Spinal Fusion?

[Recurve hntr]

3 hours ago, Timo said:

Discectomy leaves you pretty unstable especially double. Never been told you need a fusion? I know the surgery has changed in the last couple years. Not as invasive

No I wasn’t told I need a fusion. Since my surgery and extensive physical therapy I never went back. Honestly I know I need to go see a back specialist but I’m stubborn and really dislike going to doctors. I know I’m gonna have to go just because the pain and my quality of life seems to be getting worse. 

[Timo]

My father had lumbar fusion with a “cage brace” (hope I’m explaining correctly) about 7-8 years ago. Prior to having the procedure we he went through all the injections, etc with limited success and it would take him literally an hour to muster up enough strength and courage to get out of bed each day. He to this day is still amazed at how it was the best thing he ever did and how he had absolutely no back pain from the minute he woke up from surgery…only slight pain at the incision. He said he would surely be in a wheelchair now if not for the surgery.   He went to st Lukes and his doctor was dr sokunbi.  A super helpful dr that explained everything and is amazing at doing this procedure in particular. I met him two times in taking my dad to appointments.  Highly recommended. 

This is encouraging. Appreciate it

[Cousin Brown]

My wife got the cage on her lower lumbar.  Feels great now, still goes to the gym and is busy as hell.  Just real long drives or sitting for real long times she gets a bit uncomfortable.  She couldn't even walk , now she's like a spring chicken.

[Timo]

Bringing this back up. Surgery date is March 8. I’m looking forward to it but also a little apprehensive. Day to day has been rough. I’m not one to take pills but been popping PK’s and muscle relaxers like tic tacs just to get through some days.

[electricstart]

I have had the fusion in neck (Plate and 4 screws ) and  discectomy in lower back .One was a rupture one was herniated .  Did injections ,physical therapy ,chiropractors ,pain meds and etc. That was many years ago and I am sure new procedures are much better . Neither operation helped me much because of nerve damage .  Is your disc herniated or ruptured ?  How long have you had problem ? 

 

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[OldMenRule]

 Best of luck to you. 

[electricstart]

Also  Best of Luck . 

[Cripple Shot]

The date will be here in no time. Best of luck to you!

[Timo]

I have had the fusion in neck (Plate and 4 screws ) and  discectomy in lower back .One was a rupture one was herniated .  Did injections ,physical therapy ,chiropractors ,pain meds and etc. That was many years ago and I am sure new procedures are much better . Neither operation helped me much because of nerve damage .  Is your disc herniated or ruptured ?  How long have you had problem ? 
 
Video did not work 

It’s pretty much collapsed. I had a ruptured disc 10 years ago. Had a discectomy and felt pretty good for a while. Then issues started coming back. Been doing PT and injections for the last 6 years or so. I’m at a point now where nothing is working and it just keeps getting worse. Barely functional unless I take a ton of pills which I don’t like to do

[iluv2hunt]

Best of luck to you ! I will at some point need to get the same operation L5 and L4 fusion. 

[Timo]

Best of luck to you ! I will at some point need to get the same operation L5 and L4 fusion. 

I’ll let you know how it goes

[Fdalebowhunter7]

Good luck. I've had L5-S1 fused. The lowest level didn't take. Had it redone a year ago. Slowly getting better. I've also had C5-C7 fused and C7-T1 replaced. And my neck is horrible still! Spine surgery sucks! In my experience it's like 50/50 if it helps. I'd recommend exhausting every other option 1st! Spine surgery is complicated. I've had 3 hip surgeries, they work great. Be cautious with spine surgery. Good luck!

[Timo]

Good luck. I've had L5-S1 fused. The lowest level didn't take. Had it redone a year ago. Slowly getting better. I've also had C5-C7 fused and C7-T1 replaced. And my neck is horrible still! Spine surgery sucks! In my experience it's like 50/50 if it helps. I'd recommend exhausting every other option 1st! Spine surgery is complicated. I've had 3 hip surgeries, they work great. Be cautious with spine surgery. Good luck!

Wow that’s a lot of work! I’m hoping to be fishing by April lol

[Timo]

Finally had the operation this morning. Anterior and posterior lumber fusion L4/L5 and some decompression on L3/L4
Still in the hospital on the pain drip so not sure what it actually feels like. Thanks everyone for your feedback. Puts you mind at ease.

[Recurve hntr]

God bless! I pray for a quick recovery. The only advise I can give from my surgery is do your best to get off the pain meds fast. Easy to rely on them. I hurt real bad but knew I had to stop taking them.