Posted , 12 users are following.
I'm really confused. Some people say it's good others say its bad. I need to do something. Can someone please give me some advice. Thx.
0 likes, 26 replies
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laura72359 mike38116
Posted
Hi I will be four weeks post op on Wednesday from my spinal fusion. I was in horrendous pain for two years and after lots of nagging finally got an MRI and found out I needed fusion. i am still limited to what I can do but i am doing more each week, however its the best thing I could have done. i have no pain and have regained feeling in my left leg. My Dr said i could have injections into my spine but the prognosis would still be the same and i would need surgery. I couldn't take my pain medication due to having young children as the meds knocked me out. plus i couldn't work on them either, so i swam four times a week which really helped with the pain. if your in any doubt speak to your Dr.
I wish you all the best
Bellevuebabe mike38116
Posted
had a somewhat successful fusion L4,5S1 9 years ago. Now L1 2&3 above fusion causing pain. Spinal guy suggests another fusion. that's a big no. It took a whole year to recover. consider being evaluated for high frequency spinal stimulator instead. I have an appt on june 18th to be evaluated for Nevro HFS 10 spinal stimulator implant.
CHICO_MARX Bellevuebabe
Posted
Same lower fusion as you and then spinal stenosis at L1/L2. Instead of ripping it all out and re-fusing me L2 through S1 (12 days in the hospital, 4 months rehab, 6 months in a brace, yearlong recovery), he recommended a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion...LLIF.
They go in from your SIDE, drill out the disk (or disks...one and two level are available in the same op) and then insert a device that acts like a car jack. They stick in an Allen wrench (yes...an Allen wrench) and expand the device so that it separates the vertebrae taking the pressure off the nerve roots. Result...
IMMEDIATE pain relief. Woke up...all gone. Running down hallways, climbing stairs... ONE NIGHT in the hospital, NO rehab, NO brace. Miracle op!!! Search YouTube for "Globus LLIF Technique" to see an animation of the procedure and "Globus Calibur" for an animation of one of the many devices available to your doc depending on your anatomy and diagnosis.
To get this done, you have to find a neurosurgeon EXPERIENCED in the LLIF procedure. Don't get talked into more rails and screws if you qualify for this op. Do the research, find a doc, get it done. No stimulator...this is a permanent fix. Here's pic of mine right above the old TLIF rails...
oktams mike38116
Posted
DONT have surgery until you have tried everything possible. Once you have one...you will have another because of the added stress on surrounding disks.
If you do have the surgery, get as much physical therapy as you can afford post surgery.
Wish you well
CHICO_MARX oktams
Posted
Totally agree. Fusion is the last resort if nothing else works.
jamie270771 mike38116
Posted
ok heres my advice I had spinal fusion in 2015 S5/L1 lower disc had disc degenerative disease I had sciatica running down both legs anyway since surgery the sciatica is just about gone but the back pain persists where now I have nerve pain and sharp pains near the operation site I'm on so many drugs I am pretty much drowsy and tired most of the time and now my mobility is even worse as I cant stand for any more than a few minutes until feeling of immense pressure in my lower back and I am virtually housebound and not worked for over 5 years and at 47 looks like I may not work again as pain team just offer me more drugs and nothing else so if you are left with no choice but to have surgery like no sensation in your groin or elsewhere I would have surgery but be realistic it's not a magic wand for complete no pain as I no a few people who are worse and even the pain team don't recommend spinal fusion so be ready for some tough decisions and changes to your life moving forward as I cant do so many things now and rely on my wife as she is now my main caree but anyway wish you luck and message me if you want any more advice
regards Jamie
Bellevuebabe mike38116
Posted
Spinal Fusions are a crapshoot no matter what surgical methods used. In time, degeneration naturally moves up and down the spine to the discs and vertebrae above or below the fusion site.
Unfortunately, orthopedic or spinal surgeons have only one solution to offer let's operate!!!.......like a carpenter who only has a hammer, everyone has to becomes a nail. Their income depends on performing surgery. They have no other RX.
Core strengthening and regular exercise is critically important as well as serious lifelong weight loss and control. Wearing a professionally fitted brace also helps. CBD oil also works a bit.
If we've been in physical therapy we know the exercises but it requires self discipline to do them regularly as part of a committed life style change.
In addition,I'm exploring a high frequency spinal stimulator implant which scrambles pain signals to the central nervous system tricking the brain' s pain center. It's worth a try. I'll share what I uncover.
On the horizon is stem cell therapy which has decent research results but as usual, FDA drag their heels so insurance wont reimburse. Lobbying in DC at work? It'll take a chunk out of health care providers and pharmaceutical $$$ profits. pardon the cynicism.