Back Spasms from Spinal Fusion

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tigrsleigh

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I had a Spinal Fusion of my L-4, L-5 and S-1 done on Aug 31, 2010. About 5 weeks after the surgery I started experiencing very painful back spasms and throbbing of the back, sides and abs which didn't come from the spasms. After calling my doctor's office everyday for 2 1/2 weeks, they finally got me in to see him. He prescribed me Flexeril and Tramadol. I already have a note in my file stating that Tramadol doesn't work for me! I called the office again once I figured out what prescription he called in for me. I finally got a hold of someone and they informed me that my doctor is on vacation for 2 weeks and that according to his notes I am not allowed to get anything but Tramadol. I called back the next 3 days and continued to inform them that nothing is working and I'm in tears everyday because of the spasms and pain. They told me that if I was still feeling this bad after 3 weeks, then I need to go to the Emergency Room. That night I was finally able to make in it and the ER doctor advised me that I should not be there and my doctor's office should have gotten me in to see the doctor that is handling my doctor's patients. I have tried the following: Robaxin, Flexeril, Percaset, Lortab, Valium, a steriod pack, and of course Tramadol. He has also given me the Voltaren Gel which is doing nothing either. Everything looks great in my x-rays. I do have a spot on the left and right side of the incision that is very swollen and hurts all the time. The one on my left side gives me more problems and is the muscle that is pushing against the nerve. I am not able to sit, stand, stoop, walk or lay down without and spasm happening. All the advice that I've seen on here is to call the doctor, but of course I have done that for 3 weeks now and still getting no where. I was wondering if anyone else had any other kind of advice? Oh yeah, I've done the therapy, heating paRAB, ice packs, etc and none of that seems to do anything or make it worse.
 
I am so sorry for the grief. I had the same three level so I have been down that road. Your pain sounRAB like you have a nerve that is being impinged, hence the pain. There are meRAB out there that work on the nerve pain. The reason I think it is nerve pain is that none of the normal pain meRAB are giving you any relief. See if you can get your doctor's relief or him if he is back, to prescribe either Neurontin, Topoma or Lyrica. All of them help with nerve pain..but be aware, they all have some side effects...but it's worth trying them to get rid of the pain.

good luck
 
I had the muscle spasms right out of surgery. He put me on Lyrica and Flexril. The Flexril every 4 hours until the spasm stopped. I had them exactly where your were. I did have 2 5mg percocets every four hours too. SounRAB like your doctor sucks.
 
have used a chiropractor for many years and still do for my neck. He sent me to the Orthopedic. Chiropractors can only do so much.

Surgery is needed when it is the last option and you have no other choice. You can do your whole take care of your body stuff but, sometimes surgical intervention is the only choice. I pray you will never understand why.
 
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