[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Here for my wife; L4-L5 and L5-S1 Fusion (6/08) and hardware removal (9/08). Searching for more answers

[rtswen]

Hi all,

I found this forum through a Google search on RF Neurotomy. My wife's history is below, essentially 3 years of pain from a herniated L4-L5 while bending to pick up Halloween decorations.

Her most recent procedures were a pair of RF Nuerotomies in August (L side, followed 2 weeks later on R). Her pain was initially in the lumbar region, after surgery in 08 for a fusion she had initially good results, but developed debilitating pain lower into her buttocks. Trigger points that won't resolve, burning into her legs. Sometimes believed to have piriformis syndrome, but injections at the surgical site resolve the pain for a few hours and the bilateral nature of the trigger points and pain seem to indicate issues higher up.

The neurotomy has reduced the trigger points and reduced, some, the pain lower in her buttocks. However, the pain is now incredibly intense again at the lumbar region. She's very down, very frustrated. I'm sure you all can relate.

I'm looking for information and possibilities. Have yet to try things like acupuncture.

There is a new pain clinic that opened a few hundred miles away that offers this new Calmare treatment. The ASCO report looks interesting, but the Calmare marketing literature seems.... soft. I'd like to get some more scientific information on this - how it operates and claims to work - but it's sketchy. I want to believe there is something to it, but my skeptical/quack meter is off the chart. Has anyone investigated this treatment? Does this need to be a separate post aside from the introduction?

[Katie]

First of all, welcome to both of you, and bless you for caring enough to do this for your wife. It shows what a strong support system she has, and is very lucky for that.

I know nothing about the procedure you've mentioned, but hopefully someone will chime in soon.

Do you have recent MRI/x-ray images? It might be useful to send them to as many well-known surgeons as you can. Many of us have consulted with up to a dozen surgeons before coming up with an answer. It sounds daunting but eventually you will usually find a common agreement on treatment rising from all the opinions. You can usually send out the CDs with the images for no charge, although some do want a consultation fee.

I have trusted my gut feeling several times, with good results.

You have found a good site with very kind and knowledgable people. I hope we can help.

[KBear]

Welcome to the site! I completely understand the sadness, depression and hopelessness that comes with spine issues. It's hard to see an out when you have been in it for so long and keep getting treatments and them not working. One of the medications I was on that helped me emotionally as well as helped my pain was Cymbalta. It is very commonly written for just pain control to people who have no depression. It is a great medication and if she hasn't tried it, I would suggest asking her pain management doctor about it. What a great husband you are searching for her answers, that is so important to have good support when going through this. It makes you feel useless, like a third wheel and like you are just in the way. Having someone who is actively helping her find the next treatment and encouraging her makes a big difference.
I have also never heard of that treatment. I am weary about things like that, especially when there is not any scientific data, or limited data. Sadly back pain sufferers spend lots of money on treatment and there are plenty of doctors/clinics who are willing to take advantage of that. Not saying this is one of them, but I would trust your gut feeling.
I also agree with Katie on getting multiple surgical opinions, even if you don't plan on having surgery with them, it can give you valuable insight.

Best of Luck,
Kathy