PLEASE HELP!?!?
I had a 4 level fusion surgery on my lower back and a double bone graph along with
some metal inserted into my spine in Nov. of 2002. My right side hurt pretty good before the surgery.Well day 1 after the surgery my lower back and left hip
and leg well IT'S KILLING ME. A year later it is going back into my right side as well. I have spent 9 months in P.T. useing water and land nither has been sucessful. Doctors say within 2 years that I will be disabled.Well I'm trying really hard to prove that their wrong,but as days go by I am finding it very hard to argue with them. Not only am I getting nervous I'm extremly despret.Can anyone
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help?
Thanks,
hixson388
Last edited by hixson388; 12-29-2003 at 06:39 PM.
Reason: missed a word
What was your original diagnosis? Why did they fuse and was there another option they could have tried first?
It's very important to have a doctor that you know has done good work with others.
I had to push for an evaluation because I knew something was very wrong when my back went out. The ER doctor said it was just arthritis and after having a neurosurgeon check it, he found degenerative vertabrae (L-4 and L-5) to be the problem. I did not accept the fusion, I wear 4 back belts, and take aspirin for pain. I cannot tolerate strong pain killers because they make me so sick, so I have learned how to move and bend.
Everyone has to take the path that they can handle.
Bet
__________________ We're all in this world together and when we help each other through it, everyone has a better time of it.
I assume they have done some ct or Mri since the surgery. I had a fusion and got extremely worse only to find out the cage had slid into my spinal column. Since removal I am doing great.
You must take control of your body and insist on certain things from your doctor
A four level fusion is rare what was wrong??
Was this your first surgery?
What was your original diagnosis? Why did they fuse and was there another option they could have tried first?
It's very important to have a doctor that you know has done good work with others.
I had to push for an evaluation because I knew something was very wrong when my back went out. The ER doctor said it was just arthritis and after having a neurosurgeon check it, he found degenerative vertabrae (L-4 and L-5) to be the problem. I did not accept the fusion, I wear 4 back belts, and take aspirin for pain. I cannot tolerate strong pain killers because they make me so sick, so I have learned how to move and bend.
Everyone has to take the path that they can handle.
Bet
Hi gemgab,
Back in Jan. of 2001 I had hurt my back 4 times it only popped but left me in pain and unable to walk well. Then in March same year I was working with this pain and had around 1100 2by4's fall on my back pinned me against a saw. The doctor did an MRI and sent me to a surgen. He tried shots braces and PT but they only hurt me worse. He said that I had 3 disc that was rottened out that the fourth one was in between those and would need to come on out now instead of later.(trying to avoid another surgery later he said) So in Nov.2002 he did the surgery.I got a second oppinion before it and I was told then that I would be disabled within two years regardless my choise. So I had the surgery he took out 4 disk L-2 through L-5 put in 3 cages 9screws and 2rods dual bone graft of the hips for the fusion.Granted my right side felt better however my lower left back down my leg was killing me from day 1.He said it would go away but it has only gotten worse. I have dealt best I could for my kids.I just refuse to let my problems interfer with them,but they know.You see since my surgery I cant lay down,sit down, get up,cough,sneeze or hit the smallest bump in the road w/o screaming in pain.I thought it could'nt get worse but I only found that you should never say that.As of about 4 weeks ago my left hip feels like it's about to rip in two while unGodly pain stays in my leg and foot.Now about 4 days ago my left side still hurts real bad and my right side is feeling like my left side did after surgery.My doctor turned me loose in July 2003. He said he did'nt know what else to do.I went through 9 months of PT water and land more shots.However the shots only made my back swell big and hurt worse for 3days. PT didnt work either he refused to do more test said I cant have any with the hardwear. Along with my new symptoms I cant stand straight up even with braces.I have tried every thing I can think of no matter how stupid it seems.I have found that I'm not the only one left w/o answers and I have to say there has to be something that can be done about doctors who start and dont finish. I am happy to hear that you are making yours work.It dose make me smile to find one person who still has their smile.Keep it up it helps us others continue to belive something has to work just finding our way.
Thnks Lots,
hixson388
Hixson,
Sorry to hear of all your pain. Did you say they didn't do x-rays, MRI or any other kind of tests after the fusion? If they haven't and say they can't because of your hardware, I would find a new doctor, definetely. It could be that your hardware is causing the problem and may need taken out. I would hate for you to live in pain if you can solve it with removing the hardware. Hardware rejection and misplaced hardware are very commom problems and need to be taken seriously.
