Upper Thoracic Spinal Fusion and Now My Pain is Worse Than Ever ! - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

denacline88 · 07-02-2007, 10:06 AM

Help !!! Anyone have any advice for me?

I had Upper Thoracic Spinal Fusion at the T/ 8-9 level January of 2007. It has almost been 6 months and I am a total wreck. My pain levels continue to worsen every day. There are days that it gets so bad that I just want to go to the ER. The pain keeps me from sleeping and functioning a normal day to day life.

I do still have another bad disc at the T/5-6 level that was not fixed. Should I talked to the Dr. about having that other disc fixed? What are the chances that the other bad disc is causing my pain.

Also the Dr did mention that my hardware could be rubbing on scar tissue. Should I consider having the hardware removed from my fusion surgery? Are there any tests to prove that the hardware is causing the problems? Has anyone has this done before? What was it like and did it help with your pain levels?

Has anyone had any severe-unbearable pain problems after having Spinal Fusion? I would appreciate any advice anyone has for me, because I am at my last straw here.

Johnathansmomma · 07-02-2007, 10:58 AM

Hi there,

I just wanted you to know you are not alone. I had L5/S1 fusion done in June of 2006, so just over a year ago. I have had severe continuing pain since. Add to that new nerve pain and well there you have it.

I would suggest contacting your doc and getting an MRI done to make sure it is not the other disc, and start getting to the bottom of it. I was finally referred to Pain managment because my GP felt he could no longer safely control my pain, I had my MRI done last week, and am now waiting to see what the verdict is.

I hope the best for you.

Jaime

Moldova · 07-02-2007, 11:07 AM

Denac,
wellcome on board!!
First of all - very sorry you are having such a problem. I would certainly discuss with my Doctor my options.
I had my 2level fusion 17 month ago and i am still on disability. 6 month after my surgery i practically could not walk or move much - that how much pain i was in. I am still in pain, but i get a normal days now also, although some days i can't get up from bed.
I also have anoter level broke on top of my surgery and the lowest also. But my Doctor at HSS told me that if we can buy some time - we will do it since more spinal surgeries we have - weaker our spines become.
YOu can read a lot of material if you go through all the treads about second surgeries; removal of hardware is very "hot" topic; i was told my hardware would be removed only if i have anoter 3 level surgery they don't do it just to remove hardware.
All depends what exactly is wrong in your case - they have to find out. Just want to tell you that recovery after spinal surgeries are very tough and we all get ups and downs way long after the surgery. 6 month is still a short time. But i definatelly would discuss this matter with my Doctor and if you need - you can go for second opinion.
Best wishes on your recovery.

denacline88 · 07-02-2007, 11:14 AM

Jaime,
Thanks for the info. I am going to the Doctor's office today. I will be asking him many questions. I will let you know what I find out.

Dena

denacline88 · 07-02-2007, 11:16 AM

Moldova,

Thanks for all of your insight. I see my Dr. this afternoon. I will definetely be asking a lot of questions, including my pain management. I firmly believe I should not have to be suffering the way I am. I will let you know how things go.

Dena