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Lumbar Fusion Surgery

StreaterStreater Posts: 293
Has anyone had it? I have severe degenerative disk disease and a herniation in L5/S1. I've had pain and numbness for about 3 years. I've been seeing a specialist for a little over a year and had multiple steroid injections, nerve treatments and physical therapy. Unfortunately, they are no longer working and pain meds are the only thing that keep the pain at a tolerable level. I refuse to accept this as a permanent resolution, so I'm in the process of scheduling the Lumbar Fusion Surgery.

The Doc is predicting a 10 week recovery period before I can go back to work. I'm hoping to make it back in 6 as I'll go nutty being out so long. I'm not looking for sympathy or throwing out the "poor me" post. I'm blessed, happy and love my life. I'm just curious as to what to expect as far as the recovery process.

Anyone been through this? Can you give me some insight as to what challenges I need to prepare for? Any suggestions on things to do? I accept the fact that it is going to suck for a little while, but there is no doubt in my mind that this will be life-changing. I'm prepared to work my ass off and my spirits are high. I just need to get a plan of action together and start getting things in order. I'm hoping to have the surgery by July 1. Any advice is appreciated.
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Comments

  • The SniperThe Sniper Posts: 3,910
    Ive got a disc in my back thats shot too bro, so I definitely feel you on this. Last time I saw the back specialist, he told me they had something called a "cage" that they could put in between the vertebrae instead of doing fusion. Frankly, when he showed me one of them it scared the **** out of me - thing looked like the dentures the Hound of He11 would use to replace his grill. LOL

    Didnt tell you that to scare you... but if you're looking at going the surgery route, might wanna bring this up with your doc and see what the pro's & cons are between fusion vs the cage. Cant hurt to ask... just dont look at the damned thing! :-)

    And my .02 - if they say 10 weeks, TAKE 12! Boredom does suck massively, but you dont wanna rush back at 6 weeks and undo all the good the surgery may bring you after suffering with this crap so long.

  • jlmartajlmarta Posts: 7,881 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My child bride recently had an intrathecal morphine pump implanted in her abdomen to deal with chronic back pain. We opted for this because the reports we've heard regarding spinal surgery and/or fusion didn't sound good to us at all. The intrathecal pump was suggested by her Dr. at the pain managent clinic when all of the other options recommended and tried didn't work. The pump gives her little micro-doses of morphine directly into the spinal cord on a computer-controlled time schedule and allows her, with the use of a small remote, to give herself little extra boosts of the morphine should the pain increase. You may want to look into this instead of surgery. It may not be for everyone but it's worth researching. Hope this of some help to ya, Bro.....
  • The SniperThe Sniper Posts: 3,910
    jlmarta:
    The pump gives her little micro-doses of morphine directly into the spinal cord on a computer-controlled time schedule and allows her, with the use of a small remote, to give herself little extra boosts of the morphine
    I need one of these for my BRAIN! Where do I sign up??? LOL

  • jlmartajlmarta Posts: 7,881 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't know if they have 'smarts' pumps available yet.... Yuk, yuk.
  • Roberto99Roberto99 Posts: 1,077
    The Sniper:
    Ive got a disc in my back thats shot too bro, so I definitely feel you on this. Last time I saw the back specialist, he told me they had something called a "cage" that they could put in between the vertebrae instead of doing fusion. Frankly, when he showed me one of them it scared the **** out of me - thing looked like the dentures the Hound of He11 would use to replace his grill. LOL

    Didnt tell you that to scare you... but if you're looking at going the surgery route, might wanna bring this up with your doc and see what the pro's & cons are between fusion vs the cage. Cant hurt to ask... just dont look at the damned thing! :-)

    And my .02 - if they say 10 weeks, TAKE 12! Boredom does suck massively, but you dont wanna rush back at 6 weeks and undo all the good the surgery may bring you after suffering with this crap so long.

