7 Weeks Post-Op 360 Lumbar Fusion/New Problems

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deniseL1972

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I had my fusion on Jan 31st of this year. I never had leg pain prior to surgery. The leg pain started in my right leg immediatley after surgery before I even left the hospital. I thought it was from the leg compressions that were on my legs. I was perscribed Valium for the "spasms" in my leg. I ran out and then perscribed Flexeril which did not help at all. I went for my 6 wk check-up and my x-rays looked great. All my screws are in place. My surgeon (voted best neurosurgeon in Dallas 8 times) is concerned that there might be nerve damage or a nerve against a screw causing the leg pain since the pain has increased a lot. I go next week for a Myelogram and then on 4/9 for a nerve test. My surgeon won't let me start PT until we find out what is causing the leg pain. Then he won't let me go back to work until I have 4 wks of PT ( I have a desk job). So, my original thought of being off work for 6 to 8 wks is turning out to be 14 wks if my tests come back ok. The one question I did not ask him was what is going to happen if there is nerve damage. I wonder if it will mean another surgery to fix it. I guess I am just wondering if this has happened to anyone else.
 
Denise,
Welcome on board!
I had 2 spinal fusions by now and I can share some things with you.
I don't like your leg pain especially if you didn't have it before the surgery.
I had same thing: i got leg pain, wear leg/foot/toes after my first surgey 2,5 years ago. DR told me it will go away. Never did; in fact got worse.
I had my second surgery 3 month ago (total fused levels is 4) and my legs are killing me even more than before my second surgery.
I had MRI done 2weeks after surgery and it didn't show any problems. Since than I got even worse.
I will see my DR on March 25th and can't wait to hear what he has to say.

I would definately follow up with my Dr; Myelogram may show a problem,may not (unfortunately no 100% tests accuracy).
I wish you good luck and hopefuly your will continue healing...:angel:
 
I am just thankful that you doctor is running the tests and is being proactive about getting down to the root of the problem. Please keep us posted and in the mean time I am praying for you.
 
This has happened to some people here, and it might take another surgery to fix it, but it won't be as hard as the original fusion surgery.

Unfortunately, these back issues are touchy, and surgery often irritates the nerves. I had nerve issues after surgery that I didn't have before, but mine did not require more surgery. It was just a matter of things calming down after being disturbed. Let's hope that's all it is for you, too. I'm glad your doctor is listening to you and taking steps to be sure! He sounRAB like a keeper!

Please let us know what you find out.

Take care,
Emily
 
Moldova......Do let me know what Dr. C.......has to say...Don't forget I also had him do my surgery at HSS...........good luck w/ your visit this week.....
and I'm hoping your pain is lessening soon........

LAF:)
 
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