post-op anterior/posterior l-5 s-1 back fusion pain

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Tim45

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I had this surgery on 6/2/10 due to a car wreck in 07, The lower back pain is only slightly better at time and my left leg pain is 3x worse than before the surgery, I now have the same pain level in my right leg. I have trouble walking at times and sturable occassionally due to the shooting pain that makes me feel like my knees are giving out. I seen my surgeon twice since the surgery and each time he tells me that the fusion is still healing. I also smoke and use the bone stimulator. This weekend the incision area at my lower back started to itch, when I examined the area I noticed that the area was slightly blue. When I informed my surgeon of the increased leg pain, he simply stated that he had to move the nerves around for the decompression and to give it more time to heal. I feel that Iam experiencing failed back surgery syndrome syptoms.
 
Yes, well Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is when the outcome of a back surgery, (usually a spinal fusion), is the same or worse than before the surgery. My Pain Management Physician gave me this diagnosis on my first visit with him. This was after my surgeon refused to see me again. Funny thing is, on his (my old surgeon) hospitals website, it says he treats FBSS:confused: I think we may have the same doctor;loll....janiee
 
Perhaps a consultation with a good Pain Management doctor? My PM doctor took over my pain control at 3 weeks post op and has been very helpful in helping me gauge my recovery and remains in contact with my surgeon as needed.
 
Tim, I reread your post and I picked up on something that I didn't catch last night. You mentioned that your incisional area was itchy and slightly blue. Did you mention this to your doctor?? If you didn't, you really need to. It could be a sign of infection or something else. Also, I see that you are only three months post-op. Way to early to be thinking about FBSS. You are still very early on in your recovery. Some say it can take up to a year for a full recovery from a spinal fusion....janiee
 
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