    Yes, definitely don't rush back to work if they say 10 weeks, follow directions! As you probably already know inflammation is one of the big issues with recovery and one has to be slow and deliberate with recovery from this type of surgery.
  • The SniperThe Sniper Posts: 3,910
    jlmarta:
    I don't know if they have 'smarts' pumps available yet.... Yuk, yuk.
    And with that, thread hijack COMPLETE! LOL Carry on gentlemen... :-D

  • camgfscamgfs Posts: 968
    I haven't had any back surgery, but I feel your pain, literally! I've been out of work close to 4 years now, 2 of those years spent in school, because of chronic back pain. I work from home (summer placement) in between semmesters and I have no idea where or how I will work once I graduate.
    I think you should not rush getting back to work. Take the time off, even at the risk of going nuts. It's not worth hurting yourself over and over again because you were restless.

    Surgery is not an option for me, but I wish you the best and I look forward to reading your future posts, when you are pain free!

  • jlmartajlmarta Posts: 7,881 ✭✭✭✭✭
    camgfs:
    Surgery is not an option for me, but I wish you the best and I look forward to reading your future posts, when you are pain free!



    If surgery isn't an option for you, have you looked into something like the intrathecal morphine pump? If they can't cure your problem maybe they can at least alleviate your pain. Just a thought. I hate to see anyone in chronic pain.
  • mmccartneydcmmccartneydc Posts: 3,407 ✭✭✭
    Well this thread is very close to home for me. I used to be in medical sales and specialized in spine hardware( ie fusions). I am now a chiropractor and help patients avoid surgery. Without lots of texts, I would be happy to field phone calls from any of you. I am definitely not anti-surgery as I currently work with two orthopedic surgeons that perform spine surgery. In our clinic, we try to treat conservatively first and progress to more invasive means of treatments. Feel free to pm me for my phone number and I'll be happy to answer any questions. Back pain is at epidemic proportions so hopefully I can help!
  • camgfscamgfs Posts: 968
    mmccartneydc:
    Well this thread is very close to home for me. I used to be in medical sales and specialized in spine hardware( ie fusions). I am now a chiropractor and help patients avoid surgery. Without lots of texts, I would be happy to field phone calls from any of you. I am definitely not anti-surgery as I currently work with two orthopedic surgeons that perform spine surgery. In our clinic, we try to treat conservatively first and progress to more invasive means of treatments. Feel free to pm me for my phone number and I'll be happy to answer any questions. Back pain is at epidemic proportions so hopefully I can help!
    Thank you for the offer to help. I already see a Chiropractor, Massage therapist AND on my third Physiotherapy, all on a regular basis. I've been to a couple specialists, spent 8 weeks at a "back institute" (4 hours a day) and I have reached what "they" call "my maximum point of recovery". It is assumed that I will never get better than I am now....and that sucks. I haven't given up, but no need for the phone call. My injury does not show up on XRay or CatScan, but the pain is real. It's going on 8 years now. How time flies when you're having fun :|

  • StreaterStreater Posts: 293
    The Sniper:
    jlmarta:
    I don't know if they have 'smarts' pumps available yet.... Yuk, yuk.
    And with that, thread hijack COMPLETE! LOL Carry on gentlemen... :-D

    No worries! I appreciate all the responses and encouragement. I have looked into the morphine pump, but the relief will be minimal and temporary. The cage that was mention earlier is similar to what will be done. They will remove the wrecked disk, put in mesh spacers, then add some king of growth hormone that will grow my bone at a rapid pace. It will be fused within 2 weeks my MD says.

    As for the Chiro, I am a big fan. I've been seeing a Chiro for over 20 years, and have seen multiple to try and get relief. It was actually 2 different Chiros' recommendations that finally convinced me to see a specialist. It's got to be pretty wrecked for a chiropractor to tell you need surgery.
  • mmccartneydcmmccartneydc Posts: 3,407 ✭✭✭
    Agreed totally! There is also a procedure called Neurostimulation Therapy, where they implant a "neurostimulator" on the spinal cord that blocks pain and can be removed if need be with no permanent effects/damage!
  • KCWKCW Posts: 1,334 ✭✭✭
    Sorry you're dealing with this.
    I have had two back surgeries to remove a bony growth from my L4 & L5 (twice*). (No fusion) I am pain free and have been for about 20 years (since I had the surgery).

    *The reason I had it done twice is it started growing back after the first surgery.

