Spinal Fusion at 9 weeks

[Brightman]

This is my scar at the 9 week mark after spinal fusion of 7 vertebrae. There are 2 rods and 12 screws in my back to help stabilise my vertebrae after prostate cancer caused a compression fracture. I have discontinued most of the pain medication. I dropped to a 5 microgram Norspan patch yesterday after being on 15 micrograms 4 weeks ago and then on 10 micrograms 2 weeks ago. I am still feeling some pain. The Dr told me to take 1/2 Palexia if the pain returned which I have just done. How long will the pain remain? What do the raised parts on my back mean?

I am not allowed to do rehab until the 12 week mark. Also no bending, twisting or lifting. I appreciate any response.

[mutterley1]

Very sorry to hear about your problems and you have a serious big scar. I have had 6 procedures in the last 15 years of various types and apparently collapsed in pain whilst in Leeds for a funeral. Woke up 3 days later to find I had the lower 4 vertabrae were fused with the screws/bolts etc. What I believe was missing was the ability of the surgeon(s) as I am now still in pain but worst was the incision site taking 12 months to stop leaking clear fluid- wore a nappy taped over the area for all that time. The end result is a serious problem with being able to stand straight from the waist. It is a physical impossibility to have a normal posture which in turn means I walk looking at the pavement. Surgery in 2012 severed my sciatic nerve left side so my foot does not work and lack of interest from anyone involved left me with a left foot which points left not ahead and rotates so the sole points at the wall and not the floor.

I am no longer a believer in much of the treatments/surgery for the spine. Lots of problems, lots of nerves and lots of poor end results. No one told me to do/not do post surgery so maybe the advice on bending etc is good advice ? Like you and I imagine a high % of others who have had spinal fusion and/or other procedures which have come with a variety of serious problems that no one wants to take on board. Spinal surgery seems to be very much 'stand alone' in that no other appropriate doctors/hospitals are willing to get involved. The huge list of people waiting for even an initial appointment adds to what, in my own case, have tagged me as' finished. No further action needed/allowed'. I have 8 different tabs including Diazapam for 30 years- tabs are never reviewed so I have to try and reduce on my own. You mention Dihydrocodene - this is highly addictive (arent they all) but stopping them at a later date say +3/6 months is very very hard and unpleasant- I speak from my case and many others at local support groups. The product that really made an overall difference is GABAPENTIN which manages nerve issues which carry the pain to/from the brain. It interferes with pain messages but leaves you still aware of any health issues you need to be aware of. You have something which is specific to you but some commonality with many others and the best I can say is 'chin up' but be aware of the responsibility of your Consultants, Surgeons and GP's to make sure you receive everything needed- much of which we dont always no ourselves. I wish it was more positive but it often is not. 25 years ago a pal of my wife had fusion and it came up in conversation and she was aware I had disc issues etc and said ''DONT HAVE FUSION'' and I never gave it another thought but our spine problems often just get worse/different so take care of yourself and DO NOT feel any reservations about getting help with NO refusals or delays. Best of luck and hope you have no problems post surgery as you have a scar that shows the size of surgery you have had. Kind regards David

[Brightman in reply to mutterley1]

Thanks David. I really appreciate your reply. You certainly have been to hell and back. As you say everyone is different. I think I am lucky compared to you. My surgeon here in Adelaide is really top rate and explained the effects of my surgery in total detail beforehand. But I had no option because I was in so much pain. My T10 vertebrae had collapsed after radiation on that because of metastatic prostate cancer. The other vertebrae were being impacted too. My cancer is being controlled at the moment ( with hormone therapy etc.) and my oncologist is excellent too. She has rung me each week for 9 weeks since my surgery and has worked on controlling my pain killers. I am now on 5micrograms of Norspan ( buprenorphine) patches and take 1/2 of Palexia ( tapentadol) when required, which I have only had to do a couple of times since I went of them 2 weeks ago. I can’t take gabapentin because it causes shortness of breath ( I have pulmonary fibrosis). Luckily my wound cleaned up in the first few days and is looking really good now. I had a right hip replacement 6 years ago which I learned a lot from, especially exercising which I have found is so important. Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016 and having hormone therapy, radiation and chemotherapy since, I have had rehabilitation 3 times, with both hydrotherapy and physical therapy for 6 weeks. My rehabilitation for this spinal surgery will begin in 2 weeks time, which I am sure will help. One thing that I have noticed is that I can feel the rods and screws when I lean back on a chair etc and/or move around. Anyway, I am standing taller ( I lost 9 cms) and feeling less unsteady and even walking without a stick most times. Take care and all the best. Cheers Brenton.

[Madlegs1]

Take all the painkillers they give you. Time enough to start squiirelling away surplus when you start getting better.

I had a similar operation. Was on high level of fentanyl.- nobody cared.

I came out of the surgeons office one time, in fierce glum mood. The receptionist sidled up to me, and said his wife had a similar operation, and it took her 3 years to fully recover. And that I would get through it-- just to hang in there.

That was such a kind thing to say ,and gave me huge support.

So I pass it on to you.

All the best.