[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] L4-L5 Fusion

[drummerman]

What's going on?



Fusion L4-L5

I use to be a big band drummer and musician professionally. However, in my twenties I took up karate for ten years. Well... being a young kid, I thought nothing of kicking trees and brick walls to strengthen my legs.

Lo and behold at 62 I found out I have DDD. The kicking of the brick walls did it I think. Anyway, I've had C4-C5 disc replacement, a second surgery on L4-L5 Laminectomy that didn't help (was in pain for nine months in bed) and finally in January had L4-L5 fusion with hardware. The first five months - no pain. Felt like a new man. Then I slipped after a shower which immediately caused a very sharp pain at my operation site (fusion). X-ray showed nothing. The pain has somewhat decreased but it still hurts.

This is the important part. I want to regain my career as a drummer which will take allot of work practicing 4-8 hours a day sitting. After sitting four hours, the sharp pain comes back. Anyone, what is going on?? MRI scheduled for next week. thanks

[KBear]

Sorry that you are hurting again. How long ago did you fall? It may have just flared up and needs some time to calm down. Not really sure, but hopefully the MRI will give you answers (or at least peace knowing it's all okay).
Welcome to the forum!
Kathy

[Greg]

When you slipped and fell did you fall and land on your back? What hit what part of your back. You mentioned you had hardware used for the fusion, did you have antieor fusion with front plate hardware, anterior & posterior hardware or just posterior hardware? I'm trying to get an idea if maybe you fell and landed on something that pressed up against or hit your posterior hardware and is causing some inflamation which is bringing you pain. Maybe

Good luck wit getting back into :drum:. I have had to pack my drum set up over the last year and painfully watch is sit in storage; not because I can't physically play, although it would be painful, but due to the lack of space in the condo I live in. Going to the beach, out on a boat, or playing the drums where my 3 ways of escaping from reality and relaxing my mind when I needed a break from life. Good Luck, I hope its nothing serious

[drummerman]

Sorry that you are hurting again. How long ago did you fall? It may have just flared up and needs some time to calm down. Not really sure, but hopefully the MRI will give you answers (or at least peace knowing it's all okay).
Welcome to the forum!
Kathy

Thank you so much for responding. I'm not really sure how to use this right. But anyway, it was three weeks ago that I slipped. Perhaps you are correct and I didn't cause any damage to the site. I do not want another (4th) spine operation. Feeling depressed about this all... but thank you so much for your concern.

Ron

[drummerman]

When you slipped and fell did you fall and land on your back? What hit what part of your back. You mentioned you had hardware used for the fusion, did you have antieor fusion with front plate hardware, anterior & posterior hardware or just posterior hardware? I'm trying to get an idea if maybe you fell and landed on something that pressed up against or hit your posterior hardware and is causing some inflamation which is bringing you pain. Maybe

Good luck wit getting back into :drum:. I have had to pack my drum set up over the last year and painfully watch is sit in storage; not because I can't physically play, although it would be painful, but due to the lack of space in the condo I live in. Going to the beach, out on a boat, or playing the drums where my 3 ways of escaping from reality and relaxing my mind when I needed a break from life. Good Luck, I hope its nothing serious

Thanks Greg. Wow... you have been through allot. Makes me feel like a wimp.

Anyway, I didn't fall. I simply slipped. My leg slipped sidewards and there was immediate sharp pain within the operation site. It's been three weeks. It has subsided... but I need to work on my hands to get my technique back which would require at least 5 hours just on the pad. I don't even know how I'm going to be able to move on the set. I get the sharp pain after four hours of sitting. Going to the MRI in a couple of hours. I studied with Roy Burns, Joe Morello and had Buddy Rich actually play on my drumset while I was performing with Della Reese. I was a jazz player. Hey, Greg thanks for your concern me.

Ron

[KBear]

Thank you so much for responding. I'm not really sure how to use this right. But anyway, it was three weeks ago that I slipped. Perhaps you are correct and I didn't cause any damage to the site. I do not want another (4th) spine operation. Feeling depressed about this all... but thank you so much for your concern.

Ron

I would bet it's just inflamed since it only happened 3 weeks ago. Also, you are still early in the healing process. I had surgery 16 months ago and am still not 100%, but slowly improving. Hope you feel better soon and the MRI comes back good.

[Cindylou]

Good luck with your MRI Ron, and welcome to SPS. Keep us posted on the results. I really think your spine/hardware are fine, and you've got some inflammation going on, but I am no doctor, so good luck today!

[ajj1001]

sounds like you might be sitting for too long, I stretch my legs every 20 minutes or so. getting sat in a good supported position helps too.

[Greg]

I would bet it's just inflamed since it only happened 3 weeks ago. Also, you are still early in the healing process. I had surgery 16 months ago and am still not 100%, but slowly improving. Hope you feel better soon and the MRI comes back good.

Since Ron clarified that it was a slip and not a fall I think I agree that its just some irritated and inflamed area in his back....at least I hope. Good luck with the MRI and I hope it doesnt show anything and the pain continues to subside

Thanks Greg. Wow... you have been through allot. Makes me feel like a wimp.

Anyway, I didn't fall. I simply slipped. My leg slipped sidewards and there was immediate sharp pain within the operation site. It's been three weeks. It has subsided... but I need to work on my hands to get my technique back which would require at least 5 hours just on the pad. I don't even know how I'm going to be able to move on the set. I get the sharp pain after four hours of sitting. Going to the MRI in a couple of hours. I studied with Roy Burns, Joe Morello and had Buddy Rich actually play on my drumset while I was performing with Della Reese. I was a jazz player. Hey, Greg thanks for your concern me.

Ron

WOW.....Roy Burns and Joe Morello You must be a hell of a if you studied with those guys The stuff Roy can do with just one hand is like he's a magician. I am very envyous Just remember to take your time getting back into drumming. You only get one shot at this recovery and you're already on your 3rd so I KNOW you dot want a 4th Our bodies have a wonderful way of letting us know when we've done too much or are doing something we shouldn't (PAIN) so just listen to your body while you get back into the hang of things and dont push it too far too soon. You'll get it back though! If you're as good as I think you are than you shouldn't have a problem getting back to where you were. Take care Ron and best of luck to you with the MRI

ROY BURNS

[Justin]

Hi Ron,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

Sorry you have to be here, but we are here to support you. Like others have stated above, your symptoms sound muscular in nature. However, it is good that you are getting an MRI.

In terms of sitting, it places the most stress on your spine. It is commonly recommended to change your position every 15-20 minutes, if possible. I know this might be difficult while you are behind your kit.

Please keep us posted on your MRI results. :thumpup: