Feeling downhearted.

I had a two level spinal fusion in December, 18 months after I had a disc replaced in my lower back, apart from the usual post-op pain and discomfort I felt I was doing very well. Then 10 weeks post-op I suffered a severe episode of lower back pain so bad I couldn't straighten out or get up from where I was, I have been back to see my consultant who took an X ray of my spine and said all the artifacts look good and nothing is out of place, 6 weeks on I still can't bend, if I do anything repetitive I am in pain,I have looked at some other forums that say that up to 70% of spinal fusions result in unrelenting pelvic pain especially in women. I'm so downhearted, I can't conceive of being in this much pain for much longer, I can't walk very far, swim, or stand for very long, it's like being gnawed from the inside out, I'm awful with pain killers and anti depressants give me tachycardia or trigger migraines. I guess I'm just looking for a little light at the end of the tunnel, any

one else had these problems? Did anything work for you ? Is there anything I could be doing to help myself more ? I am normally a very active person, and I don't ever do nothing ,at the moment I am pottering about to keep active. Thanks in advance for any help or encouragement.

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I have a pretty great amount of pain when in upright position. I did not have a spinal fusion. I have other issues going on. Pain makes me sick to my stomach.

I thought getting into a swimming pool wasn't helping me at all. What would water walking do for me? It gave me better gait , I can balance better!! Those first steps aren't wobbly anymore. The pain really does lessen. What happened mostly? I am keeping myself mobile. My body is ultra ultra light in the pool. So far nothing else is happening for me but it makes me get up and ready to go someplace. I am among people. I think that it's distraction for me.

I cannot stand upright straight for long. IF there was a shopping cart, I would be stooped over it , leaning on it as I pushed the cart. I am determined to work to end doing that. I understand that God awful pain that brings tears to my eyes.

When you sit, does it bring some relief?

When you lay yourself down does it bring relief?

Cold or hot packs?

Some of the pain rubs like tiger balm?

Anti nausea suppositories - patch behind ear - pain pill combination?

( that one is horrible but it CAN work)

Tens machine?

Do you do physical therapy? I know you hate that but honestly, it

helps at least a little and you can talk about pain with them.

They might be able to help you release some tension and might

be able to help you get better. The muscles might be very tight

all over your body from so much pain. Releasing the tension in

your back, your legs and even your rear end can help a lot.

Pain psychologists can do a lot of communicating with your doctor.

They have some really good ideas about addressing pain.

They helped me to calm down and relax more.

A pain specialist is your most important doctor right now. They

have things for pain that you have never even heard of. I was in

shock of some of the machines that they have to help ease that

pain if not for moments then to much longer relief.. They

study pain and the effects and have lots of tricks of the trade to

get yourself feeling better.

XX Karen

[Calceolaria]

Karen covers it in her reply. I have one question. What was your pain like before surgery and how active were you? Two questions!

[johnsmith]

X ray may not show much you need an MRI. Has someone checked your back for muscle spasms.

Are you trying to bend the back or are you bending from the hip joints?

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The back pain was different, my spine was unstable and every movement caused pain, the worst bit was the sciatica with leg pain. That had pretty much cleared up even post- operatively, now it's back constantly. I should be getting an MRI soonish, I see my consultant next week and he will authorize it then. I do have muscle spasms in my back, but the pain from them is quite different. As for the bending, very good question that actually took some thought Johnsmith, I think I am bending from the hips, I can only curl my spine a short way due to the artifacts, I always bend by keeping my back straight and bend my knees, I use my arms to balance myself and assist me up, but I need shoulder surgery which I'm putting off, as I can't see my back progressing if I have more surgery. I also have an annular tear in the level above the fusion. It just feels like one step forward two back.