    My poor Mother In-Law is dealing with your situation. She first had the fusion. It "Didn't Take". She then had "The Cage" installed (someone mentioned earlier). She then had to have a hip replacement (due to her compensating for the back pain). All of this in less than three years. She is SLOWLY getting better. But you have to remember she is 76 years old. But one thing you should take away from this is that if she can do it, you can as well. You'll be fine.

    Six weeks isn't going to do it my friend (I hope it will though for your sake). I was down and out for six weeks (each) with my surgeries & I didn't have anything fused. As mentioned before. DO NOT rush your recovery. Just plan accordingly. Wishing you the best.
  • RBeckomRBeckom Posts: 2,191 ✭✭✭
    I also feel your pain. Most of my Lumbar Vertebrae have deteriorated till there's not much left. My disks are all shot. When I was first diagnosed in 1993, I was told I had A fifty fifty chance of walking after surgery. Needless to say I didn't have the surgery. I still manage to hobble around A bit but the pain is unbearable at times. Now with the meds I can at the very least enjoy life somewhat. Hang in there, it's A ruff ride but the way I look at life is this, I ain't dead yet.
  • Gaetano7890Gaetano7890 Posts: 800 ✭✭✭
    I have not had any of thses back issues but my father in law has. About ten years ago he had a spinal fusion surgery preformed and from what everyone tells me it has really helped him out alot. About two weeks ago he had it done again. All the parts were taken out and replaced and all scar tissue was removed. He is sore now but is walking around a little, he met us for icecream last night. He was in a car accident 15-18 years ago and I think this surgery was preventtive for later in life since he has jsut turned 50. I can let you know any additional info if needed and or his progress PM if yo have any additional questions.
  • laker1963laker1963 Posts: 5,046
    Streater:
    Has anyone had it? I have severe degenerative disk disease and a herniation in L5/S1. I've had pain and numbness for about 3 years. I've been seeing a specialist for a little over a year and had multiple steroid injections, nerve treatments and physical therapy. Unfortunately, they are no longer working and pain meds are the only thing that keep the pain at a tolerable level. I refuse to accept this as a permanent resolution, so I'm in the process of scheduling the Lumbar Fusion Surgery.

    The Doc is predicting a 10 week recovery period before I can go back to work. I'm hoping to make it back in 6 as I'll go nutty being out so long. I'm not looking for sympathy or throwing out the "poor me" post. I'm blessed, happy and love my life. I'm just curious as to what to expect as far as the recovery process.

    Anyone been through this? Can you give me some insight as to what challenges I need to prepare for? Any suggestions on things to do? I accept the fact that it is going to suck for a little while, but there is no doubt in my mind that this will be life-changing. I'm prepared to work my ass off and my spirits are high. I just need to get a plan of action together and start getting things in order. I'm hoping to have the surgery by July 1. Any advice is appreciated.
    I have had this surgery. In my case I have what is called an instrumentation fusion. I had some degeneration in a couple of discs and one broken vertabrea. The broken peice of the vertabrea was removed and along with a bone graft from my hip was used to make a "bone paste" to be used as a glue. Then the holes in my spines where the nerve endings come into the spinal column were bored out as they were constricted and causing pressure on the nerves in several places. The vertabrea had an insert placed where the damage was and the bone glue used to hold everything in place. Then they used two Titanium rods to "fuse" the vertabrea above and below the damaged area. When I first saw the results on an exray I couldn't believe it. The screws they used look exactly like an 1 1/2 drywall screw... not fun to look at.

    I had dealt with the pain and frustration of back problems since I was a little kid and until I was 35 couldn't find a DR. to work on me. The Dr. who did work on me was FANTASTIC!!! and I am at least 90% pain free at least 80% of the time and can deal with the level of pain when it is there now.

    I would not nor do not advocate that anyone else goes for back surgery. That is a decision a person has to make for themselves. In my case I was so tired and frustrated with dealing with pain 24 / 7 that I was willing to risk further damage and more pain in order to alleviate the situation, and it worked. I got lucky... many others do not. Sorry I couldn't be more help, but every back injury or condition is unique unto itself. Good luck bro.
  • StreaterStreater Posts: 293
    Well, the date is set for July 5th to have the surgery. I look forward to getting it over with. I'm so tired of taking pain meds just to be able to move. Can't wait to stop taking these horrible things.

