Hardware Removal

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queenie5

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I am almost 11 months post op dynamic stabilization L4&5, and fusion with BMP at L5 S1. I have never been out of pain. I am on Opana, Vicoden. REMOVED I see my Dr. In Chicago on Friday. They feel the hardware neeRAB to come out. I feel that is the problem too. My hospital experience in Sept was horrendous. I hated the hospital. I'm petrified at the thought of going back for surgery, because he now feels he has to fuse L4 and L5, since it wasn't fused. Would it be a big mistake to switch Drs? I guess I feel I have to go to him because he put it in, and I don't know if it would be that big a deal to remove it and possibly do another fusion. I thought since its his work, maybe he should be the one to remove it. I was contemplating going to Indianapolis for another surgeons opinion, and have them do it. My physician is supposed to be top notch. Hes out of Rush in Chicago. Any opinions?
 
A good doctor and good hospital don't always go hand in hand. Does your doc have privleges at any other hospital? I had a choice of two different ones to go to when I had my surgery. My problem is it was over a weekend where my care went down the tubes-less staffing-impossible to get pain killers and urine bad emptied-crazy. As soon as Monday morning hit it was like being in a different place! :dizzy:
I hopw you are able to get some answers here for your problem-let us know how it goes!

Blessings,
Michelle
 
Pamela,

I have been arguing back and forth with myself concerning your post about whether to respond on not. I want to stress how very important in my opinion it is to get a 2nd and 3rd opinion re: the removal of the hardware. Things can go wrong with any operation but with this operation it is risky.
The fusion can weaken and fall apart if it is not completely fused so it is extremely important to make sure you are fused. You will need a CT scan and maybe even a CT mylegram. To be honest, they always can't tell until they are in surgically whether you are fused or not. Complications from this surgery are that the spine can become unstable and you can have an increase in pain. Also each time they go in, they are creating more scar tissue which will cause more pain.

When they remove the hardware this is big surgery. They have to chisel away the bone holding the screws in and they have to make another large incision (I aksed my doc if he could go in horizontal so I could have a cross on my back (LOL)) - just be prepared to be sore up to 4 weeks afterwarRAB.

I had one side of the hardware removed and my back pain is 10x worse than it was. I have no fusion at all now at this level. There was 10 months between my fusion and removal of the hardware. It is likely that surgery #5 will take place in the future. I don't want to be negative I just want you to be aware.

I typically post on the new chronic pain message board; however, subscribe to this thread so that I can answer any questions that you may have.

I pray that you will find some relief soon.
 
pamela, I also need my hardwear removed, but I think dietdrpepper said everything their was to say get a second or third oponion it is so important.I have the upmost respect and trust in my doctor and I did get oponions from other dr's who confurmed his diagnosis. I still need to remove the hardwear and Im playing the waiting game. Goodluck to you hope everything turns out ok. allie
 
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