Fibrin Injections - 3 Level - 6/11/10

[longroadahead]

Had the Fibrin Sealant injections done at 3 levels on June 11th. The Dr. and everyone was extremely nice and felt 2 of the 3 disc being injected which really hurt.

I had to lay down 90 minutes after having the procedure and then I was asked to stand up. The pain was immediate and excruciating that I had to lay back down for another 30 minutes with an injection of pain reliever.

4 weeks later I am still in pain and feels like there is still a lot of pressure in the inflated disc. It is a 6 week recovery so am hoping the pain will subside.

These are things that caused pain before the procedure but the pain now is much worse:
1. Sitting down and trying to lift both knees to chest.
2. Turning over in bed while laying down.
3. Laying flat on back while shifting hips to the left or right depending on which direction you want to go.
4. Lift both legs off the floor while laying flat on back and keeping the legs straight.
5. Laying down and doing the bicycle.
6. Putting on shoes or underwear while standing.
7. Forget that there was a step or drop-off and you crash down on one foot or the other.

Sometimes if I sit too long or lay down to long when try to stand straight I can’t. I am locked mostly leaning to the left and very rarely to the right. I had this too before the procedure and feels like there is something stuck and very mechanical backpain. Eventually I can straighten out but it is still painful.

I am still hopeful of a positive outcome. Hopefully, sooner rather than later. It's hard to describe but it's not so much of the pain that bothers me it's all the stuff I can't do because of what feels like a mechanical back issue.

[Eskimo]

I think you did the right thing in trying some further conservative measures before proceeding onto ADR. They should still be able to do the disc replacement.

It'll be interesting to see how well this procedure, ADCT and the stem cell procedures work once more long-term results come in.

Please let us know how things come along for you. Good luck in your recovery.

[ZorroSF]

Sometimes if I sit too long or lay down to long when try to stand straight I can’t. I am locked mostly leaning to the left and very rarely to the right.

this sounds like adult onset scoliosis to me.

you stated you had fibrin injection. I'm assuming this was done in Texas? I am also wondering what their criteria are these days. you had 3 levels done. that's a lot, and you state something to the effect of mechanical back issues. what does this mean? arthritis? facet degeneration? Bulging or herniated disc pressing against a nerve? As I recall disc bulges and herniated discs were a disqualification?

thanks for posting your recovery results, and take it easy as best you can. Many of us have already been there and it's no cakewalk. in fact it's very depressing, but for a lucky few there is a brightside. hope you're one of them.

[Sean]

Hello Longroadahead
I have had four levels done in Texas two times. I was sore for about 2 to 3 weeks but was on Norco for 6 weeks or more. The pressure subsided at 5 weeks for me, and the disc pain I had prior to the treatment was 80% better. I did have to go back after 18 months for a second treatment. I kept ice on it for 7 days 24/7 and think that really helped. Stay away for heat for as long as possible I still only use ice to relieve pain.

Good Luck

[longroadahead]

6 week update:

The increased pressure I was feeling finally started to subside around the 5th week (Just as Sean's did). Am actually doing better now than I was prior to the injections. There is still a constant pain but it just doesn't seem to be as bad.

It was quoted as a 6 week recovery. Even though I just past the 6 week mark am hoping there will still be further improvement. Would say I am about 20% - 40% better which is just enough to not consider any surgical intervention at this point.

[Rob Wilson]

Who performed this procedure and how much does it cost? If you received 20-40% after 1 injection. How about 1 more session of injections? Thanks

[Willow]

Hello there

I joined this forum mostly to thank you for your informative communications about the fibrin sealant injections you had done.

I'm 32 and I have a similar problem with my back. I have triple level disc degeneration and have been in chronic pain for nine years. I've tried nearly everything other than surgery and fibrin sealant.

I'm Australian and it's not general practice to do surgery here for chronic pain, and the fibrin sealant therapy hasn't made its way to our shores.

If I was to get the injections done, I would have to try and lodge myself in Texas for awhile, which is no small thing for me to achieve. So, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind giving me an indication of how much it cost you to get the injections done, and how you are feeling these days.

I know I'm asking a lot by asking these questions, but I'm at my wits end and you've been so helpful just by talking about your experience so far.

Warm Regards,
Willow

[Sean]

The cost of the Fibrin treatment are high if you don't have health insurance that will pay. I would est. It to be close $ 10,000 for a cash price plus you would have to fly to Texas and hang out for about 4 days afterward. If you can afford it, I would do it.

Good Luck Sean

[Willow]

Hi Sean (and everyone else!)

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply - I only recently logged on to the forum again.

Sean, do you know who I could contact (like a clinic or doctor) in Texas to talk to about the Fibrin Sealant injections, and potentially organise it for myself?

Does any one else have some more information as well? I would be so grateful for anything else (like how you are all feeling now) - I just can't get anything useful off the internet and most of the specialists I've seen here just look at me blankly wheb I mention the sealant.

Cheers all,
Willow

[Sean]

Hi Willow
Sorry if this reply is so late I don't go on this site to often. Call Texas Spine and Joint hospital. Ask for the Fibrin Sealant with Dr Pauza 903-525-3300. He will request discogram maybe a MRI and let you know if he can schedule you. Ask for Von she does all the scheduling for the Dr.
Good Luck Sean