I am a first time poster. I had my first spinal fusion surgery in 2004 - T2-L3, steel rods and screws. After years of pain, I found out that three of the bone fusions did not take and as a result of the motion, one of my steel rods snapped in half. The other was bent and about to break. I had my second surgery this past August. They removed all old hardware, repaired the failed fusions, and installed new hardware from T5-T-11. I just went in for a follow up. I have been in excruciating pain since the surgery (I thought it was par for the course), have had full back spasming (sp?) without relief (yes, I take muscle relaxers), and have been experiencing low back pain like never before. I just found out that the lumbar below the fusion is deteriorating quickly. I have an MRI and more x-rays coming up (not only am I bionic, I am sure I must glow in the dark from all of the radiation by now - keep waiting for my super powers to kick in to make all of this worth it) and according to my surgeon, a lumbar fusion is inevitable. I am 37 years old. If what he is saying is accurate, and he is an absolutely amazing surgeon (he only did the second surgery), I may end up being fused from T2-S1. I can't even imagine this. Has anyone had a fusion of that size? For those with lumbar fusions, what is your range of motion like? Does anyone have any advice? I am admittedly freaking out and just heartbroken. I am so tired of the pain, so tired of going to the doctor, just tired of it all. I know many of you can relate, which is why I am turning to fellow fusies (yes, I just made that word up!), because others just can't understand (and I thank God that they can't!). Anything you can tell me will be appreciated. Much peace and love to all!
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