fibromyalgia after fusion?

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sundee

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I had a fusion of L5/S1 in June 2007. Ever since, I have been having all-over body aches, still sharp pain in my lower back, but also pain in my upper back, shoulders, hips, especially my legs and feet, headaches, restless legs, and don't sleep well at all. I saw my regular doctor (as recommended by someone on here - thank you). I described all my symptoms, and he immediately thought Fibromyalgia. He sent me to a rheumatologist, which my appt is this Friday. I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experince. Do you take anything that helps? Is there a test they can do to be for sure that's what it is? (Just kind of want something proven before I am convinced that's what it is.)

Thanks!

Sundee
 
I had the same surgery in 2000 on L-4,5,S-1. My pain wasnt getting better so my back dr sent me to a rheumatologist and he did blood work to test me for RA because it runs in my family and thats what he thought I had but it came back ok, so he checked the tender points,and told me that I had fibro,and told me to find a dr that deals with that because he didnt. Its hard to find a good fibro dr but when you do,its worth it..I will be thinking about you..I also have RLS that I didnt have before back surgery.I just found out from my MRI that from my cervical to my lurabar I only have 4 disc that arent bulging,but I dont think I will be going through that surgery again....I hope you get some help on Friday.
 
I, too, have wondered about my fybro-like symptoms.

I had a two level cervical fusion in Jan 2007. My issues prior to surgery were in my arms, neck and shoulders, nothing in my lower extremities. About 4-5 months after surgery, I develped all kinRAB of weird feelings and symptoms throughout my body, which led to a trip to Mayo Clinic. There I was told I had atypical migraines. That explained the sharp pains behind my right eye and the nurabness/tingling in and around my lips. I was also told I probably have some nerve damage acting like neuropathy in my feet.

To this day, I continue to hurt all over. At the end of the day, my feet burn, my legs ache, I have almost continual pain between my shoulder blades when I'm sitting on the computer or driving.

I wouldn't say that I'm too tender to be touched, like the lady on the Lyrica commercials says! Although Lyrica was one of the drugs my neuro had me trying last summer.

As most of us know, the pain can be depressing (duh!). And, being depressed can cause body achiness (is that word?!) Seems sort of like a vicious cycle, doesn't it??

I have heard that tanning helps a friend of mine with fibro. I agree with the folks who feel like the cold is affecting their pain - I am feeling that too. Heat just plain feels good, and does promote healing.

So, let's all start praying for a great big thaw across the country!
 
I have fybromyologa for many years. I had 2 spinal surgeries.
Fibromyologa diagnosed just by pressing some pressure points which suppose to be painful. They don't have any blood work or other tests to support this diagnoses and many DRs still don't believe this condition exists.
Meanwile it can be very painful, my hanRAB, knees get very swollen, red... aches all over my body.
But this can relate to your surgery too. I have all this symptoms you have now (restless legs related to surgery only, drives me nuts too). They way we walk, they way we protect our spines after the surgery can affect neck, legs, arms - all body. And don't forget that spending more time in bed than we usually do does not help pain either.
I was on Elavil (very tiny dose ) to help with sleep and pain, just for a while, but this is anti-depressant meRAB in a larger dose, so I did not want to play with this for long. I was on Celebrex... Than I stoped all this meRAB and started with gym, swimming - this was the best thing i ever done for myself. 17 years of haven - now I can't do that since I am not good after my 2 surgeries.. I am glad if I can walk some days, forget gym. But I still hope for the best and one day I may go back to normal life.
Good luck to you!
 
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