Did they check that out for you as an option?
I assume they have done some ct or Mri since the surgery. I had a fusion and got extremely worse only to find out the cage had slid into my spinal column. Since removal I am doing great.
You must take control of your body and insist on certain things from your doctor
A four level fusion is rare what was wrong??
Was this your first surgery?
Hi tedeschi,
My doctor said with my hardwear that he could'nt do anything as far as test only ex-rays that everything is in place. I hurt my back at work like 4x before my super would let me see a doctor. I had an MRI that showed problems but they said a specialist would explain,but before I could see a specialist about 1100 2x4,s fell on my back so the specialist said by that time that I had 3 disc that was almost rotted out.I had a 4th disc that was fine but givin it's place between the bad disc he said taking it out then would save me surgery later because it would go bad in time. He replaced 3 of the disc and left the 4th space empty.(don't know why) I was standing firm trying to get him to find the problem,but he told me to build a tolerance and learn to live with it.Then he said thats all he could do and dropped me. I got a second oppinion before surgery and was told that I needed surgery but it did'nt really matter that I would be disabled within two years anyway with or without the surgery. I told my sugen right after I woke up that my rgt side was better but now my left side is hurting worse than my rgt side did.He looked suprised then said it would go away in time.( THATS A NON FUNNY JOKE!) It's been a year since my surgery and now instead of constant pain in my back and lft leg I cant stand up straight w/o pain my lft hip feels like it's going to split in two my lft leg is now always numb left foot hurts to stand on and now my right side and leg has the hard pain that my lft side after surgery.I can sit or stand as long as it's one or the other but to get there oh God. I ignored what the 2nd oppinion said until now.See these symptoms started about 4 weeks ago.I have tried to get answers but I'm only being told to deal that I am beyond extra testing.(that has to be wrong) So with no answers I am starting to wonder if I am about to be put down.It has me very scared and confused but more despret than any. I can give up an active life but I have 2 girls who are 3 and 8 who needs their mother.My baby was 18 months old when I had my sugery and for a long time she thought sissy was mommy and I can't have that again. So since I got the reality that I was'nt getting better I have fought hard to smile while hurting so bad.It's just getting way to hard though with extended pain and now worry. However it sounds to me that you got lucky having a good doctor! I am so happy that things worked out for you.I'm not giving up though. Me and my famliy are serching nation wide for someone to help maybe we will find a good one to.So heres to reaching the end of your road and with luck I will find mine. GOOD LUCK!!!
hixson388
P.S. yes that was my first surgery.
Hixson,
Sorry to hear of all your pain. Did you say they didn't do x-rays, MRI or any other kind of tests after the fusion? If they haven't and say they can't because of your hardware, I would find a new doctor, definetely. It could be that your hardware is causing the problem and may need taken out. I would hate for you to live in pain if you can solve it with removing the hardware. Hardware rejection and misplaced hardware are very commom problems and need to be taken seriously.
Did they check that out for you as an option?
Christina
Hi Christina,
They did ex-rays to see if the hardwear was in place and it was.They said that any other means of finding trouble with my back was out of the question because of the metal so they only done ex-rays to check on the hardwear. I was having a cow so I told the doctor to just take it back out because the paper I sighned said they could come out if problems occured. They said they could'nt get them out because of the damage to my back that it is to weak to hold me by it's self and that with my small size that my bones were barely big enough to fit the smallest cages,rods,and screws they had.That if they took them out it would leave me with nothing for a spine and paralazation would be definite. So they stay.It probly would'nt be so bad if somebody would just tell me something for sure,but I guess it's a doctor thing.So far the doctors I've been to tell me theres nothing they can do along with "well it could be this or that" and I'm leaving more frustrated and confused than ever.I do feel that I'm getting a run around with theese doctors,however I find that I'm not the only one looking for any kind of help.It seems alot of people have been so called fixed only to be left in pain and confused.
Tambra
I would definetely say "Don't give up, keep searching for an answer". I don't understand why they wouldn't do an MRI to see if the hardware is compressing a nerve, that's possible. Have you just been doctoring with one practice? If so, I would try another. I don't see how they can say that your bones are too small to support you when before you had your back problem you were okay, right?
