4.5 year post op -- have pain sort of like sciatica

[dolores a]

Hi everyone, have not posted in quite awhile, but do always pop in to see how everyone is faring. It's been a little over 4 years since my surgery, besides shoulder and neck pain that I am dealing with, I recently started having pain deep in the middle of my right butt that makes it painful to swing my leg when I walk. Of course I will call the surgeon because it's been going on for about a week and a half! Has anyone experienced this. I am fused from t3 or 4 down to the sacrum with pelvic fixation.

[JenniferG]

Hi everyone, have not posted in quite awhile, but do always pop in to see how everyone is faring. It's been a little over 4 years since my surgery, besides shoulder and neck pain that I am dealing with, I recently started having pain deep in the middle of my right butt that makes it painful to swing my leg when I walk. Of course I will call the surgeon because it's been going on for about a week and a half! Has anyone experienced this. I am fused from t3 or 4 down to the sacrum with pelvic fixation.

Hi Dolores,

I've often wondered how you've been getting on. I'm sorry to hear about your pain both the neck and shoulder and the buttock pain. I'm no expert but the buttock pain makes me wonder about your pelvic screw on that side, as I'm sure you have. How long have you had the neck and shoulder pain? How long since you last saw your surgeon? I hope you'll let us know what the surgeon says and in the meantime I hope someone who's had similar pain comes on to give you some advice.

[dolores a]

Hi Jennifer, always love reading your posts -- you are always so positive and encouraging to everyone! Unfortunately my surgeon who performed my fusion no longer accepts my insurance, or any insurance for that matter?! So I am not sure where to go, I guess an orthopedic that specializes in the spine. Today I will do a search of ortho's in my area. As far as my neck and shoulder issues, not sure if it stems from my fusion or not, but at 60 I am chalking it up to pains you start getting from wear and tear, I do some my own therapy to help with the pain.

[babyboomer16]

Hi Jennifer, always love reading your posts -- you are always so positive and encouraging to everyone! Unfortunately my surgeon who performed my fusion no longer accepts my insurance, or any insurance for that matter?! So I am not sure where to go, I guess an orthopedic that specializes in the spine. Today I will do a search of ortho's in my area. As far as my neck and shoulder issues, not sure if it stems from my fusion or not, but at 60 I am chalking it up to pains you start getting from wear and tear, I do some my own therapy to help with the pain.

Hi Deloris, I am onli around 9 mo. Post op(T4 to sacrum)it would be a year and four mo. if I wouldn't have broke a rod. Anyway, I am having the same symtoms as you. My shoulders really get painful. (And my neck) and I have sharp pain in my right butt too. I also have the feeling that someone has nailed a board to my butt. And I get the squeezing feeling from top of spine to bottom . That squeezing feels like I have a tight brace on and it needs loosening. The brace feeling is very annoying! I am 61yrs. Old. So I too blame some of it onto age. But I do think that the rods from the top to bottom with screws too, have a lot to do with discomfort. I am praying it goes away. But I wonder now that I read your post if this isn't part of the package. Did you do anything to bring this on suddenly? I have heard a lot of complaining about the illiac screws being bothersome and the shoulder hurting from other members. I may try injections in both areas if this keeps up. I am glad you posted. We have these big surgeries, and I think all this stuff goes with the territory! Let us know if you get any help. Warm wishes ~~~Linda. PS. What do you do to help with the shoulder pain!

[JenniferG]

Thanks for your kind words Dolores. I hope someone here can suggest a good surgeon in your area, who accepts your insurance. I think both pains are worth checking out. It would be a shame to be living with it when it can be eased/fixed. Do let us know how you go because there are others here with similar pain who'll be watching with interest. Good luck!

[dolores a]

Hi Linda, yes it does seem that many people here in the forums do suffer from shoulder and neck pain, sometimes I think it stems from long fusions and the fact that the cervical area has to take in a lot of stress which in turn radiates down to the shoulders. What I do to keep the pain in check is slow stretches turning my head to either side, the clicking noises are amazing! Also, a pain management doctor is making arrangements for Botox shots to the neck area and somewhere in the forehead area as I get pretty bad headaches from the pain in the neck.

As far as the tightness you are feeling, I remember having the same uncomfortable feelings in my spine also, mine mostly faded to the point that it does not bother me anymore, probably another 6 months to a year you will feel better in that area.

I have an appointment on Monday with an ortho that I've gone to before. Will let you guys know how it goes.

[susancook]

Hi Deloris, I am onli around 9 mo. Post op(T4 to sacrum)it would be a year and four mo. if I wouldn't have broke a rod. Anyway, I am having the same symtoms as you. My shoulders really get painful. (And my neck) and I have sharp pain in my right butt too. I also have the feeling that someone has nailed a board to my butt. And I get the squeezing feeling from top of spine to bottom . That squeezing feels like I have a tight brace on and it needs loosening. The brace feeling is very annoying! I am 61yrs. Old. So I too blame some of it onto age. But I do think that the rods from the top to bottom with screws too, have a lot to do with discomfort. I am praying it goes away. But I wonder now that I read your post if this isn't part of the package. Did you do anything to bring this on suddenly? I have heard a lot of complaining about the illiac screws being bothersome and the shoulder hurting from other members. I may try injections in both areas if this keeps up. I am glad you posted. We have these big surgeries, and I think all this stuff goes with the territory! Let us know if you get any help. Warm wishes ~~~Linda. PS. What do you do to help with the shoulder pain!

Linda, unsure if you saw my previous posting, but I told Dr. Hu that it felt like I had a board nailed to my butt. I am certain that there is a more eloquent medical description, but that's how it feels to me. She said that maybe it was the pelvic screws. I did try an SI injection which helped very minimally.

If Dr. Lenke has an explanation for the "board nailed to the butt" sensation, let me know. And also, if he has a suggestion for decreasing the feeling. Thanks.
Susan

[babyboomer16]

Hi Linda, yes it does seem that many people here in the forums do suffer from shoulder and neck pain, sometimes I think it stems from long fusions and the fact that the cervical area has to take in a lot of stress which in turn radiates down to the shoulders. What I do to keep the pain in check is slow stretches turning my head to either side, the clicking noises are amazing! Also, a pain management doctor is making arrangements for Botox shots to the neck area and somewhere in the forehead area as I get pretty bad headaches from the pain in the neck.

As far as the tightness you are feeling, I remember having the same uncomfortable feelings in my spine also, mine mostly faded to the point that it does not bother me anymore, probably another 6 months to a year you will feel better in that area.

I have an appointment on Monday with an ortho that I've gone to before. Will let you guys know how it goes.

Thanks so much for the info. about the neck pain and how you deal with it. I will try that. And I am sure you're right about the time frame for me feeling better with the tightness in my back. So much help is on this site! I don't know what I would have done without it. I should say support too!! I feel much better reading what you had to say. It's easy to get paranoid about the whole thing. Especially after four surgeries. But I feel much better. I need to be more patient. Good luck with the Botox and the butt pain! Best wishes, Linda

[dolores a]

Went to Otho yesterday, they took x-ray's then consult with the doctor -- he scheduled me for an EMG where they stick you to see how your nerves react. He did not see anything broken or any screws loose. Just worried because I don't know how knowledgable he is with scoliosis issues. He was suggesting epidurals, which kind if scare me, I would not be so worried if it was my surgeon who suggested these tests, but unfortunately he does not take any insurances. Not sure if I should go forward with these tests or should I find a scoliosis specialist that takes my insurance