Not so successful spinal fusion
 

I am a 39 year old female working in the retail industry. I threw an air conditioning unit into the dumpster as part of the damaged throw out. Oops I broke a vertebrae. I had a spinal fusion in the L5 S1 area. During the operation both the right and the left side were to be screwed together, as well as placing a cage into the disc space. However, The neurosurgeon was not able to screw the right side together. The first pedicle screw placed into my right side hit a nerve. So the surgeon removed it. The second pedicle screw placed into my right side broke the bone off and the screw was not able to be placed into my back. I now have numbness on my right side, in my first three toes, muscle ticks in my right thigh, calf and ankle. My left side is pain free most of the time. I still experience mild electrical feelings in the left side and small muscle ticks. I am in physical therapy and my PT informs me that there is not a time table for healing. He said that there is no way to know if the nerve damage is permanent or temporary. I feel like I went through torture for nothing!! The surgeon told me that he could fix me. He told me he could give me a normal life. I am not over weight, or in an older generation. I am in good physical health (other than my back misery). Has any one else had any similar experiences? Does any one have any advice? Does any one know if an orthopedic surgeon could be more help?

I do have advice for any one considering surgery. DO not ever believe the first Dr. Seek a second, third, or possibly a fourth opinions!!! Never sign up for surgery one week after a specialist tells he can give you a normal, pain free life. It is a lie. Run from that office as fast as you can.