Spinal Problems Archives

fusion in bottom 5 vertebra

I just had my 4th back surgery (4-7-03)in 20 months about 4 weeks ago. I think I am feeling better but am concerned about the pain I still have in my buttocks area and my foot. I'm beginning to think that this will be the way I live from now on. I have two sets of hardware that have been taken out and I am down to 1/2 of a pain pill at bedtime, along with Alleve during the day if needed. I have been on Ambien for 2 years and will try to get off that when I can sleep comfortably at night. My foot and hip still burn at night after I have been active all day and it is hard to get comfortable. I have been told there is nothing else that can be done. I had surgery 30 years ago for my congenitle defect then played tennis for 22 years, which was to cause of the new surgeries. Any suggestions on what can be done to alleviate the pain I have now, or will that be with me forever. The pain is constant all day and gets worse at night. Would stretching help or maybe Yoga. Please let me know

Follow Ups:

• Re: fusion in bottom 5 vertebra (Archive in spinal.) Walt Stoll 06:23:27 5/08/03 (0)
• Re: fusion in bottom 5 vertebra Anita 17:44:17 5/07/03 (0)

In Reply to: fusion in bottom 5 vertebra posted by Ms. Daryle on May 07, 2003 at 08:07:46:

Hello, I am really new to this board, but I would like to share something with you that my physician told me that helped me to feel much better.

First of all, I am in awe of your four surgeries in 20 months. How painful that must have been in such a short period of time! On 2/24/03, I had a two level fusion at L4&L5 and L5&SI1. The collapsed discs caused severe sciatica pain and the feeling as though a chainsaw were digging into my left calf most all the time. While post-surgery was horribly painful, I've begun to feel a little better each day. On my last appointment, I mentioned that I was concerned that I still had some sciatica pain and he told me that it will take approximately 16 months before the nerve heals from the damage and that some damage might not completely heal.

This helped me because I am now able to focus my thoughts on the improvements I am making and the little ways I am feeling better instead of how much I still hurt. I even put on my screen saver "Getting Better" to remind me.

Again, our experience of pain is individual and I hope that your surgery ultimately works to allieviate yours! Anita

In Reply to: fusion in bottom 5 vertebra posted by Ms. Daryle on May 07, 2003 at 08:07:46:

Hi, Ms.

Listen to Anita.

Remember that bracing ALWAYS aggravates what you have and SR will always help. Rolfing or Hellerwork would help as well as Alexander Technique. See the bracing archives for your options.

Let us know what you learn and how you do.

Walt