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Update on spinal fusion.

Posted , 6 users are following.

Devilwearspaula
Devilwearspaula

Hello everyone! i had a L3-S1 spinal fusion and decompression laminectomy on june 15. It did go well, i have two big rods in, 8 screws and i think she said 2 cages and some wires. The burning, tingling and the numbness is gone in my left leg!!! That's awesome! But when my surgeon opened me up, she said there was severe amounts of scar tissues from my previous surgeries. She took most of it out bu there was some that was too dangerous to take out so she left it in. Good thing is, it would not affect me in any way. Another thing she found was a leak in my spine. She sealed it up! I was expected to be in surgery for 6-7 hours but was in for about 8-9 hours. I had Severe spinal headaches that caused me to vomit, not eat, almost faint when they got me up, i couldn't talk, my room had to be dark... it was terrible.. this was on going for about 4 days. the last day i was in the hospital (sunday) i was able to get up and move around more. My mother had me try to eat and i felt much better. It was a very scary experience but i am feeling better already.  I am very sore, but i know things are looking up from here. Thank you to all who told me their experiences on my last post. Hopefully this is my LAST surgery. 5 back surgeries are enough and very draining. I went home yesterday and the first night home was amazing. Being in my own bed, next to my husband, being home with my family and my son. Missed everyone. 

2 likes, 20 replies

20 Replies

  • Laura3333
    Laura3333 Devilwearspaula

    Posted

    So glad things went well for you, it was a long surgery wasn't it.

    I had a csf leak years ago,mind was kept in hospital for a week,and that was just after a myelogram, it was horrendous.

    I hope things improve quickly and you are better soon smile

    • Devilwearspaula
      Devilwearspaula Laura3333

      Posted

      Thank you so much! yes i have had 2 myelograms and im assuming that's what it could have been from? my last one was about 10 months ago. It was terrible! I feel fantastic already! So happy i  went with this surgery!
    • Laura3333
      Laura3333 Devilwearspaula

      Posted

      Yes, I bet it was from myelogram, I had an inept radiologist and could feel fluid running down my back, while he was trying to get in.

      My fusion was just bone, a long time ago, and didn't succeed.

      I honestly don't know how you've had the courage to have so much surgery, and really hope this is your last one.

    • Devilwearspaula
      Devilwearspaula Laura3333

      Posted

      Now that i think of it, i remember telling her it felt like water running down my back but there was nothing there. So strange!! It sucks, i wish i never had the first one, but it was either not be able to walk or surgery. i was so desperate to be out of pain... and same with the others, because they started cracking down on giving out pain medications. So i was suffering really bad. it was just a lose lose situation in my eyes either way. Praying this surgery works. I told my mother if the future holds more surgeries for me i probably will just suck it up. I can't keep doing this. its just draining, it's never the right time because everyone has to move theur lives around to help me and i just feel so awful about that. sad
    • Laura3333
      Laura3333 Devilwearspaula

      Posted

      It's difficult isn't it when it goes on for years and impacts on everybody else.

      I sincerely hope this has worked for you. If you are free of the awful nerve pain, you will slowly build your strength back up.It's the unremitting pain that has such in impact on my life, couldn't sleep last night for all the pain and back spasms.

      Life sucks sometimes.

  • scott17436
    scott17436 Devilwearspaula

    Posted

    Well done. Great to get home. Just don't push yourself too soon. I took my time this time round. Flat out or standing for 6 weeks, only sat to drive from week 5. Still lie out when watching the TV. Still uncomfortable to sit all the time. I'm at week 10.5 post L4-S1. Walking more and doing much more than I did before surgery. Still need my crutch if I'm out and about as standing still can be painful.

    Keep us posted on how you go.

    • Devilwearspaula
      Devilwearspaula scott17436

      Posted

      I'm taking it very easy! laying down and evry hour or so i'll get up and walk around the house a little to stretch and lay back down. I'm sitting up on my bed right now, very comfortable! I going to listen to my doctor to a T, i don't wanna screw this up! Im glad you're doing better!! :D Keep up the great work!!
  • linda1718
    linda1718 Devilwearspaula

    Posted

    I'm so glad it all worked out for you, you sound happy in your post 😀 

    The only other thing I would say is to do exactly what your surgeon told you to do, I didn't do that on my first fusion and I think that is partly to blame for all I've gone through since 😥 Good news is I'm having my next one, finally in September. It definitely pays to put a complaine into your Trust!! 

    Keep well

    Linda x

    • Devilwearspaula
      Devilwearspaula linda1718

      Posted

      I am very happy! (now that the hell days are over lol) I definitely have been doing everything they told me! i wanna make sure this works and i won't have to go back in in the future. I hope your next one works! Please keep us all updated on that!! :D Thank you linda!! Take care and feel better!
  • ayesha7776
    ayesha7776 Devilwearspaula

    Posted

    Glad to hear you are home and hopefully feeling better.. My consultant has suggested fusing surgery for the facet joints at base of my spine... l5-s1 he said??? But after reading all comments about spinal leaks etc im actualy getting worried now
    • linda1718
      linda1718 ayesha7776

      Posted

      Ayesha,

      i think that sometimes we are better not reading the posts, it's only natural to start worrying about your own surgery!

      Be strong be well

      Linda x

    • ayesha7776
      ayesha7776 linda1718

      Posted

      Linda thanks for that 😊 im starting to agree.. i guess im worrying more as i am mum to 4 kids and already struggle due to having fibromyalgia on top of the L5-S1 facet joint issue.. i just worry about the after surgery and being unable to get about and be a mum 😢
    • linda1718
      linda1718 ayesha7776

      Posted

      Ayesha, I'm sorry to hear you are so unwell, do you not have anyone who can help out a bit? 

      When I had my first fusion in 2009 I ignored everything I was told and I wish I hadn't, I believe that was my undoing! I'm having another one in September, it has been a long, long wait and I'm going to do everything I'm told to do! The housework will still be here.........

      Linda😀

    • Devilwearspaula
      Devilwearspaula ayesha7776

      Posted

      You will do just fine! mine was leaking before they went in, and for god knows for how long. i had a meylogram done about 10 months ago and im assuming that's what it's from. Everyone is different, and im sure you'll be okay!! It's normal to be nervous! :D Did you get a date yet?!?! Good luck hun!!!

    • Devilwearspaula
      Devilwearspaula ayesha7776

      Posted

      just remember, listen to your doctor to a T! they will do their part in doing the fusion and you need to relax and take it day by day! Have you had any other back surgeries?! please keep us all updated! We are all here for you even if we're just through the computer screen! i have met some awesome people on here and we continue to talk to one another! <3

    • linda1718
      linda1718 Devilwearspaula

      Posted

      I bet there's not a single person on here who didn't read everything they could find!! I haven't done any 'research' for a long long time!

      How are you feeling now? I hope you haven't been doing anything you shouldn't be doing..............

      Linda x

    • Devilwearspaula
      Devilwearspaula linda1718

      Posted

      readgin everything is such a scary thing! haha, I'm feeling AMAZING! slowly increasing my walking, but not overdoing it! I'm doing everything i am supposed to :D how are you doing!?

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