I have to have back surgery

[Jenvenza]

I was told today that from the results of my MRI last month, I have a torn disc that is not going to heal on its own and I will have to have surgery to fix it. Of course, I was not very happy to hear this, though I am a little relieved to actually know what is causing all my back pain now. I am going to have an injection of a streiod in my back in the next couple of weeks and then I go back to discuss surgical options.

Who here has had back surgery? It would be on my L5 - I am really nervous about spine surgery - surgery in general actually. I know my doctor will give all the info I need when I go back, but I am sure I will be googling everything until then. If you have had surgery - please tell me about it. How long you were out of work - in the hospital - and anything that might be relevant.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kimmikayb]

I had the same thing over 10 years ago, so I'm sure things have changed since then. First let me say, I am glad I had it done! After physical therapy I had no pain. It was wonderful.

However, I did have some complications. They were going to fuse my hip bone and add hardware. For some reason I can't remember, they couldn't use the hardware. So I only had the fusion. I was in a body brace for almost 6 months. Complete bed rest for 3 months. Hospital for 3 weeks. After the initial first few days...I was painfree. So more tedious and boring then anything.

I think things have changed a lot since then. I think you'll be glad you did it!

 

[Jenvenza]

I had the same thing over 10 years ago, so I'm sure things have changed since then. First let me say, I am glad I had it done! After physical therapy I had no pain. It was wonderful.

However, I did have some complications. They were going to fuse my hip bone and add hardware. For some reason I can't remember, they couldn't use the hardware. So I only had the fusion. I was in a body brace for almost 6 months. Complete bed rest for 3 months. Hospital for 3 weeks. After the initial first few days...I was painfree. So more tedious and boring then anything.

I think things have changed a lot since then. I think you'll be glad you did it!

My mom has back surgery 8 years ago and I think a lot has changed since then as well. I have heard they can do a laser surgery now and you are back on your feet within 5 days!!

 

[kimmikayb]

My mom has back surgery 8 years ago and I think a lot has changed since then as well. I have heard they can do a laser surgery now and you are back on your feet within 5 days!!

That would be amazing to me! I hope that's what happens for you!

 

[DisneyGalUK]

I had the same operation in 2005, after 3 years of back pain - best thing I have ever done!

I went into the hospital at 7am on a Friday morning, and I was home by 5pm the next day. I was off work for 4 weeks, then I started back doing 3 days a week, after two weeks I went back to full time.
The operation from what I understand was pretty straightforward, luckily no complications etc. I had a great surgeon who came to visit me the morning of the operation and he explained what he was going to do.
I could tell the difference within a day or two of coming out of hospital and once the scar had begun to heal and I had my physiotherapy I was completely pain free!

Every now and again I get a 'twinge' in my back, but thats when its really cold - I just try to take it easy and do the exercises the physio gave me and the twinges go away.

Good luck with your surgery - I agree with kimmikayb - I think you'll be glad you did it!

 

[Jenvenza]

Thanks for the replies! I just talked to someone at my job who had it done and she also said I would be happy after I had it done.

 

[Becky2005]

I think things have changed a lot since then. I think you'll be glad you did it!

I'm thinking a lot has changed, I don't have experience with this particular surgery but my DD is going to have to get a spinal fusion next year.

Basically she's in the hospital 5 days and then she's up & on her own! She will be restricted for 3 months for bending, lifting, twisting but apparently after 4 weeks she can start going back to school. She may or may not have a back brace (won't know until after surgery).

Sounds like the surgery you are having is less invasive, so just wanting to point out how quick they can get you up & going now with back surgeries.

I did read/hear something about laser surgeries now for certain back issues so it's something to ask about.

Good Luck, the prospect of any surgery is scary but spinal surgery is definitely one that makes you doubly nervous.

 

[Michelle67]

I haven't had any surgery, but I just wanted to send you hugs and prayers.

My sister did have two cervical discs fused and a plate put in to stabilize them, at the beginning of this year. Her recovery time was pretty quick. Sorry, not too specific, but she did say it was scarier before hand than it was difficult or painful after the fact, fwiw. The day after surgery my mom asked her how her pain level was, and my sister told her she felt better than she had in two years. Her biggest inconvenience had/has to do with lifting restrictions.

 

[Jenvenza]

The whole lifting and bending restrictions could be a big problem for me. How do you explain to a 15 month old that mommy cant pick her up??

 

[Michelle67]

Yeah, that's a really tough one. Friends of mine have struggled with that after C-sections, too. Do you have help available so that she has other people to take up the lifting and cuddling slack?

 

[LindaR]

In 2002 I had my lower spine fused. (L4,L5). Grafted bone from my hip. I would NEVER use my own bone again! I now had additional problems! Osteoporosis AND arthritis at the site of the graft (shows up on xrays). Instead of eliminating pain, I now have additional pain.

TRUST ME, you need to get other opinions, do tons of research! Exhaust every option BEFORE having surgery. There is so much that your doctor will NOT fully explain (mine admitted he knew he may create more problems, but he only admitted it AFTER my surgery and I complained about new pain).

My sister lives across the country from me and she had to have her C spine fused. HER doctor used donor bone and she does not have additional problems.

RESEARCH, research, RESEARCH!!! Now. BEFORE the surgery.

 

[famofsix]

After two years of severe pain, I had the surgery(L4/L5) and I got my quality of life back and now it has been 6 years pain free The kids were 3,5, and 7 years old at the time. I did not have fusion though like LindaR.

I felt 85% better the day after the surgery Yes it was hard having little ones home but it is really important to follow the guidelines and restrictions no matter how great you feel after the surgery. You'll need help and support to get through the recovery but it is doable.