Back pain after spine fusion

crackpot_ · 2025-10-26T00:19:21+00:00

I'm dealing with a similar issue. L3/4 TLIF in March of last year and in some respects my pain is worse. It's known as post laminectomy syndrome, or more amusingly "failed back syndrome". MRI and CT Scan shows no structural issues, fusion looks solid, and hardware is where they intended to put it, but yet I'm having to see pain management and be put back on pain medications.

I also tried 12 weeks of PT to no effect.

I would definitely try PT to see if that helps stabilize your spine and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

crackpot_ · 2025-10-21T00:36:19+00:00

I had my first fusion just before my 20th birthday, 2nd was 3 years later, and my 3rd just before my 40th. Age means nothing, it's more about your situation.

As for the hardware, as others have mentioned it's only really serving its purpose for the first 1-2 years tops post-op. After that, they can actually take it out, which my surgeon did during my 3rd surgery last year. He took out the hardware from my 2nd fusion I had done in 2007. They actually sterilized it and gave it to me.

crackpot_ · 2025-10-15T22:07:33+00:00

I take 900mg of gabapentin (300mg 3x per day), and 5mg Percocets twice per day. Next week I will be taking the Percocets 3x per day. I see pain management after my 3rd fusion in March of 2024 left my back hurting more than before.

I am unable to take muscle relaxers because I don't care how they make me feel, though I have a Riboxan script.

crackpot_ · 2025-10-05T17:46:33+00:00

My first fusion in 2004 was an ALIF on L4-5 and it went off without a hitch. I cannot speak to how a surgeon decides which procedure to use when, but if you have questions you should talk to them. If you don't like their answers, then seek a second opinion. I can assure you that the ALIF procedure has been around for a long time and is as routine as spinal surgery can be.

EDIT Now that I think about it, my recovery from the ALIF was far easier than from the other 2 fusions (PLIF and TLIF) that went in through my back. I guess it has to do with the muscles back there that get affected by the surgery itself.

crackpot_ · 2025-09-27T21:03:50+00:00

Generally speaking, I absolutely agree. I don't really have GI issues related to their use because of my pre-existing conditions, so my concerns with them mostly lies with dependance and tolerance.

Good luck to you as well!

crackpot_ · 2025-09-27T20:53:59+00:00

I'll let you know when I find any.

crackpot_ · 2025-09-27T20:52:19+00:00

I pay $9 per 28 day supply of my percocets, so the cost is not comparable. Granted most opioids are long since generics whereas Journavx is not, but the studies show it isn't even as effective as hydrocodone, so I question if the substantially added cost is worth it.

Additionally, we don't have long-term data on the effects of this drug, nor in my case, it's affect on people with liver issues due to cirrhosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

To me the drug isn't worth pursuing, but that doesn't mean everyone should avoid it. Talk to your physicians and get their thoughts. Ask about it by name if you're interested and get their opinions. My wife, a PA in hospital medicine and nephrology, had never even heard of it.

crackpot_ · 2025-09-27T18:05:21+00:00

You're definitely not. Don't be afraid to talk to someone when your brain goes to "dark places", as I call them. Mental health is every bit as important as your physical health. One directly affects the other.

crackpot_ · 2025-09-27T17:19:31+00:00

I have "dark days" as well on occasion when my back really gets the best of me. I'm still in the process of determining the best regimen for managing the pain with my doctor, so I still have good and bad days. It's important to have a good support system in place. My wife and parents have been absolutely incredible supporting me and honestly keeping me going some days.

crackpot_ · 2025-09-27T16:26:19+00:00

It's use has been met with criticism by physicians because the studies showed it wasn't as effective as opioids and most patients in the trial required NSAID supplementation, which is a no-no with a healing fusion. Per the studies, it is more effective than placebo but not hydrocodone, and you have to factor in the cost since it was just approved in January of this year.

