I’ve had 5 back surgeries including 2 fusions. This all started when I was 27 years old, and now I’m 55. The pain is the worst it has ever been. I made an appointment to have the Intrathecal Pump put in. After the Neurosurgeon reviewed my MRI, they recommended me having another fusion. Level S1 to T10. Because my spine is so deteriorated and unstable. So my surgery is scheduled for 9/19/23. Anyone that ever doubts someone in pain, they should remember that KARMA is real. I will still have to have the Intrathecal Morphine Pump implanted. I had all my other 5 back surgeries in Iowa where I lived all my life up until 2021. Now I live in Orlando Florida and the Neurosurgery Center is very good. I hope!! I’m so burnt out on chronic pain. 28 years of pain, and I can’t take much more. 😟
I’m so very sorry to hear this. I understand that pain can do to you emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. You must be an extremely tough person. I will pray for you that your surgery will be successful and you will have relief.
@@Vitamin.Z Thank you so much. Most of the reason they’re doing surgery is to stabilize my spine. It probably won’t give much relief. But hopefully my leg won’t give out and fall as much. Thanks again for your kinds words. Something the world needs more of these days.
@@CyndiGarguilo Thank you. Had my appointment with the Vascular Surgeon this morning. They are doing 2 surgeries and he has to move all the veins in my abdomen. They’re going through the front, and the back. I’m not scared of the surgery, but I know the pain will be horrible. I’m sick and tired of all the pain and surgeries. Be safe and thanks for the prayers!
Look up "operation spinal cap" . 169 surgeons were (/are still?) under indictment for this one manufacturer of spine screws alone...Spine hardware is often cheap counterfeit knockoff junk....in addition to the surgeons doing "fastectomies" between Porche polishing...demand authenticity verification for starters....I had a hell of a time finding that and couldn't find definitive updates but this is definitely not an isolated scam
I just had the hardware screws removed from my left lower back. I had a L5-S1 fusion (front & back incision) last November 2022. I couldn’t sleep on my back or left side without being in pain. Driving longer than 10-15 minutes was uncomfortable as the screws were rubbing against the back of the seat. I’m 11 days post op and it’s wonderful to be able to sleep on my back and any side I want to now. Best thing I ever did. Thanks for your video!❤
Look up operation. Spine cap. 169 surgeons were under indictment for this one manufacturer of spine screws alone...Spine hardware is often cheap counterfeit knockoff junk....in addition to the surgeons doing "fastectomies" between Porche polishing...demand authenticity verification for starters
I completely understand that. When I had my screws in, I couldn’t lean back against a chair or flat on the floor. If you think about it, it really stops you from doing a lot of things. I’m so glad I had all of the metal removed.
@@ToriSatoInJapan may I ask was the surgery successful except for the hardware pain ? I am feeling with this issue and my life has totally changed since having the third failed surgery. I had a traumatic brain injury a month ago and I mentioned to the rehabilitation physician my hope to have the hardware removed . He told me that he doubted any surgeon would consider putting me under anesthesia . I wonder if anyone had the hardware removed with a spinal block / epidural? I have to get the hardware out. Two surgeons and a radiologist asked be point blank ,”What’s in your back ?”
i’ve had 2 spinal fusion surgeries. my 3rd surgery i just got all of my hardware out 2 weeks ago. worse pain i’ve ever been through but im finally starting to feel better and i realized removing the hardware was the best decision i’ve ever made. nice video :)
Thanks for sharing your experience. My 80 year mom just had a fusion performed 3 weeks ago and she's in tremendous pain, more than she was before the surgery. She feels like something is wrong, the doctors are telling her that its just part of recovery. She thought she would be walking a few days after the surgery. Now here I am researching removal. He when they remove the screws, do they fill the holes in the vertebra with something? On a side note, at 40 I was diagnosed with early onset arthritis. I had severe pain in my knees hips and elbows. I couldn't put on my underwear and socks without severe pain. By chance I came across a YT video about elimination diets. I went on low carb, high protein/fat diet, removed 90% processed foods and after 6-9 months it completely went away. Its been 10 years since then and the pain never came back. I am still on the same diet, lost 30lbs and feel much healthier in my 40s than I did in my 30s. If you haven't yet and still have arthritis, might want try eliminating some foods to ensure you don't have a low level allergy.
Hi Michael! I had the same surgery as you 2 years ago. I can’t do much of the things I did before but in general feeling ok most of my days. Thanks for sharing with us! Keep us posted!
Thank you for this video! You have been through so much. I understand. I am doing everything I can to avoid surgery. I have 3 herniated discs and a synovial cyst in the spinal column that is pinching the nerves in my leg. I have had excruciating pain this last year. No surgery if I can get through this naturally. Your story is not the first one I’ve heard of the horrors of fusion surgery. For some ir works well, but it should be a last resort. I’m 55 and don’t want to feel like I’m 80 and I have this year. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically. So glad you’re feeling better!
Your story is identical to mine, same age same time of surgery same level same 3 years of pain and I'm hopefully getting mine out soon , just had trigger point injections for testing hardware and a ct scan my surgeon just called and wants me in to discuss removal. You are a inspiration thank you
I just saw your video and really appreciated it. I am a 54 yr old woman..have been in pain for years and 3 months ago had TLIF L4L5 (minimally invasive from the backside) ...like you, my pain is terrible in lower left side. I also had multiple dr opinions. So I decided after 3 drs told me I needed this surgery. I am still in the healing process..its been 3 months since the surgery. Still cant bend or stand for long and have trouble doing household chores. Am sposed to start physical therapy soon and hoping it will help...my legs and back muscles are very deconditioned. I am miserable and like you dont want to feel 70 yrs old and die in this pain!!! Im giving it some more time, but it helped to see your video. Those screws are huge and I dont want trouble in the future!!! Really makes you double think. Anyway, thanks for sharing. How are you doing now??? I hope you are out of pain. Its miserable to live with and very interfering with life. i have depression from not being able to be active as i always have been. God bless you!
I have to have my second spinal fusion coming up soon. The surgeon said he wants to take out the hardware from my previous fusion. This explains why he wants to remove the hardware. More screws would just cause more discomfort. I totally relate to your comment about not being able to stand very long after spine surgery as I have that problem too. I wish I could avoid my upcoming spinal surgery but unfortunately there are no other options since part of my issue is a big bone spur on the inside of my spinal canal nicking my spinal cord. But I will get back to my old self! Your video is very inspiring to me so thank you for posting this video.
Thanks for your video. L5S1 with rods and screws. My left leg and buttock has swelling and pain. Can't sleep on back. Can't pick up anything without having to do ice on my back just from picking up or carrying a small bag. Very frastrated and live on muscle relaxer and other pain meds. Been giving up just cause everything causes more problems. Your video gives me hope to push for more answers. Thanks🙏🏻
Wow. This is exactly what’s going on with me. I had L4/5 fused with rods/screws in 2010 and the hardware removed in 2011. Then after adjacent level disease L3/4 another instrumented fusion in 2016. Last year I’ve noticed so much more pain and spasm and irritation with flexion on the lower left side - despite nerve ablation for facet arthritis. I KNOW its the hardware and after hearing your story I’m sure of it. I’ve always been an avid athlete and like you cannot be sedentary. I have terrible trouble bending which makes training very challenging, especially things like cycling, and yardwork, bagging leaves etc. Also, I’m an imaging professional (MRI etc) so I know my anatomy really well and I’m positive that’s what’s going on. Thanks again for sharing your story and all the best.
the recognition of your video is so great, the pain I am dealing with Plif l2-l3, l3-l4 also comes from the hardware, I am also convinced of that, I am single and a more introverted person, and I do not have many people around me,and hopefully I find a surgeon and i hope to be heard about the pain what I have been struggling with for 10 years
Glad to see you use your intuition. This video helped me to further decide to also have my hardware removed. I was in a car accident almost 5 years ago, and fractured several lower lumbar vertebrae. I have been in the same kind of pain as you described in these years. Active, runner, snow ski, Infantry war vet. Not being able to be active is killing me slowly, yet no Doctor recommended the removal of hardware, it was three days ago that the lightbulb went off and decided to look into it. Sure enough, have found others on TH-cam like yourself that have found relief, painkillers do absolutely nothing, perhaps stronger would, but lord knows the last thing I want is a strong addiction, so I have kept the narcotics minimal, I know without the pain I will be able to stop taking tramadol without too much withdrawal symptoms. My accident was caused from falling asleep while driving way too tired, grateful not to be in wheelchair, missed it by millimeters. Thank you Michael for sharing your story, I will call a surgeon tomorrow. Very happy for you, only those that live with this pain can truly understand, especially for very active people like us, I calculated an approx. amount of running in my life, twice around the world, the urning to feel that incredible feeling of wellness during a great run burns deep in my soul. God Bless you, and bring you continued recovery.
I had my hardware removed 2 weeks ago. For those in chronic pain, including pain in your legs, consider the removal, I received two opinions, the first Doctor refused to take out the hardware claiming the pain was not due to hardware, how wrong he was, the second doctor removed the hardware, and yesterday is the first time I spoke to him regarding the surgery, turns out there were 4 loose screws, I’m still sore from incisions, but to have the flexibility again after almost 5 years is absolutely amazing, and I am not waking up because of the leg pains( sleeping in cradle position, I would feel almost no back pain, but the pain running down my legs would not let me sleep well. Now I’m sleeping the whole night. A sign that perhaps your screws may have come loose, was at least for me, a clack, clack, clack feeling in the back.
Very happy for you now that your back to being your self. I just had my surgery I also was a personal trainer & boxing coach for 37 years Im now 69 years old retired but a my whole life in fitness. I don’t look my age or feel it mentally I pray I’m able to go back to the gym and be able to workout jump rope and run. Thank you for sharing your story.
Keep on going Mike! T8 t9 fusion here 2013. My surgeon wanted to fuse my L5 S1 and 2 other levels but my insurance denied it. ( had partial lamanectony at 18 in my L5s1) im 45 now. Major flank pain for 10 years. Gotten worse last year so i just started PT again because i hate the answers my surgeons give me. All they want to do is put me on the table and cut. No clear answers on what the pain is from or any guarantee they can help me. Good advise for most others but i have to say... my t8 t9 fusion saved my life. The pain was so bad i almost did myself in. No one believed me from 2002 to 2011. They all thought i was a pain pill addict. Low and behold they saw 3 thumb sized masses growing off my thoracic spine.
So glad your surgery for the hardware removal went well and you feel way better than before! 🙏🏼 I had a L5-S1 ALIF fusion 2 years ago for spondylolisthesis and just got my hardware taken out 2 days ago-way easier recovery than the fusion. This video is a blessing to me and I can totally relate to feeling like your body is breaking down at such a young age. This brings me hope to get back to the gym because I feel like I was very limited and would still get nerve pain if I went too hard after the fusion with the hardware. It makes sense that those rods and screws were rubbing up against our muscles and limited us with what we could do. Wishing you all the best and thank you again for sharing your journey!
I’m glad you are having more hope again and feeling better. I went into fusion surgery expecting to feel like I did pre injuries and that just isn’t the case. I’ve had to adjust and understand that at 40 now I’ll never lift like I did 10 or 15 years ago. I also just tore my meniscus and had my knee scoped last week so it seems like everything is breaking down now ha. Sucks but will just have to adjust and find a way to stay healthy and workout still. Take care.
Thank you for this video. I am a 54 year old woman and had an L5-S1 fusion 18 months ago. (ALIF) Have had stabbing acute pain on the left side of my spine near the incision site basically since I woke up from surgery. I have tried everything from PT, pain patches, tens unit, Pilates, massage, pain pills, stretches and nothing takes the pain away. My surgeon wasn’t helping me and just wanted to do an SI joint fusion on the left side even though an SI joint steroid injection didn’t help. I finally went to see another surgeon and after a CT scan and MRI we have decided to take my screws out (bearing in mind I only have screws/rod on the left side not both sides). I do have a cage however. I’m waiting to be scheduled for the removal sometime next month. It’s been so long I cannot imagine living without this stabbing pain in my lower back!
Thank you so much for sharing Michael. I can relate to you and your story has given me hope. I had a PLIF L5-S1 Lumbar Fusion at 31 years old. For the past 5 years, I haven’t been able to be as active as I would like to be due to pain and immobility. I thought I was completely done physically and would have to live with the pain for the rest of my life. My surgeon and I discussed hardware removal previously. I am at the point where I am serious about having the hardware removed and getting my life back. Watching your video was exactly what I needed today- thank you again for the inspiration and hope!
I'm glad to help Shawn. I hope hardware removal does as much good for you as it did me. I'm over 3 months post op and still feel way better than I did before. Good luck!
Mike- Hope you are doing well. I met with my surgeon and I’m waiting on a surgery date for the screw removal. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the back pain that has limited my life.
@@mikeylikey13 Thanks for your response. I have surgery scheduled on 1/20 to have the 4 screws removed. I know my back will never be perfect but I am currently unable to go on a hike, travel, household chores, do anything athletic without pain that forces me to lay down. I am hopeful that removing the screws will increase my quality of life. I live in California as well and hope that I do more outdoor activities and sports. I hope you can continue to improve and continue to stay active. God bless.
I had my hardware removed three weeks ago after 4 years and I feel so much better. I'm still sore from the incisions, but I'm so happy I had the screws and rods removed.
Hi how long is post surgery recovery. I have 6 screws and it’s causing alot of pain. Had my surgery 7 months ago and my surgeon is willing to remove them for me. Should l go for it
Very happy I found your video! Im currently going through the same pain. I had my L4-L5 fused and with 4 screws and rods. I have DDD which caused my L5-S1 to fuse on its own. Im currently going through Aqua Therapy and does help until i get out of water. Then my lower left side of my back goes crazy again and pain runs down my left leg down the outer side and stops at the knee. Sometimes i get a cold sensation down to my left pinky toe. Had enough called my surgeon. Waiting for results for Xray and I also have CT scan October 4th. Good luck bud. Im 40 and i have a 6 month old along with a 3 year old and very difficult to be a father with chronic back pain.
