Okay, so it isn't abnormal to still be slipped a little That relieves my mind a bit. So thanks! I had a large slip and it was almost bone on bone with those vertabrae. The height between the discs is now normal just still slipped but nowhere near what it was. My NS showed me before and after pics and I am still amazed at how bad my back was to start with and how long I lived with it. I am praying hard for a good result and that it is a matter of time that it heals and the pain stops. THe pain now is worse than the pain before and I would love some relief from that.

Thanks Ginnie

No questions are dumb. We are all learning together here, and welcome all questions, comments, and give some support at the same time. Yes your conditions is a bit unusual with the report, but I would just get that second opinion or third, more information about what is going on the better. Leesa, is the best on research. I am here anytime you need to talk or have a question. I had plenty of my own questions when I faced my fusions. In fact I was a basket case. All turned out OK, and I really hope it can for you too. ginnie

I was bone on bone as well. I have the concern that your pain however should have gone down a bit, not get worse. How far into recovery are you time wise? will reply later, have an appt. Take a deep breath, this can and does have resolution alot. My rod is C3-7 and crooked. first at C6-7 didn't resolve, had another C3-7. I am OK for the most part. I will get back to you. You can PM anytime too. ginnie

I am six months out from surgery. My symptoms match the SI joint issues perfectly. Rolling over in bed, sitting and walking are awful. I stopped pain meds three months ago but am now back on Tramadol. I am going to restart PT and hoping the ESI injections in my SI joint help. Have to call tomorrow to schedule. My CT scan shows mild SI joint changes bilaterally. It is frustrating how the fusoin has already caused issues elsewhere and I am only six months out. It scares me so bad to think of the future and what else is going to wear out and how fast.

Six months was still a bit testy for me. I hope the injection works. I did as much PT as my insurance would let me. If you can do it again that may help. How long did you do the PT for? How far into recovery did you start? I was at 4 weeks, and scared. I sure hope you don't have to do anymore surgery. Do all the other protocals first and try everything that your neurosurgeon gives in tips. Seeking another opinion never hurts. Just keep that journal to bring with you, that really helps them to understand when and where your pain is. Have you tried to sleep on a wedge? ginnie (gel wedge, gel pillow are what I used and still do)

I hope the injections work too. The pain clinic I go to usually takes quite awhile to get into and I was lucky enough that someone cancelled their appointment right before I called and I can get in next week. I am hoping to get the injections very soon after the intial appt with the pain doc. I start back working full time at school in two weeks. I am a bit worried how I will cope and my back will do working again. I haven't worked since two days before my surgery in February. EEK!!!

Have you had the ESI's? I am scared to death to have them done but they aer a much better alternative than having to have surgery again.

I sleep with a pillow under my legs at night. Where did you find a gel wedge? I am what my hubby calls a rotisserrie at night so I need a smaller wedge since I roll around so much

The wedge was through a medical supply magazine. Called "Easy Comforts"
1-800-308-1384, or 250 City Center, Oshkosh, Wi. 54906. All shapes and sizes, it is worth a try. I had infusions before my last surgery. They did help, and lasted a few months. However the problem was there and didn't go away. Fused C3-7 now, and doing OK after that second one. Hope you do not need to have more. School will be kind of tough, wear good orthodics, gel inserts, and maybe even in class a gel seat, to take the stress points off your back. I did not get the kind of injection you are getting. From what I understand, they can help. The two infusions I got didn't hurt at all, and I sure hope that happens that way for you. Numbed me first and used a floroscope for imaging. Doc. was good. Glad you are getting into the doctor next week. I know it can't come soon enough for you. Maybe you could go even earlier, by putting your name down in case they have another cancelation. I hope your doctor is gentle and that you get the relief you need. All my best. ginnie

I will definitely look that up and order one. Laying in bed and sitting is just plain awful right now. I am so tired of not being able to sleep.

I did buy Skechers dress/work shoes. They are pretty darn comfortable and much better than the other shoes I have. I have not been out of sneakers since my surgery so I have been wearing the dress shoes around the house alot to make sure they will work for a full day of work. I am excited and yet VERY nervous to go back to work because of my back.

I hope you can work candle girl, and that the pain is tolerable when you do. It is awful to loose your job or business. I am working on a bucket list right now, and doing those things that I can do, while I am able in limited ways. I miss working more than I ever thought possible. Take care and let me know how your injection goes. I hope it brings relief. Ginnie

candlegirl i wanted to let you know that doctors do not always put your lumbar spine back to original allighnment,your spine adjust to having anteriorlisthesis and if you put it back in correct allighnment it could cause problems and vertebras could touch one another. i was spondylolisthesis 3 and now a 1.