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

[Denine]

My fusion L4-S1 was 20 years ago because of a slipped vertabra. I have had general achiness at times, but the usrgery was a great success.

Forward to today. I did something to my back, don't know what, and I am having pain on the right side of my fusion with pain down my right leg. I have been feeling movement in the fusion area for several months now.

I am terrified of having to have surgery again. Not to mention that I have a house to run and a 3 year old running around and a job outside the house. I don't have time for this.

I am also terrified they will want to do a myelogram again. Do they still do those or do they have other ways of looking at the nerves? Having a CAT or MRI doesn't bother me.

 

[peepzlz]

hope you feel better.

 

[Denine]

Thanks!

 

[mtblujeans]

They still do myelograms, and, despite everything you have going on, you know you need to have this checked out. With shooting pain and movement in the spine area, you need to move right away! Spinal surgery is constantly improving and you may be pleasantly surprised at how easy this problem will be addressed!

Pease let us know what you find out!!

 

[LindaR]

You need to go to the doctor! You didn't state if you have any screws/rods in your back. If so, they will not be able to see anything with an MRI because the images will "bounce" off the metal. It is possible that you have got problems above the site of your fusion. Happened to me. L4 and L5 were fused. Now I have a herniation at L3. They can't even see that in an MRI, but the clinical symptoms indicate the herniation. You just need to go see your specialist and not assume that you will have to have surgery again. There are lots of things to try before surgery!

 

[Denine]

Thanks guys. I do not have any instrumentaion.

I have an appointment tomorrow with the GP. I will see the same guy that did my surgery if I need to after tomorrow.

 

[mtblujeans]

You don't have to have instrumentation to have a problem with the disc/vertibrae above or below. That is not uncommon. You could be lucky in that it is not as bad as you think once you check into it....but, please, do go check it out!

 

[Denine]

Thanks. I will let you know what I find out at the doctor this afternoon.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Here's hoping nothing serious is wrong.

 

[Denine]

I am waiting for x-ray results. If they are inconclusive, he wants an MRI. I go back Tuesday, but am hoping to find out the results before then.
He won't commit to an opinion as to what the problem could be.
He did give me a different anti-inflammatory med, Mobic.

 

[LindaR]

It's so hard to wait! I hope the meds give you some relief (they didn't work for me, but they work for my sis). There are lots of things to try before surgery. Physical therapy, can't remember the name of the shots into your spine...(they didn't work at all before my first surgery and did work before my second surgery).....

It's amazing that what works for one person may not work for another. I hope you get some relief from the meds and get good news from your tests.

 

[mtblujeans]

Ok, we'll wait with you.....keep us posted!

 

[Denine]

Thanks. I do feel slightly better today, but I have been able to sit in comfortable chairs more.
I go to work the next 2 days. Hopefully I can manage.

 

[Denine]

I saw the doctor yesterday. My fusion is not fractured but they can't visualize my entire spine or the reason for the sciatica or back pain. I am having an MRI tomorrow. They seem confident they will find out some answers from that.

 

[mtblujeans]

Keep us posted, Denine! I hope your pain has subsided a little bit and hoping they find the source soon!!

 

[Denine]

I forgot to mention that he gave me vicodin for the pain. I took 1/2 of a pill this morning and it did take the edge off, but it has made me dizzy on and off.

 

[mtblujeans]

Hoping you are doing well today....

 

[Denine]

Thanks!

I had my MRI yesterday. It went well but I won't find anything out until Monday probably. The results won't be ready until Saturday afternoon.

Up to the whole vicodin today and I had to call off work which I hate doing.

 

[mtblujeans]

I so much hope they have some answers for you on Monday! Try to have a good weekend....

 

[Denine]

Thanks! You too.