[cmerrick]

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.