I don't know what answers to give. Sometimes you just have to keep searching and then eventually except that you have a disability even though it's extremely hard. I had a fusion when I was 17 due to scoliosis from T1 to L1 when I was 17, I'm 28 now. I just had another surgery for herniated discs and bone spurring below my fusion and I am beginning to face the fact that this is something that I'm gonna have to deal with for the rest of my life and pray that it doesn't keep getting worse and hopefully gets better. There really aren't 'cures' there's just treatments that we pray help. I understand your pain and just think of the positive things in your life like your children. I am blessed with 2 nephews but know that children for me are out of the question and it's hard to face sometimes.
I wish you all the luck and hope that you find relief soon!
God Bless,
Christina
Quote:
Originally Posted by hixson388
Hi Christina,
They did ex-rays to see if the hardwear was in place and it was.They said that any other means of finding trouble with my back was out of the question because of the metal so they only done ex-rays to check on the hardwear. I was having a cow so I told the doctor to just take it back out because the paper I sighned said they could come out if problems occured. They said they could'nt get them out because of the damage to my back that it is to weak to hold me by it's self and that with my small size that my bones were barely big enough to fit the smallest cages,rods,and screws they had.That if they took them out it would leave me with nothing for a spine and paralazation would be definite. So they stay.It probly would'nt be so bad if somebody would just tell me something for sure,but I guess it's a doctor thing.So far the doctors I've been to tell me theres nothing they can do along with "well it could be this or that" and I'm leaving more frustrated and confused than ever.I do feel that I'm getting a run around with theese doctors,however I find that I'm not the only one looking for any kind of help.It seems alot of people have been so called fixed only to be left in pain and confused.
Tambra
Welcome to the Healthboards for Back Problems. I am very sorry to hear of all your pain. I have read that you did have a second opinion before agreeing to your surgery. And you have had the highest level fusion that any surgeon will perform. When I read your post I didn't understand it entirely. You said that he did the four level even though one disc was not bad. I can understand that somewhat if their was some injury to that disc and depending upon it's location. But you stated that he had left that disc space empty. I guess that you are meaning that he didn't put a cage in that space. It may be possible that he put a disc spacer in that disc space and packed bone graph in it. Also from research that I have read and that has only been on the internet, for a one level fusion they use 4 screws. Each additional level is two more screws per level. I had a two level fusion and I have 6 screws, so I am wondering why he used 9 on you. But their is the possibility that the internet doesn't always have the correct information. I also have been having some complication's since my fusion surgery on June 30, 2003. I have had x-rays and a CT Scan. I have been waiting and hoping that sooner or later my surgeon would order an MRI. But then I read a post about MRI's and instrumentation and not getting a clear picture. So then I did a little more research and I found an article about a SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) Scan. I do have an appointment with my neuro surgeon on January 7th and I am going to ask his opinion about this test and its accuracy. I will let you know what I do find out about it. What you didn't say when you posted, if your doctor ever said that any of your level's had indeed fused. Your doctor can also order Nerve & Muscle Disease Testing. My neuro surgeon is waiting for results of blood work and then he is ordering an EMG for me. I don't even trust my surgeon and that's a long story. But if you don't feel as if you are getting adequate treatment and you are willing to fight and do whatever it takes than just give it, then I would suggest maybe finding yet another doctor. I am not sure if you were seeing an ortho or neuro surgeon. I do understand your pain because some of what you have described I also experience. Have you also been seeing a pain management doctor? I see both neuro and pain management doctor. Gosh, I know their isn't much that I can say to make you feel any better but know that you are in my prayer's.
Boy what problems a back can cause.
I had a ct scan instead of an mri because of hardware. That is how they saw the cage out of place and resting on the spinal column.
One possibility could be scar tissure around the hardware pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Keep looking for a different doctor. With todays medicine I cant believe you would be told you are doomed.
I would think you were dropped due to that surgeon doing something wrong??Just a thought.
If you ever want to come to Ohio I really am impressed by my surgeon and all of his staff. From day one of surgery they call every three days to check up on me.
They never act in a hurry when I call for questions.
My doc came in every morning at 5:30 when I was in the hospital.
