Quote:
Originally Posted by 6yrslater
Hi! I had a full spinal fusion back in 06...i was in pain for about 4 yrs after surgery and I finally found out what was going on after yrs of doctors appoinents. I ended up having an infection and had to have another surgery to remove the hardware. I feel a lot better now, but was wondering if any of you had to same problem? My doctor who preformed the surgery said that paitents have been coming back more and more with infection 3-5 yrs afyer the rods have been put in. I also want to know if anyone has heard of any recalls on the titanium rods and screw bc of infection rate? Thank you for your time on reading about my surgery problems.
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I read your post and have been taken by surprise!!!! I had lumbar spinal fusion in "06" as well. Had material used to grow bone for fusion. I had gone to see the surgeon for visits with xrays until 2 years after the surgery. The pain never ceased. About a year after the surgery, the doctor suggested looking into the possibility of a spinal cord stimulator.
The surgeon would tell me he could see bone growing and pointing this out in the xrays. I guess I just assumed I fused. Lately, I've been reading about some that never fused. I did see another spine ortopaedic surgeon a little over three years ago, (he was the one I originally wanted; but had to wait a couple of months to see him at the time and the pain was horrible; went to Rush Medical Center, Chicago,IL for the fusion/laminectomy). This doctor did a myleogram and also said no more could be done and referred me to a Pain Specialist.
I have been in terrible pain and take Oxycontin and Oxycodone, vallium and Ambien Cr. Eventually had problem with PN; burning feet, ankles and pain in legs got even worse. Spine pain never went away. Even with a pretty high dose of OxyContin the pain is still really bad. (Did do a failed trial stimulator a little over 2 years ago.
As I mentioned....I was surprised by your post about infection. Never thought an infection was possible; especially this long after surgery. I have not seen a doctor specializing in orthopaedic spine surgery in over 3 years. The Pain Specialist has done several procedures (injections, etc., trial stimulator) but he does not specialize in anything other than pain.
Again, I am taken by surprise and wonder what type of pain you had and how was this infection discovered??? I would appreciate hearing more regarding your experience. Thanks.
Gerry