2 1/2 years post op - Charite ADR L5/S1

[chasswen]

blair you may want to contact pro-spine dr. b is using alot of stuff there that cannt be used yet here.
i surely hope things turn around for you soon.
chuck

[Blairsara]

Thanks Chuck, I really appreciate it. It seems like this week my back is not doing well whatsoever, which is pretty stressful because I have my finals for law school next week. Hope you're doing well.

[djscal]

Hi there,

I have the exact same problem, the same surgeon and am around the same age range as you.

I have had two rhizotomies already. Unfortunately they didn't help much, but they may help you a great deal.

Dr. Zeegers recently found a cyst on my right side facet joint. I was just in Dr. Regan's office discussing it with him the other day. Looks like I might need to have it removed. I'm hoping I can avoid a fusion...

Private message me with your contact info and we can talk more in the evening or weekend.

Dan

[CurlsGirl]

G'day there,

I am 2 years 9 months post op from a Charite at L5/S1 and am still suffering "distraction" pain, peripheral neuropathy, call it what you will.....It is nerve pain that extends from hip to foot and is in fact worse pain than that which led me to have the ADR in the first instance.

However, I suffered with facet pain some two years out of surgery which responded for a time to facet joint injections but last April my surgeon discussed with me the possible value in having a DIAM (Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion) stabilising device inserted.

It is a butterfly shaped silicone and polyethylene device that is fitted under the facet joint and opened out to elevate the joint and stabilise it. The logical theory for me was that it should also lift the joint away from the S1 nerve and hopefully gain me some relief from the nerve pain. It did assist with the facet joint pain but the logic of the nerve relief didn't happen.

PM me if you want to know more.

Happy days

[Michelle]

I'm 27, and only 3 months out from my ADR (ProDisc). I just got an order today for a facet block. I was told I had facet arthritis years ago, and even had a successful block, but got pregnant and didn't have the Rhizo. It was a small part of the problem then, and not really worth pursuing with a newborn at home. Now I'm hoping it will remove the last of my post-op pain. I feel for you suffering so much!! I know what you mean about your hopes-I admit I really expected to wake up and not hurt at all anymore. After 8 years, like that's realistic!! But, I am better than I was, significantly, and glad I did it. I'm glad your family and friends are there for you! I don't have any advice, just wanted to say I'm sorry and I'm glad you've come here for support!!

[Blairsara]

Thank you so much for all of your comments. Yesterday I went in for a Rhizo and let me tell you, that was sooo not a fun procedure! Especially when they wake you up to ask if you're feeling pain down your butt!
Anyways, I finally found out the real source of my pain. Yes it is my facet joints, and yes it was directly caused by the disc (which I already knew). But this is the freaky part.... my right facet joints... are TWISTED.. theyre stuck... they're fing twisted and stuck!!!!!!!
So my doctor who did the rhizo (Dr. Fuller) made it very clear that I have to see Dr. Regan and my PM (Dr. Apostle - who is awesome by the way) ASAP. This can't be good. I was supposed to have my crim law final yesterday but was able to get an extension till next week. So hopefully this will make me feel somewhat better so I can take my finals.
Again, thank you all for your comments.

Blair

[Jim M2]

Blair,
This is a first for me, I haven't heard of twisted and stuck facets before. It's hard for me to imagine what this looks like. How could one facet be twisted without the other being not-quite-right? Maybe there will be a clue here that helps all of us post-ADR patients with facet pain. Good luck with getting to the bottom of this.

Jim