New member

[janiski]

I am a member of Spine Health and was on the internet looking for more information and came across your website.

Here is my background: Spinal stenosis, spondolysis, spondolythesis, L4/L5 laminectomy, L4/L5 360 fusion with instrumentation, L1 to L5 fusion with instrumentation and bone graft from hip, L1/S1 fusion with replacement disc and a nice bolt from my spine to my pelvis; PT, accupuncture, prolotherapy, many cortisone injections, 4 rhizotomies. Currently on neurontin, Tylenol 3, ativan, lexapro, ambien, voltaren. Have had 12 other major surgeries.

That said I was looking for information on SI joint fusion as I have SI joint dysfunction. My SI received quite a bit of trauma when I was knocked unconscious by a snowboarder. Since then my spine has deteriorated over the years. Now I have a block of bone (I am really good at building bone) sitting on top of my SI causing problems.

I have had the gold standard for SI joint dysfunction: 2 separate cortisone injections into each SI joint that brought relief.

What caught my eye on this site was that CindyLou had had SI joint fusion and I wanted to learn more from her. I know there are very few surgeons who do SI surgery. My very fine spine surgeon does not.

Jani

[jss]

Jani,

Wow! That's an impressive x-ray you've got there. Did all of that start because of one snow skiing accident?

The SI joint fusion issue is mentioned here occasionally; thought I can't recall the handle's of any poster that's had it.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Jeff

[janiski]

Hi Jeff, Yes it was all from one out of control snowboarder. I was what stopped him at the bottom. I was not even on skis, just walking back to the children's center from taking a late child to class. When I came to I could not feel my legs, I thought I was paralyzed. My spine was even more crooked before the 2nd surgery. The surgeon was able to straighten it a bit but I still lost 1/4" in height. I am only 5'1" so losing any height is not a good thing!! I know there is someone on this site who has had a SI joint fusion because that is how I found the site. Jani

[Harrison]

Jani, did you send a private message to CindyLou yet? Let me know if you need help...

[janiski]

Hi Jeff,

I just did. Thank you!!

Jani

[Harrison]

Great, thanks.

(Richard)

[janiski]

Sorry about that Richard.

Are you a cat person?

jani

[Harrison]

No worries at all. I am/was until Harrison died. I may have to change my screen name. Considering a new cat or dog. Any way, back to you...what's the latest?

[janiski]

I have not heard from CindyLou but someone from SpineHealth who is also on this forum said they had seen her post elsewhere.

I will see my pm doc on thurs and talk about whats next. I already have a plan figured out but will run it by her. Its not going to be easy to find a SI joint specialist.

I have 5 cats, I can send you one!!

jani