Haven't posted here for a while, so hallo to everyone. I had spinal fusion (T2-T12) in Nov 04, and recovery has not gone well. I am having a crosslink which has been a source of constant pain removed on March 27th. Another problem is permanent spasms from shoulder blades to waist (the length of the rods?), round the right ribs and front. It is like breathing into an ever-encroaching steel wall. The spasms are 24/7 and have got more intense in steps every few months, to the point where they are close to seriously impeding my breathing. They do not respond to any medication tried so far (pain medication, diazepam, gabapentin), and any form of stimulation (eg massage, heat, movement and stretching) trigger the highest levels. My surgeon thought it was neurological damage from the rib removal, but the pain specialist thought not and suggested it might be due to failure of the fusion. The surgeon now thinks this is a possibility and is going to look at the fusion while he is removing the crosslink.
Any experience resembling this would be good to hear, plus what the implications and/or treatment are for failure of fusion. In some ways this is good news, as improvement might be possible - I was beginning to give up hope of ever getting back even a vaguely normal life. I would be very grateful for any information or experience that anyone has.
Any experience resembling this would be good to hear, plus what the implications and/or treatment are for failure of fusion. In some ways this is good news, as improvement might be possible - I was beginning to give up hope of ever getting back even a vaguely normal life. I would be very grateful for any information or experience that anyone has.
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