Should i still be in pain........ - Pain Management Message Board

purplefluffything · 07-02-2002, 04:24 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

davidc66 · 07-02-2002, 12:14 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

purplefluffything · 07-02-2002, 02:06 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..

TA! for now..
Love Purple xx

Michael Hurts A Lot · 07-04-2002, 09:08 PM

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** · 07-04-2002, 11:42 PM

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