facet block didn't help doesn't mean the Caudal will not help either, They are two very different procedures, As far as the facet injection, If that nerve root or area they injected wasn't the source of pain it probably won't help, It can also be used a a DX tool, If you do get relief from a block and that isolates the problem then you may be a candidate for IDET or nerve abolation with Phenol. The caudal's purpose is to reduce inflamation of several nerves after they leave the nerve root. It's nopt a DX tool just an effort to reduce inflamation and allow your body to heal itself. Statistically about 90% of bulges will resolve themselves and if the Caudal gives you some relief you will know off the bat and hopefully nothing more invasive will have to be done.
The day in the hospital is to prevent you from getting a spinal headache incase you loose some spinal fluid. So don't be in a hurry to jump up after an hour even if you feel fine. I know just hanging out in the hospital stinks but it's much better than a spinal headache. I do hope you get some relief, The doc is doing things correctly using flouroscopy and keeping you there for 4-6 hours following the procedure.
I really would call the PM clinic and explain some of the modalities you have tried or learned and ask what they do differently and do they use opiates when other methods fail.
There is nothing worse than waiting 2 months for an apt to only find out the PM doc you have waited to see is opiate phobic. Opiates when used in conjuction with other modalities can really turn things around for you. With proper pain relief you can push yourself a little harder at PT and further your own recovery. Hang in there and take care, David
The day in the hospital is to prevent you from getting a spinal headache incase you loose some spinal fluid. So don't be in a hurry to jump up after an hour even if you feel fine. I know just hanging out in the hospital stinks but it's much better than a spinal headache. I do hope you get some relief, The doc is doing things correctly using flouroscopy and keeping you there for 4-6 hours following the procedure.
I really would call the PM clinic and explain some of the modalities you have tried or learned and ask what they do differently and do they use opiates when other methods fail.
There is nothing worse than waiting 2 months for an apt to only find out the PM doc you have waited to see is opiate phobic. Opiates when used in conjuction with other modalities can really turn things around for you. With proper pain relief you can push yourself a little harder at PT and further your own recovery. Hang in there and take care, David
purplefluffything
07-07-2002, 02:56 PM
Thanks David,
For such a positive out look.
I am thinking positive about this block, And will try anything, I also will do as you say and contact P/T about their way of pain relief, as far as i know they want to get me doing stetching type of exercices as in Pilates, I don't want to dismiss it but i am quiet fit, I used to ride horses and had three of them i did my own looking after of them, I Did not leave them to some one else, And that was after a seven hour a day six day a week job plus come home to EVERYTHING a MUM AS TO DO ESPECIALY WHEN HER HUSBANDS A SHIFT WORKER...
THANK YOU DAVID.... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif
Love Purple xxxxx
For such a positive out look.
I am thinking positive about this block, And will try anything, I also will do as you say and contact P/T about their way of pain relief, as far as i know they want to get me doing stetching type of exercices as in Pilates, I don't want to dismiss it but i am quiet fit, I used to ride horses and had three of them i did my own looking after of them, I Did not leave them to some one else, And that was after a seven hour a day six day a week job plus come home to EVERYTHING a MUM AS TO DO ESPECIALY WHEN HER HUSBANDS A SHIFT WORKER...
THANK YOU DAVID.... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif
Love Purple xxxxx
purplefluffything
07-07-2002, 02:59 PM
Sorry David me again,
When i had my discogram i was to far gone! But prehaps they might after all the test and god knows what else, They might consider that for this third disc..
Purple xxx
When i had my discogram i was to far gone! But prehaps they might after all the test and god knows what else, They might consider that for this third disc..
Purple xxx
purplefluffything
07-07-2002, 03:01 PM
Sorry David me again,
When i had my discogram i was to far gone! But prehaps they might after all the test and god knows what else, They might consider that for this third disc..
Purple xxx
YOU MAY GET THIS TWICE OR EVEN THREE TIMES DUE TO FLOODING THE SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!!1
When i had my discogram i was to far gone! But prehaps they might after all the test and god knows what else, They might consider that for this third disc..
Purple xxx
YOU MAY GET THIS TWICE OR EVEN THREE TIMES DUE TO FLOODING THE SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!!1
purplefluffything
07-07-2002, 03:53 PM
Dear David, Fredo,Micheal, everybody,
Thanks for all your opinions advice, But i think i will call it a day here.
I think i know what to expect from your help and the internet! which i appreciate greatfully... :)
I am normally on the Backboard page, so prehaps you may want to look in on there for an update, I will certaintly look in on you peeps! It will not be an immidiatate relief for me, I have already been told that by the professionals!!!
