[nancy524]

I had the kyphoplasty

by nancy524 on Fri Jul 12, 2013 5:47 pm

Well I was admitted again for pain and had the kyphoplasty on 7/9 on my lumbar area.
I don't see where everyone says this is immediate relief, I am in just as much pain now as I was before. I came home Thursday and have been in bed ever since, its still just as hard to get around as is was before, had a real bad dizzy spell today.
Could it be it may just take longer for me or what? I was hoping after reading how many people got relief from this surgery that I would be up and around with no problems. Any sugesstions? thanks, Nancy

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: I had the kyphoplasty

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Sat Jul 13, 2013 3:44 pm

Dear Nancy,

The pain relief typically occurs quite quickly with this procedure. I would have expected positive results by now. Are there other collaped vertebrae in the same area? Do you have any pain/numbness/tingling radiating down one leg or both? Did you have a recent MRI of the lumbar spine?

Thanks!

Pete V.

[nancy524]

Re: I had the kyphoplasty

by nancy524 on Sat Jul 13, 2013 8:52 pm

Dr. Voorhees,
No pain, numbness or anything going down legs. Had MRI when I was in hospital in May.
I do have other fractures above this but they said anything over 3 months old cannot be fixed with the kyphoplasty. Also I bent over again today to pick something up and had another pinching feeling on the left side of the beltline. This is how this fracture came about they just fixed bending over to pick something up, if I can fracture that easy I am in big trouble. I am in just as much pain today as I was before the kyphoplasty. I don't know what to do anymore. I work part time and receive disability, I am only 59, I am considering quitting working and getting someone to come in and help take care of me, I don't even want to get out of bed unless I have to. I still need to make an appointment. for 10 days to see the doctor who did the surgery.
Thanks, Nancy

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: I had the kyphoplasty

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Sun Jul 14, 2013 11:24 am

You may need to repeat imaging of the lumbar spine to see if there are any new compression fractures or progression of existing fractures. This will also determine if there has been any leakage of the material used for the kyphoplasty (which does not occur often). Other things to consider:

1. Make sure you are receiving zometa or pamidronate to prevent additional bone setbacks.
2. Consider referral to a pain and/or spine center to optimize pain medications, explore other options to alleviate pain, consider a rehabilitation program / physical therapy to strengthen the paraspinous muscles in your lower back and your abdominal musculature to help stabilize your lower back.

Hang in there!

Pete V.