In March of this year, I had my second
lumbar fusion at L4-L5 for
spondylolythesis after my first fusion
failed last year. That used rods and
screws this time and are sure the fusion
worked. Around 8 wks after the surgery, I
started having pain below the fusion. It
is now to the point that by midday or
sometimes later, I cannot sit, stand, or
walk without a great deal of pain-
generally 8 out of 10 on the scale. Since
it is near the tailbone, I am getting
answers like "we can't do anything with
the tailbone" or "it is not associated
with the fusion." Has anyone had this
problem or heard of it? I also cannot take
90% of pain meds and do not have the
endurance to get the run around for the
next 6 months. Thank you for any help.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 06-30-08 15:48pm
Hello Binion,
Welcome to the forum.
Sorry to read about the past failed
surgery.
I frankly would have no time for a doctor
who made excuses and seems to not really
care in finding out the reason for your
pain since your 2nd surgery. Something
obviously is not right.
A question - Did you go to a another
spinal surgeon for your 2nd surgery?
Another question - Have you had an x-ray
since your surgery?
May I suggest that you seek out the very
best spinal surgeon in your area other
than the doctor(s) you have already seen.
I wish you the best. Do let us know how
things go for you.
Take care.
RichT
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binion0610
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 30 Jun 2008 Posts: 4
pain below fusion Posted: 06-30-08 16:40pm
I went to a different doctor after the
first surgery because the first doctor
told me nothing was wrong with me. The
second doctor, who is to be among the best
in his field, diagnosed me with the
failure and did the second surgery.
He and his nurse do not think this current
pain is associated with the second fusion
although neither has seen me. They are
going on phone calls and my discriptions.
I don't know how to describe it other than
pain below my fusion by my tailbone. They
have x-rayed and the fusion has seemed to
have taken, but it does not excuse the
terrible pain I am in.
Cal Ripken came to Ohio for this doctor to
operate on him and everyone I speak with,
including PT other doctors, say he is the
best. I have an appointment next week with
him. I am afraid he is going to respond
the same way his nurse is responding. I'm
sure she has relayed her thoughts to him,
so why would he think otherwise. In 20
years of pain, only persistance has
succeeded in getting me diagnosed. Thank
you for your concerns and I will
definitely post any news I get.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 06-30-08 16:57pm
Hello Binion,
Thank you for your post and the added
info. On the surface at least it seems
you did your research and had one of the
very best spinal surgeons in your area for
you 2nd surgery.
My gut reaction - The doctor's nurse has a
negative attitude, etc. and she is passing
that on to your doc. Some nurses and PAs
are like that. My pain management doc's
new PA is a B*t@h!!! From now on I'm not
going to tell her anything.
Keep up your persistance!!!!! (And tell
your doc you only want to speak with him
without her presence.) I hope your
appontment goes well!!!!!
RichT
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Zak_han
Supporter
Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 56 Location: Bristol, UK
Thanks: 3
Thanked:0
Posted: 06-30-08 17:39pm
Hello Binion
From the information given I would say
that you have possibly suffered what is
sometimes called a chronic soft
tissue(ligment,tendon,muscle,,,)injuries
in the lower back and bottock region due
to 20 years chronic back pain. which could
have been present before the surgery and
could lead to conductible pain to your
tailbone . The surgery could aggravate
and bring about more symptoms from this
pre-existing problem. Clinically,it's
quite common condition.
This is solely for discuss purposes and
should in no way be a substitute for a
formal evaluation by a certified
physician.
Take care!
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painsucks
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 18
Thanks: 2
Thanked:0
tailbone pain Posted: 07-03-08 12:40pm
Binion, is your pain 24/7 or is it
increased due to circumstances, such as
sitting? If so I would recommend a seat
cushion with tailbone cut-out. This
reduces pressure on the tailbone. Other
than that I would recommend a pain
specialist as you may be a candidate for
laser spine surgery or maybe a pain pump,
such as the one I am having a trial for...
oh and I like it!