Sounds like we’re a lot alike. If you said you have an extroverted Latin wife then we would be brothers for sure haha. I’m hoping I don’t need to go under the knife again but man the pain at night is torture. I sleep on my stomach which is very bad but it’s basically impossible for me to sleep on my back.
Excellent video. Very well stated. It’s amazing how we keep discovering the same things over and over in the medical community. If you had hardware any place else in your body and you complained of pain a couple of times they would take it out. If you broke your arm and had a plate and complained of pain over the top of it they would take the plate out. It used to be very common to go back and take the hardware out of the lumbar spine just like plates and screws any place else in the body. Now no one thinks about taking the hardware out. Just like with any other hardware a certain number of people are going to have pain and need to have their hardware removed. It’s something that surgeons don’t think about often enough. Once again thank you for the informative video.
Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve learned most doctors are pretty ignorant about our pain since most have never experienced fusion or major back surgery. They all know opioids are trash and only hurt people in the end and only mask the pain so they turn to more fusions and more pills for treatment and it really burns me up bc it’s an easy cash grab.
I had surgery a year ago and they performed a lumbar fusion in L4 to S1. The truth is that I feel that the pain in my lower part worsened. I had an x-ray and I read in the results that the pedical screw is loosening. I have not yet seen my surgeon to discuss my result. I'm worried, I'm 37 years old and it's not easy to live with this.
Thank you for this. I just had this done 5 days ago. I have been lucky that my sciatica pain was gone instantly. I am very sceptical that I'm not going to have that pain again. I am 38 and a single mom who had to stay in bed almost all the time. I am grateful for your post should something come up thru my healing process it gives me something to be aware of.
Thank you so much for posting previously and being honest with the update and not leaving us thinking that everything ended up perfectly. I really appreciate hearing that there may be some complications and other procedures that may be necessary. I just had a fusion at L3-L4 and L5. I'm praying that this will be the last surgery needed, but if not that I'm not alone. Thank you again so much for sharing.
Oh my god…. I am so glad I watched this video. This is exactly what I’m going through, I’m 36 years old. Eight year US Marine veteran, got a L4-L5 fusion 7 years ago. And I have so much pain, especially on my left side. Wow…I’m getting those removed. Seeing those screws come out and the size of the rose and screw on both sides of the spine. Wow… So glad I watched this…you my her bro. I’m getting them out.
I'm glad I've inspired if you get time watch my new video I'm in the process of getting PRP and other alternative treatments b/c I'm still not doing that well even after removing the hardware.
Hey Mikey, I watched your video and it gave me a glimmer of hope. I had spinal disc fusion November 1 of 2023 and I feel like a screw of poking at my back. I have been in severe discomfort for the last several months on pain medication, etc.. I am highly considering having the screws removed.
@@charanpreet6073not yet. I have my surgeon appointment Nov 12 next week to discuss the hardware screws and rod removal procedure. I am at the year mark so hopefully I can get it done in this Dec. I have been trying physical therapy, however, it makes the pain worse. I can’t bend over or slightest hunch without pain. I’ll try to circle back later.
I had a PET/CT with contrast after so many tests and returning time and time again complaining of pain. I have a failed fusion of the thoracic spine with hyper kyphosis at 90 degrees. The pet/ct scan finally found the cause to my problems. The screws are in the wrong place, the screws are in the wrong place! Entering my joints connecting my ribs to my spinal cord and entering nerves. I’m so pleased that things are going well for you :)
Thanks for your videos. I'm 3 1/2 weeks post L4-L5-S1 ALIF. My back feels amazing but the sciatica is worse than ever. It's definitely different than the compression pain I had pre surgery and your video at 8 weeks has given me more hope to just hang in there, as I can't wait to get back to my active lifestyle. So happy to hear you're feeling much better after your hardware removal.
Hi thank you so much for this video. I’m 17 months post fusion (L3-S1), and I’m getting my 7 screws/rods out on July 2. Plus a redo of my L5 laminectomy. I hope to god that I get the same great results as you! My right leg is in a lot of pain now; I hope that goes away after this second surgery. Thank you again!!
I am 36 now and have just had a microdiscectomy on L3-L4 3 months ago. I have been dealing with major back pain and sciatica for about 10 years just getting worse and worse the whole time. I felt great for about 2 months after surgery, but now the pain is returning. It is different than before though. I feel fragile. Even the tiniest little thing makes me hurt for days. I have followed all of the doctors orders. I have not lifted more than 25 pound and can could on my fingers how many times I have lifted over 10 pounds. The only thing I have done is squat down quite a bit, but I am extremely careful when I do it. I also have had some bladders issues for the last year or so. I was hoping that would go away, but the doctor said it could take up to 18 months. If anything that has actually gotten worse. I have never had any mental issues, but this is starting to cause it. I have began to give up hope of ever getting better. I feel like after years of different treatments I have finally done the big thing that was supposed to fix it and it seems like it failed. I feel scared that I will have to live like this forever. When the pain gets bad I begin to panic. I'm not sure where to go from here. I go back to the surgeon soon so I will talk with him about it, but I can't put my life on hold for another 6-12 weeks to have surgery again. I also don't want any more of my disc taken out because that can cause spondylolysis. I have also said I will never get a fusion until it is at the point that I can't walk. I am just kind of at a loss right now and completely full of disappointment.
Thanks for your video, really helps to get other’s experience! I got an L5S1 fusion 3 years ago which left me worse of with neurological pain in feet that is unbearable at times! Had a 2-3-4-5 fusion with screws and rods a year ago from a different doctor! Made things worse! Gonna start working on hardware removal!
Thanks for the information, I just had 4 screws and 2 rods just like in this video on Oct. 13 for my L5-S1 fusion. I’m 72 and hurt my back in my mid 30’s and at 62 started hurting to the point that after almost 10 years I could not stand the pain anymore.
Titanium heavy metal pieces get in your blood and mess things up! I am asking to get mine removed when I go see the surgeon next. I feel like ass. I have ALOT of hardware.
I’m fused t6 all the way down. 26 screws total. It’s awful. 2 1/2 yrs post op and my Dr doesn’t want to do a revision but I never thought about taking the hardware out! I’m thin and it feels like I have rocks in my lumbar evertime I walk or do anything. I’m going to get more opinions and ask about this. Thank you for the video and I hope you’re doing well.
Hi there! I'm in Sacramento area too. Had back fusion 3 years ago at L4-L5. Was working with a local pain management chain, but they've reached the end of what they can do. Had new imaging done and just saw a PA in my surgeon's office. You're correct in saying 'they don't know because they can't feel what you feel' The PA bought up something no one has considered; it could be a hardware issue (intuitively I've always felt like my body has been rejecting it) Like you, I was super active prior to surgery and in spite of injections, nerve abaltion and a PNS device the pain has gotten worse. I walk, do Pilates and some light hand weights. Working out should make me feel better, but it has increased the pain. I'm of the opinion, move it or lose it. I refuse to hang out all day & do nothing. I'm older than you are, but dang...no one wants to feel old. That sucks! Found out another interesting fact: hardware screws can caused increased pain on thin people because it's much closer to the skin & can cause irritation/ inflammation. Found a new doctor who'll inject Lidocaine into the area within the next couple of weeks. If it's successful, I'd like all hardware removed. Thank you for sharing your story. It makes me feel less isolated knowing that someone else has been though this. Blessings from Marci!
Good luck to you! I've done everything they recommend to do to try to make the pain better and now they are saying the only answer is another fusion. F them and their corruption b/c they won't do anything else like PRP or Stem Cells or TRT so I'm continually looking outside the US. I'm getting ready to have stem cells injected directly into my discs in Mexico. I'll do any and everything before I ever get another fusion with these bastards.
@@mikeylikey13 well, that bites! My former pain management Dr moved to Oregon to work in a practice with his brother. The goal was PRP, but new doctor is in her early 30's and wasn't sure where to go with it. She can do it, but insurance doesn't cover it. What I learned is that PRP will increase inflammation (at first) I'm researching doing it with a company in Granite Bay. There are a few places in Sacramento area that do them, but most are Sport Med people & work more on knees, shoulders & wrists. Ugh. So much to learn. I'm with you. Do whatever you need to do to avoid being cut on. I had neck fusion in 2019 as well. Spine stuff is challenging simply because of the body mechanics & load bearing changes. Hang in there. I'm rooting for you!
Hi again, I have no idea if this will help. I'm dealing with a long range problem as well. Can't take pain meds because they make my stomach hurt or I'm allergic to them (severe edema) Using a little Gabapentin (which is standard for nerve pain after back surgery) but can't take recommend amounts, so I'm on a quest to find something more organic. (Not Maryjane) Found out there are legal remedies I've never heard of:1) Kratom 2) Blue Lotus 3) Kava Kava (knew about that) 4) Wild Opium Lettuce. Obviously anything one puts in one's body has the potential for side effects, so that's scary, but then I look at our medical system and think our ancestors figured this out, hopefully we can too. I'm going to research which ones would be the most beneficial with the fewest side effects & maybe where to buy them. Some can be ordered online, others from a 'head shop' (not my thing, but willing to set foot in one if they have something other than weed) Haha!
Thank you Michael dealing with this now. Told my surgeon what was going on and they made me think I was crazy and was not feeling the pain I described. Fast forward hardware is getting removed October 5 and this is my 4th back surgery and I underwent L3-S1 revision decompression and fusion 6 months ago.
How were you able to talk them into removing the hardware? Had L4-L5 fusion 14 months ago, I’m worse off than before! I really feel like it’s the hardware, plus my fusion did not completely fuse, so I’m wearing a bone graft stimulator.. thanks for sharing your story !
Hey Michael. Thank you for the video. I have just been told that the hardware is the cause of my excruciating disabling back pain. i am scheduled to have them removed on October 1. Nervous but you’ve given me hope. Thank you.
I’m 37. I had my first decompression surgery on my L4/5 in 2001. Then I had my first fusion in 2014. It didn’t go well, I had my second in the same area in 2019. Everything healed properly this time, and I just had everything taken out on the 31st of October. It’s only been two weeks and I can already feel a difference. I feel much better! I’m taking two months off work to make sure everything heals properly. I’v been dealing with this for far too long.
@@catman1360 Sure, my first fusion didn’t heal, right. Over a few years, the screws started to come out and they were moving making the holes slightly bigger. It was very painful. The spacer/cage whatever you wanna call it was also put in.. I went to another doctor at Texas back Institute. His name is Dr. Kevan, Ju. He told me what was going on . We set a date and he did my second fusion. After my surgery, he told me the screws were so loose that he was able to pull them out by hand. They also had to go through my stomach to pull the cage out from the front.. I was out of work for four months. I went back to him four months ago. We set another date to take everything out.. now that everything is out I feel better. My toes are not numb anymore. My legs don’t have the shooting pain going down the sides. Now I’m in physical therapy.. I still have surgical pain but it hasn’t been a month yet. Overall I highly recommend Dr.Kevan Ju . If you live Texas. Hope This help you. Anything else you would like to know just ask.
Thanks for your video! I had hardware removal surgery today! Hope it works because I have the same illnesses as you! Right now I’m in pain but that’s to be expected
@@jcgirl2948 terrible! I’m scheduled for a myleogram next week then see my neurosurgeon! I have a spinal cord stimulator and cannot have MRI. I think when the hardware was removed, it made my L4 S1 weaker. I had fusion on L5S1. Both are bad but Dr did L5 first. I have had a cat scan it shows since hardware removal, the L4 S1 disc has come out and on nerve.
That sucks! My first herniated disc was when I was 27 and just doing normal seated back rows on a pulley machine. 2nd one was 5 years later when I picked up a tv awkwardly. No rhyme or reason to it other than my genetics are pure garbage for back and arthritis injuries.
@@mikeylikey13 hahah that's my case I picked fucked heavy tv with wrong posture . N slipped disc n sars fracture happened. 😭😭😭 . I looking forward for surgery I can't bare this every day stiffness n pain .
Hey Michael. Thanks for your post. It just validates that I am not the only one struggling with pain after my L4-S1 fusion. I had the same procedure. ALIF with posterior screws and rods. I am a year post op and having the hardware taken out in another week. Lots of pain when I bend over and crazy leg cramps and burning in my feet. I had an SI Joint RFA to kill the pain but still had a lot of pain where my incisions were. I am praying that removing the hardware helps. I swim in the ocean 3-4 times a week a 1/2 to a mile. It’s the only exercise I can do these days. I was always an athlete going up and contribute my back problems to many years of playing hockey and lacrosse in high school and college along with heavy weight lifting. I appreciate you sharing your struggles! Jason
Hey Jason, I am soooo sorry about your bad experience with the fusion surgery. Sounds to me like the doctor that performed your surgery didn't know what he was doing. I just had that TLIF surgery Sept. 6th and I am surprised it went well for me. Only complications I am really having is the drainage that keeps coming out of my back, but my doctor said it's not an infection because my bandages don't smell bad, my wounds are not warm to the touch and I am not running a fever. Doesn't help that I am diabetic and that I also drink and smoke cigarettes. I know bad habits in which they are hard to quit at one time and those are more than likely the reasons why my incisions haven't fully healed yet and why I still have drainage.
Thank you for posting this!!! Im in a similar situation. I have a thoracic spinal fusion & have had issues ever since (10yrs) it took this long to find out my a screw is out of place. I cant find a surgeon to take the Hardware out. I was active and in the gym 2x a day before all of this. Im only 33. They just wanna put me on pain meds to deal with it.
The surgeon that removed my hardware was inexperienced in removing hardware which I think most of them are. Just tell them that’s what you want and to tell you which doctor will do it. Pain meds are a joke. I deal with pain still and the only thing that helps are ice paks. I hope you are able to find some relief.
