5 months post ADR & Fusion-big problems

[mmglobal]

what kind of fusion did they do? is the integrity of the contruct suspect or did everything fit together nicely. BMP? Allograft? ...???

Is it possible that congenitally fused L5-S1 is overloaded since they fused 4-5 and is now painful?

[sarah.p]

Originally Posted by mmglobal

what kind of fusion did they do? is the integrity of the contruct suspect or did everything fit together nicely. BMP? Allograft? ...???

Is it possible that congenitally fused L5-S1 is overloaded since they fused 4-5 and is now painful?

Hi There, I had bmp with my fusion, but due to previously being hypermobile L4-5 because of the congenital fusion L5-S1, I remain hypermobile and therefore will not fuse without more hardwear being inserted, and as everything is unstable, I have pain from the screws at the moment currently flaring up nerves and scar tissue etc.
Hopefully tightening the fusion area together will offer some relief at the bottom of my spine centrally,
Then its just all about finding some help for the adr and facet issue, this is causing a great deal more pain to me than the fusion issue, and the problem that concerns me the most at the moment.

[Terry Allen Blackburn]

Sarah:

I am so sorry that you are struggling. This is such new technology that it is difficult in determining who is going to be successful with it and who isn't. It holds such promise compared to fusion surgery but, there are so many unknowns. On one hand, I can understand insurance companies, claiming that it is experimental and investigational, to deny payment, as the longevity is still an issue. Some, with facet issues, still do well with ADR and, some do not. I just hope that they can get you back to a decent quality of life, where you can do what you love to do. I am in a similar position of having pain after my ADR surgery. I had SI joint injections before Christmas and am struggling today with pain. I am far older than you but, equally scared of the possibility of becoming disabled, and not able to support myself. I will pray for you that God gives you the healing you deserve as you are a gift to others in pain. It just seems so unfair about who is stricken. We need good nurses in the world, as you care for people when they cannot.

May God be with you and your family.

Terry Newton

[sarah.p]

Thank you so very much for your kind words Terry, I am really sorry to hear that you are also struggling post ADR. It is a really difficult position to be in, and takes over your whole life. I knew pretty soon after surgery that I had problems with my fusion area, but only found out a couple of weeks ago about the ADR/Facet problems, and it has been a real shock, but I still keep faith, and the kindness of others really does help to keep me sane, so thank you for the kind wishes.
I wish you the very best of luck also,
warmest wishes to you
sarah

[Maria]

Hi Sarah,
I too was a nurse a long time. Injured my low back working as an RN in a Neuro unit long ago, returned to school and got my MSN/NP so that I could stop working shifts and staff work (back then it seemed like the best way to do this). During the time I was employed as an NP I had two discectomies and the latter one failed miserably tho I continued to work another 8 years in rather modified ways/positions.

What I didn't attempt during my employment was Pain Management with pain meds and ESIs... I wasn't offered this so I retired in 2000 at the age of 47.

I surely hope you're able to return to work in some capacity however it may take a bit longer than planned. You'll figure this out as you go along.

Wishing you the best and glad you found this forum. Please continue to be hopeful. This is a great resource forum.

[sarah.p]

Thanks Maria,
Its amazing how many nurses that Im coming across who have been retired early due to ill health.
Ive spoken to my union, and they are sending me all of the relevent information out regarding the processes that will occur, including pension info in case it is needed.
Hope that you are comfortable,
warmest wishes
sarah

[mmglobal]

My wife is an RN... had no back problems until 2007 at age 49. Since then, she's had endoscopic discectomy at one level, then 2-level ADR surgery, both lumbar spine.

I'm amazed at how well-represented nurses are among the spiney population. As are police, firefighters, EMT's, horseback riders.

[marion]

Terry and Sarh I am so sorry about what you are going through and pray that God sends healing to you. Sorry your facets injections havent kicked in by now Terry have you got s plan B? Sarah I know you are waiting to hear from Mr Lam and hope it is a sollution form him Love M

[sarah.p]

Thanks Honey,
Ive just realised its you hun!! sending big hugs your way xx

[marion]

Hi Sarah did you recognise me by the bad spelling??? Catch you on emil M XXXX

[sarah.p]

Ha! that did make me laugh! No honey, I recognised you from your kind words.
chat soon xxxxx

[Terry Allen Blackburn]

Originally Posted by marion

Terry and Sarh I am so sorry about what you are going through and pray that God sends healing to you. Sorry your facets injections havent kicked in by now Terry have you got s plan B? Sarah I know you are waiting to hear from Mr Lam and hope it is a sollution form him Love M

I am doing better. I just had some bad days still post injections. I am still on some of the medication, I was previously on, but I am cutting back again. Thank-you for the concern. I have not posted this past week as we were very busy at work and I was getting ready for Elizabeth to have a partial hysterectomy. She had the surgery yesterday and I get to bring her home today. I just hope she doesn't turn in to Loreena Bobbit.

Terry Newton

[phylly]

Hi Sarah,
Just checking in on you. How are you? I bet waiting is the hardest part of this process and wondering if what we do will work and should we try something that can make things worse. Those are my greatest worries. You have more time to get info and come to a solution. Just thinking about you.
Phylly

[sarah.p]

Hi Phylly,
Bless you and thanks for thinking of me.
What I find really hard about the next surgery is the difference in outcome, last time I thought that the surgery will solve all of my problems and make me better so it was an exciting thing to be waiting for, but this time it doesnt work like that, dont get me wrong, I do have hope that the rod and srews will help with the fusion area and hopefully eliminate the central lower back pain and nerve pain that I have, but then what next, I will still be chasing a solution regarding the facets at the adr level. At the moment it just feels as though its going to be a long journey with an unknown outcome, and its going with that and adjusting how I feel. I try not to think about it too much, and the days that I do are overwhelming, so I just try to think about the day that im in and no more ahead than that!!

How are you feeling, its getting closer for you now, and must all feel very real, do you feel positive about it all? It must feel very strange for you too.
Are you prepared for your hospital stay and return home yet? Im thinking of you so much too.
sending you warmest hugs and wishes
sarah xx

[Jakea222]

I don't know what I would do without this site. I have a lot of the smae things going through my head as many of you. We have to keep on going. Take care and realize that you are not alone - at least here - these people are wonderful