I was wondering if anyone else out there was in the same boat. I am really at the end of my rope. I had 2 spinal fusions, one in 1982 T3-L4, one in 1998
revision surgery to extend my fusion to the sacrum and remove 2 bad lumbar discs and replace them with titanium cages. Now I have non-stop neck pain
due to herniated, bulging and degenerating discs in my neck and frequent headaches. The orthopedic surgeon I am seeing now said I am not a candidate for any more spinal fusions because I'm already fused T3 to my sacrum.
Last year I got bursitis in my hip and shoulder and the surgeon I saw told me that was normal for people with long fusions that the mechanical stress shifts to unfused segments of the spine and joints. I am over the depression part where I was disappointed that the first and second surgeries were not permanent answers. But I just don't know what to do now.
I have tried cortisone shots,physical therapy,chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, you name it. I have been out of work on disability for 2 months because of the neck and shoulder pain.
I work on my feet as lab technician all day and my orthopedist suggests that
I get a sedentary/sitting job. I know he's right but I have to toss out an entire 16 year career. Has anyone else had these problems keep going on and on, to their neck,hip and shoulders? What to do?
revision surgery to extend my fusion to the sacrum and remove 2 bad lumbar discs and replace them with titanium cages. Now I have non-stop neck pain
due to herniated, bulging and degenerating discs in my neck and frequent headaches. The orthopedic surgeon I am seeing now said I am not a candidate for any more spinal fusions because I'm already fused T3 to my sacrum.
Last year I got bursitis in my hip and shoulder and the surgeon I saw told me that was normal for people with long fusions that the mechanical stress shifts to unfused segments of the spine and joints. I am over the depression part where I was disappointed that the first and second surgeries were not permanent answers. But I just don't know what to do now.
I have tried cortisone shots,physical therapy,chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, you name it. I have been out of work on disability for 2 months because of the neck and shoulder pain.
I work on my feet as lab technician all day and my orthopedist suggests that
I get a sedentary/sitting job. I know he's right but I have to toss out an entire 16 year career. Has anyone else had these problems keep going on and on, to their neck,hip and shoulders? What to do?
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