The Back Log: April 2006

The Back Log

I had my first surgery on October 25, 2004 - level three lumbar fusion with instrumentation, lamenectomy, removal of large synovial cyst at L-4/L5, two herniated discs (one replaced with artificial disc), lumbar scoliosis, spondylolysthesis (probably) caused by a sixth lumbar vertabrae. My second fusion surgery was on August 28, 2006. My third and most recent was February 24, 2011. I hope it will be my last, but my surgeon has now warned me that it might not be.

About Me

Name: Karen

Location: Orange County, NY, United States

I've been married to the same man (Hans) for a very long time, and together we like to travel, mostly on ships. No kids, our choice, so it was always easier to do what we wanted to do without too many restrictions. I love the Internet for research and just for the entertainment value it offers.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

April 4th

I just had my appointment with my surgeon. After Peg, his NP, took a full history of my recent complaints, did a physical and tried to find the report from my pain management doctor, I spoke with Dr Heary. He believes my problems stem from a failure above my fusion site. There was a hint of it on my last MRI in June of 2005. I almost don't need the MRI he's ordered for me for tomorrow and the x-rays I'll have before coming upstairs to his office for my next visit to tell me he's right. Still, it should be interesting to see what's happened to my back in black and white, so to speak. In many ways, my back hurts like it did before my first fusion. The "stenosis" part feels so familiar, but in different places on my back, my butt and my legs.

Surgery is a very real possibility at this time. Meanwhile, I'm being permitted to cease taking the Lyrica or the Neurontin. It doesn't really help and I want to lose weight. Both drugs make it impossible for me to do that.