Thank you for your video. I had 360° double lumbar fusion. 2013. I, too, have always been an active beast. I'm now 61 in 2022. And I've had approximately. 4 months out of each year , I was not knocked down by pain. I was labeled by pain management and permanent nerve damage. And it would not change. So I've had Radio-frequency ablation every 7 to 8 months. Like clock work. Ever since my fusion, Those stopped working. And I began to realize that most pain literally started at my screws. Then exploded through the hips and the rest of the lumbar. After suggested several times to my pain management Dr, I thought it was my screws that were causing pain. Swelling literally comes out around the top left screw. So I went back to surgeon. He did 2 expiremental scar tissue blasting techniques. After those, mine. He agrees that they need to be removed. I should be scheduling soon. I'll update how it did or did not help.
Ive had two major surgeries, L5- S1 and two years later L5-4-3-2 fusion with rods and screws! Neither surgery helped last one made me worse! Thinking of having all hardware removed as I never had back pain just leg pain until the 5-4-3-2 fusion now have serious back pain! I had minimally invasive surgery for ruptured disc twice before these and they were great! Thanks for sharing! It definitively helps to hear from similar situations!
I had a back fusion from t10-l2 with 10 screws and 2 rods in 2020 at 17 years old. Now, 2024 I’m 21 I have a loose screw. I’m going back to physical therapy! Wish me luck
I got my back hardware removal surgery scheduled for November 26th. Hopefully it all goes smoothly! Thank you for sharing your story and giving me more of an insight.
I’ve had a similar experience with my S1-L5 fusion and spacer disc replacement, which I had about 5 years ago. It added about half an inch to my height, but the pain has been relentless. No matter which way I bend-forward, backward, or sideways, I get sharp pains, sometimes so intense it feels like electricity shooting down my legs and lower area. I’ve seen multiple doctors, and they all say the same thing: removing the hardware could cause stability issues, even though my MRI shows the fusion is strong and holding. I’m currently on short-term disability because the pain prevents me from working. I’m in the process of getting pain clearance at USC Keck on January 9th to try a spinal cord stimulator. To be honest, I’m not thrilled about having leads in my back, a battery, and a remote to manage the pain. If I had the option to remove the two rods and four screws without risking stability, I’d much rather go that route for a permanent solution instead of a temporary Band-Aid. If anyone in the Southern California area knows a surgeon willing to explore hardware removal as a solution for better, long-term relief, I would greatly appreciate the recommendation.
Hey Mike I have a surgery coming up to get the rods out of my back. I’m kinda nerves because I’ve lived with them for about 13 years and pretty much have stayed in pain. Your video today really eased my mind to know that taking this chance really will be for the better! ( I know every experience is difference) I’m a pretty active person and I don’t want to hurt just to move around! Thank you this🙏🏾🫶🏾🙏🏾 For the boost of confidence!
So much of what you said I can relate to. I'm 40 now and had an L4-S1 fusion at 25. The only difference is that I was good for many years after the surgery. It allowed me to return to boxing/wrestling and many other sports. However about two years ago pain started again. L3 slippage over L4, disk herniations, and bi lateral foraminal stenosis. Looking at another surgery this spring ALIF and removal of the hardware I've had for 15 years. I'm hoping I can get rid of this pulling/squeezing pain in my legs and back. The doctor I saw seem to really understand the pain I'm in every day.
Hi Michael. Thanks for sharing your journey. I've been suffering from chronic low back pain for about 15 years. I'm 49 now and would consider my self physically fit. I've always been very active in many sports(hockey, skiing, golf, ran my last 1/2 marathon 3 years ago) which I think is why the back pain has been nothing more than just an inconvenience as it would periodically flair up, I would rest and then return to full activities within a couple days. Two years ago it started getting worse, not recovering as quick, to today where I have lost ability to do all sports or physical activities without major low back, oblique and glute pain and tightness. Even simple day to day activities like yard work or repetitive bending down to pick something up or even tie my shoes is a choir and causes the pain and stiffness to increase drastically. Doctors(2) say MRI shows that my L5 S1 disc is basically gone. Other than that everything else looks good above and below those vertebra's, rest of spine looks healthy. The two doctors say I have a choice of nerve end burning(rhizodomy) or fusion and then ask which one I want to do(say what, I have to decide - they say they want the patient to contribute to the decision). Did you try the nerve burning route first before fusion? My pain is manageable without narcotics which is good, but that's only because I'm not doing anything which is bad. Tried the physio route for 8 months, seemed to be working until I tried to get active again and then right back to where I was. I'm in Canada and while it's nice that all treatments are covered, unfortunately its an extremely long wait to get anything done. I would be open to try the nerve burning, but it will likely take 8 months before they complete the injection test and then do the nerve burning. Then if that doesn't work or is only short lived, it's on to fusion which would then be over a year wait to get that done. I really don't want to wait almost 2 years to get the fusion if that's what I'm going to end up needing. I just don't know if I should try the nerve burning first or not. The doctors made it sound like fusion at my young age (yeah right) would put me at early risk of needing fusion at L4 L5 at some point. Yet you and many others have had fusion done way younger than me. I just don't know if the minor (but in my mind major) pain, discomfort and loss of quality of life I'm dealing with is enough to risk fusion. I really want to be physically active again.
Hey Todd yeah I heard about how "great" the insurance is up there but then you have to wait forever to even get it which sucks. I did two nerve ending burns here but they called them Ablations i'm not sure if that's the same thing just called differently or what but that was post op and I never had it done before I did fusion. If you don't have a disc which is the cushion between your vertebrae I'm not quite sure why burning the nerve roots would help and also I was told the nerves grow back like within a year and you have to do it again and again. Doctors always say they are worried about needing to to do additional fusions later on b/c of the adjacent vertebrae syndrome I think it's called. I can't really speak to that but I do know one of the doctors told me he would do that instead of just removing the hardware and thank God I didn't listen to him! Active people like us aren't looking to slowly grow old and die and lay motionless the rest of our lives and we shouldn't have to believe that that's what the only answer is. I highly recommend getting a 2nd or 3rd or 4th opinion if you haven't already and have every doctor look at your mri and tell you what they think is best. If you don't have any disc left it sounds like getting a disc replacement would be what you needed but take my opinion with a grain of salt b/c I'm not a doctor and i've never seen your mri's. I hope you find some answers soon.
@@mikeylikey13 Hey Michael. Yes the ablations is the same as the rhizotomy (ie nerve burning), maybe slightly different procedure used. However as timing would have it, I saw my surgeon yesterday and pleated with him to try and see if he could get me in sooner for the injections. And what do you know, I got a call today to go in next Tuesday. So at least I can try that first and see if I get some relief instead of jumping straight to the fusion. The fusion scares me so for piece of mind I want to try all less intrusive options first. I hope you are able to post more videos in the future and hope you continue to feel well.
Your story is inspirational! I have herniated disc L4, L5, S1 now pretty much bone on bone. Looking at my options not sure on surgery. Keep the faith, find balance in how you approach workouts. I no longer dead-lift, and ensure my dumbbells are at waist height (rack) so I am not bending to floor. Hang in there.
I had an accident in 2022 and suffered a T1-T3 spinal injury. After the accident, I underwent an invasion procedure. Since then, I’ve had many X-rays and visited several doctors. Most of them advised that removing the hardware might help, and they mentioned that the situation could improve or resolve over time. I also consulted pain management specialists, and they performed a radiofrequency procedure, which reduced the pain significantly. However, the pain is still present because I continue to experience discomfort. The pain doesn’t prevent me from living my daily life, but it’s constant, persistent, and exhausting. The doctors recommended that after three years, it would be safe to remove the hardware, and now, after nearly three years, I’m seriously considering this option i’m 38 years old now hopefully this makes me feel better
I had a laminectomy and fusion of my L4-L5 back in October of last year. After surgery I can no longer walk. I can walk around the house for a couple minutes before I lose strength and slowly go to the floor and the dr says he don’t know why. I’m 50 and feel like I’m 80 years old
Thanks for your video. Ive had 7 Thorasic Vertabrae fused with 12 screws & 2 rods from T4 to T10. Its been 18 months and going well however i am considering hardware removal. Doctors tell there is no benefit but I am thinking differently.... Always gotta trust your gut instincts with things like this hey.
My mom is about to have her hardware removed but we’re all hesitant for her to have another surgery because it’ll be her third and thirst two actually made her worse. Can I ask if you were experiencing numbness of your lower legs and feet also feelings of heaviness from the screws too along with the pains? It’s been a struggle o say the least for the last 8 years after her fusions and the only thing the doctors can try at this point is to remove the hardware and see if that helps. She’s been going through severe depression too so we all were under the impression that a lot of her pain was mental which I’m sure some are but I’m very happy to hear your story and extremely happy for you that you’re doing better because we know exactly what you’ve been going though because my my has gone through the same journey with just as many doctors if not more, telling her there’s not much they can do or find. You give us hope so thank you!
I have battled with different doctors for four years complaining that my rods and screws are stabbing me and getting caught in my scare tissue! I found a new doctor and he listened to me and suggested I have my left side L4L5 hardware removed !He said I am fused and can live with out them ! I return for my follow up Dec 12 2025 ! I feel so relived from the constant jabbing and and pain!I can sleep on my back again ! I can also stand up straight as well! I have my life back ! Don’t give up !
Micheal great video! I have a fusion giving me problems. It’s been 3 years since my surgery it feels like muscles in back are rubbing against hardware.I’m going see my Dr in 2 weeks thanks for video!
I did X-ray’s and everything looks good. He said the level under fusion has a little degeneration that could be causing pain. And also could be scar tissue since I have had 2 6 inch cuts. Now I have to get injections to try and find exactly where pain is coming from.
I had a fusion in the back a year ago. Once I awoke from the surgery, I felt pain. I continued to tell my surgeon I was in pain. I continued to complain until recently, and I had an MRI. He said everything looked great. I received a written copy of my MRI, which stated my L4 was pinched as well as my attending physician. He straight faced told me it wasn't . He says it appears I might need to take the hardware out. I'm frightened, but this pain radiates across my back and down both legs. Like you, I had spondylolisthesis, all other issues. The doctor said today I may need to remove the hardware. I want to know how long did it take you to get up and move from the reopening of the surgery? What is the recovery time frame?
I had a 7 level fusion L-4/T10 .. 3 back surgeries, and now I blew out my two lower discs due to all of the hardware above taking a toll over the years… I now need two cages for support.. I’m in pain 24/7 so I know what you are talking about. My first surgery was at 38 and here I am at 53 now and still dealing with the pain 🤦🏽♂️ it’s right down disheartening and depressing.
I had a titanium block placed between my L4 and L5 vertebrae and it's hollow and the doctor puts bone fragments inside the block to increase the fusion process. The block also maintains the spacing between your vertebrae. I go back to get my stitches out in 2 days. I have about 11 stitches and the incision site looks great. I shouldn't have much of a scar.
Hi. I’m 65, 5’2, 125lb. I had PLIF one year ago in L4-L5-S1 with cage, rods and screws and donor bone. It feels like I have a brick in my lower back. It’s heavy and pulls my upper body down. My issue with removing hardware is, I am allergic to pain meds. After my surgery, they overdosed me with dilauded, had to administer Narcan. I vividly remember them saying ‘hey, her bp is 90/50’ and I blacked out. My whole 1 year of recovery has been with Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Now the Dr says he can remove the screws, but, afraid to have surgery again with me allergy to pain meds. I told my dr I feel this hardware 24/7. I have just decided that I just can’t do much, walk much, or lift over 10 lbs. wanted to see if anyone else has had this repair and can feel the hardware. Thanks! Glad your removal of the screws and rods helped you!
Thanks for the info. Same problem here. 1&1/2 years from l5 s1 and can’t sit, lift, any activity aggravates my back shutting me down. I was thinking hardware, hopefully after seeing this I can have some hope.
Thank you for your video. I had back fusion surgery five years ago and have been in pain ever since. X-rays show 3 of the screws have gone all the way through the bone. I’ve gone to three orthopedic surgeons none of them will remove my hardware. Some have said it’s in too dangerous of a position. I would either be left paralyzed or bleed out. I’m totally ready to take the chance. I just need to find a right doctor. Could you please tell me who your doctor was? I’m really getting desperate. Thank you for your time Sincerely, Debbie Calton
@@mikeylikey13'I'm not that guy that's gonna sit around with back problems all my life", careful....I know what you mean but the more you get speedjobs by sociopaths, the more you will see those people you've judged might not have had a choice...look up "operation spinal cap" to see just one spine hardware manufacturer had 169 surgeons indicted under investigation!! Then poof! No follow ups I could find....have cervical problems limits research greatly so by all means, let us know what you find... There's been many more scams, that's just the most blatant I could find estimated $2 billion made from... Best of luck to you (ps, radiologists other surgeons etc "cover" for screw ups even if they never have a chance of working with anyone that might know your surgeon I've found numerous times.... You have to ask a blatant question you know the answer to, to ferrit them put
so many of us in the same boat. Constant pain is miserable. I am amazed at all the people suffering this. I just had TLIF L4L5 3 mos ago and praying it helps. Very scary. God bless you and best of luck!
@@mikeylikey13 yeah just will take 30 years until insurance covers it or is available. I have an annular tear in every lumbar disc and had a l4-l5 hernia so big was blocking my spinal fluid. Had a disectomy on it but only helped like 20% with pain. Thinking of just dropping the 15k or whatever and getting discseel before my spine decides to flare up to the point I can't move again.
@@mikeylikey13 Just looked at when they'll complete their second clinical trial and it won't be done until almost 2028. Will be A LONG time before we will see it in the US. They might be offering it in south korea sooner though.
@@mikeylikey13 Not yet recruiting HYDRAFIL-D: HYDRogel Augmentation For Intervertebral Lumbar Discs (HYDRAFIL-D). Study Completion (Estimated) 2027-07. From clinicaltrials.gov. 07 of 2027 so basically 2028.
I've undergone two surgeries, the first being an anterior discectomy at L4-L5 S1. Unfortunately, the discs shifted, causing further complications. Subsequently, I had a L4-L5 S1 back fusion, which unfortunately didn't fuse properly, leaving me still in significant pain. I want to stress that age should not dictate access to pain relief or quality of life. Regardless of whether someone is 70 or 99, nobody deserves to live in chronic pain or be bedridden. My father, at 77, maintains excellent health, walks fine, and has great posture, disproving any notion that age alone should limit mobility and wellness. It's essential that everyone has the opportunity to live without constant suffering and to maintain their ability to move freely."
I’m scheduled for hardware removal from L4-5 L5-S1 on august 16, 2022. It’s been 18 months since my lumbar fusion. I’ve not been able to get anywhere close to my previous activity level since my fusion. I hope this fixes my problems.
I'm dealing with the same situation. I had a fusion of L4-L5, and I'm having this sharp pain on my left side like something is sticking me. When I try to do very much at all, the pain gets so bad that I have to sit back in the recliner or lye down. It usually makes me feel nauseous. I've thought about having the hardware removed. My Surgeon wants to go back in and remove some scar tissue, but I feel like it's something sharp like a screw causing the pain. Thanks for the video!
I know this video is 3 years old but I am responding anyway lol. am so glad you are doing better after the hardware removal. I know it's invasive, but I don't see why they can't remove the hardware more often for people who are especially sensitive to stuff like that if the spine has fused properly. But, my one question is (and I am not trying to be mean) why did you put out a video 2 years after the surgery saying you were doing good if you were not any better before the surgery? Maybe I heard you wrong or it's a miscommunication on my part if I interpreted it wrong. Again, just a question, and I am so glad you are doing better. It's rough when you can't get back to normal life. I haven't had a normal life in 2 years. It's even hard to make it around the house.
Hi initially I was doing better then as the bones fused everything got worse than before. My timeline shows that and just wanted to be honest and open at every point along the way. I didn’t want to ignore the fact that today I feel worse than ever and make it clear I’d never had gotten fusion 7 years ago if I could do it all over again.
Wow. I've have my L4 L5 fused with the screws still in me now for 15 years now. And been through the exact same things with all the MRI'S, CT SCANS, INJECTIONS. I've been telling my doctors that I know its coming from the area where the " hardware" is. Like you said, they cant figure out why I still have so much pain. The other specialist I was seeing did mention that they could take the hardware out, but I'm a little worried what and how I'd feel if it get removed. But after watching this, I think it's time to ask about getting it taken out. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi i have same isssue. i have 4 herniated surgery. 5th was fusion and is now 10 years ago. I talk to 4 doctor now to compare.... my screw hit the s1 nerve that give me the pain all the time and some kind of electric chock when i twist to side to side.... im so tried of it. to fight this back problem for 12 years...... in germany they have implant they call m6. the avoid fusion cus of you loose mobility but with m6 implant they said is similar to a real disk...... i dont know who to belive after 12 year. im 40
The screw jabbing the muscle you talk about is exactly what I’m dealing with. My one year appointment is in September and I hope that we can just go ahead and pull the stuff out.
Had S1-L4 fused for the same reasons you had....that was in 2018....now have to have L4-L1done...and my thoracic has scoliosis...my neck is fused, back in 2015....so thankful to hear your video, they are taking out my hardware from my lumbar and putting in new hardware where I need it....now I wonder if the screws are bothering me too....
One year after hardware removal, how are you doing? I had exact Alif/plif procedure. Then pain just like yours. Then hardware removal, just like yours. But pain didn’t get better. Wondering if relief lasted for you or if you’re still battling pain?
Wow sorry to hear you don’t feel better. I feel better overall. I couldn’t even stand for very long without it bothering me a lot and that has gotten way better. I hope you find a solution. That’s tough for you I’m sure.
I just got the green light from my orthopedic surgeon to get my spine hardware removed from T8 to L2. Its been 9 years since my 2nd fusion. My spine is fused so the hardware can come off. Im having very bad back pain in my mid left area around T8 and wraps around my rib cage and some low back pain. My pain doctor suggested having my hardware removed since im having continued and worsening pain. Hoping for the best. Im also turning 38 next month.
L5S1 fusion 3 yes ago. I've been dealing with moderate to severe pain daily. Neurosurgeon walks in and says "you need a stimulator" I said maybe you need to get another mri 1st!! Well they did get the price and there we re e several changes but they said the hardware was intact. So why all this pain??? I just want some quality of life and asked if they could just keep me comfortable. WELL HERE I AM 1 YEAR INTO SEEING THE SAME NEURO AND HE SENT ME TO PAIN MANAGEMENT DR also. I have been here with these 2 doctors for a full year ND trust me, they have not kept me comfortable. I have endured a spinal o section, whoooooHoooooo. ThT did absolutely nothing. I did not want that spinal stimulator that they were pushing on me. Well I went thru the spinal stimulator trial and begged God to take me. It was the worst experience ever. The trial failed and now I'm just waiting for follow up visit with both physicians. ❤blood pressure is running 218/116. I'm afraid I'm gonna have a stroke,but they seem unbothered. They say it's just from the pain. Should I just come out ND beg them for pain pulls to at least keep me comfortable?? They have prescribed nothing and I'm really just begging for help. Any suggestions?? I know there is an epidemic of people missing using narcotics, but sorry, I'm a grandmother and was very active. I don't look lime these methods heads and junkies that has ruined it for the people whom really need the help. Like I said, Can you just keep me comfortable so I have some quality of life. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!!
The vertebrae grow(fuse) together after a while. So the hardware is just needed to hold it in place while the bones grow together. Once it’s fused the hardware does nothing for you- except irritate soft tissue.
I had c1 & c2 fused from a fracture. With screws and rods. He took that hardware out while fusing c3-c5 hopefully will help so far?????( Done 3 weeks ago)
10:38 pm. I had s1-l5 laminectomy in 2013 because of a r/s disc bulge. My pain was my sciatic running down my right butt and ended up in my right foot. To the point I was on crutches. Tried all types of pain mgmt shots which did not help. After the surgery the sciatica pain went away but I still had some light foot pain. With meds I could handle it. Kept seeing he my neurosurgeon every 6 months because numbness started to appear and the heal pain. Then the numbness was going up my right shin. Was getting hard to walk because you can’t tell where your foot is going. So at the end of 2019 the surgeon said he was going to remove the l-5 disc and install a cage. Well along came Covid and I could not get anyone to do the surgery. In the meantime my left foot started going numb with pins and needles pain but strong. And then the right foot started getting this burning pain and bad numbness. So in 2022 they decided to install a spine stimulator. Tried different programs till 2023 with no help. Found a new neurosurgeon who said I needed s-1 l-5 l-4 fusion and 2 disc replacements. But since the nerves were being disturbed for so long that I would probably only get 50 percent better. I figured that was worth the risk because even with gabapentin and hydrocodone my pain was always 9-10 pain range 24-7. Had the surgery September 12 and work up with extreme pain in my back and my right leg was totally numb. Could not even feel my foot and the right leg was extremely weak. The left leg and foot wasn’t too bad. Only light numbness and weakness. I was told before surgery the I would only be in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. I wound up staying for almost 2 weeks as they were teaching me how to walk all over again. At home I can only walk with a walker and the doc said with all the damage I had and had to be fixed, I am looking at 4 to 6 months before I will get my strength back. I need to wear a large back brace all the time unless I was in bed laying on my back. So I am just saying if you need back surgery,don’t wait too long to have it fixed because it seems the longer you wait the more pain you will wind up with later on. I was 63 when I had my first surgery.
I appreciate your shared you experience have exactly the same problem it is the same problem I get fusion l5s1 and still I have pain in my left side and I got the MIR and the doctor say exactly happened to you' have to remove the screws i am a little nervous and scare because He has to takes it out of the screw I don't know what is the next reaction in my body Some people told me no take the screws but I don't think it's a good idea because I still have pain I can walk so much and holding my Little son.
I’m going through the same thing now I wish I never did the surgery actually looking up how or who to go to for removal if possible because I’m in active pain soon as I tried to go work out I’m on on 34
I had my surgery same time as you, I have 60 screws from my neck to my hips, I am not able to walk right, no good balance: no pain thank God , but I have to use a cane to walk. I feel like my back wobbles, I think the screws in my hips are long also, I want to get those removed
I have had a spinal fusion and want to hear more bout your story: I was 31 when it happened and lost my Mom the next year. Just wanting some support. Best wishes to you !!
I have L5-S1 fusion, same surgery like yours, cut me front and back. Almost 13 month ago. The pain you described was exactly how I felt, have pain on the lower left side. My doc mentioned maybe was the hardware. I am still thinking if I should take it out.
Great video Ifeel exactly like you... been active all my life... now I feel like I am 80... I can barley move athletically, can not even jog... can only walk.... Can't lift weights.... Had L4/L5 fusion...april 2020, . but now I am told my L5/S1 disc is the issue.... looking at fusion at L5/S1... debating doing it... my lower back on left side is also giving me issues... When I sit in a chair and lean forward it kills.... sitting in bath tub leaning forward hurts bad as well.... rolling over in bed hurts... Even when I am in the process of standing up... it kills until I get all the way up.... What were your issues or can you describe your pain before the fusion? Just trying to see if my pain is from L5/S1. My biggest complaint with back doctors is they should be able to see you move, see what causes you pain and know what the issue is..... Good luck and keep us posted on any updates... going to subscribe now... I almost forgot... every time I sneeze my back kills as well...
Yeah main sneezing used to be the worst of all! I had a lot of the same stuff. Sitting in a chair too long would make me very uncomfortable. Any forward bending. Or picking anything up. I hope you find out what’s going on soon!
@@imveryhungry112 I had revision surgery in April of 2023 at L4/L5 where the surgeon didn't think I fused originally, and it seems to have fixed some of the pain I was having so glad I did it.
I’m so sorry your going thru this. Your my son in laws age. You are 1000% right. The drs pass you off and you go back and forth. I had fusion L4-5 july 2019. Since then I had bilateral ifuse in June 2021 and much worst. Being told now from cat scan that on my L4-5 fusion that the screw is sticking into my nerve canal. This may have been the problem all along. I am so mad and afraid. I am getting the left side screws taken out in a couple weeks. They want me to get an injection first to make sure. I mean if you can see a screw in my nerve canal then why do more tests. I am hoping it helps as much as it seems to have helped you. Do you feel unstable with only one side being taken out?? My dr said he will only take one side out. How are you now. I still keep getting the run around. I am in Boston mass and have flown out to Washington DC for prp $1300.00 and hydrodissection and prolotherapy. None of this helped at all. There is a doctor that is smart with the nerves but he doesn’t take insurance. His name is Dr Tim Tollestrup. Look him up. He talks about so many surgeon doctors that don’t know anything about the nerves.
I’m having the same surgery on 10/30. I’m really scared, but I’m more afraid of the damage I can keep causing myself if I don’t get this surgery. My right leg goes numb on me because my L5 has slipped forward and I fractured my L5-S1 and it didn’t heal correctly. I noticed this video is 3 years old…how do you feel now?
I’ve had 5 back surgeries including 2 fusions. This all started when I was 27 years old, and now I’m 55. The pain is the worst it has ever been. I made an appointment to have the Intrathecal Pump put in. After the Neurosurgeon reviewed my MRI, they recommended me having another fusion. Level S1 to T10. Because my spine is so deteriorated and unstable. So my surgery is scheduled for 9/19/23. Anyone that ever doubts someone in pain, they should remember that KARMA is real. I will still have to have the Intrathecal Morphine Pump implanted. I had all my other 5 back surgeries in Iowa where I lived all my life up until 2021. Now I live in Orlando Florida and the Neurosurgery Center is very good. I hope!! I’m so burnt out on chronic pain. 28 years of pain, and I can’t take much more. 😟
I’m so very sorry to hear this. I understand that pain can do to you emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. You must be an extremely tough person. I will pray for you that your surgery will be successful and you will have relief.
@@Vitamin.Z Thank you so much. Most of the reason they’re doing surgery is to stabilize my spine. It probably won’t give much relief. But hopefully my leg won’t give out and fall as much. Thanks again for your kinds words. Something the world needs more of these days.
Praying for you! 🙏🏼
@@CyndiGarguilo Thank you. Had my appointment with the Vascular Surgeon this morning. They are doing 2 surgeries and he has to move all the veins in my abdomen. They’re going through the front, and the back. I’m not scared of the surgery, but I know the pain will be horrible. I’m sick and tired of all the pain and surgeries. Be safe and thanks for the prayers!
Look up "operation spinal cap" . 169 surgeons were (/are still?) under indictment for this one manufacturer of spine screws alone...Spine hardware is often cheap counterfeit knockoff junk....in addition to the surgeons doing "fastectomies" between Porche polishing...demand authenticity verification for starters....I had a hell of a time finding that and couldn't find definitive updates but this is definitely not an isolated scam
I just had the hardware screws removed from my left lower back. I had a L5-S1 fusion (front & back incision) last November 2022. I couldn’t sleep on my back or left side without being in pain. Driving longer than 10-15 minutes was uncomfortable as the screws were rubbing against the back of the seat. I’m 11 days post op and it’s wonderful to be able to sleep on my back and any side I want to now. Best thing I ever did. Thanks for your video!❤
Hello, you told you have the screws removed in your left lower back, but why they didn't remove it from the right side?
Look up operation. Spine cap. 169 surgeons were under indictment for this one manufacturer of spine screws alone...Spine hardware is often cheap counterfeit knockoff junk....in addition to the surgeons doing "fastectomies" between Porche polishing...demand authenticity verification for starters
I completely understand that. When I had my screws in, I couldn’t lean back against a chair or flat on the floor. If you think about it, it really stops you from doing a lot of things. I’m so glad I had all of the metal removed.
I going to remove after 10 years of no life and pain. Thanks for your video . I want to recover my energy life
@@ToriSatoInJapan may I ask was the surgery successful except for the hardware pain ? I am feeling with this issue and my life has totally changed since having the third failed surgery. I had a traumatic brain injury a month ago and I mentioned to the rehabilitation physician my hope to have the hardware removed . He told me that he doubted any surgeon would consider putting me under anesthesia . I wonder if anyone had the hardware removed with a spinal block / epidural?
