Well Doc, as usual, I agree with you. Perhaps I have had bad luck with the surgeons who have worked on me but NONE of them wanted to do post op pain. Most referred me on at four weeks post op. With that in mind, I made certain I had one in the wings who was familiar with my back and had a reasonable relationship with the surgeons. At this point, I have had the same pain doc, physiatrist, treat me since 2000. He has the bigger picture relative to my problems and is a real blessing post op. It's good to have a safety net. Have a good day.

Ah... when "post-op" was mentioned, I was thinking about the first few days following the procedure to deal with pain from the procedure.

Residual pain, once that from the surgery itself has worn off, I guess would be appropriate/logical to hand off/back to a PM specialist, physiatrist, etc. until it's determined if rehab will work or the surgery failed, or whatever. Sometimes surgery is supposed to alleviate pain; others it's just supposed to (hopefully) keep things from getting any worse.

Nothing is ever easy.

Doc

I was referring (or meant to) immediate post op as well as the weeks or months thereafter. When I think about it, I guess I want my pain doc's immediate input because he takes all of my issues into considertation. I have had some bad luck with the surgeons managing the pain, When my body feels it has been violated, surgery for certain, I have a Fibro flare from #@&%. If not addressed properly and quickly things get real complicated. He has given the surgeons notes that covered were most effective and what problems to look out for. He was ignored. After that happened twice, he told me I could have another pain doc who he had worked with numerous times manage the pain, immediately post op. They had a phone conference, discussed my various pain issues, surgical history, what to look out for (various post op infections), and how to best treat them. I was so greatful to have that safety net last time because I ended up staying up at Norton for two weeks due to a nasty bacterial infection, UTI and candida flare due to the antibiotic. I was so relieved to get out of there and transfered to the rehab hospital back home. Again, I am rambling. Have a good day.

Well it is coming up to three weeks on Tuesday of this week since surgery and although still uncomfortable from the surgery it is such a relief to have relief from that dreadful nerve pain and electric tingles. I am aching terribly through my ribs which is what I was told to expect but considering how sick I felt before surgery, I really am very lucky. I have a lot of physio work to do to hopefully regain sensation in my left foot which is still really numb in part which makes walking difficult. I really don't want to trip and risk a fall at this stage. I am still wearing a fentanyl pain patch - just the 12 microgram one and taking digesic every six hours*as I was advised to do for another week so I am very grateful to have found a pain medication that I can tolerate even though it is only a very low dose, it has made a difference.
It is so nice to be on this side of the ordeal. I do wonder if I will ever feel normal again whatever normal is going to be but I think that it is to be expected to feel like that after such huge surgery.
Libby

Hi Libby, I am so glad to hear you are ok. I have sent you a PM.

Aussie