3 failed spinal fusions
 

I am now fused from L3 L4 L4 L5 L5 S1
my failure has always been L5S1. during my latest surgery 2-21-13
I had many complications besides the fusion failing.
NOW, I need another surgery to fuse L5S1 in which they go through the back and the stomach and put a cage around it.
WOW...come to find out that is the surgery that should of been done in #3 but didn't.
Oh did I mention the surgeon admitted that when he was doing it he didn't think it was going to work?
Like I said I had many complications and now have more health issues but I am also 100 % disabled. working a good job putting my life in order and wow I wake up with no memory till sometime in April I have tiny pieces of march and April I ended up having 3 blood transfusions 2 days post op. and now I have traumatic brain injury due to lack of oxygen to my brain which has effected my speech and short term memory.

I STRONGLY suggest that anyone having any surgery investigate the surgeon do your home work what's the surgery going to be like? the recovery? the surgeons credentials talk to people ask many many questions
I didn't and oh how I wish I had. I assumed he was good he was recommended but I didn't look into him or the exact facts of the surgery or recovery this has been the hardest longest 2 years I have ever had.

also ontop of the health issues, 2 weeks prior to my surgery in Aug. 2011 I left my husband for cheating on me and then my children both adults have decided I'm to much and now I'm dealing with this alone.
I live alone I'm homebound 99% of the time.
I pray that NOONE ever goes through this alone, your really need family friends to support you. maybe my family will turn around,

I lost my medical insurance have not had any meds for 2 months now and the pain is constant and getting worse daily.
I just got approved for a sliding scale dr whom I hope I can see soon.
I also suffer from extreme anxiety and stress and post traumatic symptoms.
my life is beyond insane and I haven't accepted most of it.
but im hoping talking will help

Hi Again Bellakinns
 

Your post was a good warning to others. It is important to get several opinions before surgery, and to research your surgeon. You want the A student, not the D student barely getting through medical school.
I didn't research my first doctor either. I didn't get a second opinion. I was in so much pain, I just wanted the pain to stop. First fusion didn't work. It took the very best physician 6 years later, to correct my problem.
What you told everyone is so very true. We need doctors that listen, that are highly educated, and patients that ask all the right questions.
I hope there is an answer for you Bellakinns, and someone who will respond to what is happening to you. If family has left you, know that they are missing compassion, or empathy. It isn't anything you did or didn't do. My daughter left my life also. I do know how sad a person can get over losing someone they love. The combination of loss, and pain, can be very hard to deal with. If there is anyway you can get council, it would help. I did that very thing for a long time. I will be here to listen to you. I do care. ginnie

my experience too
 

getting ready to go to my pain specialist
the man took my life as i knew it
i failed to fuse
had no choice
second one did me in
entered from the back of my
neck

i must get ready
the chances of reading your post
tells me i'm not nuts


i wish you nothing but your life back as you knew it

someone who cares

Hello bellakinns
 

I am sorry you are going through so much pain. I hope you can find the kind of doctor who will treat the whole person. It what we all want for each other. ginnie:grouphug: