Hello Binion,

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry to read about the past failed surgery.

I frankly would have no time for a doctor who made excuses and seems to not really care in finding out the reason for your pain since your 2nd surgery. Something obviously is not right.

A question - Did you go to a another spinal surgeon for your 2nd surgery? Another question - Have you had an x-ray since your surgery?

May I suggest that you seek out the very best spinal surgeon in your area other than the doctor(s) you have already seen.

I wish you the best. Do let us know how things go for you.

Take care.

RichT

I went to a different doctor after the first surgery because the first doctor told me nothing was wrong with me. The second doctor, who is to be among the best in his field, diagnosed me with the failure and did the second surgery.
He and his nurse do not think this current pain is associated with the second fusion although neither has seen me. They are going on phone calls and my discriptions. I don't know how to describe it other than pain below my fusion by my tailbone. They have x-rayed and the fusion has seemed to have taken, but it does not excuse the terrible pain I am in.
Cal Ripken came to Ohio for this doctor to operate on him and everyone I speak with, including PT other doctors, say he is the best. I have an appointment next week with him. I am afraid he is going to respond the same way his nurse is responding. I'm sure she has relayed her thoughts to him, so why would he think otherwise. In 20 years of pain, only persistance has succeeded in getting me diagnosed. Thank you for your concerns and I will definitely post any news I get.

Hello Binion,

Thank you for your post and the added info. On the surface at least it seems you did your research and had one of the very best spinal surgeons in your area for you 2nd surgery.

My gut reaction - The doctor's nurse has a negative attitude, etc. and she is passing that on to your doc. Some nurses and PAs are like that. My pain management doc's new PA is a B*t@h!!! From now on I'm not going to tell her anything.

Keep up your persistance!!!!! (And tell your doc you only want to speak with him without her presence.) I hope your appontment goes well!!!!!

RichT

Hello Binion

From the information given I would say that you have possibly suffered what is sometimes called a chronic soft tissue(ligment,tendon,muscle,,,)injuries in the lower back and bottock region due to 20 years chronic back pain. which could have been present before the surgery and could lead to conductible pain to your tailbone . The surgery could aggravate and bring about more symptoms from this pre-existing problem. Clinically,it's quite common condition.

This is solely for discuss purposes and should in no way be a substitute for a formal evaluation by a certified physician.

Take care!

Binion, is your pain 24/7 or is it increased due to circumstances, such as sitting? If so I would recommend a seat cushion with tailbone cut-out. This reduces pressure on the tailbone. Other than that I would recommend a pain specialist as you may be a candidate for laser spine surgery or maybe a pain pump, such as the one I am having a trial for... oh and I like it!