I've recently made the decision to have revision surgery with Dr. Boachie. I've had back pain from age 11 - 27. In 1981 (27 yrs. old) had scoliosis surgery by Dr. Keim w/ Harrington Rod and was pain free until 1997. Pain started under the right scapular. I had a partial rod removal and a scapular resection that helped somewhat. Then in 2002 the lower back started to act up.
September, 2002 - Saw Dr. B. as my concern was flatback. He confirmed it was not so I continued with my medicines and pain mgmt, who I've been with for eight years, and has kept me at a comfortable place. I had numerous trigger point injections and adjustments to the medicines and for the most part, managed the pain to be at a tolerable level.
July, 2008 - Back to Dr. B. as the pain was getting worse, was from waist down, primarily left side. He said surgery was an option, but if I wanted to try facet joint injections, which would also confirm the problem if I got relief, and then a rhizotomy and go from there. I went that route and got substantial relief, but the FJI only lasted about three months, each shot. I had a total of three injections and then last December had a rhizotomy, but it only lasted about two months, and I was quite disappointed it didn't last longer.
It is so painful now, I haven't had a decent night’s sleep in months as the pain keeps me awake and turning in bed is unbearable at times. The pain is around my waist, goes down the hip area and to the buttocks, so tender to the touch. I do not have any nerve pain, but it is affecting my left knee, and it wreaks havoc to my upper back when the pain is so strong.
June 17, 2010 - Recently saw Dr. B. and again surgery was suggested. I have decided to go ahead with the surgery as the pain takes over every aspect of my life and it's quite depressing. I have tried everything there is to avoid surgery, but it's time now - I'll be 56 next month. I'm waiting for a surgical date but hoping for late November or sometime in December. My husband asked what I can do in the meantime to get some relief, and he suggested to have another rhizotomy or an epidural.
Closer to the surgical date, I'll have an MRI and Myelogram and he mentioned another test but not sure what it is -- it's to check the bowel? Does anyone know what that test is or perhaps had it done?
The following is what was sent to my insurance company from Dr. B’s office: "surgical stabilization, decompression L3 through sacrum with revision Harrington rod instrumentation, interbody fusion and presacral fusion L5-S1". An eight hour procedure and a week in the hospital. I know I’m in the best hands it's just that I’ve been suffering for so long, it’s hard to imagine living a life without pain. A co-worker just returned to the office having surgery by Dr. Boachie – her first surgery at age 50 and OMG to see how she looks now compared to before, it’s truly amazing. She looks like a different person and has zero pain. I’m thrilled for her as I know she suffered terribly.
In April, my pain mgmt doctor increased my medicine and even with the increase I really don't feel a difference. I’m currently taking four different medicines, along with the Lidoderm Patches that I use for my hip/buttocks pain. Tomorrow I am having the second rhizotomy, and I pray it will give me a few months relief as this is the last thing to try before the surgery.
Just need to talk - thanks for listening. LYNN
September, 2002 - Saw Dr. B. as my concern was flatback. He confirmed it was not so I continued with my medicines and pain mgmt, who I've been with for eight years, and has kept me at a comfortable place. I had numerous trigger point injections and adjustments to the medicines and for the most part, managed the pain to be at a tolerable level.
July, 2008 - Back to Dr. B. as the pain was getting worse, was from waist down, primarily left side. He said surgery was an option, but if I wanted to try facet joint injections, which would also confirm the problem if I got relief, and then a rhizotomy and go from there. I went that route and got substantial relief, but the FJI only lasted about three months, each shot. I had a total of three injections and then last December had a rhizotomy, but it only lasted about two months, and I was quite disappointed it didn't last longer.
It is so painful now, I haven't had a decent night’s sleep in months as the pain keeps me awake and turning in bed is unbearable at times. The pain is around my waist, goes down the hip area and to the buttocks, so tender to the touch. I do not have any nerve pain, but it is affecting my left knee, and it wreaks havoc to my upper back when the pain is so strong.
June 17, 2010 - Recently saw Dr. B. and again surgery was suggested. I have decided to go ahead with the surgery as the pain takes over every aspect of my life and it's quite depressing. I have tried everything there is to avoid surgery, but it's time now - I'll be 56 next month. I'm waiting for a surgical date but hoping for late November or sometime in December. My husband asked what I can do in the meantime to get some relief, and he suggested to have another rhizotomy or an epidural.
Closer to the surgical date, I'll have an MRI and Myelogram and he mentioned another test but not sure what it is -- it's to check the bowel? Does anyone know what that test is or perhaps had it done?
The following is what was sent to my insurance company from Dr. B’s office: "surgical stabilization, decompression L3 through sacrum with revision Harrington rod instrumentation, interbody fusion and presacral fusion L5-S1". An eight hour procedure and a week in the hospital. I know I’m in the best hands it's just that I’ve been suffering for so long, it’s hard to imagine living a life without pain. A co-worker just returned to the office having surgery by Dr. Boachie – her first surgery at age 50 and OMG to see how she looks now compared to before, it’s truly amazing. She looks like a different person and has zero pain. I’m thrilled for her as I know she suffered terribly.
In April, my pain mgmt doctor increased my medicine and even with the increase I really don't feel a difference. I’m currently taking four different medicines, along with the Lidoderm Patches that I use for my hip/buttocks pain. Tomorrow I am having the second rhizotomy, and I pray it will give me a few months relief as this is the last thing to try before the surgery.
Just need to talk - thanks for listening. LYNN
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