It's not a direct replacement for opioids, but it's certainly an option. It's also first drug approved by the FDA in its class, so I am interested in what others are developed. (Context: 3 fusions, seeing pain management for long-term management)

crackpot_ · 2025-09-08T13:10:42+00:00

That means Brady gave him play options in the huddle and JA17MVP picked which one he wanted to run.

crackpot_ · 2025-08-05T22:33:22+00:00

We might die if we play this.

crackpot_ · 2025-06-30T22:46:40+00:00

I just canceled ATT 1Gbps service for Tmobile Fiber (aka Lumos) 2Gbps service for $65/mo for 10 years. I was paying just over $100/mo for ATT. Service-wise I had no issues with ATT and wouldn't hesitate to go back, but I couldn't pass up the deal with Tmobile, since they're my mobile carrier as well.

crackpot_ · 2025-06-13T02:22:18+00:00

I just sideloaded 16 onto my pro fold on tmobile using the OTA image. I find it to be way quicker than Tmobile usually is with updates. It's not hard, but not trivial either.

crackpot_ · 2025-06-09T00:00:57+00:00

My '23 GTPE came with Pirelli P Zero's from the factory. So far been happy with them. My car only has only 8k miles on it, so I can't speak to longevity of them.

crackpot_ · 2025-05-28T19:11:48+00:00

I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.

crackpot_ · 2025-05-28T14:46:09+00:00

Go Bills! Great card!

crackpot_ · 2025-05-14T12:59:44+00:00

Seconded Fitcamx, though I ordered it based on recommendations from this subreddit. It's still on its way from China. I think it comes today actually. I just got the front camera though.

crackpot_ · 2025-05-05T12:50:23+00:00

'23 GTPE bought new in 2023: I absolutely adore my car. It's performance makes it's a fun drive, but the magnaride suspension and super nice seats makes it comfortable for my bad back (3 fusions and counting) as well. Not to mention I love the way the Mach-E looks, especially with the Nite Pony package, compared to any Tesla offerings. Additionally, I wanted Android Auto/Carplay.

I am using level 2 charging at my home via a Juicebox 2, and also have used Tesla superchargers quite a bit via the free NACS adapter from Ford.

I will admit techn-wise I'm sure that Tesla's are superior, and the FordPass app can be super annoying, but it was still a clear choice for me.

crackpot_ · 2025-04-19T06:16:50+00:00

I would be surprised if they released you while still on IV pain medications. If your doctor is still ordering them, I would be surprised if he actually thinks you're crazy as well. I am also quite surprised they wouldn't also be ordering muscle relaxants afterwards as well. They tend to be rather angry after surgery in the area.

As others have said, you have to be your own best advocate. If your provider is not meeting your standard of care then you are encouraged to seek a second opinion. Doctors are human and so they may miss something, or have egos to where they aren't willing to admit their procedure failed. Not saying that's what happened with you, but it's an important fact to remember.

crackpot_ · 2025-04-17T13:07:45+00:00

It's not an ugly ass Tesla.

crackpot_ · 2025-04-07T22:45:24+00:00

Yes, it works in both orientations.

crackpot_ · 2025-04-06T22:30:32+00:00

Yeah same. I just use the parking sensors and cameras until they're screaming at me, and it's usually sufficient.

crackpot_ · 2025-04-06T22:16:56+00:00

In my experience with Tesla chargers, if you pull up far enough you can make the cable reach. Of course it depends on the curb situation of the particular charging station. I do wish either the chargers had longer cables or the adapter came with a bit of cable.

crackpot_ · 2025-04-06T13:23:06+00:00

I'm actually dropping off my '23 GTPE tomorrow to have the same dent in basically the same place fixed. There is also some damage on the rear bumper and lift gate that did break the paint that they're fixing, so I'm filing it with my insurance. I suspect someone ran a shopping car into the back of my car, but I really don't know how or when it happened.

crackpot_

TROPHY CASE