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wincardona

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As most know I had back surgery on Feb. 7th. and seemed to be doing well until about 10 weeks after surgery, that's when I started to get a lot of pain in my hips. I wasn't able to walk without struggling and lifting my legs at any time put me in quite a bit of pain. My surgery was a fusion with L-4 AND L-5 plus my doctor shaved bone spurs from my spine that was giving me pain on the right side of my back, prior to surgery.

Today I am having pain on the right side of my back at the same place as before surgery, plus my hips are constantly in pain. My doctor prescribed a medication called Gabapentin a drug that is prescribed for epileptics. It also is for neuropathic pain.

I'm posting this because i'm really scared about how the surgery turned out, and would like to hear someone who either has had a similar result or know someone who has.

What's happening to me?

Billy Incardona
 
wincardona said:
As most know I had back surgery on Feb. 7th. and seemed to be doing well until about 10 weeks after surgery, that's when I started to get a lot of pain in my hips. I wasn't able to walk without struggling and lifting my legs at any time put me in quite a bit of pain. My surgery was a fusion with L-4 AND L-5 plus my doctor shaved bone spurs from my spine that was giving me pain on the right side of my back, prior to surgery.

Today I am having pain on the right side of my back at the same place as before surgery, plus my hips are constantly in pain. My doctor prescribed a medication called Gabapentin a drug that is prescribed for epileptics. It also is for neuropathic pain.

I'm posting this because i'm really scared about how the surgery turned out, and would like to hear someone who either has had a similar result or know someone who has.

What's happening to me?

Billy Incardona
Click to expand...

The drug is definetly for pain such as neurapothy, and can make you drowsie. Usually taken at night.
 
What was the reason for the surgery?

Did you have spinal stenosis, bulging or ruptured disks, or what? When you say you are having a difficult time with your legs, is it weakness? That COULD be a sign of a stroke. For a man as articulate and intelligent as you are to post this on a billiard forum, I am thinking you are struggling, probably frightened as we all would be, and having a hard time trusting doctors. I hope you get a second opinion. I am certain that many on here would do anything to help if we could, but even as a medical professional I cannot speculate on your condition without more information. You have friends here, and you are very, very well liked. I have learned immensely from your commentary over the years, and you have my attention. I am in Richmond, VA right now and If you are anywhere near me I would be willing to help you out in person. I do ultrasound and vascular work. Two things I like to tell patients when they are in your situation are as follows: When dealing with medical professionals, remember that they are human and are not always operating at 100%, SO, to get them back up to treating you at 100% ask them "do you like your job?" I know it sounds too simple, but that one question improves your care by personalizing it and you'll be very surprised at the results. Additionally, do not trust any hospital bureaucracy to get your results. Don't wait more than 5 business days for any results without contacting them and politely pestering them.
I hope these things help- A big fan
 
I had a L5-S1 TWICE. Well, it went perfectly the first time and the doctor said, "No driving and no pool for three weeks."

Well, as luck would have it, my new Lambros cue was ready the day after surgery and we all know what happened.... more sciatic pain and a repeated procedure 30 days later.

Billy, I'm not sure about your exact procedure but I'm not sure how a fusion can be related to hip paid except that maybe somewhere along the line they pinched a nerve in the process. I can say, without doubt, that I feel SOOO good after my surgeries. They were well worth it. I recommend you go back to the doc and get another MRI without delay. Don't panic---- I felt the same way after my first surgery--- they'll figure out what went wrong and fix it asap.

Let us know what happens-
Dave
 
good advice...

SpiderWebComm said:
I had a L5-S1 TWICE. Well, it went perfectly the first time and the doctor said, "No driving and no pool for three weeks."

Well, as luck would have it, my new Lambros cue was ready the day after surgery and we all know what happened.... more sciatic pain and a repeated procedure 30 days later.

Billy, I'm not sure about your exact procedure but I'm not sure how a fusion can be related to hip paid except that maybe somewhere along the line they pinched a nerve in the process. I can say, without doubt, that I feel SOOO good after my surgeries. They were well worth it. I recommend you go back to the doc and get another MRI without delay. Don't panic---- I felt the same way after my first surgery--- they'll figure out what went wrong and fix it asap.

Let us know what happens-
Dave
Click to expand...

Good advice. Yes, probably pinched nerve, but could be from inflammation I suppose rather than the surgery itself, especially since it didn't show up immediately.
 
hey Billy

Some might laugh - but I and my father drink (Tonic Water with Quinine in it!!! Schwepps is the brand here. Drink about 8 ox and tell me how the legs and hips feel. Did you do like 6 wks physical therapy ?? Remember your still healing. My father had same stuff just (different doctor). Mark God bless
 
wincardona said:
As most know I had back surgery on Feb. 7th. and seemed to be doing well until about 10 weeks after surgery, that's when I started to get a lot of pain in my hips. I wasn't able to walk without struggling and lifting my legs at any time put me in quite a bit of pain. My surgery was a fusion with L-4 AND L-5 plus my doctor shaved bone spurs from my spine that was giving me pain on the right side of my back, prior to surgery.

Today I am having pain on the right side of my back at the same place as before surgery, plus my hips are constantly in pain. My doctor prescribed a medication called Gabapentin a drug that is prescribed for epileptics. It also is for neuropathic pain.

I'm posting this because i'm really scared about how the surgery turned out, and would like to hear someone who either has had a similar result or know someone who has.

What's happening to me?

Billy Incardona
Click to expand...

Bill I had L5/S1 fusion Feb 10. I still have L4/L5 herniated disc. Have you done water therapy? I had 10 weeks water and start ground therapy Tuesday.
As for pain I still have low right back and hip pain, numb rt leg if I walk more than a block. The more I do the more it aches, I take tremadol and Hydroco (vicadin) as needed, which is usually after therapy or the store.
Your nerves grow about 1 mm per month so it can take 6 months or more to really tell ( or so they tell me). I know some people in therapy had instant relief, I guess we are not that lucky. They say it just takes time.
I am having another Ct scan next week to check on bone growth (and a popping I had in early April followed by 3 weeks of pain).
Hope this helps and wish you luck.
Mark
 
abbassi said:
The drug is definetly for pain such as neurapothy, and can make you drowsie. Usually taken at night.
Click to expand...

I was taking 1800mg Gabentin/day and i was only drowsy the first 2-3 days. I recently quit it with no withdrawal to speak of and the pain didnt get any worse.

Just about everyone i ever knew who had back surgery had to have more surgery. How many has Jeanette had 7?
 
quinine

my aunt used to prescribe quinine for leg pain - she has spinal stenosis- and she says it used to work great but that her doctor stopped prescribing it. you should try it though- can't hurt.
 
Going thru pretty much the same as you at this time Billy. Wish I knew.
Previous back op. Right leg is numb much of the day. Every time I take a step with either leg
the jolt sends pain up my back. Hip is sore, mostly on the right side.
I know what sciatic pain is and this is almost different and worse.
 
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wincardona said:
As most know I had back surgery on Feb. 7th. and seemed to be doing well until about 10 weeks after surgery, that's when I started to get a lot of pain in my hips. I wasn't able to walk without struggling and lifting my legs at any time put me in quite a bit of pain. My surgery was a fusion with L-4 AND L-5 plus my doctor shaved bone spurs from my spine that was giving me pain on the right side of my back, prior to surgery.

Today I am having pain on the right side of my back at the same place as before surgery, plus my hips are constantly in pain. My doctor prescribed a medication called Gabapentin a drug that is prescribed for epileptics. It also is for neuropathic pain.

I'm posting this because i'm really scared about how the surgery turned out, and would like to hear someone who either has had a similar result or know someone who has.

What's happening to me?

Billy Incardona
Click to expand...

Being 6'6'' I've always been concerned about the back, from another perspective you may try this. If your right handed, start using your left hand ALLOT more, and anthing that your used to doing one particular way, do it the other way. I've got a daughter with a pars fracture in a similar area, she's not had any invasive work done as she found this out when she was in High School, what she did to help, was strengthened her trunk area to help support her spine. She now has a six pack like a boxer, but lives with the pain.
 
Thanks to everyone that replied I will try your suggestions about the MRI and possibly the quinine. Hopefully I will be able to get through this so I can play a little longer and do more commentary.

Back pain is a b--ch :(

Billy I.
 
wincardona said:
As most know I had back surgery on Feb. 7th. and seemed to be doing well until about 10 weeks after surgery, that's when I started to get a lot of pain in my hips. I wasn't able to walk without struggling and lifting my legs at any time put me in quite a bit of pain. My surgery was a fusion with L-4 AND L-5 plus my doctor shaved bone spurs from my spine that was giving me pain on the right side of my back, prior to surgery.

Today I am having pain on the right side of my back at the same place as before surgery, plus my hips are constantly in pain. My doctor prescribed a medication called Gabapentin a drug that is prescribed for epileptics. It also is for neuropathic pain.

I'm posting this because i'm really scared about how the surgery turned out, and would like to hear someone who either has had a similar result or know someone who has.

What's happening to me?

Billy Incardona
Click to expand...

I had 2 herniated lower back disks and the pain was so bad I could hardly get in the car. The pain radiated down to my hips and to the inside of my legs. It turns out that I do have a mild hip problem, but the problem started from my back.

I had 2 or 3 injections (pain killer forgot the name) into my spine and it cured most of the pain after about 2 months.
 
wincardona said:
As most know I had back surgery on Feb. 7th. and seemed to be doing well until about 10 weeks after surgery, that's when I started to get a lot of pain in my hips. I wasn't able to walk without struggling and lifting my legs at any time put me in quite a bit of pain. My surgery was a fusion with L-4 AND L-5 plus my doctor shaved bone spurs from my spine that was giving me pain on the right side of my back, prior to surgery.

Today I am having pain on the right side of my back at the same place as before surgery, plus my hips are constantly in pain. My doctor prescribed a medication called Gabapentin a drug that is prescribed for epileptics. It also is for neuropathic pain.

I'm posting this because i'm really scared about how the surgery turned out, and would like to hear someone who either has had a similar result or know someone who has.

What's happening to me?

Billy Incardona
Click to expand...

i have a herniated disk between 4 and 5 also. my hips hurt, my damn legs go numb (both of them), im avoiding surgery and will tell you something that will help immensley. keep the gut weight off. gut weight causes a ton of problems with lower back issues. back issues suck for sure.
 
whitewolf said:
I had 2 herniated lower back disks and the pain was so bad I could hardly get in the car. The pain radiated down to my hips and to the inside of my legs. It turns out that I do have a mild hip problem, but the problem started from my back.

I had 2 or 3 injections (pain killer forgot the name) into my spine and it cured most of the pain after about 2 months.
Click to expand...

epadorals do help fo sho
 
Your commentary is sometimes the only reason why I show up to some of these streams. You have taught me a lot and we've never met. :)

Get well BI.
 
Billy, I'm sure you know Eric Petersen (Fatboy). He's had a lot of back problems and has had a variety of treatments for them. Give him a call and he may have some useful suggestions for you.
 
I'm sure some will ridicule what I am about to say, but have you considered acupuncture. A good friend of mine had back surgery and was prescribed narcotics for pain relief. He did not like the idea of having to rely on opiates to function. Long story short.....acupuncture worked miracles for him. He was a complete skeptic and this was a last resort for him.

Can't hurt to try it if all else fails........Dan
 
Absolutely Buddy. There are things out there that are amazing, acupuncture being one of them.
Acupuncture, like many things isn't a do all end all. Quite often it requires repeat sessions but if you're willing to be positive about it, then lets just say, acupuncture should always be an option.
 
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wincardona said:
I'm posting this because i'm really scared about how the surgery turned out, and would like to hear someone who either has had a similar result or know someone who has.

What's happening to me?

Billy Incardona
Click to expand...

The single best source of information is the original physician and his group of colleagues. Ask him directly what is going on. Physicians (and others) often respond based on the way a question is asked. If you want an authority figure, that is what you get. If you want knowledge and expert opinion that is what you get. Ask him for references in the literature to your problem. Read the articles and ask more questions. In addition, you can often contact the authors of the research articles and they too will give you additional information by email.

One of the primary issues that all of these people will be attempting to find out is if you are litigation prone (looking to file a law suit). When they understand that you are seeking knowledge (not money) they are th most helpful of people.

In my experience prestigious people are often the most helpful. It seems that when someone has truly hit the big time they have less ego that needs to be massaged. Of course there are exceptions but in general do not be afraid to contact highly regarded members of a profession. When approached appropriately they are often the most Knowledgeable and the most helpful.

What you are looking for is probable prognoisis and types of treatments that have been used for your symptoms. I would suggest that you begin with Google and the key words that you have heard from your physicians.

BTW do not ask about your personal problems. MDs can't answer that without a clinical evaluation and a review of your history. Ask about the symptoms as though they were not your personal problems. These non-personal questions can be answered by a professional. For instance, What are the potential complications when a patient is in intractable pain ten weeks after spinal surgery to fuse L4 and L5? What is the prgnosis for this condition and what treaments have been found to show promise?
 
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