Looking for any comments/help. Started having back pain 5 years ago. Came on dramatically, although no injury occurred at the time. After MRI, turned out had spondylolisthesis L5/S1, a bilateral pars defects, bulging disk at L5. (Female Age 34, 5'2", 120 lbs) Treated with PT, injections (50+ in 3 years- all over back- not repeating same place in 1 years time), 3 nerve ablations, pain meds. Refused to even consider surgery. Pain just worsened. 3 years after pain started, had new MRI- significant changes. Disc essentially gone, narrowing worsened.

Anyway, was at a point that surgery was the only reasonable option-due to the pain. Was unable to sit for more than an hour, walking, standing sucked too. Only comfortable with reclining with feet slightly elevated.

.......Had fusion L5/S1 2 years ago. Initially had decent results. Was up and walking after surgery, left hospital next morning (which was MY bad idea). Recovery seemed to go well-at first. About 3-4 weeks (likely because was more active-sitting upright, walking,etc. began to have the exact pain pre-surgery, with the exception of the "lightening" like pain I would get if I moved wrong. Pain still radiates to both hips, down mostly 1 leg to shin.

I have had more nerve ablations, steroid shots. Have seen an an orthopedist, had an EMG, continue in pain management.

At my wits end now. Pain is debilitating. MRI shows spondylolisthesis grade 1, measuring 4.5 mm.

Could this be my issue? Could it be the spondylolisthesis? According to my surgeon, the surgery was "successful." I've had to take a leave of absence from work. I don't leave my house, unless I have a doctor's appointment. Walking with severe limp and cane. (Which has been the case for 1 year). And now, I'm 39 years old. I'm terrified about my future.

The doctor should have told you that surgery is ONLY for mechanical problems. It's NOT for pain. Usually after surgery, you're left with the same pain or worse. I wish doctors would tell their patients that, but they seldom do.

Also, there is the "Domino effect." It doesn't usually happen this fast, but it is when the levels above/below the surgery site fail and that's because they have to take on more of the load. So that leads to more surgery. Then IF you have that repaired, the levels above/below THAT site fail, etc. etc. etc. It's a vicious circle. The doctors don't tell their patients about THAT either.

Latest studies have shown that people who have physical therapy have had the SAME results as people who have had spinal surgery! Now THAT'S scary!!!

I would ask my doc to refer me to physical therapy, especially POOL therapy. The pool therapy is excellent for spine issues. If you stick with that for awhile, I'm sure it will help with the pain. It certainly won't hurt!

I wish you the very best -- PLEASE keep us updated on how you do! God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee

For cmerrick, this is known as failed back syndrome.
See: failed back syndrome
See: failed back surgery syndrome

Doc

Have you had an independent consultation/evaluation from another surgeon? Preferable a doctor that is not close with your surgeon as that may be a conflict if they find something that is amiss.
Often a surgeon doesn't want to admit when a surgery didn't work out well..

Some pain could be internal scar tissue related, but that is hard to tell for sure.

If there is no other way to repair or help things a SCS or pain pump might be of help. Pain management.

But I would really get other opinions to find out as much as I can if something can be fixed or if pain management if the next step.

Thanks to all if you that posted replies. It was encouraging to me. I've felt pretty alone through this whole process (I do have some wonderful family and friends that keep me going.) But, as you guys know, it's hard for outsiders (even doctors!!) to truly understand chronic pain.

I absolutely believe in PT. Surprisingly, except pre-surgery, my doctors do NOT want me to do any type of PT now. This is one of the reasons I am going to new docs.

I am going to the Cleveland Clinic to get (hopefully) an evaluation from soup to nuts- from a new set of eyes.

I will keep you guys posted. Again, thank you for taking the time to read my post and reply.

God Bless!

Cam