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Background

In 2013, while snowboarding, I slipped on ice and landed on my back and neck. I felt an immediate jolt of pain through my hip and spine. I was in so much pain, I had to be taken off the mountain in a sled by the ski patrol. 

The days following the accident I could hardly walk or move. I had sharp shooting pain going up my back and down my leg. I was seeing a Chiropractor at the time who performed adjustments, massage and gave me stretching exercises to do at home. Nothing helped relieve the pain.   

I was sent for x-rays and then to an orthopedic surgeon for evaluation. The orthopedic surgeon felt my pain was coming from my lumbar spine and prescribed narcotic medication and physical therapy. I continued these therapies for 3 months with no relief. The pain was affecting every aspect of my life. I was unable to sit at work or in client meetings, I could no longer go to dinner or to a movie with my friends, and I was unable to walk my dog. The pain was interfering with both my work and my personal relationships. 

I continued to see my Chiropractor and to attend physical therapy where they added acupuncture and dry needling. My Primary Care Physician (PCP) ordered an MRI which did show disc degeneration at L4-S1. I continued to work full time and tried to maintain my relationships. No one knew how to deal with me and my pain. I could no longer snowboard, hike, climb or bike ride. 

After two years of these conservative treatments, my Chiropractor suggested I see a pain management physician. I had a consultation which involved a review of my MRI, a physical examination and a series of maneuvers that did reproduce my pain. The pain management physician felt my pain may be coming from my SI joint and not my lumbar spine. He recommended we try an SI joint injection. 

After the injection, I had immediate pain relief that lasted 3 weeks. He gave me two options. I could have another injection or consult with a surgeon who was trained to perform the iFuse procedure. I had been in pain for 4 1/2 years and was ready for a more permanent solution. 

I consulted with the surgeon who did agree that my pain was most likely coming from my SI joint. He ordered a CT scan to evaluate my SI joints and hips and concluded that my left SI joint was my pain generator. We discussed the surgical procedure and he made me aware that woman of childbearing age who are considering pregnancy should consult with their physician as delivery recommendations may vary. I gave this a lot of thought and decided to move forward with the procedure.

In June of 2018 I had a left SI joint fusion utilizing the iFuse Implant System. I woke up with surgical pain that was a deep throbbing ache. This pain was different from the pain I had before the procedure. I had weight-bearing restrictions for the first two weeks but was able to drive myself and walk unassisted into my first post-operative visit at 3 weeks. I was gradually able to increase my activities to include walking and yoga. 

I now can walk and play with my dog every day. I am going out to dinner and movies with my friends and able to lift my nephews without pain. I lost 4 1/2 years of my life. I wish that I had had the procedure sooner.