I am 5 yrs post op of l4-s1 fusion/laminectomy & 1.5 years post op of having rods replaced w/longer ones due to instability of spine above fusion. have had fluid taken out of l5 facet joint previously. happening again. cant take anti inflammatories?

Post-op facet pain: You likely have facet related pain. I would suggest facet blocks diagnostically then follow with RF of the median nerve. The option of a facet joint fusion is possible done by a well trained Interventional Pain MD.

Pain generator: You are correct, that you are avoiding anti-inflammatories after fusion to help the fusion occur. However, this effect wanes by 9 months after your last fusion and you should be able to (as long as there are no other contradindications and your own surgeon approves) return to these meds. The facet joints should be fused or at least "fusing" after the surgery: thus, seek your current pain source!