Hi Hixson, I'm so sorry that you went through all that, to only end up in worse pain!!! I agree with Christina...please see that you get an MRI soon!! It certainly sounds like the hardware's your problem! The best of luck to you, take care!!
Welcome to the Healthboards for Back Problems. I am very sorry to hear of all your pain. I have read that you did have a second opinion before agreeing to your surgery. And you have had the highest level fusion that any surgeon will perform. When I read your post I didn't understand it entirely. You said that he did the four level even though one disc was not bad. I can understand that somewhat if their was some injury to that disc and depending upon it's location. But you stated that he had left that disc space empty. I guess that you are meaning that he didn't put a cage in that space. It may be possible that he put a disc spacer in that disc space and packed bone graph in it. Also from research that I have read and that has only been on the internet, for a one level fusion they use 4 screws. Each additional level is two more screws per level. I had a two level fusion and I have 6 screws, so I am wondering why he used 9 on you. But their is the possibility that the internet doesn't always have the correct information. I also have been having some complication's since my fusion surgery on June 30, 2003. I have had x-rays and a CT Scan. I have been waiting and hoping that sooner or later my surgeon would order an MRI. But then I read a post about MRI's and instrumentation and not getting a clear picture. So then I did a little more research and I found an article about a SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) Scan. I do have an appointment with my neuro surgeon on January 7th and I am going to ask his opinion about this test and its accuracy. I will let you know what I do find out about it. What you didn't say when you posted, if your doctor ever said that any of your level's had indeed fused. Your doctor can also order Nerve & Muscle Disease Testing. My neuro surgeon is waiting for results of blood work and then he is ordering an EMG for me. I don't even trust my surgeon and that's a long story. But if you don't feel as if you are getting adequate treatment and you are willing to fight and do whatever it takes than just give it, then I would suggest maybe finding yet another doctor. I am not sure if you were seeing an ortho or neuro surgeon. I do understand your pain because some of what you have described I also experience. Have you also been seeing a pain management doctor? I see both neuro and pain management doctor. Gosh, I know their isn't much that I can say to make you feel any better but know that you are in my prayer's.
Jeanne
Tomorrow
Thanks. I am sorry to say it is my back and I dont understand alot of it. As for my good disc the doctor said it was alright,but to leave in the middle of all that work that later it would go bad so instead of another surgery later he went ahead and took it out.My husband has asked him why he takes it out w/o replacement.The doctor just said he had his resons for leaving it out.I quit asking at that point and said "my back my reson as well" and that I wanted to hear this reson.He got very defenceive and leaves the room.As for the screws I was told there would be 10 so looking at ex-rays and seeing only 9 we (my husband & myself) thought one fell out.So asking the doctor what happened he said he only put in 9 instead. The only time pain management was mentioned he asked if I was doing it I told him that he has'nt made arrangements or anything cause I dont think you can tap dance in and be seen. That was the last of that. I have seen 2 other specialist since then and when they find out who done my surgery their like well he's the best you'll find and you'll be better off going back to him.(well hello) It's like his lack of intrest in my back is why I'm looking elsewhere to begin with. The line was crossed though when he told us that I would have to find another job cause I could not do mine anymore w/o more pain than I could ever stand.Not to mention my inability to bend, stand to long,sit to long,or pick up over 5lbs.Well then he sends me back to a pallet shop where thats all I do.and theres nothing less than 5lbs there except maybe toilet paper.However after reading the post to my problem I am finding that there are plenty of things that could tell what my problem might be.With my EX doctors rep around here it leaves me looking out of town for a good one but I am going to hang tight on one until they do every one of these test or finds and fixes my problem!!!!! I was released from treatment July 10 2003 and as of then my fusion had'nt taken yet ,but he asures me it just takes time.My surgery was Nov.13 2002 over a year but maybe since July something has started.I cant say. I realy want to thank you for the 411(info) I can definately use that. I just hope your no more confused cause as I said its my back and I dont know to much myself. Once again thanks so much.
