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? For Pts. That Have Had Back Surgery


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I am curious to find out if anyone here has had back surgery (multi level fusions with cages and rods) and sacroiliac joint surgery at the same time and their outcome/opinion. I have yet to meet any men that have had their sacroiliac joint operated on. (a few women, but not in conjunction w/fusion) This will be 2nd fusion surgery in less than 2 years, as he already has 3 levels done, but the whole sacroiliac joint issue is new to us, so haven't had the time to research it properly. Any feedback would be appreciated!! (would also like to GROAN and GRIPE at all surgeons who schedule "major surgery" less than 10 days before Christmas with only 2 weeks notice....ARGHHH.)

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Thank you Dubliner.

To be honest, we are not going into this with expectations.....only hopes. We have learned not to expect anything when it comes to back surgery. Don't get me wrong, hope I do have and always will. I know what you are saying and I totally appreciate it!!!! Sometimes I feel like we are ramming our heads up against a brick wall, but know that theres always a chance that brick wall will crumble just a little bit and we will continue hitting, hoping for that little crumble. Sadly, a major part of this surgery is due to the first surgery and isn't a choice thing.

 

I am going to need a stronger medication after this is all said and done. Having Crohns Disease myself, my body dosen't do stress well, although I have had to learn to manage stress and generally do pretty well under pressure. I find myself endlessly seeking answers (as thats the kind of gal I am....some call it obsessive, I call it preparation and understanding) I am learning there are no concrete answers in this situation, no matter how much knowledge I have or research I do and that is a stress I am having a difficult time managing alone. It is not often I find myself at a loss for a logical answer or outcome. Guess this was just another attempt to seek answers that just aren't there.

 

I know you weren't expecting a novel back as an answer, a simple thank you would have been sufficient, but seems stress causes diarrhea of the mouth for me also and for that I apologize :)

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I had L4-5 fused and countless injections into the sacroiliac joint (SI) joints on both sides. Everyone reacts differently to injuries and surgery as you know and I am suffering from Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) caused by the damage done to my back rather than bad surgery.

 

The SI joint pain can be really intense at times and in my case not much can be done to ease it with-out medicating into a couch lock stupor everyday all day I can't and won't do that. I live in Macomb County and my surgeon is at Mt Clemens General Hospital he is regarded as one the best neurosurgeons in the country and has been flown to other countries to perform brain surgery so he knows what he's doing.

 

I don't know if I'm allowed to post his name but if you PM me I'll forward it to you and if mods say I can publicly post his name and contact info I will.

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Thank you Dubliner.

To be honest, we are not going into this with expectations.....only hopes. We have learned not to expect anything when it comes to back surgery. Don't get me wrong, hope I do have and always will. I know what you are saying and I totally appreciate it!!!! Sometimes I feel like we are ramming our heads up against a brick wall, but know that theres always a chance that brick wall will crumble just a little bit and we will continue hitting, hoping for that little crumble. Sadly, a major part of this surgery is due to the first surgery and isn't a choice thing.

 

I am going to need a stronger medication after this is all said and done. Having Crohns Disease myself, my body dosen't do stress well, although I have had to learn to manage stress and generally do pretty well under pressure. I find myself endlessly seeking answers (as thats the kind of gal I am....some call it obsessive, I call it preparation and understanding) I am learning there are no concrete answers in this situation, no matter how much knowledge I have or research I do and that is a stress I am having a difficult time managing alone. It is not often I find myself at a loss for a logical answer or outcome. Guess this was just another attempt to seek answers that just aren't there.

 

I know you weren't expecting a novel back as an answer, a simple thank you would have been sufficient, but seems stress causes diarrhea of the mouth for me also and for that I apologize :)

 

 

No need to apologize Northern ,

 

We're here to help each other and it sounds to me ya needed to download a bit so I'm glad it helped . A sad and I'm sure painful story to live but You have Hope , Much more than ya think . Keep a Positive Outlook and be as Un-Stressed as ya possibly can . Do Something Just for You and Brighten yer day . Try listening to some good music on headphones if ya have them and blaze up and get the Positive Vibes flowin . Something soothing like the New Leon Russell & Elton Johns CD or Enya or an Irish band named Lunasa . Fight Off Stress and yer Half Way there ,,, ;)

 

 

Good Luck & Be Well ,,,

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Irishman's Philosophy

 

In life, there are only two things to worry about—

Either you are well or you are sick.

If you are well, there is nothing to worry about,

But if you are sick, there are only two things to worry about—

Either you will get well or you will die.

