Double level spinal fusion.

I would first ask which part of the spine. Either cervical or lumbar are the most common. As far as your fears fusions are a very common practice, as with any surgery there are risks but again fusions can be as routine as having a cavity filled. If you are having multi level cervical fusion, this is done with a bone graph, were they take bone from the hip to place in the neck. Or they will go with a cadaver bone. bone from your own hip can be more painfull because of the removal but tend to heal and fuse stronger and faster. I have had both and am fused from c4 to c7. this can be a life altering surgery depending on your activity level prior to surgey. I feel cervical fusions should be done by a neurologist but an orthapidic is capable. Cervical fusion has a lengthy recovery time and is important to follow every order giving by your doctor. As far as lumbar fusions go I have not had experiance my self but one thing both surgerys have in commen, is there is a big importance on setting a regular routine for daily walks that increase in distance day to day. Again follow docs orders don't push yourself and you will heal well

I had double level neck one done 2 years ago,please don't be scared,you won't know anything about it,and no I didn't wake up in agony it was all fine

Craig,

Everyone is scared when you hear surgery, I had a fusion from S1 to L5 almost 20 years ago, technology now is alot different, we will all be here for you and to give you support, good luck shake off the nervousness and keep us updated.

Cindy

Hi Craig,

Im having the same operation in December, im having my L4, L5, S1 fused and I am also scared and apprehensive but I have read alot of positive stories on here and it has given me abit more confidence.  I wish you all the best for the 13th and maybe we can share our experiences.  I look forward to hearing that all went well for you when you are up to replying.

Best wishes

Tracey

To wish you all the best,you will know nothing about it,and will be in experts hands,look forward to hearing your postoperative recovery goes quickly and you will be back home,

I just wanted to Thank everyone for the positive feedback. Well I got to be at the hospital at 5:00 in the morning. I forgot to mention that I am having my L-4 L-5 and S-1 fused. I'll try to chat back on Thursday, and let everyone no how it went.

Thanks again,

Well the surgery went well, still in a lot of pain. I'm getting released to go home today. I can honestly say that I have no pain down my legs. That was the moste Awesome feeling ever...I lived with leg pain for 4 1/2 years. To wake up after surgery and have No pain. "WOW"..

Hi newbie here just found the board. In sept 2012 I had a multi level posterial dynamic fusion on 5 levels. Having never thought to check for message boards till now I thought I'd reply as 2kev asked what level are u having? If it helps I found the op and recovery time where as expected by the specialist. With regards to being scared that is natural I was bricking it to be honest. You have done what I didn't. Craig ask load if questions buddy you'll get through it.

Mark

Im so pleased to hear it went well for you Craig, such a relief for you & to have no leg pain is even better. Where did you have your surgery? Mine is being done in Salisbury, Wilts. I now have a date of 8th December & hearing your news gives me hope. I hope you continue to improve day by day, let us know how you are. Tracey

Hello all,

Well its been 3 days since surgery. I can say being home makes recovery easier. As long as you stay on the pain meds like the Dr's want you to, its pretty easy to get through the pain.. But if you miss a dose, Hold on it Hurts!! Tracey07174 you asked where I had my surgery. I had it done in Cincinnati OH.

So pleased to hear all went well,take good care

Pleased to hear that you are now home, you have done really well.  Hope you continue to improve day by day, let us know how you are when you can. Its so nice to hear positive things especially when I am having the same thing done which now I have heard is December 8th.  Take care

Have been wondering how you are doing Craig, hope you are still recovering well. Let us know when you can.

Best wishes

Well its been about 3 weeks scence I had my double level fusion surgery of my L-4 L-5 and L-5 S-1. I can say that I wish I would have done it sooner, it was like a light switch. When I woke up after surgery I instantly noticed I had "NO PAIN" in my legs. I started to tear up, and the nurse asked me. Are you having a lot of pain, I laughed and said no, my tears are of joy. I don't have pain any more. I went back for my ten day check up and the Dr. Was surprised that I was walking with no help. He said it looks like your doing good. I told him I'm doing great. Well I've done 3 days of therapy and I am done with that now. Scence I came home after surgery, I didn't just sit around. I stayed active it helps a lot. I am totally off all pain meds now. The only med I am taking is a muscle relaxer and I take it only once a day. So the only thing I can say. If you have to have this surgery, go for it. It's gave me a new lease on life..

Good luck to all and God Bless..

Thats great news Craig. It is giving me hope hearing your story. I hope you continue to improve day by day. Best wishes.

Tracey