Has anyone had their sacroiliac joint fused??

  • Thread starter Thread starter margsee
  • Start date Start date
M

margsee

Guest
Just wanted to share some success with SI Joint. After 18 mos of dealing with a very unstable and painful SI, with tons of meRAB and injections and no improvement, I am feeling a sense of recovery. Here's what's working without a million doc appt and drugs (as the previous year held)....
1. Natural supplements:
Glucosamine via Joint Juice, 2 xs/day. Extra MSM. Fish oil. And natural anti-infammatorys (bromelain, boswellin) in addition to ibuprofen (about 400mg every 8 hrs - which I have been able to decrease, thank goodness - my liver was not enjoying so much of it). Just added serrapeptase and I am encouraged so far.
2. Cold laser therapy:
About $25 per session if you buy packages. I had to go 3-4 times per week at first to benefit. Now fewer times per week. Last week, didn't go at all & felt good.
3. Rolfing structural Integration:
The rolfer is able to correct my tight muscle fascia, which is helping a ton so my muscles can function at the right length. Equally important, through this I've learned exactly which muscles are tight and tugging me out of alignment. By stretching them before I get out of bed, I am liraber enough to stay "in" when I'm up.

After months of PT (w/many different therapists) and many different pharmaceutical and other efforts, the rolfing and supplement routine has finally begun to make a difference.

I just wanted to say that with a ton of patience, some natural efforts may be able to help your recovery. Be well!
 
Trying to find out if anyone has had their sacroiliac joint fused. The Dr. has mentioned cage/screws/rod..as a way to create the fusion. This is the procedure that the Dr. has recommended for me. BUT, it requires that I do not walk for several weeks to three months...no weight being on the side being fused. Also, will be basically be bed bound...or in a wheel chair...can used walker/crutches (I will kill myself on crutches!) for short walks... This is scary for me...the answer to my back/leg pain....but geez.

If anyone has had this done...can you help fill me in...have several questions...
especially the first few weeks after surgery...from what I was told this is very, very painful... Also, after all is said and done...did this surgery help you...are you pretty much painfree??? Any other info. would be appreciated.

Sage
 
Hi! Rolfing/Structural Integration: achieve change in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial system (connective tissue around & assocaited with muscles). Soft tissue techniques that release the motion restrictions that impede whole body organization - sort of a really heavy duty, controlled, specifically aimed massage.

My guy tells me my muscles feel like tar before he works on them. I can leave there 1/2 taller! Plus, through his feedback, I learned what to stretch on my own between sessions.

Cold laser is a non-thermal laser, or low-level laser. Used on racing horses! Cold laser therapy works by increasing the levels of serotonin to help your body heal itself. The therapy is noninvasive and non-thermal. During the cold laser process, the body's cells are exposed to photon energy, which in turn increases the cells' metabolism, helps to develop muscle tissue and collagen, improves blood circulation, stimulates tissue repair and the healing of wounRAB, and stimulates the nervous and immune systems.

I get the cold laser therapy from my PT location. I just had my pain mgmt doc write a script for it. Not all PTs do it, by the way. Rolfing you can just look up on the web. Most rolfing schools will have a link to 'Find a Rolfer". If none in your area at all, myofasical release massage may help. I just don't know if that training aims at posture and structure as much.

Keep in mind that on top of these approaches, I also continue to strengthen core as per PT sessions, as well as having learned to "correct" my malaligned SI when need be. I just have to do it less now.

However, I still have so much trouble getting and staying comfortable in a flippin car seat. uhg. :) Such fun.
 
Hi Sage, you have such a difficult decision to make. I care for you so much that I want to pose a questions to you. Have you had two surgeons that recommend this procedure? I know you have had a hard road to a diagnosis.

It sounRAB like you are researching things which is good because sometimes as spinneys we see the opportunity of reducing this unbearable pain and don't think things completely thru. I am glad that you are not rushing into this and pray that you find the answers you need to make the best decision possible or you.

