Information on Back Surgery

[Steviegwood]

Hi Everyone, Has anyone ever had Lumbar Fusion Surgery? I am looking for some information on this type of surgery and would like to talk to anyone who has had it and get some insight as to what I may be facing. If this is not somewhere that you feel comfortable discussing it please email me. Thanks, I would appreciate any info. Steve

[lucky788scroller]

If lumbar fusion is the same as lower vertebrates, or spinal fusion as we call it here, my wife had L4 and L5 fused about a year ago, and is doing much better. Her recovery time was pretty fast, she was moving around great after just a week or so.If you want I can give you a phone # to ask her anything you want to know about it. Dale

[Magpie]

Here is a good site to read: http://www.spine-surgery.com/53_263_...4639394436.htm

I'm no spinal expert but if you have trouble with the medspeak I'd be glad to translate for you I have had a couple of patients with spinal fusions and they both did very well with them--and they were both in their 80s. I do know that for the 2 of them, physical therapy and exercise every day were critical. Feel free to PM or email me if I can help you in any way!

[will8989]

Just make sure you get a very good doctor. My sister-in-law had it done twice - the second time to redo & replace what the first surgeon did. She's donig great now.

Betty

[Janette]

Since I don't know exactly what you're problem is - this may or may not be something that can help. I had chronic back pain for years. Basically the doctors told me to come back when I was ready for them to fuse my vertabrae. I wasn't ready for that drastic measure yet - but went to a chiropracter and over time - he fixed it totally. I had been to a different one who hadn't done much for it but this guy did. You have to try different ones and find one that is best for you.

Just a thought as an alternative to surgery.

[Mick Walker]

Steve, I have not had surgery yet. I am 72 years old an have had lower back pain for about 16 years. I carried a mail bag on a walking route for 32 years. I have been to 4 different chiropractors that did nothing but empty my wallet. Tried massage therapy and physical therapy and cortisone shots. I am to the point now that I can hardly walk without pain in my lower back, right hip and down the front of my right leg. I had a MRI last January and th Dr. says that I have spinal stenosis. The small openings in the side of my spine where the nerves come out to my legs are where the problem is, they are pinching the nerves and causing all the pain. The surgeon says he will remove bone to allow him access to the openings and clean them out. He has me doing exercise ball therapy for a month. He says that he wants my muscles to be built up before he does the surgery as this will speed up the recovery time. I am not looking forward to the surgery but am at the point of way too much pain. This is in my L4 and L5 vertebrae, he said he may clean out #3 while he is in there. My daughter is a nurse and says that they can do wonders with back surgery now compared to a few years ago.
Good luck on whatever you decide with yours.

[Steviegwood]

Thanks for all of the input. I have been finding out a lot of info on this surgery. I still have at least one more test to do to determine if this surgery will be any success. If the disc above what shows in the MRI's is also bad they may not be able to fuse that many as there are bad discs in the T-Spine area right above the L-Spine. I always knew that I did not have brains or guts now to find out that I don't have any backbone either. Hey thanks for the info it is greatly appreciated.

[guitarman]

Hey Steve, best of luck with your back situation. I'm sure you'll get through it and be good as new. You're in my prayers. David