  • DirewolfDirewolf Posts: 3,493
    Dude you take all the time they tell you too.. Don't push it and rehab that back right.
  • jlmartajlmarta Posts: 7,881 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'll hold good thoughts for you for a successful outcome to this surgery. I sure don't envy anyone having to survive on painkillers. Best of luck, my friend.
  • laker1963laker1963 Posts: 5,046
    Good luck. Hope all goes well. Mine has been succesful and I am glad I finally got it done. I hope yours works out as well, and you can be feeling better without the constant pain. The constant pain is what messes with your head.
  • Roberto99Roberto99 Posts: 1,077
    Yeah, best wishes Streater! Those pain meds suck the life out of a person. Hope you will be pain free after it's all over.
  • StreaterStreater Posts: 293
    Well folks, I had lumbar fusion surgery on July 5th, and I can honestly tell you that it was the best decision I have made in quite a while. The surgeons both described the surgery as "textbook". The neurosurgeon said that everything went perfectly, without any issues at all. He admitted that he was expecting couple things to pop up that he would have to address, but it went smoothly. He rated it as 10 out of 10. They didn't even need the extra 2 units of blood they had on standby. The surgery could not have gone better.

    The first 5-6 days were terrible, as i was in quite a but of pain. On day 7, I started to notice that most of the pain I had before the surgery was GONE! I did not realize the extent of my injuries until things stopped hurting. It's incredible the amount of relief I felt after just the first week. On day 8 I went back in for a post op checkup. Up until then, my lovely bride had to change the surgical dressings every day, which was quite irritating. I have a 9" horizontal incision across my stomach, right below the beltline, and 9, 3" horizontal incisions from the middle of my back to right above my tailbome on each side of my spine. The Surgeon was amazed at how fast they had healed, and told me that the dressings were no longer necessary. I also found out that I had grown 3/4 of an inch! They had to put spacers that were the correct height of a normal disk between the vertebra and then injected some goop made from my stem cells into the place where my disk was removed. This will harden over time and complete the fusion of the two vertebra together. How cool is that!

    I had been up and walking short distances since the anesthesia had worn off, and slowly increasing the distances each day. The surgeon explained that this is the reason I was mending so quickly. The walking stimulated the circulation down there which leads to better, faster healing. I was given the Bone Growth Stimulator device to use every day for 30 minutes. He also cleared me to drive! I still have to wear a back brace, but I am getting used to it. It keeps me from bending or twisting. I'm not allowed to lift anything over 15 lbs either.

    All in all, I'm feeling absolutely FANTASTIC! I'm amazed at how much better I feel. My wife told me that she has seen a huge change in my attitude and disposition. Im so much happier, and have a tremendous love for life right now! Pain really does change a person. The surgery not only reduced the pain in my back, but it completely stopped the pain I had in my legs, knees and feet! I had been thinking that my knees and feet hurt because I was getting old. The pain in my feet and knees was a 5 on a scale of 1-10, and after walking or running, it sometimes got as high as 7 or 8! Now it's 0-1! I'm extatic! So-far, I have gotten more relief out of this surgery than I expected. I still have a long way to go, though. I still have some stabbing pain in my lower back, but it's manageable without drugs and it might even get lower as the wound heals and the fusion takes. I have another appointment in 3 weeks. At that time, they will check to see if the bones have fused. If they have, my physical therapy starts.

    I'm a big guy at 6'1" and 285 lbs. My doc told me that when my PT is complete, I will be down in the 225 range. The PT is going to be grueling. I'll be going 3-4 days a week, and they should last between 3 1/2-5 hours. It will be a combination of stretching, core-strengthening, and cardio. I am pumping myself up, and I can't wait to tackle this challenge! Life is so good right now. I so blessed.
  • jgibvjgibv Posts: 9,244 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just read through the thread and I am glad to hear the surgery went well and that you're feeling better already. Sounds like a great group of surgeons/doctors who did the work and that's amazing how quickly the body can begin to recover from a big surgery like that .