If you get well, there is nothing to worry about,

 

 

But if you die, there are only two things to worry about—

Either you will go to heaven or hell.

If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about.

 

And if you go to hell, you’ll be so busy shaking hands with all your friends

You won’t have time to worry! :rolleyes:

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EdwardGlen- I appreciate you sharing your experience with me. I know every persons situation is very different. Your situation sounds a bit like my husbands. His first fusion was L-4/L-5 and S-1, so know how that one goes. They attempted a procedure this last time, that had been used/researched very minimally, but was "great in theory", needless to say, it didn't work.....although they didn't figure that out right away. They just knew he wasn't healing/recovering like he should have and he was having "episodes" of myleopathy. For over 2 years, he spent 99% of his life in bed "doped" on so much moriphine and other perscribed narcotics that the new spinal specialist we consulted is amazed he is still alive. During this past surgery he was already on such a high dosage of meds that during the 11 hour procedure, he started going through severe withdrawals and they had to pump more into him.(even under anethesia) He is now semi-functioning at least a few days of the week, granted still with lots of pain, but at least he is coherent. The new spinal specialist is a world reknowned surgeon and consultant and thats who is performing surgery in 2 weeks. He is going in and taking care of the "experimental" procedure the other surgeon originally tried and taking out all the hardware put in the last time and replacing it so its not moving around anymore. The other surgeon used bone grafts from my husbands hip, which did not "take", so this guy is replacing it with synthetic material. The SI issue just came up after they found that his legs are different lengths and because of his gait. (both not present before the last surgery??) But they have decided to operate on both at the same time unbeknownst to us until a couple of days ago when they reviewed new images and testing films and performed a "block". I appreciate your willingness to share your neurosurgeons information, I may need to take you up on that offer, if this surgery does not work out. We have consulted with some of the best, especially here in Michigan, but didn't settle until we found his current one. He has been through so much since the accident I wanted to feel assured we were choosing very wisely this time. This has taken so much out of him as a functioning member of society, not to mention our family. I gave up my "dream" business to be his advocate and because he needed "around the clock" monitoring. (no I am not complaining at all, I would do it again in a heartbeat to ensure his safety and care) Its definatly not an easy road, but nothing in life is easy. One step forward, three back seems to be the case in hand, but all's one can do is take a day at a time....as we are :) Thanks again for sharing your experience, sometimes it helps to hear others speak out to know that perhaps while not experiencing the exact issue, they have some understanding.

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Dubliner- Again thanks for the kind words. I don't show my weaknesses often, but when I do...they all seem to come pouring out. Music heals the soul and I listen to it all too often, lets me forget for a few minutes. Its tough going from a networking, social butterfly to a "stuck at home", talking to myself housewife/caregiver. I miss human interaction which has been very limited this past year...my friends are hesitant to visit as they never know how "functioning" he will be on any given day. I did talk him into going to a compassion club once every few weeks, we have made some wonderful friends and its very nice to connect socially, but most of the time I imagine I seem like a "socially starved" imbecile. (although everyone is kind and welcoming) Loved reading the Irishmans Philosophy, know I have read it more than once in my "travels", but its one of those things that can be read several times and each time you walk away feeling just as good as the first. I will quit rambling for tonight as I will probably regret all my senseless rambling tommorrow and have to beg some administrator to remove it so I am not reminded of a "weak moment" :) Have a wonderful weekend and thanks again!

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Northerngal-

Wow...intense stuff. My SI issues are nothing compared to what I read here. I know what pain I go through, i can't imagine what it must be for your husband and for you as his caretaker. Something you said about "bone grafts and synthetic material"....my wife (better 3/4's) has had multiple joint replacements due to osteonecrosis. The doc's used a experimental epoxy which actually stimulated bone growth. She had her 5th hip replacement using this stuff so to help hold her prosthetic in place. Her hip joints are so thin and decayed there continues to be concern they won't hold her legs in place. My point is that the material used has given her a couple of years where she can actually walk...to everyone's amazement.

 

Pain management continues to be a major issue. She can't use opiates and all the other doctor prescribed pharmaceuticals don't work...aside from mm, one thing did work, but on a temporary bases, was a "RF pain block"- Radio Frequency pain management. The procedure is painful but the results offered some relief during post op as the only option. I assume you are already aware of such a procedure but thought I'd offer my 2 cents.

 

"Attitude" plays a huge role in the whole scheme of things so I wish you both a peaceful journey down a very rough road. You are not alone. My wife and I have gotten through some pretty amazing challenges by way of finding humor and hope midst the pain and darkness. I wish for you the same.

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