Infected hardware

[titaniumed]

I was a teeth grinder.....after my surgeries that stopped.

I have had 3 occurances of infection on a 2nd molar and both my dentist and perio recommended taking 500MG X 3X per day for 10 days. And yes you are correct for dental visits usually requiring a small dose 1-3 pills before your visit. (Without a dental infection) I am forgetting these things since its been 12 years for me. There are a few dental threads that were done here on NSF around 10 years ago....1or 2 pills probably isnt a problem but taking full bottles is concerning. I have no problems getting full bottles of amoxicillan from a dentist. They just call it in.

Scoliosis surgeons try to cover the main complications before you go in....I was guaranteed 100% that something would go wrong. Of course they cant cover everything. Linda has scoliosis surgery complication lists posted here on the forum. Use search.

Did you ever post your x-rays? Just wondering....

Ed

[Tina_R]

I was a teeth grinder.....after my surgeries that stopped.

I have had 3 occurances of infection on a 2nd molar and both my dentist and perio recommended taking 500MG X 3X per day for 10 days. And yes you are correct for dental visits usually requiring a small dose 1-3 pills before your visit. (Without a dental infection) I am forgetting these things since its been 12 years for me. There are a few dental threads that were done here on NSF around 10 years ago....1or 2 pills probably isnt a problem but taking full bottles is concerning. I have no problems getting full bottles of amoxicillan from a dentist. They just call it in.

Scoliosis surgeons try to cover the main complications before you go in....I was guaranteed 100% that something would go wrong. Of course they cant cover everything. Linda has scoliosis surgery complication lists posted here on the forum. Use search.

Did you ever post your x-rays? Just wondering....

Ed

My grinding didn't stop with surgery. There are better mouthguards now that are created to balance the forces at work on your teeth. Supposed to correct your bite. I was skeptical but it has calmed down my grinding. It took a lot of work to create it. New technology, my dentist is sharp. But she won't give me an antibiotic, she insists my medical doctor do that.

I'm glad you feel positively about how your surgeon(s) covered complications with you. I don't feel the same way about my experiences, I feel I was kept in the dark. What good does Linda's complication list do me now? I have already begun my series of surgeries. That first surgery begets more.

I don't want to post my private medical details. So, sorry, no x-rays and no signature with my stats.

[jackieg412]

Hi to all. I hope everyone remains well. This sure is bringing people together and at the same time keeping everyone at 6 feet apart.
I do see pain management this week to fill my pump. I am hoping that he can have a suggestion for scapula pain. I'm thinking this isn't a good time for major surgery. They had me on steroids in early March but recommended not now. Then they gave me myloxicam but this isn't arthritis. I am hoping they will try a steroid injection under the scapula. I have had it once before but it was used as a diagnostic tool but I hope it works for pain.I really have a problem at night if I move at all while laying down.

[mabeckoff]

I really would have thought I would be past the time that infection would happen but it doesn't appear to be that way. The wound has been treated since September and started out not looking like too much. Little did I know that the red area that just opened and leaked was an underlying infection. What I thought was minor isn't turning out that way.
The thoracic hardware has been in place since February of 2011. Thought I was good to go but there seems to be another plan.I am on antibiotics now and hardware scheduled for removal on Jan.21.
MAybe last year's car accident had something to do with this.
Any one else know what could cause this infection after this time ?

I had surgery on Feb 7 to remove the hardware in my femur bone. The metals have been in the thigh for over five years.

[jackieg412]

Good luck to you Melissa. Sometimes it's just a waiting game for what is next. Hopefully all goes well and you can move forward again.

[titaniumed]

They are now resuming elective surgeries in Reno....

Test a few days before and then isolate before going in.

Hope everyone is ok...

Ed

[jackieg412]

Hi to all and hope everyone is well.
I have a question does anyone have a BurstDR spinal cord stimulator. It is made by Abbot labs.
I am still having problems with thoracic pain and this was offered as a trial procedure.

[susancook]

Hey there, Jackie! I saw a neurosurgeon about have a SCS implanted. He said that for me there was no "trial" because the implantation itself required surgery, so might as well just do the surgery to have it implanted. I decided to wait until after I have my t1 screw and rod removed.
My only suggestion is to have it done by an experienced neurosurgeon who knows how to navigate hardware.
Hoping that you find some pain relief.
Have you tried an NSAID gel, Diclosenac Sodium? Helps over 50%.
Susan

[titaniumed]

Hi Susan

I was wondering about Diclofenac gel. I just so happened to pick up a tube when I was in South America, it's the 1%

I have never used the topical Diclofenac gel. Does it matter where you rub it on even if it permeates into the blood stream? Do you actually feel any relief in the areas that you apply this product?

Could use your input on this. Of course, I will wait until it's an emergency. I also have some doubts as to exact amounts, (not as accurate as a pill) and wonder about the application card. This seems a little funky to me, controlling the amount of product. Also, washing hands. If you apply with your hands, you take a dose through your hands.

Do you rub this on your thoracic over the surgical zone?

How is the shoulder? It's been awhile.

Jackie, you mentioned this last year. Is it your scapula surgeon proposing the SCS? Is there a reason to wait until the scapula fusion is over with? Just wondering.