Pain relief moments to you all. xxxx
Purple xxx
Thanks for all your opinions advice, But i think i will call it a day here.
I think i know what to expect from your help and the internet! which i appreciate greatfully... :)
I am normally on the Backboard page, so prehaps you may want to look in on there for an update, I will certaintly look in on you peeps! It will not be an immidiatate relief for me, I have already been told that by the professionals!!!
Pain relief moments to you all. xxxx
Purple xxx
linda534ss
07-09-2002, 11:47 PM
Please read below of having my screws and bolts taken out. Other than the spinal fluid leak, it's much better but, I probably won't know for a month or two.
My overall experience of having an L4-L5 spinal fusion surgery has been successful. Most of this success is finding an excellence surgeon, a patient who is motivated and disciplined enough to follow doctors orders to the "tee" and WALKING. I was diagnosed with a ruptured disc that was pinching a nerve, in January 2002. The first neurosurgeon I went to, put me on oral steroids which didn’t seem to help any and my follow up appointment, he said there’s nothing else he could do for me. I had a second opinion with Dr. John Marouk and he wanted surgery to be the last resort so, he sent me to a "Pain and Evaluation Treatment Clinic”. My first steroid injection in the back helped but within a month, it came back. After almost five months of pain medication such as Oxycontin, steroid injections and other pain injection treatments, nothing seemed to help if anything, it made it worse. At this point, your ready to do anything to get rid of the pain. The next procedure to be done was a pressure test…these are not fun! After getting the results, I went back to my neurosurgeon to discuss surgery. Dr. Marouk then suggested a Spinal Fusion with a bone graft.. He explained every step of the surgery, what he was going to do and what to expect afterwards. In my own words of how the surgery is done---Doctor will take a piece of bone from my hip, bone graft, and will fuse it together with screws and bolts. Since I’m a smoker, an electrical bone growth stimulation was put in to promote healing. To read more information on this, please go to: http://www.askjeeves.com/index.asp and type: What is invasive or noninvasive methods of electrical bone growth stimulation?, then click on the first link: Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators (Osteogenic Stimulation.
My surgery was scheduled for November 14, 2002. A couple of weeks before my surgery, it was hard to get out of bed mentally and physically. The day of my surgery, as they were taking me to the surgery room, I was crying my eyes out. That night, after a four hour long surgery, recovery and waking up in your room, I stood up. The next day I got out of bed and had to drag my right leg to walk. I had to use a walker because of the pinched nerve I had and yes, I was scared to death. However, later on that evening, I was walking with my husbands help and the next day I was using the side rails along the hospital wall. I got to go home on the third day and for the first week at home, you wish you wouldn’t of had the surgery. I feel for anyone having to do this alone and I don’t think I could of made it through all of this if it weren’t for my husband, family and friends. I couldn’t be more happier and pleased with the results and very grateful to my Dr. Marouk. It is so nice to walk pain free.
After three months of having my surgery, I started having pain and there were some exercises that I couldn’t do without hurting. After talking with Dr. Marouk and discussing why I’m hurting during certain exercises, he suggested I have a myleogram…these are not fun either. After getting the results, we found that I had a screw that was close to an artery. Dr. Marouk then suggested having my instruments, screws, bolts and bone stimulator, taken out. On June 20th, 2001, I went in to what was suppose to be an outpatient surgery but ended up staying three days in the hospital. When Dr. Marouk went in to take everything out, he also found that I had a screw loose and a lots of scar tissue. When removing the scar tissue, he couldn’t believe how much I had, it tore a little place in my sack where your spinal fluid is. So now, I’ve been laying in bed, for nine days now, with a spinal fluid leak. It’s getting much better and after talking to Dr. Marouk today, I’m suppose to wear my back brace, take it easy this week and see him on Friday. I’m sure this kind of luck won’t happen to everyone such as, three days before my surgery I was laid off, a month after surgery, I had a slip-n-fall, two months later I had viral meningitis, which took them three spinal taps of getting my fluid to test, having my instruments taken out and a week later, getting laid off again with the same company that hired me back.
I would suggest to anyone to have surgery however, always get a second opinion, ask questions and do some research on the doctor you choose. Even when your in the office for an appointment, ask other patients waiting how their surgery went or what they think of the doctor.
I hope this helps in your decision and if you have any other questions, please let me know.