I have to get the hardware out. Two surgeons and a radiologist asked be point blank ,”What’s in your back ?”
i’ve had 2 spinal fusion surgeries. my 3rd surgery i just got all of my hardware out 2 weeks ago. worse pain i’ve ever been through but im finally starting to feel better and i realized removing the hardware was the best decision i’ve ever made. nice video :)
That’s awesome!
Im confused but what haps when u take hardware out? Arent they supposed tonstay there?
Did the removal of the hardware affect the fusion in some way? My surgeon told me that they’ll have to put new screws if they take out my screws
Thanks for sharing your experience. My 80 year mom just had a fusion performed 3 weeks ago and she's in tremendous pain, more than she was before the surgery. She feels like something is wrong, the doctors are telling her that its just part of recovery. She thought she would be walking a few days after the surgery. Now here I am researching removal. He when they remove the screws, do they fill the holes in the vertebra with something? On a side note, at 40 I was diagnosed with early onset arthritis. I had severe pain in my knees hips and elbows. I couldn't put on my underwear and socks without severe pain. By chance I came across a YT video about elimination diets. I went on low carb, high protein/fat diet, removed 90% processed foods and after 6-9 months it completely went away. Its been 10 years since then and the pain never came back. I am still on the same diet, lost 30lbs and feel much healthier in my 40s than I did in my 30s. If you haven't yet and still have arthritis, might want try eliminating some foods to ensure you don't have a low level allergy.
3 weeks post op is nothing. The fusion takes several months to occur. Having pain post op is unfortunately not surprising.
Hi Michael! I had the same surgery as you 2 years ago. I can’t do much of the things I did before but in general feeling ok most of my days. Thanks for sharing with us! Keep us posted!
Thank you for this video! You have been through so much. I understand. I am doing everything I can to avoid surgery. I have 3 herniated discs and a synovial cyst in the spinal column that is pinching the nerves in my leg. I have had excruciating pain this last year. No surgery if I can get through this naturally. Your story is not the first one I’ve heard of the horrors of fusion surgery. For some ir works well, but it should be a last resort. I’m 55 and don’t want to feel like I’m 80 and I have this year. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically. So glad you’re feeling better!
I’m not feeling better. I wish I’d never gotten it.
Buddy. I fully understand. My back surgery was the biggest mistake of my life.. God Bless everyone here...
Are you feeling any better now?@@mikeylikey13
Your story is identical to mine, same age same time of surgery same level same 3 years of pain and I'm hopefully getting mine out soon , just had trigger point injections for testing hardware and a ct scan my surgeon just called and wants me in to discuss removal. You are a inspiration thank you
What happened Daniel? Did you have your screws removed? What surgery did you have?
I just saw your video and really appreciated it. I am a 54 yr old woman..have been in pain for years and 3 months ago had TLIF L4L5 (minimally invasive from the backside) ...like you, my pain is terrible in lower left side. I also had multiple dr opinions. So I decided after 3 drs told me I needed this surgery. I am still in the healing process..its been 3 months since the surgery. Still cant bend or stand for long and have trouble doing household chores. Am sposed to start physical therapy soon and hoping it will help...my legs and back muscles are very deconditioned. I am miserable and like you dont want to feel 70 yrs old and die in this pain!!! Im giving it some more time, but it helped to see your video. Those screws are huge and I dont want trouble in the future!!! Really makes you double think. Anyway, thanks for sharing. How are you doing now??? I hope you are out of pain. Its miserable to live with and very interfering with life. i have depression from not being able to be active as i always have been. God bless you!
I have to have my second spinal fusion coming up soon. The surgeon said he wants to take out the hardware from my previous fusion. This explains why he wants to remove the hardware. More screws would just cause more discomfort. I totally relate to your comment about not being able to stand very long after spine surgery as I have that problem too. I wish I could avoid my upcoming spinal surgery but unfortunately there are no other options since part of my issue is a big bone spur on the inside of my spinal canal nicking my spinal cord. But I will get back to my old self! Your video is very inspiring to me so thank you for posting this video.
Thanks for your video. L5S1 with rods and screws. My left leg and buttock has swelling and pain. Can't sleep on back. Can't pick up anything without having to do ice on my back just from picking up or carrying a small bag. Very frastrated and live on muscle relaxer and other pain meds. Been giving up just cause everything causes more problems. Your video gives me hope to push for more answers. Thanks🙏🏻
Did you get the implants removed ? Does it feel better ?
@@anitaharp6789 pain pain pain .. no quality of life !
Wow. This is exactly what’s going on with me. I had L4/5 fused with rods/screws in 2010 and the hardware removed in 2011. Then after adjacent level disease L3/4 another instrumented fusion in 2016. Last year I’ve noticed so much more pain and spasm and irritation with flexion on the lower left side - despite nerve ablation for facet arthritis. I KNOW its the hardware and after hearing your story I’m sure of it. I’ve always been an avid athlete and like you cannot be sedentary. I have terrible trouble bending which makes training very challenging, especially things like cycling, and yardwork, bagging leaves etc. Also, I’m an imaging professional (MRI etc) so I know my anatomy really well and I’m positive that’s what’s going on. Thanks again for sharing your story and all the best.
the recognition of your video is so great, the pain I am dealing with Plif l2-l3, l3-l4 also comes from the hardware, I am also convinced of that, I am single and a more introverted person, and I do not have many people around me,and hopefully I find a surgeon and i hope to be heard about the pain what I have been struggling with for 10 years
Glad to see you use your intuition. This video helped me to further decide to also have my hardware removed. I was in a car accident almost 5 years ago, and fractured several lower lumbar vertebrae. I have been in the same kind of pain as you described in these years. Active, runner, snow ski, Infantry war vet. Not being able to be active is killing me slowly, yet no Doctor recommended the removal of hardware, it was three days ago that the lightbulb went off and decided to look into it. Sure enough, have found others on TH-cam like yourself that have found relief, painkillers do absolutely nothing, perhaps stronger would, but lord knows the last thing I want is a strong addiction, so I have kept the narcotics minimal, I know without the pain I will be able to stop taking tramadol without too much withdrawal symptoms. My accident was caused from falling asleep while driving way too tired, grateful not to be in wheelchair, missed it by millimeters. Thank you Michael for sharing your story, I will call a surgeon tomorrow. Very happy for you, only those that live with this pain can truly understand, especially for very active people like us, I calculated an approx. amount of running in my life, twice around the world, the urning to feel that incredible feeling of wellness during a great run burns deep in my soul. God Bless you, and bring you continued recovery.
I had my hardware removed 2 weeks ago. For those in chronic pain, including pain in your legs, consider the removal, I received two opinions, the first Doctor refused to take out the hardware claiming the pain was not due to hardware, how wrong he was, the second doctor removed the hardware, and yesterday is the first time I spoke to him regarding the surgery, turns out there were 4 loose screws, I’m still sore from incisions, but to have the flexibility again after almost 5 years is absolutely amazing, and I am not waking up because of the leg pains( sleeping in cradle position, I would feel almost no back pain, but the pain running down my legs would not let me sleep well. Now I’m sleeping the whole night. A sign that perhaps your screws may have come loose, was at least for me, a clack, clack, clack feeling in the back.
😮😮😮😮
how are you too day
Did you fuse your spine? 😊
Very happy for you now that your back to being your self. I just had my surgery I also was a personal trainer & boxing coach for 37 years Im now 69 years old retired but a my whole life in fitness. I don’t look my age or feel it mentally I pray I’m able to go back to the gym and be able to workout jump rope and run. Thank you for sharing your story.
Keep on going Mike! T8 t9 fusion here 2013. My surgeon wanted to fuse my L5 S1 and 2 other levels but my insurance denied it. ( had partial lamanectony at 18 in my L5s1) im 45 now. Major flank pain for 10 years. Gotten worse last year so i just started PT again because i hate the answers my surgeons give me. All they want to do is put me on the table and cut. No clear answers on what the pain is from or any guarantee they can help me. Good advise for most others but i have to say... my t8 t9 fusion saved my life. The pain was so bad i almost did myself in. No one believed me from 2002 to 2011. They all thought i was a pain pill addict. Low and behold they saw 3 thumb sized masses growing off my thoracic spine.
I’m glad you found some relief!
So glad your surgery for the hardware removal went well and you feel way better than before! 🙏🏼 I had a L5-S1 ALIF fusion 2 years ago for spondylolisthesis and just got my hardware taken out 2 days ago-way easier recovery than the fusion. This video is a blessing to me and I can totally relate to feeling like your body is breaking down at such a young age. This brings me hope to get back to the gym because I feel like I was very limited and would still get nerve pain if I went too hard after the fusion with the hardware. It makes sense that those rods and screws were rubbing up against our muscles and limited us with what we could do. Wishing you all the best and thank you again for sharing your journey!
I’m glad you are having more hope again and feeling better. I went into fusion surgery expecting to feel like I did pre injuries and that just isn’t the case. I’ve had to adjust and understand that at 40 now I’ll never lift like I did 10 or 15 years ago. I also just tore my meniscus and had my knee scoped last week so it seems like everything is breaking down now ha. Sucks but will just have to adjust and find a way to stay healthy and workout still. Take care.
hey how are you too day you feel good? çan you run ? can you bend? did you have another hernited disc can you sprint?
Thank you for this video. I am a 54 year old woman and had an L5-S1 fusion 18 months ago. (ALIF) Have had stabbing acute pain on the left side of my spine near the incision site basically since I woke up from surgery. I have tried everything from PT, pain patches, tens unit, Pilates, massage, pain pills, stretches and nothing takes the pain away. My surgeon wasn’t helping me and just wanted to do an SI joint fusion on the left side even though an SI joint steroid injection didn’t help. I finally went to see another surgeon and after a CT scan and MRI we have decided to take my screws out (bearing in mind I only have screws/rod on the left side not both sides). I do have a cage however. I’m waiting to be scheduled for the removal sometime next month. It’s been so long I cannot imagine living without this stabbing pain in my lower back!
Good luck!
Thank you so much for sharing Michael. I can relate to you and your story has given me hope. I had a PLIF L5-S1 Lumbar Fusion at 31 years old. For the past 5 years, I haven’t been able to be as active as I would like to be due to pain and immobility. I thought I was completely done physically and would have to live with the pain for the rest of my life. My surgeon and I discussed hardware removal previously. I am at the point where I am serious about having the hardware removed and getting my life back. Watching your video was exactly what I needed today- thank you again for the inspiration and hope!
I'm glad to help Shawn. I hope hardware removal does as much good for you as it did me. I'm over 3 months post op and still feel way better than I did before. Good luck!
Mike- Hope you are doing well. I met with my surgeon and I’m waiting on a surgery date for the screw removal. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the back pain that has limited my life.
@@oneauthenticlifepodcast I hope it helps you. I still ache in my back but I still feel better than I did before.
@@mikeylikey13 Thanks for your response. I have surgery scheduled on 1/20 to have the 4 screws removed. I know my back will never be perfect but I am currently unable to go on a hike, travel, household chores, do anything athletic without pain that forces me to lay down. I am hopeful that removing the screws will increase my quality of life. I live in California as well and hope that I do more outdoor activities and sports. I hope you can continue to improve and continue to stay active. God bless.
@@oneauthenticlifepodcast That's great let me know how it goes!
I had my hardware removed three weeks ago after 4 years and I feel so much better. I'm still sore from the incisions, but I'm so happy I had the screws and rods removed.
Hi how long is post surgery recovery. I have 6 screws and it’s causing alot of pain. Had my surgery 7 months ago and my surgeon is willing to remove them for me. Should l go for it
Very happy I found your video! Im currently going through the same pain. I had my L4-L5 fused and with 4 screws and rods. I have DDD which caused my L5-S1 to fuse on its own. Im currently going through Aqua Therapy and does help until i get out of water. Then my lower left side of my back goes crazy again and pain runs down my left leg down the outer side and stops at the knee. Sometimes i get a cold sensation down to my left pinky toe. Had enough called my surgeon. Waiting for results for Xray and I also have CT scan October 4th. Good luck bud. Im 40 and i have a 6 month old along with a 3 year old and very difficult to be a father with chronic back pain.
Sounds like we’re a lot alike. If you said you have an extroverted Latin wife then we would be brothers for sure haha. I’m hoping I don’t need to go under the knife again but man the pain at night is torture. I sleep on my stomach which is very bad but it’s basically impossible for me to sleep on my back.
So glad that you found a Doctor to listen to, and yes Glory to God!
Excellent video. Very well stated. It’s amazing how we keep discovering the same things over and over in the medical community. If you had hardware any place else in your body and you complained of pain a couple of times they would take it out. If you broke your arm and had a plate and complained of pain over the top of it they would take the plate out. It used to be very common to go back and take the hardware out of the lumbar spine just like plates and screws any place else in the body. Now no one thinks about taking the hardware out. Just like with any other hardware a certain number of people are going to have pain and need to have their hardware removed. It’s something that surgeons don’t think about often enough. Once again thank you for the informative video.
Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve learned most doctors are pretty ignorant about our pain since most have never experienced fusion or major back surgery. They all know opioids are trash and only hurt people in the end and only mask the pain so they turn to more fusions and more pills for treatment and it really burns me up bc it’s an easy cash grab.
I had surgery a year ago and they performed a lumbar fusion in L4 to S1. The truth is that I feel that the pain in my lower part worsened. I had an x-ray and I read in the results that the pedical screw is loosening. I have not yet seen my surgeon to discuss my result. I'm worried, I'm 37 years old and it's not easy to live with this.
What is your dr say ? Are u going to remove the hardware?
Thank you for this. I just had this done 5 days ago. I have been lucky that my sciatica pain was gone instantly. I am very sceptical that I'm not going to have that pain again. I am 38 and a single mom who had to stay in bed almost all the time. I am grateful for your post should something come up thru my healing process it gives me something to be aware of.