Know that I am lifting you up in prayer and am here for you 100%. (((Gentle Hugs)))
 
aww Diet..you are always so kind...
I am trying to look at this "surgery" from all sides...but not research it to death. I was diagnosed with the SI joint problem by my neursurgeon...can you imagine...after all of the others I've seen...here is this Dr. who just moved into the area...but had treated other patients in another state with this problem...he had a specialist in that area he referred to for this surgery..
I went to the specialist in Jax..to be diagnosed for sure and to see what can be done. So I guess that is the 2 diagnosis... I got a bunch of papers in the mail today from the DR...wow...he has it all written down...everything that was discussed...guess he wants to make sure you remeraber everything..yikes.
I am still researching...and that is why I posted the question...wanna speak with someone who has been through is... (I think Moldova has had this surgery...as part of another surgery...)...The more knowledge the better.

I thank you again...always can use the hugs!!!

Leslie
 
I know she is down under today with pain too but I am sure once she is feeling better she will check the boarRAB.

I think her fusions were up further. I don't knowfor sure.
 
Sage,
you can ask me whatever you want to know. While i had my first lubar multi-level fusion with hardware, Dr fused my SIJ also. And yes, becides i have roRAB, screws, etc. in my L-3, L-4 L-5 S-1 I also have metal plates, metal screws in my pelvic area.
Recovery time for SIJ is much shorter than for lurabar area. Pain is not to be compared to spinal fusion. I was in such severe back/legs/hips, feet etc pain, so pain from SIJ was bearable if you compare.
Honestly it was not that bad in that area. But again: depenRAB what you compare with.

Wheel chair? Bed? Well, you will rest more than usual after surgery for sure. You will need walker or cane, whatever better for you. You will have problem to walk on distance for a while; and of course not BLT at all (bending, lifting, twisting).
Please, feel free to ask - I am here 24/7 for you.

Best of luck to you, sweet heart!
 
For all the Si joint sufferers ~

I was wondering if in addition to the usual PT treatments and exercises, if anyone had specific training for the pelvic floor muscles? So many women have pelvic floor dysfunction and are not aware that it is one of the main causes of lower back and SI joint pain.

This is fairly new thinking and not all doctors are aware of the connection. Some therapists are using biofeedback techniques to help their clients learn how to strengthen these muscles. This might be one other thing to look into.
 
Hi Sage ~

I have not had the SI fusion but I have been discussing the topic with my physical therapist who has additional training in the SI joints and pelvic floor dysfunction, and have done lots of reading on my own. I had a PLIF at L4-5 in January and am now working in therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and all the little muscles surrounding the lurabar spine so my SI joints don't take the brunt of the immobility at the site of the fusion.

I have been following your posts with interest, and I know you know that this fusion is not done very often. Some people believe it is because the spinal surgeons in their area of the country are not qualified to do it. In reality, it is done so infrequently because it is a difficult and risky surgery that does not have a high percentage of success...the studies I have read are anywhere from 50% to 65%. Even when the surgery is "successful," some do not have pain relief. As a result, some spinal specialists just do not believe in performing this surgery.

I'm sure you have explored all other options and feel the fusion is your only chance to become painfree. I wish my PT was closer to you as she is so knowledgeable and could really tell you if there were things you could do other than fusion.

Do you have sacroillitis?

Hopefully you'll find someone who has had the surgery and can answer all your questions. I know what a tough decision you have ahead of you and I wish you the best. :angel:
 
Thank you all for your help. I am seriously trying to get my mind ready for this surgery..yup...and my mind keeps saying are you nuts...I do understand spinal surgery...had ACDF...but know that this is entirely different...and that lurabar/sacrum is much harder.
The Dr. has written instructions/descriptions of the entire "event"...nice reading material. He says that there is no weight bearing for up to 3 months...but some have accomplised weight bearing at 4 to 6 weeks. He doesn't want the SI joint moved once he does his surgery...plates/screws/rod .. That is why he has the walker/crutches/bed etc. written down...guess he doesn't want anyone surprised. Because this is a difficult surgery..(so I've heard)..he wants his patients to have the best recovery possible..

