stffness and bloating 3 years post surgery

[Sami]

3 years post surgery with Dr. Richard Hostin at Baylor scoliosis center (fused t4-L1). I have stiffness in the muscles of my back, legs, and abs. My abdomen is rock hard and looks like I am 4-5 mths pregnant (I am thin). Saw all kind of specialists. Traveled to Kansas city to see a neuromuscular specialist. EmG is normal. Blood test for stiff person disease. I have been suffering for 5 years. Surgery made all the symptoms I suffered from for 2 years, including inability to sit and stand worse and added more problems. Nobody can tell me what is wrong. Each of the 10 physical therapists I saw said something different and all failed to put a dent in my problem. I am 48 and raising children. Life tastes like bitter saw dust. I can't believe how so many people report all these wonderful results after surgery when this very famous doctor cannot give any explanations to my problems. He who before surgery had an answer to every question. Now he mumbles, stutters and gives me foolish looks. Where did the genius of yesteryear go? He is so good at promoting his miracles on TV stations and the pros of the surgery to potential patients, but never the cons. Now we suffer and wait for death to relieve our suffering.

[JenniferG]

Oh Sami. I am so sorry you're suffering like this. I am no help either. I haven't heard of this stiffness after surgery. I just hope that by posting here, someone who knows of or has experienced this problem can offer some advice. There's an answer out there, somewhere!

[Irina]

So sorry to hear that, Sami... Your last sentence gave me goose bumps. It's probably a trivial question and I am sure you've done it already - but did you talk to other spinal surgeons about it? I hope you'll find your answers eventually...

[babyboomer16]

Hi Sami,
I am so sorry to hear about your problems. I think I know what you're feeling to some extent. I get
a terrible tightness from my shoulders clear down to my hips. It feels like I have a brace on and someone tightened the Velcro too tight! It is an awful feeling and It's hard to move around like that. It's the brace inside is causing the tight feeling so I take muscle relaxers once in a while, but I don't care to take them too often! And you said your tummy is bigger and tighter, well, I have that problem too.Not all the time though. It's like my abdomen gets real tight on the lower left side of my stomach. It is terribly uncomfortable!!! And the pain just gets really bad.well, anyway, I have a 6momth check up with my Surgeon.(Dr.Lenke). We'll see what he has to say. Meanwhile, I'll be thinking of and hope you get some help! You are one tough cookie! Stay in touch please~~and so will I. Warmly, Linda