What surgery did you have? How are you doing?
Thank you so much for posting previously and being honest with the update and not leaving us thinking that everything ended up perfectly. I really appreciate hearing that there may be some complications and other procedures that may be necessary. I just had a fusion at L3-L4 and L5. I'm praying that this will be the last surgery needed, but if not that I'm not alone. Thank you again so much for sharing.
Praying for you!
Oh my god…. I am so glad I watched this video. This is exactly what I’m going through, I’m 36 years old. Eight year US Marine veteran, got a L4-L5 fusion 7 years ago. And I have so much pain, especially on my left side.
Wow…I’m getting those removed. Seeing those screws come out and the size of the rose and screw on both sides of the spine. Wow…
So glad I watched this…you my her bro. I’m getting them out.
I'm glad I've inspired if you get time watch my new video I'm in the process of getting PRP and other alternative treatments b/c I'm still not doing that well even after removing the hardware.
Hey Mikey, I watched your video and it gave me a glimmer of hope. I had spinal disc fusion November 1 of 2023 and I feel like a screw of poking at my back. I have been in severe discomfort for the last several months on pain medication, etc.. I am highly considering having the screws removed.
Hey did you get the screws removed? Did it help?
@@charanpreet6073not yet. I have my surgeon appointment Nov 12 next week to discuss the hardware screws and rod removal procedure. I am at the year mark so hopefully I can get it done in this Dec. I have been trying physical therapy, however, it makes the pain worse. I can’t bend over or slightest hunch without pain. I’ll try to circle back later.
@@eric_man1971did you get them out?
I had a PET/CT with contrast after so many tests and returning time and time again complaining of pain. I have a failed fusion of the thoracic spine with hyper kyphosis at 90 degrees. The pet/ct scan finally found the cause to my problems. The screws are in the wrong place, the screws are in the wrong place! Entering my joints connecting my ribs to my spinal cord and entering nerves. I’m so pleased that things are going well for you :)
That is hard for you I’m sure! I wish I was better to be honest. Keeping the faith that new science comes out to help us soon.
Thanks for your videos. I'm 3 1/2 weeks post L4-L5-S1 ALIF. My back feels amazing but the sciatica is worse than ever. It's definitely different than the compression pain I had pre surgery and your video at 8 weeks has given me more hope to just hang in there, as I can't wait to get back to my active lifestyle. So happy to hear you're feeling much better after your hardware removal.
The hope for you is that your fusion ticked off your sciatic nerve and it will calm down in several weeks. Wishing you the best.
Hi thank you so much for this video. I’m 17 months post fusion (L3-S1), and I’m getting my 7 screws/rods out on July 2. Plus a redo of my L5 laminectomy. I hope to god that I get the same great results as you! My right leg is in a lot of pain now; I hope that goes away after this second surgery. Thank you again!!
Good luck!
Thanks for sharing your story!
Thank you for the video, I'm glad you are getting better. and the pain subsided
I am 36 now and have just had a microdiscectomy on L3-L4 3 months ago. I have been dealing with major back pain and sciatica for about 10 years just getting worse and worse the whole time. I felt great for about 2 months after surgery, but now the pain is returning. It is different than before though. I feel fragile. Even the tiniest little thing makes me hurt for days. I have followed all of the doctors orders. I have not lifted more than 25 pound and can could on my fingers how many times I have lifted over 10 pounds. The only thing I have done is squat down quite a bit, but I am extremely careful when I do it. I also have had some bladders issues for the last year or so. I was hoping that would go away, but the doctor said it could take up to 18 months. If anything that has actually gotten worse.
I have never had any mental issues, but this is starting to cause it. I have began to give up hope of ever getting better. I feel like after years of different treatments I have finally done the big thing that was supposed to fix it and it seems like it failed. I feel scared that I will have to live like this forever. When the pain gets bad I begin to panic. I'm not sure where to go from here. I go back to the surgeon soon so I will talk with him about it, but I can't put my life on hold for another 6-12 weeks to have surgery again. I also don't want any more of my disc taken out because that can cause spondylolysis. I have also said I will never get a fusion until it is at the point that I can't walk. I am just kind of at a loss right now and completely full of disappointment.
Thanks for your video, really helps to get other’s experience! I got an L5S1 fusion 3 years ago which left me worse of with neurological pain in feet that is unbearable at times! Had a 2-3-4-5 fusion with screws and rods a year ago from a different doctor! Made things worse! Gonna start working on hardware removal!
Thanks for the information, I just had 4 screws and 2 rods just like in this video on Oct. 13 for my L5-S1 fusion. I’m 72 and hurt my back in my mid 30’s and at 62 started hurting to the point that after almost 10 years I could not stand the pain anymore.
Titanium heavy metal pieces get in your blood and mess things up! I am asking to get mine removed when I go see the surgeon next. I feel like ass. I have ALOT of hardware.
I’m fused t6 all the way down. 26 screws total. It’s awful. 2 1/2 yrs post op and my Dr doesn’t want to do a revision but I never thought about taking the hardware out! I’m thin and it feels like I have rocks in my lumbar evertime I walk or do anything. I’m going to get more opinions and ask about this. Thank you for the video and I hope you’re doing well.
If your bones are already fused together than there’s no risk to removing the hardware.
Hi there! I'm in Sacramento area too. Had back fusion 3 years ago at L4-L5. Was working with a local pain management chain, but they've reached the end of what they can do. Had new imaging done and just saw a PA in my surgeon's office. You're correct in saying 'they don't know because they can't feel what you feel'
The PA bought up something no one has considered; it could be a hardware issue (intuitively I've always felt like my body has been rejecting it) Like you, I was super active prior to surgery and in spite of injections, nerve abaltion and a PNS device the pain has gotten worse. I walk, do Pilates and some light hand weights. Working out should make me feel better, but it has increased the pain. I'm of the opinion, move it or lose it. I refuse to hang out all day & do nothing. I'm older than you are, but dang...no one wants to feel old. That sucks!
Found out another interesting fact: hardware screws can caused increased pain on thin people because it's much closer to the skin & can cause irritation/ inflammation. Found a new doctor who'll inject Lidocaine into the area within the next couple of weeks. If it's successful, I'd like all hardware removed. Thank you for sharing your story. It makes me feel less isolated knowing that someone else has been though this. Blessings from Marci!
Good luck to you! I've done everything they recommend to do to try to make the pain better and now they are saying the only answer is another fusion. F them and their corruption b/c they won't do anything else like PRP or Stem Cells or TRT so I'm continually looking outside the US. I'm getting ready to have stem cells injected directly into my discs in Mexico. I'll do any and everything before I ever get another fusion with these bastards.
@@mikeylikey13 well, that bites! My former pain management Dr moved to Oregon to work in a practice with his brother. The goal was PRP, but new doctor is in her early 30's and wasn't sure where to go with it. She can do it, but insurance doesn't cover it. What I learned is that PRP will increase inflammation (at first) I'm researching doing it with a company in Granite Bay. There are a few places in Sacramento area that do them, but most are Sport Med people & work more on knees, shoulders & wrists. Ugh. So much to learn. I'm with you. Do whatever you need to do to avoid being cut on. I had neck fusion in 2019 as well. Spine stuff is challenging simply because of the body mechanics & load bearing changes. Hang in there. I'm rooting for you!
Hi again, I have no idea if this will help. I'm dealing with a long range problem as well. Can't take pain meds because they make my stomach hurt or I'm allergic to them (severe edema) Using a little Gabapentin (which is standard for nerve pain after back surgery) but can't take recommend amounts, so I'm on a quest to find something more organic. (Not Maryjane)
Found out there are legal remedies I've never heard of:1) Kratom 2) Blue Lotus 3) Kava Kava (knew about that) 4) Wild Opium Lettuce. Obviously anything one puts in one's body has the potential for side effects, so that's scary, but then I look at our medical system and think our ancestors figured this out, hopefully we can too. I'm going to research which ones would be the most beneficial with the fewest side effects & maybe where to buy them. Some can be ordered online, others from a 'head shop' (not my thing, but willing to set foot in one if they have something other than weed) Haha!
I recently just heard about Kratom and how good it is.
Kudos for standing up for your self bro
Thank you Michael dealing with this now. Told my surgeon what was going on and they made me think I was crazy and was not feeling the pain I described. Fast forward hardware is getting removed October 5 and this is my 4th back surgery and I underwent L3-S1 revision decompression and fusion 6 months ago.
Partial removal. Those things are only temporary until the bone heals. Happy for you.
My dr says the hardware stays with you for life unless you have to get another fusion and then they will take it out.
Excellent video.very informative thank you very much. I have what your have L4/5 S1 now 72 very scared.
Thank you for sharing. I’m getting my hardware removed in about a week. Your story sounds very similar to mine.
How do u feel rn?
It's possible that I will be getting my hardware removed in the future as well. Is the recovery process going alright?
How were you able to talk them into removing the hardware? Had L4-L5 fusion 14 months ago, I’m worse off than before! I really feel like it’s the hardware, plus my fusion did not completely fuse, so I’m wearing a bone graft stimulator..
thanks for sharing your story !
Hey Michael. Thank you for the video. I have just been told that the hardware is the cause of my excruciating disabling back pain. i am scheduled to have them removed on October 1. Nervous but you’ve given me hope. Thank you.
That's my birthday so I'm believin you will find some relief on october 1st!
How are you? What surgery did you have?
I’m 37. I had my first decompression surgery on my L4/5 in 2001. Then I had my first fusion in 2014. It didn’t go well, I had my second in the same area in 2019. Everything healed properly this time, and I just had everything taken out on the 31st of October. It’s only been two weeks and I can already feel a difference. I feel much better! I’m taking two months off work to make sure everything heals properly. I’v been dealing with this for far too long.
Can you told me more about your situation since my situation is same as you
@@catman1360 Sure, my first fusion didn’t heal, right. Over a few years, the screws started to come out and they were moving making the holes slightly bigger. It was very painful. The spacer/cage whatever you wanna call it was also put in.. I went to another doctor at Texas back Institute. His name is Dr. Kevan, Ju. He told me what was going on . We set a date and he did my second fusion. After my surgery, he told me the screws were so loose that he was able to pull them out by hand. They also had to go through my stomach to pull the cage out from the front.. I was out of work for four months. I went back to him four months ago. We set another date to take everything out.. now that everything is out I feel better. My toes are not numb anymore. My legs don’t have the shooting pain going down the sides. Now I’m in physical therapy.. I still have surgical pain but it hasn’t been a month yet. Overall I highly recommend Dr.Kevan Ju . If you live Texas. Hope This help you. Anything else you would like to know just ask.
Thank you very much ❤
@@StevenS1986Six6I'm in Texas. Where is Dr. Ju??
@@tthompson6947 Texas back Institute, out of Rockwall Texas just east of Dallas.
Thanks for your video! I had hardware removal surgery today! Hope it works because I have the same illnesses as you! Right now I’m in pain but that’s to be expected
How are you doing?
@@jcgirl2948 terrible! I’m scheduled for a myleogram next week then see my neurosurgeon! I have a spinal cord stimulator and cannot have MRI. I think when the hardware was removed, it made my L4 S1 weaker. I had fusion on L5S1. Both are bad but Dr did L5 first. I have had a cat scan it shows since hardware removal, the L4 S1 disc has come out and on nerve.
@@stacydavis3317 oh no!!! What was your original surgery?
27 here deadlifts in the army did it for me l5 S1 herniation and degenerative disc i really dont want to go down the rabbit hole of surgeries
That sucks! My first herniated disc was when I was 27 and just doing normal seated back rows on a pulley machine. 2nd one was 5 years later when I picked up a tv awkwardly. No rhyme or reason to it other than my genetics are pure garbage for back and arthritis injuries.
@@mikeylikey13 hahah that's my case I picked fucked heavy tv with wrong posture . N slipped disc n sars fracture happened. 😭😭😭 .
I looking forward for surgery I can't bare this every day stiffness n pain .
Hey Michael. Thanks for your post. It just validates that I am not the only one struggling with pain after my L4-S1 fusion. I had the same procedure. ALIF with posterior screws and rods. I am a year post op and having the hardware taken out in another week. Lots of pain when I bend over and crazy leg cramps and burning in my feet. I had an SI Joint RFA to kill the pain but still had a lot of pain where my incisions were. I am praying that removing the hardware helps. I swim in the ocean 3-4 times a week a 1/2 to a mile. It’s the only exercise I can do these days. I was always an athlete going up and contribute my back problems to many years of playing hockey and lacrosse in high school and college along with heavy weight lifting. I appreciate you sharing your struggles!
Jason
Hey Jason, I am soooo sorry about your bad experience with the fusion surgery. Sounds to me like the doctor that performed your surgery didn't know what he was doing. I just had that TLIF surgery Sept. 6th and I am surprised it went well for me. Only complications I am really having is the drainage that keeps coming out of my back, but my doctor said it's not an infection because my bandages don't smell bad, my wounds are not warm to the touch and I am not running a fever. Doesn't help that I am diabetic and that I also drink and smoke cigarettes. I know bad habits in which they are hard to quit at one time and those are more than likely the reasons why my incisions haven't fully healed yet and why I still have drainage.
I’m still in pain and going to Mexico next month to find alternative procedures like PRP, TRT, Stem cells, and prolotherapy.
How did it go? Same problem as you…
Thank you for posting this!!! Im in a similar situation. I have a thoracic spinal fusion & have had issues ever since (10yrs) it took this long to find out my a screw is out of place. I cant find a surgeon to take the Hardware out. I was active and in the gym 2x a day before all of this. Im only 33. They just wanna put me on pain meds to deal with it.
Oh snap! 😞
The surgeon that removed my hardware was inexperienced in removing hardware which I think most of them are. Just tell them that’s what you want and to tell you which doctor will do it. Pain meds are a joke. I deal with pain still and the only thing that helps are ice paks. I hope you are able to find some relief.