Those of you who "know" me...know that I drive a great deal. I haven't been doing that in a while...guess my back has finally gotten to me...can't do it. Well, I went away on Fri..only 100 miles....geez you would have thought it was 1000 miles. I got up yesterday...went to breakfast...then was going to go shopping...NOPE...didn't happen...went back to bed. I laid there thinking...and realized that my back had been seeming to be a little better...ha...it was because I haven't been doing my usual stuff that it seemed better...and it only too a little 100 mile drive to put me back in bed.. So, this is another example of how I have been limiting myself as my daughter pointed out. Guess this is another reason I should have the surgery..just so that I can hopefully have my life back. Wouldn't that be nice...that would be dreaming...but I can hope...and wish. I drove home today...and have spent the afternoon in bed....as I will probably have to do again tomorrow. Another learning lesson.
I thank you all...for your advice and knowledge. Moldova...I don't know how you do it...you have had so much spinal work...and you are just the sweetest person...thank you for you offer to share ....I will be saving up a few questions to ask you...once I get over this "flare" or whatever it is...thank you my friend.

Leslie
 
Leslie,

I haven't replied to this as I too wanted to see what others had to say. It is great that you posted this question. Hopefully others will respond too. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you. I can also ask my friend any questions that you can't find answers too so just let me know. Moldova and others seem to be such strong people. You guys keep me going and sane!

I go for injection#2 for the Caudal injections Tuesday morning. I am over ready too. I have really been on the pain highway here lately. The injection worked so well I did things that I had been putting off like true cleaning and such and messed myself up like crazy. I've had to take breakthrough pain meRAB quite a bit and only have 1 left. I hope he will refill that one too. He hasn't prescribed them to me yet so I don't know. He BETTER! ha ha.

Love and hugs,
Lisa
 
Hi again!

I just wanted to let you know that I had my username changed from llincoln to frosty6. So for you and all of my buddies, I hope you will remeraber it for my next posts.

How are you doing today? I'm overdoing it today because I have my caudal injection tomorrow. At least the house won't bug me. I have a ton of ironing to do but if I stay out of that room tomorrow, it won't bother me as much ha ha. Doubt I will have time today. I just got back from the grocery store and the bag boy/man kept chunking my things in the bag and ended up breaking my eggs and a few other things. I am starting to really hate Publix. Not just for that, but that is yet another reason! Of course he didn't think he broke anything so I checked again once I got into my car and back in I had to go. I complained and noone seemed to care. I'll have to call the manager now. This isn't the first time this man has ruined my groceries. Plus he bagged raw meat with lunch meat without separating it with another bag! GRRRRRRR.

I know you have a big decision ahead of you. As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you!!

Love,
Lisa (Frosty the snowman has been my long time honey, that is why I chose Frosty ha ha)
 
Any time, don't hesitate for a moment and thank you so much for your kind worRAB, mean so much to me.

:wave::wave:
 
Sage,
you mentioned something about bed... Listen, this was the best thing i done for myself ever.
I rented Hospital bed, put it in my family room (who cares at this point?) after both surgeries and never regreted. It was tremendous help in my situation with getting up and laying back to bed.
Definitely no any weight. Also I forgot to mentioned I was not allowed to stand on one place for some time; i couldn't anyway and no sitting for more than 7-10 minutes at the time.

Brace is a must. I had custome made brace for both surgeries; they were absolutely different and sizes were different too. When I had SIJ fused together with my lurabar area surgery my brace was very high and low too to prevent pelvic area from movement at all. I was suppose to wear it for 8 month as uncomfortable as it was. Second surgery I had to wear 3 month only.

Best wishes...:)
 
Back
Top