Thanks and God Bless,
Linda
My overall experience of having an L4-L5 spinal fusion surgery has been successful. Most of this success is finding an excellence surgeon, a patient who is motivated and disciplined enough to follow doctors orders to the "tee" and WALKING. I was diagnosed with a ruptured disc that was pinching a nerve, in January 2002. The first neurosurgeon I went to, put me on oral steroids which didn’t seem to help any and my follow up appointment, he said there’s nothing else he could do for me. I had a second opinion with Dr. John Marouk and he wanted surgery to be the last resort so, he sent me to a "Pain and Evaluation Treatment Clinic”. My first steroid injection in the back helped but within a month, it came back. After almost five months of pain medication such as Oxycontin, steroid injections and other pain injection treatments, nothing seemed to help if anything, it made it worse. At this point, your ready to do anything to get rid of the pain. The next procedure to be done was a pressure test…these are not fun! After getting the results, I went back to my neurosurgeon to discuss surgery. Dr. Marouk then suggested a Spinal Fusion with a bone graft.. He explained every step of the surgery, what he was going to do and what to expect afterwards. In my own words of how the surgery is done---Doctor will take a piece of bone from my hip, bone graft, and will fuse it together with screws and bolts. Since I’m a smoker, an electrical bone growth stimulation was put in to promote healing. To read more information on this, please go to: http://www.askjeeves.com/index.asp and type: What is invasive or noninvasive methods of electrical bone growth stimulation?, then click on the first link: Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators (Osteogenic Stimulation.
My surgery was scheduled for November 14, 2002. A couple of weeks before my surgery, it was hard to get out of bed mentally and physically. The day of my surgery, as they were taking me to the surgery room, I was crying my eyes out. That night, after a four hour long surgery, recovery and waking up in your room, I stood up. The next day I got out of bed and had to drag my right leg to walk. I had to use a walker because of the pinched nerve I had and yes, I was scared to death. However, later on that evening, I was walking with my husbands help and the next day I was using the side rails along the hospital wall. I got to go home on the third day and for the first week at home, you wish you wouldn’t of had the surgery. I feel for anyone having to do this alone and I don’t think I could of made it through all of this if it weren’t for my husband, family and friends. I couldn’t be more happier and pleased with the results and very grateful to my Dr. Marouk. It is so nice to walk pain free.
After three months of having my surgery, I started having pain and there were some exercises that I couldn’t do without hurting. After talking with Dr. Marouk and discussing why I’m hurting during certain exercises, he suggested I have a myleogram…these are not fun either. After getting the results, we found that I had a screw that was close to an artery. Dr. Marouk then suggested having my instruments, screws, bolts and bone stimulator, taken out. On June 20th, 2001, I went in to what was suppose to be an outpatient surgery but ended up staying three days in the hospital. When Dr. Marouk went in to take everything out, he also found that I had a screw loose and a lots of scar tissue. When removing the scar tissue, he couldn’t believe how much I had, it tore a little place in my sack where your spinal fluid is. So now, I’ve been laying in bed, for nine days now, with a spinal fluid leak. It’s getting much better and after talking to Dr. Marouk today, I’m suppose to wear my back brace, take it easy this week and see him on Friday. I’m sure this kind of luck won’t happen to everyone such as, three days before my surgery I was laid off, a month after surgery, I had a slip-n-fall, two months later I had viral meningitis, which took them three spinal taps of getting my fluid to test, having my instruments taken out and a week later, getting laid off again with the same company that hired me back.
I would suggest to anyone to have surgery however, always get a second opinion, ask questions and do some research on the doctor you choose. Even when your in the office for an appointment, ask other patients waiting how their surgery went or what they think of the doctor.
I hope this helps in your decision and if you have any other questions, please let me know.
Thanks and God Bless,
Linda
purplefluffything
07-10-2002, 11:24 AM
Hi Linda,
Thanks for your interesting post.
I have already had a two level lower back fusion in Sep 2001, but i am still having troubls with sciatica and still the same back pain.
But my consultant thinks it could be a third disc which he left alone at the time of surgery as it was not serious enough, So he recomends more advanced type of physio at the pain managment clinic and on the 9th Aug a caudal block, then last but not least another MRI.
I will keep you updated Linda.
LOVE PURPLE XX :wave:
Thanks for your interesting post.
I have already had a two level lower back fusion in Sep 2001, but i am still having troubls with sciatica and still the same back pain.
But my consultant thinks it could be a third disc which he left alone at the time of surgery as it was not serious enough, So he recomends more advanced type of physio at the pain managment clinic and on the 9th Aug a caudal block, then last but not least another MRI.
I will keep you updated Linda.
LOVE PURPLE XX :wave: