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Question for people fused to sacrum

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  • Question for people fused to sacrum

    The last few days it feels like the hardware in my lower lumbar and sacrum is pressing very very hard into my body to the point of feeling very uncomfortable. Has anyone else had this sensation?
    Lynette - 44 years old.

    Pre-surgery thoracic 55 degrees
    Pre-surgery lumbar 85 degrees

    Post-surgery thoracic 19 degrees
    Post-surgery lumbar 27 degrees

    Surgery April 1st 2010.

    Posterior spinal fusion from T9 to sacrum.
    Dr. Cronen at University Community Hospital - Tampa, FL.

  • #2
    Not sure if this is the same, but for the first few weeks, I had a definite feeling of pressure on my lumbar area. I put it down to the nice, new lordosis I was given which was an unexpected cosmetic bonus.

    It felt like I was being pushed inwards at first but that feeling has gone away.
    Surgery March 3, 2009 at almost 58, now 63.
    Dr. Askin, Brisbane, Australia
    T4-Pelvis, Posterior only
    Osteotomies and Laminectomies
    Was 68 degrees, now 22 and pain free

    Comment


    • #3
      Jennifer - I'm nine weeks post op, and I remember my doctor telling me he gave me lordosis also which was a cosmetic perk - sounds like that might be it? Do you think you were nine weeks post op when you felt that?
      Lynette - 44 years old.

      Pre-surgery thoracic 55 degrees
      Pre-surgery lumbar 85 degrees

      Post-surgery thoracic 19 degrees
      Post-surgery lumbar 27 degrees

      Surgery April 1st 2010.

      Posterior spinal fusion from T9 to sacrum.
      Dr. Cronen at University Community Hospital - Tampa, FL.

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi Lynette,
        I remember that feeling. I thought at the time that i may have had some swelling in the area due to A/P, however, at 8 weeks post op it was all gone. Has your new lordosis given you a 'Jennifer Lopez butt'?
        Vali
        44 years young! now 45
        Surgery - June 1st, 2009
        Dr David Hall - Adelaide Spine Clinic
        St. Andrews Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia
        Pre-op curve - 58 degree lumbar
        Post -op - 5 degrees
        T11 - S1 Posterior
        L4/5 - L5/S1 Anterior Fusion

        Comment


        • #5
          Hi Lynette, I would only be guessing at what stage I felt that pressure, I was still on narcotics up to 2.5-3 months and my memory is a bit fuzzy about some things. But I definitely remember the back pressure early on. Sorry I can't be more specific.
          Surgery March 3, 2009 at almost 58, now 63.
          Dr. Askin, Brisbane, Australia
          T4-Pelvis, Posterior only
          Osteotomies and Laminectomies
          Was 68 degrees, now 22 and pain free

          Comment


          • #6
            A memory just came back to me. I remember saying to my partner, it feels like someone is behind me pulling my shoulders back, with a foot pushing into my lower back. It was uncomfortable at times. It didn't last long.
            Surgery March 3, 2009 at almost 58, now 63.
            Dr. Askin, Brisbane, Australia
            T4-Pelvis, Posterior only
            Osteotomies and Laminectomies
            Was 68 degrees, now 22 and pain free

            Comment


            • #7
              Lynette

              I had the pressure also. I suspect that it has something to do with the actual fusing process. There is a lot of healing going on right now.

              It will pass....

              Where do you think you are as far as improvement? Do you think that maybe you have improved 20%?

              It took me a few months for the intense surgical pain to subside.
              Ed
              49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
              Pre surgery curves T70,L70
              ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
              Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

              Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
              http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

              My x-rays
              http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

              http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

              Comment


              • #8
                Lynette-
                I remember feeling pressure in the lumbar area and also between my shoulder blades. Besides the surgery pain and fusing that was probably happening, I attributed the pressure to newly created lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. I didn't have either prior to the surgery and to suddenly have a completely different configuration took awhile for me to get used to.

                I think either those pressure feelings go away or your brain assimilates these feelings as the 'new normal,' but you do get used to them. My back feels so strong now and although at times I am not without my little aches and muscle cramps and things, I really, really like how stable it feels!
                Julie - 51 yrs old

                Dx'd 1973 - 43* thoracic curve / rotation
                Wore Milwaukee brace 1973 - 1979
                Pre-surgery: 63* thoracic / 52* lumbar curves


                Surgeries: P - March 16, 2009 - Fused T3-S2 with pelvic fixation
                A -April 14, 2009 - Fused L5-S1
                Achieved +70% Correction
                Dr. Khaled Kebaish, (and team) Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore


                Standing x-ray
                New Spine 03/19/2009
                New Spine Lateral 03/19/2009

                Comment


                • #9
                  Ed - I'm doing a whole lot better. I have little or no pain now thank goodness. Just that really bad pressure in my lumbar. My leg is not 100 percent - but it's a lot better than it was. I walk without limping now - so I'm very happy . Off the meds just over 2 weeks now, still having hot flashes.
                  Lynette - 44 years old.

                  Pre-surgery thoracic 55 degrees
                  Pre-surgery lumbar 85 degrees

                  Post-surgery thoracic 19 degrees
                  Post-surgery lumbar 27 degrees

                  Surgery April 1st 2010.

                  Posterior spinal fusion from T9 to sacrum.
                  Dr. Cronen at University Community Hospital - Tampa, FL.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Hi Lynette,
                    Just wondering what pain meds Dr Cronen perscribed you? Thanks.
                    Janet
                    36 year young cardiac RN
                    old curve C 29, T 70, L 50
                    new curve C 7, T 23, L 20
                    Surgery June 11, UCH, Dr. Cronen T2-L5, posterior
                    Revision December 20 L5-S1 with pelvic fixation
                    and Osteotomy to L3 at Tampa General Hospital

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      I was prescribed Percocet every 4 hours; oxycontin every 12 hours; and Valium once a night. Too much I think - but it was the rehab staff that gave me those when leaving hospital. The staff were fantastic in rehab, the meds just weren't too clearly explained to me - or maybe I was too drugged up to comprehend at the time
                      Lynette - 44 years old.

                      Pre-surgery thoracic 55 degrees
                      Pre-surgery lumbar 85 degrees

                      Post-surgery thoracic 19 degrees
                      Post-surgery lumbar 27 degrees

                      Surgery April 1st 2010.

                      Posterior spinal fusion from T9 to sacrum.
                      Dr. Cronen at University Community Hospital - Tampa, FL.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Yup - I for one can attest to this pain. Everyday seems to be a new pressure - new tugging inwards or some sort. How odd is that? But, I get the pressure in the lumbar area, between the shoulder blades and sometimes my ribs just ache. And, sometimes its firstg thing in the morning. As the day goes on I think I either forget about it or it gets better because it doesn't bother me. I get muscle spasms in the evening sitting here in my chair, but so far not too bad. Mostly because I think I'm tired and ready for beddy time. Nighty night soon.
                        Rita Thompson
                        Age 46
                        Milwaukee Brace wearer for 3 years in childhood
                        Surgery Mar 1st - 95 degree thoracic curve
                        Surgery by Dr. Lenke, St. Louis, MO
                        Post-surgery curve 25-30 degree

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Thanks Lynette. Dr Cronen gave me a med I am having trouble getting authorized, Nucynta. That is why I was wondering.
                          Janet
                          36 year young cardiac RN
                          old curve C 29, T 70, L 50
                          new curve C 7, T 23, L 20
                          Surgery June 11, UCH, Dr. Cronen T2-L5, posterior
                          Revision December 20 L5-S1 with pelvic fixation
                          and Osteotomy to L3 at Tampa General Hospital

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Janet - I have never heard of that med! By the way I just told Dr. Cronen how thankful I am to him for changing my life for the better. I'm very excited for you having this wonderful new back to look forward to, and you will be in the best hands with Dr. Cronen.
                            Lynette - 44 years old.

                            Pre-surgery thoracic 55 degrees
                            Pre-surgery lumbar 85 degrees

                            Post-surgery thoracic 19 degrees
                            Post-surgery lumbar 27 degrees

                            Surgery April 1st 2010.

                            Posterior spinal fusion from T9 to sacrum.
                            Dr. Cronen at University Community Hospital - Tampa, FL.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by LynetteG View Post
                              The last few days it feels like the hardware in my lower lumbar and sacrum is pressing very very hard into my body to the point of feeling very uncomfortable. Has anyone else had this sensation?
                              I think I know what you are talking about. I am 2 1/2 months out from my revision and I have new lordosis in my back and as I am weaning out of my brace, I am learning how to sit without the support of the brace. There seems to be lots of pressure in the lumbar area and I have had to put a small pillow in that newly created space. Also, when I sit for too long it feels like I am sitting on rocks! Maybe a clue to get up and move????
                              From what I remember, this will pass......
                              May 2008 Fusion T4 - S1, Pre-op Curves T45, L70 (age 48). Unsuccessful surgery.

                              March 18, 2010 (age 50). Revision with L3 Osteotomy, Replacement of hardware T11 - S1 , addition of bilateral pelvic fixation. Correction of sagittal imbalance and kyphosis.

                              January 24, 2012 (age 52) Revision to repair pseudoarthrosis and 2 broken rods at L3/L4.

                              Comment

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