Fusion of your back

[LBKB]

Has anyone ever had their backs fused? Would like to know more about this as I am headed for this the end of the month.

 

[KAMLEM]

I had a spinal fusion when I was 9. I never had any problems until I got pregnant, ever since then I have had nothing but trouble. The fusion has become unstable but I have all kinds of scar tissue and they say that there would be about an 80% chance that they would do nerve damage if they were to operate so there is no way I am risking that. I will just manage the pain. I would never recommend back surgery to anyone unless there was no other choice.

 

[LJC1861]

I have had it done twice, both in my neck. I am fused at C6-7 and also at C4-5. The first time was in 1998, and used bone from my hip for the graft. It took several months to heal and I was in a rigid brace for 3 months. The second was in 2004, and used bone from the bone bank for the graft. I also now have a titanium plate over both sites, which helps to keep the area stable. For the second surgery I wore a soft collar and it took much less time to heal. I still have almost complete range of motion and absolutely no pain at all. Before both surgeries I had significant pain, headaches, loss of muscle control and feeling in both arms and hands. I couldn't feel my fingers. Immediately after both the feeling was back in both hands.

I did try chiropractic, acupuncture, and physical therapy before both surgeries, and my surgeon insisted that I try every alternative therapy available before he would do the surgery. I highly recommend finding a surgeon who is in favor of alternative therapies before surgery.

Now, results can be very different in the lower areas on the back, so do some research before opting for any back surgery. I recommend www.spineuniverse.com for excellent information.

Good luck.

Linda

 

[LBKB]

I have had 2 previous ruptures and 4 more surgeries due to complications. Have also tries everything else chiropractor, therapy, shots ect.

 

[MELISAZACK]

My hubby had 2 fusion this past March in the lumbar spine.. I believe it was l3-4 and l5-6 they used both a bone graft from the hip and a cadaver bone..
still having issues todate - still in tons of pain - has feeling in his leg again which is good - but 80% of ROM is gone - 1year healing time and HIp site can cause more pain then the spinal area on some days.
Not sure it helped him much but really he had no choice his disc's were gone.
He can't do much and can't lift more than 10lbs till next march.. Hasn't worked and on LTD since May 07 -that was the 1st surgery on his back that failed and lead to the fusion. I think he is an expection to the issues he is having but they do exist.
Good luck with your and hope you come out 100% better.

 

[chattyann]

I just had my L4-L5, L5_S1 fused on August 25th this year. I am currently in a back brace. They also removed 2 disks in that area and put what they call a T-lift in to give me more range of motion than I would have had otherwise. They used 3 ounces of my left hip bone for the fusion. I also have 6 titanium screws. I have had 2 prior back surgeries but this has by far been the most painful. Just keep in mind that your hip will take quite a while to heal. My doctors actually said it would bother me longer than the back pain will. While I am still having pain, I already feel it has been worth it, because all of the nerve pain I was having in my legs has gotten a lot better. The doctors have said for me to recover to the full extent that I will be able to, that it will take at least a year.

 

[ajk912]

I just had my L4-L5, L5_S1 fused on August 25th this year. I am currently in a back brace. They also removed 2 disks in that area and put what they call a T-lift in to give me more range of motion than I would have had otherwise. They used 3 ounces of my left hip bone for the fusion. I also have 6 titanium screws. I have had 2 prior back surgeries but this has by far been the most painful. Just keep in mind that your hip will take quite a while to heal. My doctors actually said it would bother me longer than the back pain will. While I am still having pain, I already feel it has been worth it, because all of the nerve pain I was having in my legs has gotten a lot better. The doctors have said for me to recover to the full extent that I will be able to, that it will take at least a year.

Omg, I had the worst pain with my hip, too! I don't remember what I had fused..I was in an accident and crushed some vertebrae (my DH knows all the details, I was obviously out of sorts and not really interested in the details) I do know I have two titanium rods and 10 screws in my back. Healing too a long time. At least a year before I really felt comfortable. It was 2 years at least before I could bend at my back well enough to handwash a floor. Now, 4 years later, I only have pain on rainy days or PMSy type days where everything hurts.

 

[bethy]

My DH had quite an extensive procedure done about 15 years ago. He has had chronic pain pretty much 24/7 since then. He's not sure he's at all better off for having had surgery.

Proceed with caution. I'd investigate every other non-invasive option first. And I'd keep my expectations to a minimum if you do have the surgery done.

 

[JessicaR]

Due to Spondylolisthesis, I had a lumbar fusion three years ago. Do your homework and then do it again. If you have to and are able to travel to have the BEST surgeon for your particular situation do it. I can't stress that enough. Get 2nd and 3rd opinions and more if you still aren't comfortable with what you are hearing.

Fusions have come a long way to what they used to be and options are plentiful. What procedure are they doing? However each option is very individual to you and what works for others may be all wrong for you. Is it your lumbar spine? How many levels?

I was fused at L4-L5 and S1 so it was 2 levels. I had a Anterior/Posterior fusion due mainly to a high degree of spinal instability. Interestingly enough although this proved to be the best way for me not a single doctor on Long Island would do it. I am very fortunate to live so close to NYC where some of the best surgeons in this field are found.

I have 3 friends that had fusions and have problems. It is not a surgery to take lightly. I'm sure you are aware that with each additional spine surgery it makes the next all that more difficult and positive outcome percentages drop.

Is this a revision or a new procedure? Have a look at http://www.castleconnolly.com/ Americas Top Doctors.


My fusion was a success and I feel great! I was also in the hospital for 10 days and recovery was not a walk in the park. Still, to feel the way I do today it was very worthwhile. I have some saved documents I researched on recovery and helpful tips if you would like them.

Best of luck to you! Where you having it done?