ANYONE had failed fusion/hardware experience?

[A nobody]

My Neurosurgeon cannot definitively say that I have a non-union (fused L4/5, S1)but insists that I do, I also have severe instability & slippage of level above.

I THINK my fusion has failed - I also think (by appearance on film) that my top also did not attach/fuse @ L4/5.

He is awaiting new MRI to see if facets are also involved.

I am strongly considering the hardware block for I THINK I have loosening as well for I CAN FEEL IT wiggle and the pain is now at OMG levels.

My ?,

IF he is planning to do surgery anyway to stabilize things, should I bother with getting the hardware block? He says I can wait no longer than 30 (more) days to commit to the revision or I risk things becoming much more complicated.

I am so confused and sure that I am NOT fused

Thanks!
Bionic Witch

 

[John Allman]

Oh dear! Any chance of another opinion FAST?
I am confused as to wether you had a surgery already or not?
For the pain, acupuncture could really help bring it to bearable levels (or even make it go completly). And its not impossible that it also seriously helps the rest of the problem.

Artemis

 

[Ryan Morris]

Thank you for your reply Artemis,

Yes, I had a Lami (L4/5, L5/S1) 2001
Reherniated both levels 6mo later.
2003 had PLIF both levels.
Now, L4/5 has failed and I'm in the surgical planning stage to re-do the fusion @ that level. NS is tring to determine how much worse things are now. L2/3 is herniated and NS is also concerned that facets at 2 levels are also gone (he's trying to determine if the facets should be fused as well in the revision) also I now have L3 slipping down onto L4. Last MRI showed severe DDD (that used to be only in L4/5, S1) is now also present in entire Lumbar with the exception of L1

As for another opinion, this is my 3rd.

As for your suggestion of Acupuncture - as luck would have it - My PM allows an independent certified one to practice within her ofc

I am strongly considering trying this!

Do you have any 1st hand experience (success stories) from some who've benefited from this?

again,

Thanks so much for replying - I am new to your board and appreciate it.

BionicWitch