Ed

[jackieg412]

I have not tried any topical but I can ask the Dr. I am happy to hear from you.
The scapula fusion has been addressed again with the specialist. He is very hesitant to move forward at this active virus time. The comprise to the lungs was risky before covid19 but right now he is worried about the increased risk.
For some reason the thoracic right side has become a scream event when moving . I think it may be coming from under the scapula but I cannot rule out the spine.
So they want to do a trail on the stimulator.
If it is implemented it would be done by a scoliosis neurosurgeon at Rush. The pain Dr can only do the trial.
It feels like it is try it or just give up.
It will not fix the scapula. And that can't happen right now

[susancook]

Jackie, The thought that reoccurs in my brain...when do I decide that enough is enough. Like you, I am not there yet. I talked with Dr. Hart's surgical scheduler today in Seattle and expressed my concerns about going to Seattle w/ covid still prevalent. Their protocols are very strict now for elective surgery. I will wait at least 3 months. I had a BOTOX injections in my thoracic area x 2 weeks ago that really helped.

I combine the Diclofenac 1% with CBD gel, then put on a hot pad. That really helps me.

I send calming, healthy vibes to you frequently.

Susan

[susancook]

Hi Susan

I was wondering about Diclofenac gel. I just so happened to pick up a tube when I was in South America, it's the 1%

I have never used the topical Diclofenac gel. Does it matter where you rub it on even if it permeates into the blood stream? Do you actually feel any relief in the areas that you apply this product?

Could use your input on this. Of course, I will wait until it's an emergency. I also have some doubts as to exact amounts, (not as accurate as a pill) and wonder about the application card. This seems a little funky to me, controlling the amount of product. Also, washing hands. If you apply with your hands, you take a dose through your hands.

Do you rub this on your thoracic over the surgical zone?

How is the shoulder? It's been awhile.

Jackie, you mentioned this last year. Is it your scapula surgeon proposing the SCS? Is there a reason to wait until the scapula fusion is over with? Just wondering.

Ed

Ed, There is a plastic-ruler-kind-of-thing that came with my Diclofenac. I used it initially, but now my husband knows about how much to use. Yes, the plastic card seems kind of funky, but absorption rates vary so much.

I rub it in over the muscle area that is painful and add some CBD gel and then a heating pad. I got the info about the heating pad from the spinal cord injury FB group that I am in. So many folks with SCI have phenomenal pain. I do get a lot of pain relief. As I mentioned to Jackie, I also had Botox to the thoracic muscles that are painful and it has also helped a lot.

Shoulder is awesome! The surgeon and PA said that "most people are unhappy with the surgery because of the pain postop for the first 2-3 weeks, then at 3 months, they are pleased". The pain was so minimal compared to spine pain post-op.

I continue to use a wheelchair and forearm crutches. I get around....life is OK.

Susan

[jackieg412]

Susan you have been through so much. I agree with you that the shoulder surgery is easier than the spine and as spine surgery survivors we know pain. The shoulder Dr keeps saying this thoracic surgery will be painful and I know he is right. But it does get better.
My right shoulder is down so far that I feel as if the scapula is rubbing on the ribs. Sleeping at all involved trapping my arm so it can not move or the pain sets up and I am through sleeping.
Of course I am right handed but have amazed myself how quickly I have become .mostly left handed.
Pain Dr s trying to set it up and said I had to have a psych evaluation before for insurance.
With all that is going on in our world now, we are all under incredible pressure.

[titaniumed]

I rub it in over the muscle area that is painful and add some CBD gel and then a heating pad. I got the info about the heating pad from the spinal cord injury FB group that I am in. So many folks with SCI have phenomenal pain. I do get a lot of pain relief. As I mentioned to Jackie, I also had Botox to the thoracic muscles that are painful and it has also helped a lot.

Thanks for the info Susan. I didn't know about CBD Gels, I guess I might as well go to the weed store and investigate. I will put my Chewbacca mask on (with COVID mask over it so no one sees me. LOL They will just think that Chewy wants to get stoned.) Ha ha

I have no doubt whatsoever on the high amounts of pain you have experienced. Just having 6 herniations with what I consider light extrusions simply touching the spinal cord produces incredible amounts of pain. My descriptions of horse kicks in the greater trochanter, flames on the ankle, and Mike Tyson punches in the arm are no exaggeration. I can't imagine what it's like to have the spinal cord injury that you had. Your x-rays are imprinted in my mind, I will never forget yours. My dad who had ALS would describe his pain as a melting candle over his nerves. He didn't like the Fentanyl, (Duragesic) or the liquid morphine and would rather deal with the pain.

Of course, the arachnoditis that Jackie has is also a difficult, extremely painful challenge.....Shocking intense pains always throw me into a pit stop, staying completely still. I guess it's a natural reaction. It's always nice when the pains stop....

I knew you would be alright on the shoulder. I took just one Celebrex after my shoulder surgery. Scoliosis full fusion surgeries sort of prepare us pain wise and doing smaller surgeries usually isn't a problem....

This is good to know information. When in major pain, its helps to know and have these tricks up one's sleeve. Say thanks to the folks on the SCI FB page.

I have to ask again, does hot water therapy help? Both you and Jackie. I can't remember if you guys commented on this....

Ed

[jackieg412]

Yes Ed I agree that hot water therapy does seem to help. I also use with caution heating pads.
This under the displaced scapula pain can be described as something rubbing on a nerve or scrapping on a bony structure.
Changing positions from laying to sitting or standing is a scream affair. Once upright it gradually gets better.
I almost ask what is next.
The medication in the pump does not reach this area.