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S1/L5 Midlf Spinal Fusion - What should I do??

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nik890
nik890

Hi, I am booked in for a spinal fusion in the S1/L5 lumbar region on 6th Nov.  I have pre op this Friday and need to decide what to do by Wednesday in case I want to cancel.  I had a severe prolapsed disc just over a year ago and it was agonising, back spasms, sciatica and severe pain for about 8 weeks.  I was diagnosed with a prolapsed disc and degenerative disc disease.  At the time I was offered a steroid injection but I turned it down as the pain was decreasing by that point and was maneagable.  The pain went away until August this year when the same disc prolapsed again.  I had another MRI and they confirmed the disc degenration was a bit worse and I had another prolapse (although smaller than the first time).  I was again offered the injection but told it would only settle it down and obviously wont cure the degenration so it will happen again.  The specialist has recommended a minimally invasive lumbar spin fusion to prevent further prolapses.  At the time I agreed but the pain has now gone again and I am now torn about what to do.  It doesnt help that I have general anxiety disorder so am worried about all the potential complications.  I am getting married in May and would hate to have another prolpase and it cause me problems on my wedding day, but I just dnt know wether to have surgery while I am not in pain??  Has anyone had the surgery and can you recommend what is best to do?

1 like, 30 replies

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  • janice888
    janice888 nik890

    Posted

    Hi nik i had my spinal fusion  4 month  ago the first 8 weeks werent too bad if you do as your consulant tells you , past week has been dreadful but the pain still isnt as bad as before i got this done , it was the there 24/7 but will adaquate rest and light exercise things should be fine x
    • nik890
      nik890 janice888

      Posted

      Yes, see for me I dont have hardly any pain at the moment so putting myself through a surgery which could put me in greater pain doesnt make sense to me at the moment.  Do you know why your pain has come back?
    • joy47826
      joy47826 nik890

      Posted

      Backs are so complex, pain and no pain it can change all the time....why would someone do a surgery unless it's an Emergency and one can't walk or or or....stretching and light exercise are  KEY.... 
  • janice888
    janice888 nik890

    Posted

    I was in a lot of pain , and guess what got the bad news my nerve has trapped again either under the same disc or under one of the screws , my doc phoned my surgeon straight away and i await the outcome tomorrow , i only got this done cause the pain was so bad but now i have metal rods and 4 screws , if you can lead a normal working life i wouldnt get surgery as now i cant do the normal things like even walk round a supermarket , and drive i feel im total useless and the pain is still there .sad
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