Ask a Neurologist

05.10.2008 - lumbar fusion recovery

Question:: I recently had a lumbar fusion and I am still in as much pain as first day after surgery. I had the surgery on 7/28/08. Did the manipulation of my spine by the neuro surgeon leave me a very chronic pain patient for life? I can’t get a response from my Doctor. He has chosen to believe I just have a pain med problem. I have suffered with this disc problem for 3 years and on NO pain meds. Now it is 10 times the pain I had before surgery, pain meds have been a must!
Reply:: It is too early to decide whether your pain will be permanent because your operation has been performed less than only two months ago. I would further advise you to consult a pain doctor or an orthopedic surgeon in your hospital. Furthermore I would like to advise you to investigate your blood on infection parameters. Otherwise I would like to advise you to ask your general practitioner for specific pain killers.
Consultant:: Dr. E.A.C.M. Sanders, neurologist