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Fortunately, the doctor I now have as a primary is a spine & pain mgmt. specialist, and he seems to know what he's doing. At least he got me back on a regimen that is helping-not like the MD at the rehab. place that was stuck on "it's all in your head, and the reason you are in pain is bacause of the pain medicine you're taking." This place even has you working to the point of pain in order to "break through that barrier, and you won't hurt anymore-just lift more weights."
Anyway, thanks for the input. I'll run it by this doctor the next appt. and see what options he may suggest.
Thanks again!View Thread

Where I sit now is there is nothing that can be done, the rehab. MD said I cannot return to my job of injury, but can return to a jpb I held making minimum wage - a job I had when I was 16. There will likely be no retraining as I have 2 years post-high school edu., so it looks like its attorney time.
I am doubtful of anything coming of this, and like the ortho. surgeon said, "you'll have this pain for the rest of your life, time to move on."
Charming...View Thread

The 2nd opinion MD said the pain level will not change anytime in the near, or distant future...
I have been discharged from the SIMP program for "not progressing as we see fit." And dismissing the report saying there are objective findings - only to continue to state "Somatoform response."
Will be talking to legal counsel as the MD at the funny farm (SIMP program), is doing her version of disability for the State...we can see where this will go...
Thanks again for all the suggestions, and will update you as things progress...signing off for now....View Thread

I forgot to mention that the ortho. surgeon is one that my original surgeon referred me to - she said he's very honest, and won't do any surgery without good reason. Addtionally, he's at the same hospital she is through, and fortunately its one of the best.
I am hoping that he will be able to let me know if there are any options available based on the outcome of the scan, and with any luck, get me out of the rehab program (and away from the rehab in-house MD Labor and Industries assigned to me w/o consultation), and get this corrected.
I have not retained an atty., however, I have been in contact several times with one that has given very good advice without charging me.
Thank you again, and I'll let you know what happens.View Thread

Since my last posting, I was actually contacted by my original surgeon. She has scheduled the follow-up scan to be performed in a few days which was welcome news. This scan will go to another Ortho. Surgeon for them to look at and come up with options. (It would have been nice if this had been done originally, then I wouldn't have had to enter this program, or had my doctors replaced by the MD at this rehab. facility).
I am nearing the end of the intense rehab. program. This will be followed by three months of follow-up visits. The MD at the rehab facility is acting as though they are the ones responsible for the follow-up, the only issue I will have is that I will still have to continue the program even with objective findings (again, all in your head).
Will update as they come available, and thank you to all who have responded!!!
Best of luck to you all!!!!!View Thread

In my case, the last SPECT scan showed inflammation near and around the fusion, although the fusion itself took the 2nd time.
This was interpreted by the tech as "unknown inflammation, and possible sign of infection." My surgeon was on board initially with this, and wanted a follow up one year later to see what the inflammation levels were at (if at all). Upon contacting her several months later, she stated a follow-up scan is not necessary as the fusion took. I informed her again of the inflammation, and she once again agreed to the follow up with bone scan. When I contacted her office again to schedule, we were back to the "nothing I can do & no follow-up needed" phase, then sent me to rehab. Basically the pain is still there, I KNOW the inflammation is there, and I am currently with a rehab group that says "It's all in your head...work through the pain"
One positive....the general practitioner is going to forward a second opinion to an orthopedic surgeon to look at and maybe give me option A, B or C. We'll see how it comes out.
Like you, I got ahead of myself....the bone scan is similar to MRI - I believe the intensity of the magnets is lowered and the radioactive "stuff" they inject you with will only go to inflamed areas of the spine, "lighting up" areas that are problematic.
So, we're back to square one - sort of - hopefully, I will be in contact with a professional who has either heard of this happening, or has a genuine idea of how to possibly correct it. I can tell you one thing - carrying milk crates with 25 pound weights across the floor, or yoga moves ain't quite cutting it so far....
Thanks again!!!!View Thread

will do - I have started the rehab already and of course, the concensus with them is "it's all in your head..."
They are however going to issue a referral for a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon. Fortunately, I had the wherewithall to get copies of everything to give this to the 2nd opinion MD.
Thank you again, and will definitely keep you posted....View Thread

I had the 3-level fusion, and the second time it did actually fuse, but the inflammation is what I am concerned about.
Thank you again for your response.View Thread

The main issue currently is constant burning and stinging at and below the surgery site.
The bone scan I had done about six months post op showed inflammation with the statement on the report stating "inflammation and possible infection."
My doctor (again) said she'd never seen this and referred me to a rehab program. Their concerns seem to be few, and any complaints are deemed "in your head," or "just keep stretching, and you'll be fine."
Very disconcerning.
I would suggest you get as many opinions as possible on your condition prior to any surgery. Hope this helps!View Thread
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