Just wanted to say hello and ask a question.
A little about me-
I was 35 when I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Disk Disease when I developed bone spurs in my hips and could not tolerate the pain anymore, (I'll be 58 in April). I followed all of the recommendations of my Ortho to help control it, weight loss, exercise, NSAIDs, nerve root blocks, pain control meds, massage therapy, but gradually over the years I have progressed to having 2 herniated discs, degenerative spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal stenosis, and scoliosis.
My Ortho and I have worked together over the years to keep the back muscles strong with exercise (gardening is one of my chosen exercises)and to control the biggest complaint of all sufferers of this disease, PAIN. I use Fentanyl 100 every 48hrs. and if needed, Diladid 8mg every 4 to 6 hours. Surgery has always been the last resource and the only reason we feels it is now time is due to the paralysis in my legs whenever I reach up and my back is now seizing up and sending me to the hospital.
I've had all the pre-admission tests and will be having the surgery on March 15th.
My ortho is considering fusion of L2 through S1.
I know it will be about a year for good recovery and does anyone know how restricting this length of fusion will be after that. I am an avid gardener and outdoor enthusiast and was wondering if I will be able to continue doing physical work such as gardening ,landscaping and snowshoeing in the coming years?
Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Moodylink