hixson
Tomorrow
Thanks. I am sorry to say it is my back and I dont understand alot of it. As for my good disc the doctor said it was alright,but to leave in the middle of all that work that later it would go bad so instead of another surgery later he went ahead and took it out.My husband has asked him why he takes it out w/o replacement.The doctor just said he had his resons for leaving it out.I quit asking at that point and said "my back my reson as well" and that I wanted to hear this reson.He got very defenceive and leaves the room.As for the screws I was told there would be 10 so looking at ex-rays and seeing only 9 we (my husband & myself) thought one fell out.So asking the doctor what happened he said he only put in 9 instead. The only time pain management was mentioned he asked if I was doing it I told him that he has'nt made arrangements or anything cause I dont think you can tap dance in and be seen. That was the last of that. I have seen 2 other specialist since then and when they find out who done my surgery their like well he's the best you'll find and you'll be better off going back to him.(well hello) It's like his lack of intrest in my back is why I'm looking elsewhere to begin with. The line was crossed though when he told us that I would have to find another job cause I could not do mine anymore w/o more pain than I could ever stand.Not to mention my inability to bend, stand to long,sit to long,or pick up over 5lbs.Well then he sends me back to a pallet shop where thats all I do.and theres nothing less than 5lbs there except maybe toilet paper.However after reading the post to my problem I am finding that there are plenty of things that could tell what my problem might be.With my EX doctors rep around here it leaves me looking out of town for a good one but I am going to hang tight on one until they do every one of these test or finds and fixes my problem!!!!! I was released from treatment July 10 2003 and as of then my fusion had'nt taken yet ,but he asures me it just takes time.My surgery was Nov.13 2002 over a year but maybe since July something has started.I cant say. I realy want to thank you for the 411(info) I can definately use that. I just hope your no more confused cause as I said its my back and I dont know to much myself. Once again thanks so much.
hixson
P.S. let me know how your scan turns out and I do HOPE YOU THE BEST OF LUCK!!!!
I think by taking out the disc that had absolutely no injury to it, made things easier for the doctor. Yes, the disc would most likely would sustain injury later on depending upon it's location as level's above and below the fusion area sometimes do. This is because they sustain additional stress and may develop early degenerative changes - wear and tear on the discs. But, I think with your surgeon removing that disk it did make things easier for him to insert his instrumentation such as the rods.... And yes you would not have to have a second surgery in the middle of that area. But somehow I get this feeling it was for his benefit as well... I have another friend that I chat with on another group of message boards and she also had a four level fusion. It took so much longer for her neuro surgeon to release her. I think it was close to two years. I am so upset that your surgeon has already released you. I also think that these surgeon's get a little to defensive when we ask them question's. If they would take the time to explain things more thoroughly to us we would not have to ask all these question's. And what kind of an answer is, "I have my reason's," when you asked, " Why the disc was taking out without replacement." I think that just because they are so educated that they think we are complete idiots or they are so worried about lawsuits. Either way it is us who hired them and we put our trust in them totally as we let them put a knife in our back, literally.
I am sorry that I am carrying on, it is just that I am so upset over your situation. We do have another similarly. My surgeon is also very well known. If I were to try in switch in my county it would be impossible for me. The only way for me to do so would be to travel as my surgeon is chief of neurology of three hospitals in my area.
As for pain management you do not need your surgeon to set this up for you. Depending upon your health insurance you may need a referral and if so you would get this from your primary doctor. So I would suggest finding a pain management office in your area and then if needed making an appointment with your primary doctor for a referral if needed. I'm sure that your primary will have know objection to you seeing this doctor. Once you go for your first visit to the pain management office they will obtain any records they may need from your surgeon. But they will help you with your pain much better than your surgeon. You do not need your surgeon's approval to see these type of doctor's. Actually most doctor's prefer that you do go to pain management because of certain laws regarding pain medication's. And not only do they prescribe meds they also try other methods to alleviate your pain. I just hope that their is one in your area.
You do have a lot more levels to fuse than most. Some people do start sooner that other's. But some take so much more time. I have read that multiple levels can take up to 2 years to complete. But we also have nerves and muscles that can cause our pain. I think that is the cause of so much of my pain. But time will tell. I also hope that you can find another doctor even if it does mean that you have to travel. I really think that you should have a CT Scan to see if your instrumentation is still in place. And I will let you know what info I find out about the SPECT Scan on my next appointment. Actually I will share whatever info I find with you. Again I will keep you in my prayers.
