I am a 25 yr old single mother of 2 who was diagnosed with a grade 4 slip on my l5 s1 vertabre (spondylolisthesis) mid last year, i was in alot of pain and was unable to move with pain radiating down both legs so in september last yr i was sent in for surgery after being told i had no other option.

I had invasive surgery where they placed a rod and 5 screws into my spine in attempt to fuse it, as i had a grade 4 my vertabre was completely unattached and they could not move it back in line so it had to be fused in the postion it was in, they also cut bone out of my pelvis to place into my spine (not exactly sure why they did that or where it went)

Recovery from this operation was hell i was bed ridden for four months and had to start from baby steps in attempts to walk again without falling over.
The pain that was radiating down my legs subsided alot after the operation.

It has now been 10 months since my surgery and im am in agony the rod that they placed in my spine is sticking out of my skin (has not ripped through the skin tho) it digs into my car seat when i drive and digs into my bed if i lay on my back, ive been on so much medication and tried every cream, lotion and rub possible but nothing gives me relief. have recently had a xray to see if the metal work in my spine has moved but after comparing this xray to the one done in september after the operation it seems to look like the metal has not moved so i do not understand how the rod can be sticking out the way it is even my surgeon is stressing about having to deal with this.

I dont sleep and spend every day in agony whilest trying to be a mum and study to be a teacher.

I have another MRI and a app with the surgeon who performed my surgery in a few weeks to discuss what he wants to do, the out come of our last meeting a few weeks ago was that he wants to cut me open possibly through 2 operations one through the back and one through the front like a c section and remove all the metal work that he put in there (if it has fused) and if the MRI shows that it has not fused he said he will have to reposition the screws and rod that he put in place as it is causing me so much discomfort and pain.

I was told when the fusion was done that it would be in there for life so to be told now that im going to have to under go surgery to have it all removed i am really very worried and scared.
My body did not cope well through the first operation i had a resp rate of 2 beats per min and was in screaming agony even though they had me on about 7 different types of opiods at one stage when i was discharged from hospital.
I was given no rehabilitation to help me cope basically i felt like i was doing it all on my own.
I took myself off all my medication because i felt like i was in a coma for 4 months as i spent every day in bed unable to move and i got really sick which has had me in and out of hospital for the better part of this year.

I would really appreciate any advice that anyone can give me as i feel i am at my breaking point and can not take much more of this pain or life style that i now have, i used to be very active with sports and playing with my children now i cannot do the every day things people take for granted i cannot even go food shooping with out ending up in tears from pain overlaod.

I have recently been put back on oxycontin after trying to bear the pain for the past few months just on 100mg durogesic pain patches (that i cannot use any more due to alot of side effects) it has jus got too much for me to handle.

I Have tried a whole list of medications that dont seem to help now im at a point where i dont want to put all this nasty medication into my system.

Am desperate and appreciative for any advice on this matter....Is there anything i can do for relief and should i under go this second surgery i dont think i can bare to go through all of that again...

Thank you for your time

Hi Melissa and welcome to NeuroTalk. What a nightmare you are living..I am so sorry. Here are a couple of links that would be of interest to you...http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html and this one...http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum10.html

Hi Melissa:

Your posting moved me to tears. I am so sorry you have to endure this. Do you have help with your child? The housework? How do you do this all by yourself?

As far as you having the second surgery, someone will come along (you have already been given the correct links). Go and post your story there, and join the Spinal forum.

I can only say you are in my prayers.

Stay Strong.

Melody

Melissa,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help. Looks like Alfee has given you a place to start.

There are great number of fellow members here to assist as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

Thank You Alffe i will go to those site now

Melody

Thank You for you'r reply, ive pretty much done this on my own was going to end up in a dark place from jus getting so depressed dealing with everything but i have been trying to see the positive which the only thing positive at the moment is the fact that i have 2 beautiful girls that i have to be here for, am trying to move on with my life have jus enrolled to study to be a teachers assistant but im into my second week now and its jus gettin too much to handle kids, house, study and this pain doing it alone is hard very hard. Feel like no one understands sometimes, my GP's (doc) last solution was to seek religious advice and join a support/community group but to be honest i really dont see how that will help me and my situation?
I will check out the other sites now

Thank you for ur kind words.

Hi, and welcome to NT! This is such a nice place to hang out with lots of caring, friendly, and helpful people.

We're so glad you found us!

hi melissa and welcome to NT,

i don't know where you live. i have some thoughts. i would run, not walk to another dr for a 2nd opinion. IF, and that's a big if, your dr made a mistake you don't want him making a bad situation worse. plus it's always a good idea to get another opinion when considering surgery.

what does your pcp have to say about all this? can he help lead you in another direction for a 2nd opinion. sometimes a teaching hospital setting can be helpful. but, ask to see the attending.

you have dealt with so much. i really feel for you. please keep us posted on your situation.

Dear Nurse Nancy
Hi firstly thanks for your reply, appreciate the fact people are taking the time to reply

Im in western Australia. yes ive been told by a few people that the surgery mite have been done wrong but i know that it was not a easy surgery to do i can post pictures im jus unsure how to do that?
am trying to get second opinions but it cost hundreds to even get a app to see another surgeon as i cannot get private health cover so alot of places wont even look me, alot of places wont deal with this case either as it is such a hard one so im basically jus put into the to hard basket which really sucks!
Saw my doctor today so im now back on oxynorm and oxycontin....i dont like taking them so i jus try to deal with the pain but its worsening rather quickly and i dont know why. I am going to try ring another surgeon up in the city see if i can get an app with him i see my surgeon on Tuesday next week so i dont like my chances of getting in before then but ill try.
Will kepp you posted thanks again for your reply i appreciate it alot.