New to Spine Patient Society, not new to many members

**daveinaustin** · 06-26-2009, 07:39 PM

It looks like Justin has been hard at work starting his own community!

This website is perfect to help out the larger "spine challenged" community, regardless of the spinal treatment. Although I've received excellent advice (from many of you) on ADRsupport, there was always a part of me that felt like an outsider -- having two spinal fusions vs. ADR. However, Rich "Harrison" always was very accomodating and helpful. His help will always be remembered.

BTW, My two fusions over the past two years went well. Unfortunately, complications started after the last fusion became solid. Since then, I have had increasing pain directly in the center of L4-L5, which is stronger than before the last surgery. Fortunately, the leg pain/numbness has subsided.

I've had facet joint injections (L2-S1), RF ablation (L2-S1), and bilateral transforaminal injection (L4-L5). During the procedures, the temporary anesthesia lowered my pain level to 2. About an hour or so afterwards, the pain would return back to my typical 6-8.

My conjecture is a trapped sinuvertebral nerve bypassing the nerve root block to the gray ramus, which leads to the sympathetic nervous system. However, the MRI w/ contrast could not detect this.

On Monday, I'm having the SCS precision nerve stimulator trial. We'll see if this helps out!

-Dave

**Justin** · 06-26-2009, 08:02 PM

Hey Dave!

It's great to "see" you again.

I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with lumbar issues again, especially at the "typical 6-8"/10 pain level.

Have you thought about trying blocks, and then subsequent ablation of the gray rami?

Good luck on Monday with the SCS trial!

I was worked up for one until I had other imaging that demonstrated I ultimately needed surgery.

**daveinaustin** · 06-26-2009, 09:49 PM

Hey Justin!

I recently had medial branch block RF Ablations from L2-S1, which unfortunately didn't seem to help. I'm still at Level 6-8 while on 1 - 2 Norcos. But, that's life! We're going to try the SCS nerve stimulator on Monday, which will hopefully help. However, I'd still like to determine the root cause rather than masking the issue.

Although my orthopedic surgeon and pain mangement doctors are very knowledgeable, I am certain there are other options that are either on the horizon or outside their speciality areas.

If you know of someone who could review my MRI CD, or where I could find more information on the Gray Rami block, please PM me.

Thanks!

-Dave

**Justin** · 06-26-2009, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by daveinaustin

If you know of someone who could review my MRI CD, or where I could find more information on the Gray Rami block, please PM me.

Thanks!

-Dave

Will do, Dave.

**KBear** · 06-26-2009, 11:17 PM

Hi Dave, it's good to hear from you again. I'm sorry you are having more spine issues. I hope you get relief from the nerve stimulator. That was suggested for me, before I sought a second, thrid and fourth opinion who all agreed I needed surgery.

**daveinaustin** · 06-27-2009, 12:33 AM

How are you doing these days? How well is the Active-L procedure helping?

BTW, I love the picture of your girls. I have two boys (8 and 5). Pretty soon, I'll add my avatar.

**Terry Newton** · 06-27-2009, 07:43 AM

Hi Dave:

I am so sorry that you are not doing well. I am also on this new site. I started out on Richard's site and hold no animosity over there. I needed to move on to where there is no business to be gained by any of us here. We have a desire to help others, who have experienced what we have, with loads of awful pain and necessary repairs on God's bodies. Nothing replaced the original but, technology is sure helping to extend the life out of my model.

Again, Welcome and good to see you here, just not in your current condition. I hope that we can help you find some answers.

**KBear** · 06-27-2009, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by daveinaustin

How are you doing these days? How well is the Active-L procedure helping?

BTW, I love the picture of your girls. I have two boys (8 and 5). Pretty soon, I'll add my avatar.

I'm doing good, I haven't had a 100% recovery yet; but about 70% better than pre-op. I have adhesions from the surgery, that I will be having removed later this month.... figure it will be nothing compared to what I have already been through.

Can't wait to see the pictures of your boys, I love pictures.

**daveinaustin** · 06-27-2009, 01:36 PM

Thanks Terry and KBear!

Although I'm looking forward to the SCS trial on Monday, it still feels like it is masking the pain instead of providing a solution.

Thankfully to our current technology, I have been able to continue to work and support my family. As long as I keep ahead of the pain, I do alright. However, I will make a better Engineer and tech lead once I get off the Norcos and too much caffeine to cut through the "fog"!

If you know of anybody who is willing to take a look at my MRI CD, please PM me. I'm hoping a fresh perspective may find the root cause.

Note: It was suggested to try a vertical MRI. Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover it. One concern if I have the SCS implanted is that it will take away the possibilities of having further MRIs.

BTW, I've appreciated all of the support I have received from Rich "Harrison", Terry, Justin, and all of you in the past. I hope to continue my role in providing encouragement to those who need it as well.

-Dave

**KBear** · 06-27-2009, 01:53 PM

Have you contacted Texas Back Institute to see if they will look at your MRI's? I would suggest calling and seeing, or if you could get an appointment. The drive from Austin, to here is 3 1/2 hours, so not too bad. I don't know if they will look at films without seeing you; but it's worth a try. Good Luck