I think by taking out the disc that had absolutely no injury to it, made things easier for the doctor. Yes, the disc would most likely would sustain injury later on depending upon it's location as level's above and below the fusion area sometimes do. This is because they sustain additional stress and may develop early degenerative changes - wear and tear on the discs. But, I think with your surgeon removing that disk it did make things easier for him to insert his instrumentation such as the rods.... And yes you would not have to have a second surgery in the middle of that area. But somehow I get this feeling it was for his benefit as well... I have another friend that I chat with on another group of message boards and she also had a four level fusion. It took so much longer for her neuro surgeon to release her. I think it was close to two years. I am so upset that your surgeon has already released you. I also think that these surgeon's get a little to defensive when we ask them question's. If they would take the time to explain things more thoroughly to us we would not have to ask all these question's. And what kind of an answer is, "I have my reason's," when you asked, " Why the disc was taking out without replacement." I think that just because they are so educated that they think we are complete idiots or they are so worried about lawsuits. Either way it is us who hired them and we put our trust in them totally as we let them put a knife in our back, literally.
I am sorry that I am carrying on, it is just that I am so upset over your situation. We do have another similarly. My surgeon is also very well known. If I were to try in switch in my county it would be impossible for me. The only way for me to do so would be to travel as my surgeon is chief of neurology of three hospitals in my area.
As for pain management you do not need your surgeon to set this up for you. Depending upon your health insurance you may need a referral and if so you would get this from your primary doctor. So I would suggest finding a pain management office in your area and then if needed making an appointment with your primary doctor for a referral if needed. I'm sure that your primary will have know objection to you seeing this doctor. Once you go for your first visit to the pain management office they will obtain any records they may need from your surgeon. But they will help you with your pain much better than your surgeon. You do not need your surgeon's approval to see these type of doctor's. Actually most doctor's prefer that you do go to pain management because of certain laws regarding pain medication's. And not only do they prescribe meds they also try other methods to alleviate your pain. I just hope that their is one in your area.
You do have a lot more levels to fuse than most. Some people do start sooner that other's. But some take so much more time. I have read that multiple levels can take up to 2 years to complete. But we also have nerves and muscles that can cause our pain. I think that is the cause of so much of my pain. But time will tell. I also hope that you can find another doctor even if it does mean that you have to travel. I really think that you should have a CT Scan to see if your instrumentation is still in place. And I will let you know what info I find out about the SPECT Scan on my next appointment. Actually I will share whatever info I find with you. Again I will keep you in my prayers.
Jeanne
Hi Jeanne
Dont worry about rambling I do it to. Like you it makes me so mad to have my doctor do such ignorant practices and then to find out there are so many others out there who have gotten the same treatment.I will say my surgon just acted funny after my surgery.He assured me that he would be with me till the end,but then one day he makes another app. and before the date I got a call saying that I was released.( got me?) And then to find out other test could have been done.See he only did ex-rays and said that was all he could do. But I really have to say that after seeing other post about the same treatment I really really REALLY hope to find an organaztion for such treatment from surgons cause I WILL JUMP IN head first. and if I cant find one I'll certainly see about starting one.I really dont understand being done like that by any body. Dont get me wrong there has to be good dr.s out there but it just seems to me that once these back surgeries dont work the dr.s try to bow out as best as they can .Sorry for the attitude but like you said it just.... I just think if these dr.s can make us understand that we need this so bad that they could at least know that our understanding of failure is just as important as the surgery. (Told ya I could go on to.ha ha) As for my surgery I understand its importance but he could have at least stayed with me or at least said he had no clue.It was a workers comp deal some says that had something to do with it but I really hate to think he cut me short cause of that. But I move on to travel with my problem in hopes it will turn out good.CHIN UP HUH? However I really do hope your back gives you relife soon would like to know how you do feel though.I find it to be a fresh when I hear that someone feels good after their surgery or just a little better gives me a smile. Hope to hear soon. Bye,
Tambra
Boy what problems a back can cause.
I had a ct scan instead of an mri because of hardware. That is how they saw the cage out of place and resting on the spinal column.
One possibility could be scar tissure around the hardware pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Keep looking for a different doctor. With todays medicine I cant believe you would be told you are doomed.
I would think you were dropped due to that surgeon doing something wrong??Just a thought.
If you ever want to come to Ohio I really am impressed by my surgeon and all of his staff. From day one of surgery they call every three days to check up on me.
They never act in a hurry when I call for questions.
