Fusion Surgery.

Hi

How did the person die from the surgery itself? Did they die during the fusion surgery or complications of having surgery ?

complications afterwards .it was afriend of my dads 

Oh I am so sorry to hear this. All.surgery have their risks I'm Afraid. I had L5S1 microdiscectomy 12 days ago. Physiotherapy wasn't working and my ankle weakness was progressive with numbness moving to calf, toes, and behind my thiGh. Aftee the initial episode of sciatica the pain went in a week. But all.other symptoms got worse- the limp, numbness, and atrophy. so I decided on microdiscectomy.

So far I am ok. I am having some nerve regeneration pain in myeft leg with spasms now and then but certainly not as much pain as before sugery

I am staying positive and taking it one day at a time. Trying to not expect too.much too soon. I still Have my stitches in. Good luck to all who decide to go ahead With surgery. God blessxx

Hi

i had a 3 level fusion with screws, rods and bone graft 8 1/2 weeks ago and I feel it was a success. I am in much less pain than before the op and have started small levels of exercise already" I think it depends on what you feel is best for the individual. At present I am glad I made the decision to have this surgery and assume as am told by my surgeon it will get better still and still only early days. He believes there will be nothing I can't do in time 😃

well thats marvoules of course but it all depends i think on the general health of the person and i think your age etc 

lots of factors and everyone is differant .

Keep the positive attitude! 😊

glad all is better for you .

Hi 

yes I agree, I think it depends on general health and age. I am fit and active and have always exercised and kept core strength but unfortunately wasn't enough to avoid surgery. I am only 41 but always kept a healthy weight and diet and always exercised. 8 weeks post surgery and I had a fab physio session at home today, by myself, and I managed sit ups (only small movements), front and side plank (still only on knees at mo), bridge, leg raises, glute, hip and hamstring stretches, ten mins bike ride and a Mile walk. A little sore but no pain is no gain within reason. I am looking forward to eventually getting back to spinning and body pump and other exercise classes but know it will be a few months but I'm staying positive and working towards this target slowly but surely. Keep going, stay positive and do what is right for you. There are lots of horror stories about fusions but remember that more people will write about the bad stories rather than the good. Fusiom does have a high success rate now, being an 80 % success.

well done keep it up

Its so good to hear such a positive outcome from your surgery. I have just been put on the waiting list for the same operation as you on L4/L5/S1. I am so scared that something bad might happen as the consultant tells you its major surgery with risks of clots in the lung which could move & be fatal, risks to nerves of the bladder & bowel, infection. Also that the op will be 4 to 7 hours long, how long was your surgery? Im 51 years old & have suffered for 26 years so ive not been that fit either unlike yourself so that worries me too. Im so mixed up with what to do, I am so fed up with being in pain that now ive been offered this chance to feel better I tnink I have to give it a go. Hearing your story gives me more confidence, I so pleased it has worked for you.

Hi Tracey sorry to read that you have been in so much pain for so long. It must be horrendous for you and although there are risks to surgery I think whn you have suffered for so long you really do need to give surgery a go. Although they lay down all the risks I think you need to remember that it has an 80% success rate. I am pleased I had surgery but 9+ weeks post surgery I realise I still have a long way to go. I reduced my pain meds some days ago and If I'm honest although my sciatic pain has gone my back is hurting and aches Alot the last couple of days but I think maybe I'm doing too much and need to rest more. I know there is a lot of healing to be done tho and this is probably causing the pain. I had two level fusion with the third disc stabilised with screws,and rod so effectively the same level healing as a three level fusion. My surgeon said last week that I need to take things slowly but I think as I felt so good so quickly I took things too fast and with reducing the meds I am suffering a little.,it doesn't make me regret surgery at all though. I sincerely hope you get to have your op soon as i feel it was a real success and am confident you will also benefit from it. Let me know how things go and keep me posted. Take care Sarah 😀

Hi Sarah

glad to hear all is going well. I go in for L4 L5 S1 decompression and fusion with laminectomy. I am having bolts, rods and cage inserted. I've been off work since February barely able to walk, and was told I would soon be in a wheelchair if I didn't have the op. So its a no brainer really.

I hope that I will be able to return to work as a senior staff nurse and get my life back, I used to be really active.

Your post made me feel more positive, still a scary thing though

Heidi

Hi Heidsh

I had the exact same surgery as you amost 5 years ago.

I completely understand peoples fears on here with regards to surgery, but when a condition gets so severe, where, like myself, you and many others on here where we would end up wheelchair bound, you have to at least try surgery.

During surgery, they discovered that the top of my back is also showing signs of wear and tear, so I need to be careful.

My surgery was a success and I can walk, but I just don't have a good back. My mobility is slow and I still struggle with everyday things, but I am so glad I had surgery and I am so grateful for the things I can do.

I wish you all the luck in the world and a good, healthy recovery.

It's a long road, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Jo x