Just had spinal fusion Sept. 20-need uplifting

[RachLuvJun]

Thanks for the uplifting messages. I know that you all understand what living with pain and disappointing surgeries is like. I am hoping this is the one. As far as living on narcotics..they've been no good for me. They increase my anxiety for some reason and the ones I've been on have driven me crazy. I was put on the duragesic patch after my last surgery which wasn't too bad (has fentanyl in it) Although I had tons of anxiety for the first time while on it. Then in Feb. after not being on anything but vioxx and zanaflex to sleep at night (have fibromyalgia so they say)...the dr. started me on another short quick acting medicine called actiq (fentaynl in it again). over 8 months of that med. I nearly lost my mind. I became severly depressed, bed ridden, anxious, hopeless, and physcially dependent. Got body aches all over btw. doses. I had the surgery and now they are weaning me with dilaudid. I am now on Bextra (which is like vioxx) and dilaudid and that's it. I take 2mg every 4 hours and each week I am supposed to increase the time btw. doses by a half hour until I am off it. As much as I may end up needing something for pain, my body and mind is just too sensitive for these powerful things. That's what is so frustrating. I think the hardest thing has been the side effects of the medicines and the anxiety. it's hard living with a constant back pain for 5 years. I am sure you can relate. My other question is for those who have had multiple surgeries...do you get better? Or do you end up worse than before due to scar tissues building up. I've had 2 anterior fusions and a disectomy/laminectomy. I am hoping this leg pain is not due to irritated nerves and scar tissues now. Thanks for helping! I appreciate the words of encouragement you've given!

Rachel

[dmg]

Hi Rachael,

Your post is heartbreaking. You are so young to have gone through that. I was 46 before the nightmare started and had raised my family. I had fusion surgery and I can tell you that I had leg pain for quite awhile after the surgery. The dr. told me that so much is disturbed with that type of surgery, it is to be expected. He told me it would get better and it did. So, give it time.

I never took the strong drugs you took but can only imagine how it must be to get off of them. I have had drs. suggest stronger drugs but I fight it all the time. I had almost 2 years of no pain and it was great but the unfortunate thing, I have pain again, at another spot I suppose. I'm waiting to find out test results from a myelogram this week.

From what I have read, surgery to fix an injury has a better outcome than my situation, DDD (degenerative disc disease). So, I don't know the answer to your question, whether you will get better but I'm thinking you will!!!!!! and, hoping I will.

You will have better days, I know you will........

diane

[Husker]

Hey, Rachel

Welcome a'board'.

I have not had fusion surgery - am trying to do everything possible to avoid it. So....... I cannot relate to the surgery thing, but I can relate to the pain, feeling alone, depression, etc. (you know, all the stuff associated with the meds and chronic pain, etc.)

I'm sorry - and at such a young age! There is a scripture in the Bible that says that the Lord will restore all the years the canker worm (the enemy) has stolen. I will believe this scripture for you, Rachel. The best years are yet to come. You WILL get through this!!

(((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif (( HUG )) http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif ))))))))))))))

Husker ............

[texashowdee]

Hang in there girl. I had back surgery with plate and screws two years ago. I was instantly helped in may areas but it did nothing for the siatic pain that goes down the right leg. I am currently going to have a myelogram on Wed of this week and will know on Friday what is going on for sure. I am not a good candidate for further surgery since the problme is behind the fused and palted area. I do remember that they say a fusing does not begin to fuse together till one year so try to go slow and give it some time to heal. I took Vicoden for about three months for pain and then gradually weaned myself off of them but each one of us is different. I am older and use to pain. I also have trigimainal neuralgia so turst me I know what real pain is. Hang in there. I am here if you need to talk. Dee

[RachLuvJun]

Thanks again. You all are so sweet. It's nice to have others to talk to. People not in the same situation just don't understand..and get tired of hearing it I am sure. You all seem so supportive and caring. What a blessing.

For those of you who have had fusion...have you ever had this machine to wear (small as a cell phone with electrodes on it). My Doctor says I have to wear it for 6 months and since this is my second fusion, it is a bone growth stimulator to make the bones fuse faster and to make sure they do fuse. My doctor doesn't know how exactly it works except for that studies show there is a electric current or something that naturally is around healing bones and this is exaggerated current. Just curious. It's more annoying than anything! LOL

Husker, you mentioned a bible verse...I am wondering if you know what it is? It sounds interesting. I've never been very religious. However, during the last year or so I have found myself becoming more so. I guess desperated times call for desperate measures hahah.

Well thanks again. I am hanging in there. I am waiting for my physical therapist to come today. We are going to take a walk outside. Wish it weren't so chilly! But the leaves are so beautiful with the changing colors!

Take care

Rachel