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

Michelle · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2006, 02:21 AM

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 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2006, 03:06 PM

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 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2006, 07:19 PM

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

Blairsara · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 12:50 AM

sorry I was on pain killers when I wrote that and wrote the wrong word.. overextension is much better than "TWISTED." so, basically what happened was that the joints on my right side after being overextended became stuck in that position which makes sense of why I have been in a lot of pain since September (before my left side only hurt and not my right side - and everything slowly got worse from when i first noticed the pain).
so ya, not twisted but overextended (which I already knew) but the stuck part is the crazy thing. My doctor said that it might go back by itself but he's not sure and that's why it's so important that I go see my doctor. So I made an appointment and I'm bringing in my family support group :P
This is some crazy stuff.. you know I always said that I liked being unique but *&$%#$ that!!!!

Jim M2 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 04:30 AM

Oh, okay, overextension. I've often described my pain as feeling like I've got a hyperextended lumber. So this makes sense with what I've experienced. I like having my lumbar flexed. It gives me some relief.

Blairsara · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 04:52 AM

does your pt do the lumbar extension? or do you know just how far to go before hurting yourself? did your joints ever get stuck in the hyperextended position? I'm kind of freaked out about that... that can't be normal. it's like pulling your finger all the way back and having it stay there.. not good stuff.

Jim M2 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 06:58 PM

That's exactly the way I think about it! Like pulling your finger way back and leaving it there. If you stop pulling it back right before it gives you sharp pain, that's what it reminds me of. When I walk the sharp pain can appear briefly with each step. It's more pronounced with bigger step size.

Post surgery imaging (MRI, x-ray, CT Myelo) shows a lumbar that's straight, no curvature. The doctor that did CT myelo injection had trouble getting the needle in. He said I might have ligaments that are calcifying because of lack of motion. So am I locked up? The loss of motion was voluntary after I figured out that extension aggravated me. I trained myself to be neutral to flexed in most all situations. Overall it helped alot. Here's an example. I put some plastic bags on the seat of my car. When I get into the car I sit in the seat sideways with both feet on the pavement. Then I lift both legs together and then spin my feet/legs together into the car. Sort of like a woman wearing a short skirt would do it to keep from exposing herself. I do all kinds of weird things like this. Often I can tell people wonder what the heck I'm doing.

I continue to do some of the exercises I've been taught by various pt's over the past 5 years, but I haven't been to a therapist lately.