    I wish you all the best in your continuing recovery and PT, and that I hope that everything from here on out continues to go smoothly.

    * I have a new address as of 3/24/18 *

  • laker1963laker1963 Posts: 5,046
    jgibv:
    Just read through the thread and I am glad to hear the surgery went well and that you're feeling better already. Sounds like a great group of surgeons/doctors who did the work and that's amazing how quickly the body can begin to recover from a big surgery like that .

    I wish you all the best in your continuing recovery and PT, and that I hope that everything from here on out continues to go smoothly.
    +1 Well said and I hope you continue to feel better as each day passes. I know mine changed my life, and not dealing with daily pain makes one much nicer to be around.
  • scarlinscarlin Posts: 1,592
    laker1963:
    jgibv:
    Just read through the thread and I am glad to hear the surgery went well and that you're feeling better already. Sounds like a great group of surgeons/doctors who did the work and that's amazing how quickly the body can begin to recover from a big surgery like that .

    I wish you all the best in your continuing recovery and PT, and that I hope that everything from here on out continues to go smoothly.
    +1 Well said and I hope you continue to feel better as each day passes. I know mine changed my life, and not dealing with daily pain makes one much nicer to be around.
    +2 Great to hear this is working out!
  • StreaterStreater Posts: 293
    I'm sure that most of yall have better things to care about, but being the narcissist that I am, I felt the need to give yall an update. Thank you for your time. I'll try not to be long-winded, but I can't promise anything. I really enjoy talking about myself. LOL **shiteating grin

    I had my 1 month follow-up today. They took a couple x-rays which is good because I haven't seen the hardware in my back yet. It looks like 4 wood screws holding down 2 thick titanium rods. The ends of the spacers they put between the 2 vertebra also showed up clearly as well. Modern medicine is incredible.

    The doctor said that I am healing very well and that I should start physical therapy the week after next. The fusion process has started and the gel that was injected into the space where the destroyed disk was removed, is starting to harden. They made that stuff from my stem cells. How cool is that!

    I don't know if I mentioned this in my earlier posts, but I've grown almost an inch! My disk had degenerated so much, that when they removed it and put in the spacers that keep the vertebra properly spaced, it gave me 3/4-1 inch of additional height. I'll take it. Lowers my BMI. LOL!

    I couldn't be happier about the success of the surgery. I still can't believe how good I feel!. I didn't realize how jacked up my back was, until everything stopped hurting. Not only has the back pain significantly decreased, but my legs, knees and feet stopped hurting completely! I got so much relief from this surgey that I swear even my teeth stopped hurting!

    The best thing, though, is the fact that I've been able to taper the Hydrocodone down to 1-3 from 8-10 pills per day. My doctor wants me to stay on them cause the physical therapy will be really intense. He said that I will need them. That's fine by me.

    So, I will be starting the next phase of the healing process in a week or so. I am PUMPED! I'm ready to give it 110%! I know it will suck, but I refuse to puss out and half-ass the PT. I will live to be 104 years of age, so I will have to live with this back for a long, long time. I'll keep yall posted. Cheers...
  • BigshizzaBigshizza Posts: 15,644 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Excellent news!! I had a diskectomy 2 weeks ago and have had pain for 2 plus years. It's a lot better now I tell you. There's a difference in nerve pain vs. muscle/incision pain. I can at least walk better and working muscles that hadnt been used. Good luck!!
  • BigshizzaBigshizza Posts: 15,644 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Bump-- anyone else have a back surgery?
  • NolagizmoNolagizmo Posts: 1,914 ✭✭✭✭✭
    One of my best friends had to go through 4 surgeries because of a bad wreck drag racing. He functions well but is in constant pain
    "Come party with me in Tennessee for my birthday July we can smoke in the Smokey's."
  • avengethisavengethis Posts: 5,686 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My wife is probably going to need neck surgery here this new year.  She goes in middle of January to find out how bad.
    Team O'Donnell FTW!

    "I've got a great cigar collection - it's actually not a collection, because that would imply I wasn't going to smoke ever last one of 'em." - Ron White
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