Spinal fusion
Posted , 3 users are following.
HI GUYS, i have been suffering with Spinal stenosis, disc denegerative disease, spontholethesis and I also have 2 cysts on my spine for 13mos.
Finally decided to have the spinal fusion since NOTHING AND I MEAN NOTHING WORKED to relieve this excruciating pain, I was on a cane for 4mos couldnt walk, sit or drive. Miraculously 6weeks ago without doing anything different the pain went away by 75%, but I still cant walk to far or stand up longer than 10mins, but at least I can sit and drive.
Im really concerned about getting the surgery since I feel so much better.
HAS Anyone had this surgery and what are your thoughts on my situation please. Thanks
0 likes, 5 replies
Laura3333 genieBo
Posted
If your pain has reduced so much, I wouldn't have anything done for a few months. see how it goes. I had a fusion over thirty years ago, and have not been pain free since, I would give anything to go back and undo it. I'd take the lesser pain any day.
genieBo Laura3333
Posted
Hi Laura the pain has subsided alot, but I still cant stand for no more than 10mins, I cant walk in grocery without a basket cant stand at a counter without leaning and in pain, i cant travel go to the park or anything.
Trust me this was my very last resort, Ive done ALLLLLL conservative. I absolutely refuse to live like this. MY calves are on fire allllll the time, I walk with a limp.
I'm 55yrs. old just retired, 4mos into retirement all the pain started I was close to using a wheel chair. I think I will take my chances I can not and will not live like this. Please keep me in your prayers and Thank you for the reply. Fel better.
CHICO_MARX genieBo
Posted
I was diagnosed with bilateral foraminal stenosis at L2/L3...could barely walk 100 feet. Neuro did a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) where they go in from your side (not your back), drill out the disc and implant a device that acts like a mini car jack. They insert an actual Allen wrench and expand the device which opens up the foraminal canals that are pinching the nerve roots running through them. They finish by taking a bone graft from your hip and inserting the material into the device which jump starts the bone fusion process...then close.
When I woke up, I immediately walked and climbed stairs without any pain whatsoever. One night in the hospital, no brace, no rehab. Miracle op. Search YouTube for "Globus Medical: LLIF Technique" to see an animation of the op and then "Globus ELSA" for the device. Here's mine...
genieBo CHICO_MARX
Posted
Thanks for your reply Chiro. How is life after that, will I be able to go back to swim ride bike, jet ski, horse back ride etc.
How long has it been since you had yours?
How many screws do you have ? I Need 6 (yikes).
DID you have anymore problems related to the surgery after?
CHICO_MARX genieBo
Posted
I had a previous TLIF fusion of L3 through S1...standard rails and 8 screws in '12. Twelve days in the hospital, four months of rehab, six months in a brace. The LLIF was a literal miracle two years ago; only the two screws to hold ELSA in place. Sports restrictions? Gotta ask the doc.
With the metal in my spine plus a new right hip and left knee, my 45 years of competitive hockey have been over for a while. Spine should be OK within a year after fusion. Golfers start swinging a club again at six months and then go full bore again in a year. Gotta give the bones a chance to fully fuse.
I have to take care with my spine...doc does not want me to blow out L1/L2 or he'll have to fuse me T10 through L2. Gotta avoid that. Have to do a lot of squatting instead of bending over.
The only problem with the LLIF is that within a year, I grew TOO MUCH bone at the fusion point. Doc had to go in and do some cleanup. Else, zero pain at L2/L3 and no signs of stenosis. Very successful.