Sinead I'm sorry to read this post this morning.

I have to say that I'm reading thru your post and I can hear a voice shouting inside me saying NO, NO, NO..............

Why would you have to have spinal fusions at this stage????? wasn't this all tried BEFORE you had the SCS implant!!! The SCS was my last resort!!!!

I'm sorry for sounding so bad but I went thru the agony of two spinal fusions at different times and all I can say is it's absolutely no picnic. Like Mark I don't want to frighten you or cause you worry but after my ops I was ten times WORSE than when I first started complaining about my back. That's why now whenever I hear of anyone needing surgery or thinking about it I always always say to them that hindsight is a wonderful thing. Because if I knew then what I know now I would never have let them open me up at all!!!!!
When after a year it was realised that the fusions were of noooo benefit to me the metal rods and screws were removed as they too were causing me discomfort!!!

It was at this stage that they too realised that surgically they could do no more and from there I was referred to the Pain Clinic and the rest as they say is history!!

This post might seems negative but I just wanted to let you know what it's like and it's not a decision that can be taken lightly. I know you trust your Consultant as I did mine, but it's more surgery and from what I've read in recent years not always a successful one.

I'm still confused as to why you would need a fusion at this stage, would it not be wise just to go ahead and put in the Nevro system or is your Consultant just 'filing in ' time before the HSE can pay for your next SCS!! Just a thought.

But whatever you decide Sinead I pray you get the relief you deserve and that you and your Consultant will come to the 'right' decision.

Take care and sorry for the long post

Jackie


Obviously you want to try whatever they think might help but this is major surgery and it has a long recoupment time.