1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Spinal Problems

Fusion Surgery.

Posted , 4 users are following.

maggi7
maggi7

I will never advocate surgery as a cure for spondy.  Mind, I suppose it all depends on the location of the dodgy vertebra. And one's age. 

For me, surgery will NEVER be an option. I'm too old and have too many other ailments that would affect the outcome. I may not, for instance, survive the anaesthetic. 

And, given the position in which my vertebra is lying now, the risk of nerve damage is far too great. I could well end up with less mobility than I currently have. And that's limited enough! Every day is painful. But better this than to finish up in a wheelchair - which is where I might well end up were I to undergo fusion surgery.

I've no desire to deter anyone else from having such surgery. To the contrary: I know that it works for some people, giving them a new life.  For those people, I wish only the very best. My thoughts will be with you all. 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • angie42070
    angie42070 maggi7

    Posted

    Surgery is always going to be contentious and a decision not taken lightly. I'm on crutches now and heading towards needing a wheelchair due to the sciatica in my left leg causing neurological damage. My fusion surgery is in two weeks and I'm hoping that it stops the sciatica. I know I will still have lower back ache and this is normal wear and tear for me at 48. 

    I'm so sorry that you are in so much pain and that there has not been any successful pain relief to help you. Long term chronic back pain is so debilitating. Take care 

  • emily58659
    emily58659 maggi7

    Posted

    Ah see I have just turned 30 I'm suffering badly, recently had 9 months of work with my back problem. Finally back to work for it to flare up again. I've exhausted all prescribed medication Ive had physio and steroid injections into my joint which sadly gave me no relief. I feel I'm nearing the need for surgery but worry about the whole situation. It's such a tough thing to decide. I've had to put my career on hold because of my back, I can't play with my children how id like and my personal and social life is struggling. I feel I have no more options :'(
    • angie42070
      angie42070 emily58659

      Posted

      Hi Emily, I'm now 8 days post a two level fusion L4-S1, decompression and laminectomy. I'm only taking paracetamol or ibruprofen for pain relief and just have a little discomfort around the 6 inch incision scar. I literally woke up from the operation without the awful sciatica I had been struggling with for 7 years. The only warning is that it's major surgery so you would need to be able to rest up frequently, at the moment just having a shower is exhausting and requires time to rest up. Not sure how you would get on with  your children. Mine are 21 and 17 and have been brilliant in washing, cleaning and shopping for me. I have another 6 days till I can try driving and get out walking outside of the house. Good luck with your decision. 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.