Becky:
Sorry to hear about your accident and your subsequent surgeries. I'm sorry that both were a failure. I've had lumbar surgeries done, along with 3 cervical surgeries, with fusion at 3 levels...and, thank God, mine was successful and left me pretty much free from the pain I had before the surgery. I had severe bicep pain and the pain was terrible...as you can imagine.
I hope you are seeing a pain managment doctor for these problems; they are usually the best when it comes to dealing with chronic pain. You have very high pain levels every day, as you already know...and they should be brought down...even with narcotics. Not sure if you've tried any procedures, but they might help a little bit, too.
Anyway, wanted you to know that I read your story, and can emphatize with you. Hopefully, you will get your pain levels down to where you can at least lead a semi 'normal' life. We know that's tough...lol. Hang in there!!
Hugz,
Dee