[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Please, no "I told you so!"

[Graysonlaw]

Hi! Back after a long hiaitus. L4-L5 fusion seems many moons ago (Oct. 2009). I consider myself as a good news story: I've been back to running, though not nearly as I used to (now only 10-12 miles per week). I recently bought a new scooter. No skiing yet, but I have been on a roller coaster or two! Needless to say, I have NEARLY forgotten about the need to be careful with my spine.

The even better news is that my blood pressure and cholesterol are now back to normal due to my increased activity!

Now the bad news: I'm feeling back pain again for the first time since pre-surgery. Not the same as the pre-surgery pain, but VERY uncomfortable. My suspicion is that it is due to hardware pressing on soft tissue. It is just off center and just below my surgery location.

I've reviewed these forums and other sites. It appears that there may be an injection that could help. Also, could seek removal of the hardware (don't like this option). My main problem is that I'm not sure where to start. I can't go back to my surgeon without a referral. My GP probably couldn't tell me any more than this group could -- and if I did get a referral to the surgeon, I'd likely have to go back to my GP to get films, etc. That said, should I be asking for x-rays, CT scans, or what? Any other thoughts or advice?

Thanks!
Pete

[Justin]

Hey Pete,

Sorry to hear that you are experiencing low back issues again. In terms of your hardware causing your pain, they will probably start with a simple x-ray to see if everything is in place and will compare that film with films you have had in the past.

Hardware removal is a last resort. Even in Spine Patients where the hardware has been removed, many still have chronic, unrelenting pain.

If your hardware is pressing on the soft tissue and causing irritation/inflammation, they could easily inject a steroid into the area and see if things calm down. Hopefully, an inject will help. If you have continued pain after the injection, then they will probably due an MRI to look at the soft tissue (they may just do the MRI right away after a plain film).

At the very least, I would schedule an appt with your medical team to have this checked out. It could be an easy fix.

Keep us posted and I do hope your pain improves.

[Cindylou]

Hey Pete, I can't add much to Justin's good advice. I just wanted to poke my head in to say "hi" and that I do hope you can find a resolution to this new back pain in a timely manner. May this new pain soon become a dim memory. Good luck as you proceed. Cindylou