I have had back surgery I have had spine function bill that muscle up in your back is the key get those back muscles strong
Thank you for your video. I had 360° double lumbar fusion. 2013. I, too, have always been an active beast. I'm now 61 in 2022. And I've had approximately. 4 months out of each year , I was not knocked down by pain. I was labeled by pain management and permanent nerve damage. And it would not change. So I've had Radio-frequency ablation every 7 to 8 months. Like clock work. Ever since my fusion, Those stopped working. And I began to realize that most pain literally started at my screws. Then exploded through the hips and the rest of the lumbar. After suggested several times to my pain management Dr, I thought it was my screws that were causing pain. Swelling literally comes out around the top left screw. So I went back to surgeon. He did 2 expiremental scar tissue blasting techniques. After those, mine. He agrees that they need to be removed. I should be scheduling soon. I'll update how it did or did not help.
I’m still dealing with pain again. Might look into platelet rich plasma. Glad you’re getting it taken out.
Ive had two major surgeries, L5- S1 and two years later L5-4-3-2 fusion with rods and screws! Neither surgery helped last one made me worse! Thinking of having all hardware removed as I never had back pain just leg pain until the 5-4-3-2 fusion now have serious back pain! I had minimally invasive surgery for ruptured disc twice before these and they were great!
Thanks for sharing! It definitively helps to hear from similar situations!
I had a back fusion from t10-l2 with 10 screws and 2 rods in 2020 at 17 years old. Now, 2024 I’m 21 I have a loose screw. I’m going back to physical therapy! Wish me luck
I got my back hardware removal surgery scheduled for November 26th. Hopefully it all goes smoothly! Thank you for sharing your story and giving me more of an insight.
I’ve had a similar experience with my S1-L5 fusion and spacer disc replacement, which I had about 5 years ago. It added about half an inch to my height, but the pain has been relentless. No matter which way I bend-forward, backward, or sideways, I get sharp pains, sometimes so intense it feels like electricity shooting down my legs and lower area.
I’ve seen multiple doctors, and they all say the same thing: removing the hardware could cause stability issues, even though my MRI shows the fusion is strong and holding.
I’m currently on short-term disability because the pain prevents me from working. I’m in the process of getting pain clearance at USC Keck on January 9th to try a spinal cord stimulator. To be honest, I’m not thrilled about having leads in my back, a battery, and a remote to manage the pain. If I had the option to remove the two rods and four screws without risking stability, I’d much rather go that route for a permanent solution instead of a temporary Band-Aid.
If anyone in the Southern California area knows a surgeon willing to explore hardware removal as a solution for better, long-term relief, I would greatly appreciate the recommendation.
Hey Mike I have a surgery coming up to get the rods out of my back. I’m kinda nerves because I’ve lived with them for about 13 years and pretty much have stayed in pain. Your video today really eased my mind to know that taking this chance really will be for the better! ( I know every experience is difference) I’m a pretty active person and I don’t want to hurt just to move around! Thank you this🙏🏾🫶🏾🙏🏾 For the boost of confidence!
It probably can’t make it worse I’d assume. Good luck!
So much of what you said I can relate to. I'm 40 now and had an L4-S1 fusion at 25. The only difference is that I was good for many years after the surgery. It allowed me to return to boxing/wrestling and many other sports. However about two years ago pain started again. L3 slippage over L4, disk herniations, and bi lateral foraminal stenosis. Looking at another surgery this spring ALIF and removal of the hardware I've had for 15 years. I'm hoping I can get rid of this pulling/squeezing pain in my legs and back. The doctor I saw seem to really understand the pain I'm in every day.
I hope it gives you some relief!
Hi Michael. Thanks for sharing your journey. I've been suffering from chronic low back pain for about 15 years. I'm 49 now and would consider my self physically fit. I've always been very active in many sports(hockey, skiing, golf, ran my last 1/2 marathon 3 years ago) which I think is why the back pain has been nothing more than just an inconvenience as it would periodically flair up, I would rest and then return to full activities within a couple days. Two years ago it started getting worse, not recovering as quick, to today where I have lost ability to do all sports or physical activities without major low back, oblique and glute pain and tightness. Even simple day to day activities like yard work or repetitive bending down to pick something up or even tie my shoes is a choir and causes the pain and stiffness to increase drastically. Doctors(2) say MRI shows that my L5 S1 disc is basically gone. Other than that everything else looks good above and below those vertebra's, rest of spine looks healthy. The two doctors say I have a choice of nerve end burning(rhizodomy) or fusion and then ask which one I want to do(say what, I have to decide - they say they want the patient to contribute to the decision). Did you try the nerve burning route first before fusion? My pain is manageable without narcotics which is good, but that's only because I'm not doing anything which is bad. Tried the physio route for 8 months, seemed to be working until I tried to get active again and then right back to where I was. I'm in Canada and while it's nice that all treatments are covered, unfortunately its an extremely long wait to get anything done. I would be open to try the nerve burning, but it will likely take 8 months before they complete the injection test and then do the nerve burning. Then if that doesn't work or is only short lived, it's on to fusion which would then be over a year wait to get that done. I really don't want to wait almost 2 years to get the fusion if that's what I'm going to end up needing. I just don't know if I should try the nerve burning first or not. The doctors made it sound like fusion at my young age (yeah right) would put me at early risk of needing fusion at L4 L5 at some point. Yet you and many others have had fusion done way younger than me. I just don't know if the minor (but in my mind major) pain, discomfort and loss of quality of life I'm dealing with is enough to risk fusion. I really want to be physically active again.
Hey Todd yeah I heard about how "great" the insurance is up there but then you have to wait forever to even get it which sucks. I did two nerve ending burns here but they called them Ablations i'm not sure if that's the same thing just called differently or what but that was post op and I never had it done before I did fusion. If you don't have a disc which is the cushion between your vertebrae I'm not quite sure why burning the nerve roots would help and also I was told the nerves grow back like within a year and you have to do it again and again. Doctors always say they are worried about needing to to do additional fusions later on b/c of the adjacent vertebrae syndrome I think it's called. I can't really speak to that but I do know one of the doctors told me he would do that instead of just removing the hardware and thank God I didn't listen to him! Active people like us aren't looking to slowly grow old and die and lay motionless the rest of our lives and we shouldn't have to believe that that's what the only answer is. I highly recommend getting a 2nd or 3rd or 4th opinion if you haven't already and have every doctor look at your mri and tell you what they think is best. If you don't have any disc left it sounds like getting a disc replacement would be what you needed but take my opinion with a grain of salt b/c I'm not a doctor and i've never seen your mri's. I hope you find some answers soon.
@@mikeylikey13 Hey Michael. Yes the ablations is the same as the rhizotomy (ie nerve burning), maybe slightly different procedure used. However as timing would have it, I saw my surgeon yesterday and pleated with him to try and see if he could get me in sooner for the injections. And what do you know, I got a call today to go in next Tuesday. So at least I can try that first and see if I get some relief instead of jumping straight to the fusion. The fusion scares me so for piece of mind I want to try all less intrusive options first. I hope you are able to post more videos in the future and hope you continue to feel well.
Hi todd. You may go for artificial disc replacement.
Your story is inspirational! I have herniated disc L4, L5, S1 now pretty much bone on bone. Looking at my options not sure on surgery. Keep the faith, find balance in how you approach workouts. I no longer dead-lift, and ensure my dumbbells are at waist height (rack) so I am not bending to floor. Hang in there.
Yeah that sounds a lot like me. I'm very careful picking up anything that goes below my knees b/c it's very stiff at that level.
Was it due to deadlifts?
I had an accident in 2022 and suffered a T1-T3 spinal injury. After the accident, I underwent an invasion procedure. Since then, I’ve had many X-rays and visited several doctors. Most of them advised that removing the hardware might help, and they mentioned that the situation could improve or resolve over time. I also consulted pain management specialists, and they performed a radiofrequency procedure, which reduced the pain significantly. However, the pain is still present because I continue to experience discomfort. The pain doesn’t prevent me from living my daily life, but it’s constant, persistent, and exhausting. The doctors recommended that after three years, it would be safe to remove the hardware, and now, after nearly three years, I’m seriously considering this option i’m 38 years old now hopefully this makes me feel better
I had a laminectomy and fusion of my L4-L5 back in October of last year. After surgery I can no longer walk. I can walk around the house for a couple minutes before I lose strength and slowly go to the floor and the dr says he don’t know why. I’m 50 and feel like I’m 80 years old
Thanks for your video. Ive had 7 Thorasic Vertabrae fused with 12 screws & 2 rods from T4 to T10. Its been 18 months and going well however i am considering hardware removal. Doctors tell there is no benefit but I am thinking differently.... Always gotta trust your gut instincts with things like this hey.
My mom is about to have her hardware removed but we’re all hesitant for her to have another surgery because it’ll be her third and thirst two actually made her worse. Can I ask if you were experiencing numbness of your lower legs and feet also feelings of heaviness from the screws too along with the pains? It’s been a struggle o say the least for the last 8 years after her fusions and the only thing the doctors can try at this point is to remove the hardware and see if that helps. She’s been going through severe depression too so we all were under the impression that a lot of her pain was mental which I’m sure some are but I’m very happy to hear your story and extremely happy for you that you’re doing better because we know exactly what you’ve been going though because my my has gone through the same journey with just as many doctors if not more, telling her there’s not much they can do or find. You give us hope so thank you!
I didn’t have any radiating pain down my legs. I still have pain and the hardware removal didn’t help me.
I have battled with different doctors for four years complaining that my rods and screws are stabbing me and getting caught in my scare tissue! I found a new doctor and he listened to me and suggested I have my left side L4L5 hardware removed !He said I am fused and can live with out them ! I return for my follow up Dec 12 2025 ! I feel so relived from the constant jabbing and and pain!I can sleep on my back again ! I can also stand up straight as well! I have my life back ! Don’t give up !
Micheal great video! I have a fusion giving me problems. It’s been 3 years since my surgery it feels like muscles in back are rubbing against hardware.I’m going see my Dr in 2 weeks thanks for video!
Where is your fusion?? Is it cervical
Mid back T12-L1
@@Boudreaux911 ok
Any update
I did X-ray’s and everything looks good. He said the level under fusion has a little degeneration that could be causing pain. And also could be scar tissue since I have had 2 6 inch cuts. Now I have to get injections to try and find exactly where pain is coming from.
Thank you for the testimony Mikey!
Thanks for sharing your story.
I had a fusion in the back a year ago. Once I awoke from the surgery, I felt pain. I continued to tell my surgeon I was in pain. I continued to complain until recently, and I had an MRI. He said everything looked great. I received a written copy of my MRI, which stated my L4 was pinched as well as my attending physician. He straight faced told me it wasn't . He says it appears I might need to take the hardware out. I'm frightened, but this pain radiates across my back and down both legs. Like you, I had spondylolisthesis, all other issues. The doctor said today I may need to remove the hardware. I want to know how long did it take you to get up and move from the reopening of the surgery? What is the recovery time frame?
It’s almost zero recovery. Literally takes them an hour and you go home later that day. You should take it easy but recovery is quick.
I had a 7 level fusion L-4/T10 .. 3 back surgeries, and now I blew out my two lower discs due to all of the hardware above taking a toll over the years… I now need two cages for support.. I’m in pain 24/7 so I know what you are talking about. My first surgery was at 38 and here I am at 53 now and still dealing with the pain 🤦🏽♂️ it’s right down disheartening and depressing.
Keep looking for answers. We’re too young to live like this.
congratulation, i am glad to kniw that your implantation were removed. spine surgeon know everthing, they just dont want to share and tell.
It didn’t help me.
I had a titanium block placed between my L4 and L5 vertebrae and it's hollow and the doctor puts bone fragments inside the block to increase the fusion process. The block also maintains the spacing between your vertebrae. I go back to get my stitches out in 2 days. I have about 11 stitches and the incision site looks great. I shouldn't have much of a scar.
Hi. I’m 65, 5’2, 125lb. I had PLIF one year ago in L4-L5-S1 with cage, rods and screws and donor bone. It feels like I have a brick in my lower back. It’s heavy and pulls my upper body down. My issue with removing hardware is, I am allergic to pain meds. After my surgery, they overdosed me with dilauded, had to administer Narcan. I vividly remember them saying ‘hey, her bp is 90/50’ and I blacked out. My whole 1 year of recovery has been with Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Now the Dr says he can remove the screws, but, afraid to have surgery again with me allergy to pain meds. I told my dr I feel this hardware 24/7. I have just decided that I just can’t do much, walk much, or lift over 10 lbs. wanted to see if anyone else has had this repair and can feel the hardware. Thanks! Glad your removal of the screws and rods helped you!
It didn’t help me for very long. My next treatment will be PRP next month.
Thanks for the info. Same problem here. 1&1/2 years from l5 s1 and can’t sit, lift, any activity aggravates my back shutting me down. I was thinking hardware, hopefully after seeing this I can have some hope.
I hope so too!
after back surgery i think the only activites you should do is walking and biking. No jogging or running, unless you want more surgery!
Thank you for your video.
I had back fusion surgery five years ago and have been in pain ever since. X-rays show 3 of the screws have gone all the way through the bone.
I’ve gone to three orthopedic surgeons none of them will remove my hardware. Some have said it’s in too dangerous of a position. I would either be left paralyzed or bleed out.
I’m totally ready to take the chance.
I just need to find a right doctor.
Could you please tell me who your doctor was?
I’m really getting desperate.
Thank you for your time
Sincerely,
Debbie Calton
Sure the Dr that did mine is Dr Griffith at Kaiser Vacaville, CA
Thank you, thank you thank you Mike
@@mikeylikey13'I'm not that guy that's gonna sit around with back problems all my life", careful....I know what you mean but the more you get speedjobs by sociopaths, the more you will see those people you've judged might not have had a choice...look up "operation spinal cap" to see just one spine hardware manufacturer had 169 surgeons indicted under investigation!! Then poof! No follow ups I could find....have cervical problems limits research greatly so by all means, let us know what you find... There's been many more scams, that's just the most blatant I could find estimated $2 billion made from... Best of luck to you (ps, radiologists other surgeons etc "cover" for screw ups even if they never have a chance of working with anyone that might know your surgeon I've found numerous times.... You have to ask a blatant question you know the answer to, to ferrit them put
so many of us in the same boat. Constant pain is miserable. I am amazed at all the people suffering this. I just had TLIF L4L5 3 mos ago and praying it helps. Very scary. God bless you and best of luck!
