Spinal Fusion?

Question

Can anyone help I know that maybe not many can, I had a spinal fusion done four weeks ago now, and I`m having trouble with my leg in terms of tingling sensations, numbness and pins and needles. My question is should this be happening, or is it just a natural process of recovery that I`m going through.

Thanks all.

Answer 1

Check with your doctor.... I'm waiting to have spinal fusion as i suffer with same symptoms plus pain and weakness. If you lose bladder or bowel control DO NOT WAIT to see your doctor but go straight to the emergency dept., as this is a sign that things are badly wrong. Good luck.

Answer 2

I had spinal fusion done at L5, S1 on 12/20/06. The first 2 weeks were good, then the 3rd hit me like a ton of bricks. I can't get out of bed anymore. I need to use my headboard that has spindles on it to turn and it is excutriating!! (sp?) I am only 38 and used to be a 3 mile a day runner. I can no longer do this. I still have the same pain as before surgery, on the left side. I had the nerve block done, as the first surgeon thought I had a herniated disc. Turns out it was DDD, and I was well cooked as the second surgeon told me. I am now awaiting another doctors appointment March 12 with a CT scan to see if the fusion took. I had the minimal invasive TLIF. I have 4 screws, 2 rods and 1 plate in there. I hope the best for you!

Answer 3

This is actually a question for your neurologist/surgeon and I urge you to make that call, they are obligated to help answer your questions. Some general basics. The fusion itself will not cause the pins and needles and/or tingly feelings or shooing pain across the buttock or down the legs. Spinal fusion is simply the placement of biological enzymes on either side of the spine near an injury. Over time, this enzyme will grow into a hard bone like substance thus fusing the vertebrae at that location together. This typically takes up to a year for a good solid fusion. Earlier methods used natural bone, today many neurosurgeons use synthetics. As for the pain, it depends on what your medical condition was, but that's typically caused by something irritating the nerves in your spinal canal. Did you have a ruptured disk, or did you fall and fracture some vertebrae bones thus getting bone debris in the spinal column? It could be simply pressure from swelling from your surgery, it could possibly be scar tissue, and if you had surgery to remove debris in the spinal canal, it could be that not all of it was removed during surgery. Only your surgeon/neurologist can answer exactly why you have residual pain or discomfort based on your case and prognosis.

Answer 4

Depending on where the original damage was I would say "yes". Generally, the lower in the spinal column the damage occurs, the more likely you have the symptoms you describe. For instance, I had a disk excision at the S-1 vertebrae (the tailbone..). For the first year, I had the symptoms you describe. That was 9 years ago, and I still have some symptoms though not as severe as they were. A general rule is "Whatever you have after the first year of recovery, is what you will have for the rest of your life." There are of course, exceptions. Scar tissue, physical trauma, infection,( or other disease,) age, general health, and gender. My guess is you will experience fewer symptoms as time progresses. Do EXACTLY what your doctor tells you to do, or more importantly, do NOT do what your doctor tells you NOT to do, and you will recover more quickly and with fewer complications. Things that dramatically effect the healing process are: over exertion, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet. Talk to your health care professional if any of these things are an issue with you. Follow-up care and physical therapy are essential in proper recovery. Again, if you have questions, talk to your health care professional.

Answer 5

I had spinal fusion 4 weeks ago also. Had L2-L4 fused and a laminectomy (disc decompression) done at L-1 and L-5. Had intense tingling and very sore to the touch right leg radiating from the hip down to the knee for the first 3 weeks. It has improved dramatically the last week for me. My operation was a great success for relief of pain hope yours was too. Good Luck!!

Answer 6

I work in the ER. From what I've seen with people wtih similar complaints is....a pinched nerve or irritated nerve can cause tingling, numbness, or pain that goes down one or both legs (either from sciatica or a slipped disc). I highly recommend talking to your surgeon today or tomorrow to rule out a complication. If you start to have bowel or bladder problems, like can't go or incontinence, go to the ER right away b/c this is a serious problem that usually requires surgery immediately

Answer 7

i had aback fusion some 3 years ago,the doctor said it was ok,
but now i might have to have 2 more fusions,as the part above
the fusion is weak.as per your trouble,inform your doctor as this
could be circulation,but you will get afollow up appointment with
the hospital and tell them.

Answer 8

Phone N.H.S. Direct on 0845 4647. They may simply get you to see your doctor, but they do have someone on the line 24hrs a day 7 days a week.