reflex sympathetic dystrophy after 3 level lumbar fusion front & back

[Shelly P]

Hi,
I'm trying to find out if anyone else has gotten RSD after a lumar fusion from L-3 to s-1. I have 11 screws, 3 rods & a bottom plate. After about 6 weeks I got horrible burning in my right foot with swelling, heat, & intense pain. About a week later I got in the other foot. The Doc put me on Nuerontin full dosage. But I still have major pain. He said to give it 6 months. Otherwise I'm doing quite well. Back to work way sooner than most after this horrible surgery. They used artificial bone through my stomach with about a 6 inch incision & about an 8 inch incision in my back. He told me it was probably from damaged nerves trying to grow & reconnect. My therapy is to walk which I do but now my heals hurt from walking on them. I also have a bit of pain behind both knees.
Does anyone else know more about this? Will it ever go away?
Thanks,
Shelly P

[shell74]

Hello Shelly,

I have also had similiar symptoms after my fusion (L5-S1) thats was done August of 08. I started off great but after the 3rd month I got horrible cramps, tingling and burning in my ankes, back of my knees and shins, it has since started in my forearms, neck and chest too. My OS says it will go away and my nerve is just irritated (however that doesnt explain the upper body), but the NS says we need to look at RSD. I do not have an official diagnosis, for me I am getting the run around. From speaking to others the best plan of attack is to find a pain management doctor that is experienced in dealing with RSD.

Have you checked out the RSD section of this site?

I am so happy you are back to work, at this point I am off for the rest of the school year. The kids I work with are to rough for me at this point. I can only walk a little bit at a time till my legs burn and cramp up horribly. As of now I have less tolorance for activity than before surgery.

I hope you are doing a bit better since your post, since that was a bit ago.

Take Care,
Shell

[loz62]

Hi Shelly, how are you doing? I has a fusion of L4/5 and L5/S1, 6 weeks ago tomorrow and I too have developed burning under my feet. Prior to surgery I had problems with numbness but that seems better. When I asked my surgeon about it he seemed not interested. My pains are much better so he felt things were going well. Have you found out any thing else about these symptoms and have you tried any medication that helps. I have found it really difficult to get any advice about what to expect post op from the doctors here.
regards.