New Here, But Not New To Chronic Pain......(Lumbar Spinal Fusion)

**kwmillie** · 05-24-2010, 08:44 AM

Hello All,

I had a 3 level/360 L2 to L5 spinal fusion in November of 07 that failed due to Surgeon error. After that and due to his error, the cadaver bone that was placed on my vertebrae started to break off and settling on my spinal canal, that cause incredible pain, and also nerve pain on my legs so intense that I couldn't walk. After 4 Laminectomies to remove the cadaver bone, I was left with intractable pain 24/7.

I had a spinal cord stimulator installed in June of 08 to help with my bi-lateral radiculopathy. It has worked for my nerve pain, but not for my mechanical pain, for that I am on daily opiod therapy. I was lucky to find a wonderful pain management Doctor that treats me with respect, compassion and helps me with my pain in any way that he can.

Besides taking opiods, I do yoga, swim and walk to help with my chronic pain. I hope to get to know everyone here and to receive and give support to those that need it.

Millie

**Keano16** · 05-24-2010, 08:48 AM

What a sad story. I am very sorry to read all this. Be strong.

What did he do wrong during the fusion surgery?

**KBear** · 05-24-2010, 10:38 AM

Welcome to the site! I am so sorry to hear your story, that is awful. I live in Texas and flew to Miami for my ADR surgery. I saw Dr. Carlos Garcia, the co-inventor of the Active L disc, he is great if you ever need a surgeon. He is in Aventura, FL.

Kathy

**kwmillie** · 05-24-2010, 10:45 AM

Thanks Keano.... Well, the type of cadaver bone that he used was supposed to be introduced thru the front and not thru the back, also it was handled the wrong way so this is why it started to break. This is what an expert witness have said, I do not know if this is true or not, since I am not a Doctor and I am going by what I've been told .

There is also the possibility of the bone not been prepared correctly by the company. There are some cases against this particular company that were won by the complainants. All I know is that I am like Humpty Dumpty, and it has made my life incredibly miserable......

**ajj1001** · 05-24-2010, 11:23 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

alison x

**kwmillie** · 05-24-2010, 05:44 PM

Thanks everyone for the wonderful welcome!

**linda** · 05-24-2010, 10:29 PM

Hey Millie,
Welcome to the site but I am sorry you have to be here under these circumstances. You sound like an incredible lady and have been through too much. I'm glad you have found a good doctor and that you are able to get around and do yoga. Serveral people at work have suggested yoga to me but I have just been to lazy to do it even though I took dancing for about 15 years and took a yoga class in college. Does it give you some relief? Once again welcome to the site and look forward to hearing more from you.
Linda

**kwmillie** · 05-25-2010, 08:11 PM

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the welcome! Yes, Yoga has helped a whole lot. I started with a beginners yoga class, and did as litlle as I could at the beginning, then I started to get better and more flexible. I still can't do a lot of the poses, but I do enough to help my back. You should try yoga, it is great to build the core muscles. Take care and talk to you soon.

Millie

**Moni** · 05-25-2010, 10:17 PM

Welcome Millie good to meet you.
Sorry you hurt. I do too if that is any consolation..( and I hate the pain killers!)
Whodaeverthunkit a group of people that are linked by chronic pain!? But here we are. Just goes to show I suppose that not everything about pain has to be a bad thing.
I was wondering about the spinal cord stimulator thing...that takes away all the leg pains? That sounds awesome.I had knee surgery last April and when they gave me the epidural it was the first time in three years that my legs didn't hurt ,it was wonderful....
mg