Discseel sounds promising. Injecting the disc and filling it back up with fibrin vs getting screws and bolts drilled into your spine
Yes but I think Hydrafil might be even better when it comes out!
@@mikeylikey13 yeah just will take 30 years until insurance covers it or is available. I have an annular tear in every lumbar disc and had a l4-l5 hernia so big was blocking my spinal fluid. Had a disectomy on it but only helped like 20% with pain. Thinking of just dropping the 15k or whatever and getting discseel before my spine decides to flare up to the point I can't move again.
@@mikeylikey13 Just looked at when they'll complete their second clinical trial and it won't be done until almost 2028. Will be A LONG time before we will see it in the US. They might be offering it in south korea sooner though.
HYDRAFIL is doing the 2nd clinical trial currently. Not sure where you read 2028 at?
@@mikeylikey13 Not yet recruiting
HYDRAFIL-D: HYDRogel Augmentation For Intervertebral Lumbar Discs (HYDRAFIL-D). Study Completion (Estimated)
2027-07. From clinicaltrials.gov. 07 of 2027 so basically 2028.
I've undergone two surgeries, the first being an anterior discectomy at L4-L5 S1. Unfortunately, the discs shifted, causing further complications. Subsequently, I had a L4-L5 S1 back fusion, which unfortunately didn't fuse properly, leaving me still in significant pain. I want to stress that age should not dictate access to pain relief or quality of life. Regardless of whether someone is 70 or 99, nobody deserves to live in chronic pain or be bedridden. My father, at 77, maintains excellent health, walks fine, and has great posture, disproving any notion that age alone should limit mobility and wellness. It's essential that everyone has the opportunity to live without constant suffering and to maintain their ability to move freely."
Sadly our corrupt and evil health care system doesn’t care about our pain, it only cares about money.
I’m scheduled for hardware removal from L4-5 L5-S1 on august 16, 2022. It’s been 18 months since my lumbar fusion. I’ve not been able to get anywhere close to my previous activity level since my fusion. I hope this fixes my problems.
hey did you remouve the hardeware ? are you ok you still in shape are you aible to walk ?
I'm dealing with the same situation. I had a fusion of L4-L5, and I'm having this sharp pain on my left side like something is sticking me. When I try to do very much at all, the pain gets so bad that I have to sit back in the recliner or lye down. It usually makes me feel nauseous. I've thought about having the hardware removed. My Surgeon wants to go back in and remove some scar tissue, but I feel like it's something sharp like a screw causing the pain. Thanks for the video!
I know this video is 3 years old but I am responding anyway lol. am so glad you are doing better after the hardware removal. I know it's invasive, but I don't see why they can't remove the hardware more often for people who are especially sensitive to stuff like that if the spine has fused properly. But, my one question is (and I am not trying to be mean) why did you put out a video 2 years after the surgery saying you were doing good if you were not any better before the surgery? Maybe I heard you wrong or it's a miscommunication on my part if I interpreted it wrong. Again, just a question, and I am so glad you are doing better. It's rough when you can't get back to normal life. I haven't had a normal life in 2 years. It's even hard to make it around the house.
Hi initially I was doing better then as the bones fused everything got worse than before. My timeline shows that and just wanted to be honest and open at every point along the way. I didn’t want to ignore the fact that today I feel worse than ever and make it clear I’d never had gotten fusion 7 years ago if I could do it all over again.
Wow. I've have my L4 L5 fused with the screws still in me now for 15 years now. And been through the exact same things with all the MRI'S, CT SCANS, INJECTIONS. I've been telling my doctors that I know its coming from the area where the " hardware" is. Like you said, they cant figure out why I still have so much pain. The other specialist I was seeing did mention that they could take the hardware out, but I'm a little worried what and how I'd feel if it get removed. But after watching this, I think it's time to ask about getting it taken out. Thanks for sharing your story.
I’m glad I could help you. I feel better since removing mine and I recommend it in cases like yours.
Hi i have same isssue. i have 4 herniated surgery. 5th was fusion and is now 10 years ago. I talk to 4 doctor now to compare.... my screw hit the s1 nerve that give me the pain all the time and some kind of electric chock when i twist to side to side.... im so tried of it. to fight this back problem for 12 years...... in germany they have implant they call m6. the avoid fusion cus of you loose mobility but with m6 implant they said is similar to a real disk...... i dont know who to belive after 12 year. im 40
@@gtrdk8205 What was the cause of your back injuries?
The screw jabbing the muscle you talk about is exactly what I’m dealing with. My one year appointment is in September and I hope that we can just go ahead and pull the stuff out.
Had S1-L4 fused for the same reasons you had....that was in 2018....now have to have L4-L1done...and my thoracic has scoliosis...my neck is fused, back in 2015....so thankful to hear your video, they are taking out my hardware from my lumbar and putting in new hardware where I need it....now I wonder if the screws are bothering me too....
Thanks for the video , I have the same problem and will have to get the alif surgery for the L5 S1 also
Thanku Mike for video...same deal here. Stay well.
One year after hardware removal, how are you doing? I had exact Alif/plif procedure. Then pain just like yours. Then hardware removal, just like yours. But pain didn’t get better. Wondering if relief lasted for you or if you’re still battling pain?
Wow sorry to hear you don’t feel better. I feel better overall. I couldn’t even stand for very long without it bothering me a lot and that has gotten way better. I hope you find a solution. That’s tough for you I’m sure.
I’m sorry 😞
I just got the green light from my orthopedic surgeon to get my spine hardware removed from T8 to L2. Its been 9 years since my 2nd fusion. My spine is fused so the hardware can come off. Im having very bad back pain in my mid left area around T8 and wraps around my rib cage and some low back pain. My pain doctor suggested having my hardware removed since im having continued and worsening pain. Hoping for the best. Im also turning 38 next month.
Good luck man
L5S1 fusion 3 yes ago. I've been dealing with moderate to severe pain daily. Neurosurgeon walks in and says "you need a stimulator" I said maybe you need to get another mri 1st!! Well they did get the price and there we re e several changes but they said the hardware was intact. So why all this pain??? I just want some quality of life and asked if they could just keep me comfortable. WELL HERE I AM 1 YEAR INTO SEEING THE SAME NEURO AND HE SENT ME TO PAIN MANAGEMENT DR also. I have been here with these 2 doctors for a full year ND trust me, they have not kept me comfortable. I have endured a spinal o section, whoooooHoooooo. ThT did absolutely nothing. I did not want that spinal stimulator that they were pushing on me. Well I went thru the spinal stimulator trial and begged God to take me. It was the worst experience ever. The trial failed and now I'm just waiting for follow up visit with both physicians. ❤blood pressure is running 218/116. I'm afraid I'm gonna have a stroke,but they seem unbothered. They say it's just from the pain. Should I just come out ND beg them for pain pulls to at least keep me comfortable?? They have prescribed nothing and I'm really just begging for help. Any suggestions?? I know there is an epidemic of people missing using narcotics, but sorry, I'm a grandmother and was very active. I don't look lime these methods heads and junkies that has ruined it for the people whom really need the help. Like I said, Can you just keep me comfortable so I have some quality of life. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!!
I didnt know hardware could be removed! I thought it was the main suport for the spine! 😮
The vertebrae grow(fuse) together after a while. So the hardware is just needed to hold it in place while the bones grow together. Once it’s fused the hardware does nothing for you- except irritate soft tissue.
I had c1 & c2 fused from a fracture. With screws and rods. He took that hardware out while fusing c3-c5 hopefully will help so far?????( Done 3 weeks ago)
10:38 pm. I had s1-l5 laminectomy in 2013 because of a r/s disc bulge. My pain was my sciatic running down my right butt and ended up in my right foot. To the point I was on crutches. Tried all types of pain mgmt shots which did not help. After the surgery the sciatica pain went away but I still had some light foot pain. With meds I could handle it. Kept seeing he my neurosurgeon every 6 months because numbness started to appear and the heal pain. Then the numbness was going up my right shin. Was getting hard to walk because you can’t tell where your foot is going. So at the end of 2019 the surgeon said he was going to remove the l-5 disc and install a cage. Well along came Covid and I could not get anyone to do the surgery. In the meantime my left foot started going numb with pins and needles pain but strong. And then the right foot started getting this burning pain and bad numbness. So in 2022 they decided to install a spine stimulator. Tried different programs till 2023 with no help. Found a new neurosurgeon who said I needed s-1 l-5 l-4 fusion and 2 disc replacements. But since the nerves were being disturbed for so long that I would probably only get 50 percent better. I figured that was worth the risk because even with gabapentin and hydrocodone my pain was always 9-10 pain range 24-7. Had the surgery September 12 and work up with extreme pain in my back and my right leg was totally numb. Could not even feel my foot and the right leg was extremely weak. The left leg and foot wasn’t too bad. Only light numbness and weakness. I was told before surgery the I would only be in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. I wound up staying for almost 2 weeks as they were teaching me how to walk all over again. At home I can only walk with a walker and the doc said with all the damage I had and had to be fixed, I am looking at 4 to 6 months before I will get my strength back. I need to wear a large back brace all the time unless I was in bed laying on my back. So I am just saying if you need back surgery,don’t wait too long to have it fixed because it seems the longer you wait the more pain you will wind up with later on. I was 63 when I had my first surgery.
Did they diagnose you with cauda equina syndrome?
I have seven screws in my back L4 L5 and two rods
I appreciate your shared you experience have exactly the same problem it is the same problem I get fusion l5s1 and still I have pain in my left side and I got the MIR and the doctor say exactly happened to you' have to remove the screws i am a little nervous and scare because He has to takes it out of the screw I don't know what is the next reaction in my body Some people told me no take the screws but I don't think it's a good idea because I still have pain I can walk so much and holding my Little son.
I’m going through the same thing now I wish I never did the surgery actually looking up how or who to go to for removal if possible because I’m in active pain soon as I tried to go work out I’m on on 34
Great video. What did they use for your fusion? Your bone from the lamina? Did they remove your lamina?
They didn’t use any of my bone just the hardware.
I had my surgery same time as you, I have 60 screws from my neck to my hips, I am not able to walk right, no good balance: no pain thank God , but I have to use a cane to walk. I feel like my back wobbles, I think the screws in my hips are long also, I want to get those removed
I have had a spinal fusion and want to hear more bout your story: I was 31 when it happened and lost my Mom the next year. Just wanting some support. Best wishes to you !!
I hope you are getting better!
I have L5-S1 fusion, same surgery like yours, cut me front and back. Almost 13 month ago. The pain you described was exactly how I felt, have pain on the lower left side. My doc mentioned maybe was the hardware. I am still thinking if I should take it out.
It’s low risk to remove it takes only like 45 minutes but for me the pain didn’t ever go away. I still am dealing with pain.
@@mikeylikey13 Thanks. Would it effect on the fusion part if the rods and screws are being removed? Thanks!
Great video Ifeel exactly like you... been active all my life... now I feel like I am 80... I can barley move athletically, can not even jog... can only walk.... Can't lift weights.... Had L4/L5 fusion...april 2020, . but now I am told my L5/S1 disc is the issue.... looking at fusion at L5/S1... debating doing it... my lower back on left side is also giving me issues... When I sit in a chair and lean forward it kills.... sitting in bath tub leaning forward hurts bad as well.... rolling over in bed hurts... Even when I am in the process of standing up... it kills until I get all the way up.... What were your issues or can you describe your pain before the fusion? Just trying to see if my pain is from L5/S1. My biggest complaint with back doctors is they should be able to see you move, see what causes you pain and know what the issue is..... Good luck and keep us posted on any updates... going to subscribe now... I almost forgot... every time I sneeze my back kills as well...
Yeah main sneezing used to be the worst of all! I had a lot of the same stuff. Sitting in a chair too long would make me very uncomfortable. Any forward bending. Or picking anything up. I hope you find out what’s going on soon!
@@mikeylikey13 Thanks!
Did you end up fusing your spine together? 😊
@@imveryhungry112 I had revision surgery in April of 2023 at L4/L5 where the surgeon didn't think I fused originally, and it seems to have fixed some of the pain I was having so glad I did it.
I’m so sorry your going thru this. Your my son in laws age.
You are 1000% right. The drs pass you off and you go back and forth. I had fusion L4-5 july 2019. Since then I had bilateral ifuse in June 2021 and much worst. Being told now from cat scan that on my L4-5 fusion that the screw is sticking into my nerve canal. This may have been the problem all along. I am so mad and afraid. I am getting the left side screws taken out in a couple weeks. They want me to get an injection first to make sure. I mean if you can see a screw in my nerve canal then why do more tests.
I am hoping it helps as much as it seems to have helped you.
Do you feel unstable with only one side being taken out?? My dr said he will only take one side out. How are you now.
I still keep getting the run around. I am in Boston mass and have flown out to Washington DC for prp $1300.00 and hydrodissection and prolotherapy. None of this helped at all.
There is a doctor that is smart with the nerves but he doesn’t take insurance. His name is Dr Tim Tollestrup. Look him up. He talks about so many surgeon doctors that don’t know anything about the nerves.
I’m having the same surgery on 10/30. I’m really scared, but I’m more afraid of the damage I can keep causing myself if I don’t get this surgery. My right leg goes numb on me because my L5 has slipped forward and I fractured my L5-S1 and it didn’t heal correctly. I noticed this video is 3 years old…how do you feel now?
I feel worse than ever. Still looking for anything that will help wo having to go under the knife. DDD is mainly what I’m dealing with.