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Fusion operation

Posted , 3 users are following.

gary81059
gary81059

Hi all,

I would like to ask if there is any one who has had a fusion to the lumber region of there spine L5/S1 please?

I have had a couple of microdiscectomies and a decompression, but my L5/S1 has nearly naturally joined together. My consultant and I believe that this is now narrowing the space for the nerves in my lower back, and he wants to consider a fusion at this level, as well removing any bone and spurs that may have grown in that area, which may also be causing impingement on my nerves.

I would like to try and assess how it actually feels to have a fusion done, so would to hear from any one who has had this proceedure done, to learn as much as possible, before I make the decision to go ahead or not. 

I feel in a way that I have little choice really because I don't feel that this situation will self heal. 

There is a chance that my L5/S1 vertabrae may have already fused together sufficiently to be solid enough to leave them alone, and just remove whatever bone is obstructing and impinging on my nerves. 

Maybe the fusion is the answer, but it would be great to hear from any one who has had the operation, and to know if it was successful for you, or what you have experienced since your operation.

Any help suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks 

Gary  

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • aur448
    aur448 gary81059

    Posted

    Hi there I haven't had any fusion but I will be goin to theatre on Friday for removal of some of my damaged disc at L4 and L5 sorry I can't answer your question but will be able to tell me if it's a right choice to do removal of partial disc or Wether I shud opt for fusion one time I'm so scared and my surgeon did give me the 2 options he suggested partial disc removal coz I'm 31 and he feels I'm still young to do fusion he did warn me that if the removal doesn't self heal or causes probs I might need fusion a bit worried npw since the discectomy didn't help any advice for me please

    Thank you

    • gary81059
      gary81059 aur448

      Posted

      HI there, I am sorry, I did not reply sooner. Things have been very hectic.

      I appreciate you would of had your operation now.

      How did it go, and what did they do in the end ????  

  • fi03229
    fi03229 gary81059

    Posted

    Hi Gary,

    I am confused about what procedures are available for degenerative or collapse disks.  I hear a lot of discussion about fusions but not artificial disk replacement? I have a collapse of L5/S1 disk after surgery to remove a large posterior disk herniation that was causing cauda equnia two years ago. Basically the disk has gone and I am in a lot of pain. I did ask to be referred to a centre that allegedly does disk replacements and although the neurosurgeon said I was a good candidate (I.e minimal damage or ware to facet joints etc) he said that they prefer the fusion op instead? Bearing in mind, the disk gone he also said that there no rush for any surgery. I am confused as disk replacement need to be gone before there is significant damage to the surrounding structures? Why when NiCE has given approval does fusions procedures remain the only choice- Cost?

    Where you given the opportunity for a disk replacement? 

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