My doc came in every morning at 5:30 when I was in the hospital.
Good Luck
Hi Angel
I really like to hear you had a great experiance your surgon sounds relly cool!!!
I am looking for any help in the U.S and Canada I have famliy in Indiana and Illinoise and I belive an aunt in Ohio. However an ability to travel makes it easy to go anywhere I need to.So if you dont mind shareing you surgons info I will certainly look into it.And Appreciate it. I found that my sugon dose work in Chicago. turns out he turned down a surgery there to do mine.(go figure) But I am so happy to hear yours is so good sounds really dedicated. Hope to hear soon.Bye
Tambra
Sorry to hear about the pain your having. I also had 2 level fusion w/rods bone dowle to stableize I've ended up with nerve root damage numbness pain that radiates into both legs feet toes i have problems walking. But back to you an MRI is useless with the rods BUT a CT is better (i found that out ) id also try another Dr.
Sorry I haven't been on the boards lately. I did see my neuro surgeon last week. I did bring up the issue about the SPECT Scan and his opinion is the test is inaccurate. I did discuss with him the increase of my back pain and some of my prior surgical pain returning. He did go over my x-rays with me and said they looked good. I told him well, I don't feel good. He said that he wanted an MRI. I asked if the hardware would make it so he couldn't read the films. He said that he would be able to read the films. Upon scheduling my MRI with another office I told them of my instrumentation. They said that the images might not come out to well but scheduled the test. So, I wonder how he is going to read this films, or if he ordered this test to shut me up....lol Should I laugh or cry..... Also he thinks that I have Fibromyalgia and has referred me to a Rheumatologist. I will undergo testing before I believe that I do have this. I also went to my pain management doctor and she wrote a script to put me on the Duragesic Patch. My insurance would not cover this script and that may be because I already have a prescription for the Lidoderm Patches. So I had to call her and she now has me on Percocet as the ES Vicodin hasn't been working as well.
But as you can see I am only 6 months post op and I am not giving up. Believe it or not I am still not giving up hope. But I will continue to keep on top of my doctor's. I sit back and I see all these medication's that I have to take. This is not the reason why I had surgery. I could sit here and say I am not addicted but I have to be. It has been six months that I have been taking these meds. Yes, I only take them for pain and nothing else. I don't like the way that I feel on them, but I can't handle the pain. I don't take the prescribed amount, but I still take them every day. I only dream of being pain free and then wonder if I will have to fight off an addiction. Oh God, I am rambling again....
I just don't want you to give up. You have to find a doctor that can help you. Yes, their are good ones. You need to have more testing and I really pray that you will find your way to a good doctor that will help you. You are in my prayer's.
PLEASE HELP!?!?
I had a 4 level fusion surgery on my lower back and a double bone graph along with
some metal inserted into my spine in Nov. of 2002. My right side hurt pretty good before the surgery.Well day 1 after the surgery my lower back and left hip
and leg well IT'S KILLING ME. A year later it is going back into my right side as well. I have spent 9 months in P.T. useing water and land nither has been sucessful. Doctors say within 2 years that I will be disabled.Well I'm trying really hard to prove that their wrong,but as days go by I am finding it very hard to argue with them. Not only am I getting nervous I'm extremly despret.Can anyone
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help?
Thanks,
hixson388
Hey Hixson, I don't know how I missed your thead or maybe it just sounded too much like me pleading for help, thusly skipping it. Anyway there is nothing worse in the world than a NS saying I can no longer see you as a patient. Mine dropped me like a hot potatoe after viewing my MRI w/hardware ( I think my mouth was agape for an hour before I realized it).There is only so much they understand, and can do about it. We are the ones that have to make sure advancements are made in these areas by finding another doctor, clinic, surgeon or witch (whatever helps eh). Pain management seems to be my only option at the moment and I understand that this is where the newest technologies are being put in to use. Peserverance, Faith and Determination are what we need to arm ourselves with and push forwards, try new things. I am not afraid to be a ginea pig as it can't get worse. I am always on the lookout for university studies looking for gimps. Anyway, ya gotta hang in there no matter what Hix. If we could concor our minds our bodies would heal themselves. Our first hurdle is the tallest, POSITIVE OUTLOOK. Good luck and be good to yourself EH.
Re: more pain than before 
