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4 replies [Last post]
July 2, 2009 - 9:50pm
Anonymous
Fusion one year ago and still have sciatica

Hi all. It's been about one year since my L4-L5, L5-S1 fusion. My lower back pain is better, but the sciatic pain down my right leg is driving me nuts. After more PT and meds my surgeon finally gave me an epidural injection today. I am actually stating to get frustrated with him at this point. I feel like I am having to pull information out of him.......Why is this nerve irritated? What is irritating it? What is the long term fix now that it's obviously not a disc protruding (fusion)? There was talk once of removing the hardware, but that hasn't come up in awhile. I'm wondering if I should consider talking to another MD while I'm waiting to see if this injection is going to work.

Any ideas or opinions?

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July 3, 2009 - 1:08am
#1
backpainishell
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dry-fly

Hiya Welcome To Spine Health Big Hug This is just a thought Thinking , as these type of surgeries are traumatic to the body Surprise , it can take a while to heal At Wits End , where we heal from the outside inwards, this can take a long long time At Wits End , depending on other medical conditions Thinking . So I was wondering if the nerve is agrivated or scratching on something Thinking . Are you still taking it easy? Timeout Doing to much to soon could irritate the nerves! Thinking Just my views, based on some personal experieneces. Big Hug I hope this helps you Smile

Angie Wave

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!!!!!CLICK ON MY USERNAME TO RETRIEVE MY MEDICAL HISTORY!!!!!

ANY ADVICE GIVEN IS BASED ON MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE'S

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July 3, 2009 - 8:36am
#2
Whyme (not verified)
Hello and Welcome! Has your

Hello and Welcome! Has your doctor said ANYTHING? I know it can take a long time for your nerves to "heal" after surgery. I didn't even know that my pain was caused by damaged nerves until they put me on neurontin and it worked (didn't realize how MUCH pain until it was gone).

Are you asking him straight out: could this be nerve damage from surgery? (or whatever was happening prior to surgery, impingement, stenosis, etc). If I were you, I would just ask the same question until you get a response, and if that brings more questions, ask them too! Don't be afraid to ask!

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Big Hug

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July 3, 2009 - 2:58pm
#3
chaycee2 (not verified)
reply

I know how you feel after 11 months and 2 fusion surgeries I get no answer at all fro m doctors and also no pain medication. they even took bone marrow and I have no reason why they did

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July 5, 2009 - 1:58am
#4
natural scientist
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Joined: 11/07/2008
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my last appointment

I was told the numbness may be always due to being compressed for so long. It is best to try and stop the tramadol, and I quoat "I know thats easy for me to say", mmm a bit of compassion from my DR....but no real way to make it go away.

Sciatica has been slowly inhibiting a normal life despite best positive efforts, and its only been 18 months.

Sorry my news is not so good, I went into surgery believing the leg pain would be gone I woke up. LOL.

_____________

PLIF/PLF 360 L5S1 OCT '08

Feel good about the fusion even though have lost some function.

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