Back Surgery and Neck Surgery
Posted on: Fri, 10/10/2008 - 00:37
Failed Fusion

Failed Fusion:

I constantly read forums and I have noticed failed fusion is very common I have also had a failed fusion and I am trying to figure out what people with failed fusions have in common.

Did you wear a collar? If so how long?

How soon did you go back to work?

Physical Therapy after surgery?

How long before reoperation?

Pain after surgery? Did you ever feel relief?

Arm pain? Both arms? Describe pain.


Posted on: Fri, 10/10/2008 - 02:27 #1
Hi

Hi Moosehead,
Actually failed fusion is not that common, really you are reading about it a lot here as it is the people with failed fusions that need support and help. A lot of the ones with perfect fusions dont come back here after recovery.

I dont know the stats and they will also be different for each country.
However, your questions are very interesting. You obvioulsy have had upper back/neck surgery (?s re arms)so the same questions could apply for leg or both begs.

Hope you get some answers and some relief.

Blessings Sara Angel

_____________

Aussie girl from Sydney
Work related injury 2001, Bulging discs L2-S1 had Laminectomy/discectomy L4-5 2001. Semi-success.
Since developed DDD, Stenosis, scoliosis,& very numb feet and legs & more.
Continued with PT, Hydrotherapy, Deep tissue massage, facet block injections (no change) light gym work.
PLIF L3-S1 using BMP, with decompression, hardware, & correction to scoliosis May 7th 2008. 10 days hospital 2 weeks in rehabilitation hospital.
Started PT day 1, aquatherapy (heaven)day 14.

Finished PT and aquatherapy and waitng to start at gym.

Doing really well with only the occassional hiccup. Still on Oxycontin 5mg x 2, Endone 5mg X 2, Valium 5mg x 2,am reducing these as I improve.

Our minds are more powerful then our bodies so watch your thoughts and be careful what you wish for.

Posted on: Fri, 10/10/2008 - 08:16 #2
The question really is...

I think the real question is -

what = a failed fusion Laughing

Is it that the patient is still in considerable pain?
Is it the fusion failed to grow?
Is it other hardwear complications?

Having read several papers, it seems the comment common to them all is the need for a universal descriptor of "failed".

My surgeon never did a disability questionare, so how can they measure improvement? On my say so?
X-Rays?

Sadly I think some ppl take on the operation sooner than perhaps they should, maybe not guided correctly?? - I had to suffer at least 12 months under the care of my surgeon before he operated. I know some ppl only seem to wait 12 weeks. I know it depends on the conditions too and on the patients expectations.

For me I do not say my surgery has failed. I am still in pain and "have a long walk" ahead of me. The surgery is done and now I have the rehab..the hard work...

I did not wear a brace. re-occurance of back pain after 3 months. PT after 4 weeks. re-operation after 12 and 6 months.

Good luck.

_____________

Spondy, DDD, Spondylolsis - Dynesys and S1 PLIF 2007, revision PLIF L4/5 Feb 2008 and revision PLIF September 2008
Pain is compulsary, suffering is optional

Posted on: Fri, 10/10/2008 - 08:37 #3
HI

Hi and Welcome to spine health.

Your questions are common, failed fusions well I really do not think there is a statistic number on that.

We need more information on your situation?????

What did you have done at what levels? (im guessing your neck)???
When was your 1st surgery??
Is there any fusion at all??
Is the hardware giving you issues?
Do you have increased pain???

I also was under the care of my surgeon for 1 year.
I had no fusion at all. NO bone was growing anywhere.
I was still in pain.
So it was decided not to wait any longer. I would have if there was some sign of bone growing. There was not.
So I had a revision surgery a on Sept 17th.

I cannot answer any of your questions well but will try:

Am I going to go to PT??
Not sure.. I want to. He did not send me last year.

I did not have a brace for my surgery.

I am way to early out to know if there is any relief.

I have not worked since 06 so I am wishing to, but I still will not know.

It was the 11th month mark we decided to do surgery over.

So if you can let us know a bit more about your situation.
So then mabye we can help you with our personal experiences a bit more..

Thanks
Terri Big Hug Angel

_____________

**ALL ADVICE GIVEN IS STRICTLY PERSONAL AND NOT MEDICAL**
www.myspace.com/emsluvbug 41yr old mom 3 kids Married 21 years.Former EMT-D, Firefighter, CNA, LPN nursing student.
2 C-sections 86/89
R kidney removal 02,
Cervical fusion 5/6 04,
Right lumbar hernia repair 05 (rare)
IBS, OSTEO ARTHRITIS, ARTHRITS, FIRBROMYALGIA,CHRONIC KIDNEY STONES.
L5/S1 fusion w/ hardware own bone graft 9/2007
Proximal row carpectomy (3 bones removed out of wrist)08
Chronic kidney stones
T1-T2 large herniation with severe thecal sac compression. mild cord compression
9/17/08 Revision for non-fusion of lumbar L4-S1. Now home recovering. Angiogram 11/08,
11/24/08 scheduled Aortic Bi-Fem bypass surgery through the belly&thighs due to MIN. circulation in both legs, 90% blockage in left valve in my belly Sad
BRING IT ON BABY!!!! I can handle the world! Smile You cannot knock me down!!!
Its not easy but ya HAVE to keep going or it will get to you first Smile
Former meds used: Oxycontin, Morphine, Fentynl patches, Methadone, Lortab, Ultram, Sklexin, Flexril, Norflex.
Current meds: lortab, ultram, valium, soma, chantix