anyone have to have a second spinal fusion? *Update page 2 on 3/10

[Denine]

Well, I got my MRI results and they didn't give me any more answers. Now, I have an appointment with a spine guy on Friday. I will take my x-rays with me and they should be able to get the MRI results.

Wish me luck.

 

[mtblujeans]

: Does a fusion form arthritis like a spinal break does? I am curious.

I have had a broken back and, after 5 years, I still have considerable pain around the areas with the healed break. I am told it is arthritis + inflammation....but, I have not heard of a fusion doing that!

Good luck....

 

[LindaR]

Yes, it does! I now have arthritis in my lower spine AND in my right hip (the site of the bone graft).

 

[Denine]

Yeah, I expect to get arthritis in my lower back some day, but I didn't expect to get it where the bone graft came from!

 

[mtblujeans]

Are you feeling any better this week?

I have never known anyone to complain of arthritis in a fusion....but anyone I have known that has had a fusion, had just had it done and the previous pain they were having was gone immediately with the new fusion and they were very pleased with the procedure. Please post what they tell you they have found on Friday, if you are comfortable with that!

 

[Denine]

I will post Friday evening about my appointment.

I found out today at work that I am still very much in need of the vicodin. I can't take it and go to work since I am a nurse. I need to get through work tomorrow.

I was in no pain after my fusion. It was great. I went from 17 and feeling like 80 back to feeling like 17. I have had achiness on and off, but that is to be expected. I have small bone spurs on my mid-lumbar spine which will probably turn into arthritis, but nothing near my fusion.

 

[Denine]

Here's the scoop.

There is no herniation or stenosis.

There is major sciatic nerver irritation of unknown origin. It may involve the sacroiliac joint (SI). He put me on Prednisone and Lyrica for the nerve pain. If there is no joint invovlement, the pain should be much better in a few days, with the lyrica helping to solve the problem for the next 3 months.

The grinding movement is probably arthritis setting in and has nothing to do with this problem.

I am looking foward to being normal again!

 

[Big V]

I hope it works for you.

 

[mtblujeans]

Here's the scoop.

There is no herniation or stenosis.

There is major sciatic nerver irritation of unknown origin. It may involve the sacroiliac joint (SI). He put me on Prednisone and Lyrica for the nerve pain. If there is no joint invovlement, the pain should be much better in a few days, with the lyrica helping to solve the problem for the next 3 months.

The grinding movement is probably arthritis setting in and has nothing to do with this problem.

I am looking foward to being normal again!

Boy, I really feel for you! Constant, grinding pain is something that is unbearable to put up with after awhile!! I hope you get some relief real soon!

 

[Denine]

I hope to feel better soon too! The grinding motion is actually not painful, just annoying. The worst is the back pain and sciatica. I let you know how it all works out.