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Avatar universal

Have multi level spinal fusion next week! Help!!!!

Hi,  I'm new to this forum, but not to back problems. Sorry about some of the spelling before I start. I've been suffering with a bad back for 7 years. I'm so looking forward to this surgery. I can't take the pain much longer. Last year it hit the worst. I think that's when my L4,L5 disk went.  The L5,S1 disk went in 2000. I have besides herniated disks, sevior curving of my lower spin, where it's pulling away from my pelvic bone, arthritis in my L4,L5,and S1, caused from stress fractures, degenerative spine disorder, spondylios(sp), and last but not least spinal bifita occulata(sp).  So it's a mess.
  I have had every possible back test thought up by man, and trust me some of them where killers.  Did the epideral injections, brought on diabetes, did physical therapy, tried a chyropractor(sp), he admitted he couldn't help, also recevied a tez unit . I don't for see any other treatments left for me.  Right now I take enough oxycodone, and other type drugs, that it's effecting my personality,bouts of depression, anxiety, paramoid, and making me act like a teenager(I'm 37) also, and after surgery, they have to ween me off them.  It also effecting my job.  They think I'm drunk, NOT! I almost lost my job too!  My friends are really wondering about me, along with my family! I was never like this, before last year and the drugs.
  My question is has anyone else gone through all this h__l?  Has anyone else had this kind of surgery, and did it help?  I don't think I can take much more of this.  Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
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Avatar universal
Wow, Hope you are feeling better, and what did you do.  Wondering because I just came home from the Dr. and he recomended a four level fusion on my lower back.  And what I have found on the internet does not sound good.  So I saw your comment and was wondering what you decieded to do, and how it all went for you.  Please let me know and I hope all is well with you.
Helpful - 1
6887703 tn?1385789354
In 3 weeks (4 Feb. '19) I am having a L3 to the sacrum segmental fusion with instrumentation (L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1).  There is not a lot on the web but I found this & it might help you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSl64xbPMyk
My concern was the post op pain as well as managing since I live alone w my cat. I messaged with the author and he claimed it was rough at 1st. but after a couple months the pre op pain was much worse the post op pain.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Multi-level fusion recoveries can be very long and difficult. Fusion surgery is the joining of two or more segments and making it one longer one. You also loose the flexibility of those segments.
Spine-Health has many articles, videos, and discussions on spine surgeries and articles on recovery.
Thank you
Avatar universal
ps theraphy doesn't work, walking and builing up muscle tone is the only wasy to get to the point you can have your life back. I tried it ALL!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Many people have posted about the pain after cervical fusions. Though there are many causes and I see the doctors agree, muscle spasms, joint irritation above and below the fusion etc...
I have had terrible chronic pain from 2007 until 3 days ago. I tried ever imaginable way to get rid of it from massage, acupuncture, cupping, therapy massage, pain pills ( strong doses) steroid injection, Botox...the list goes on and on. But a few days ago my sister told me about an herb that Dr Oz talked about ( I know Dr Oz???, I was skeptical too) I tried it and the first ONE I took relieved the terrible tension in the muscles in my head, neck and shoulders by 80%. Now just days after I am 95% better. I still have some joint discomfort but the inflammation causing the horrible soreness it almost gone. Hopefully I will be able to find something that helps that so I can return to work. But please try this herb it was a miracle for me!!! ZYFLAMEND by NewChapter. I am NOT getting anything for writing this. I was so disappointed when I came on line to find help but found only others suffering like me. Just give it a try!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Many people have posted about the pain after cervical fusions. Though there are many causes and I see the doctors agree, muscle spasms, joint irritation above and below the fusion etc...
I have had terrible chronic pain from 2007 until 3 days ago. I tried ever imaginable way to get rid of it from massage, acupuncture, cupping, therapy massage, pain pills ( strong doses) steroid injection, Botox...the list goes on and on. But a few days ago my sister told me about an herb that Dr Oz talked about ( I know Dr Oz???, I was skeptical too) I tried it and the first ONE I took relieved the terrible tension in the muscles in my head, neck and shoulders by 80%. Now just days after I am 95% better. I still have some joint discomfort but the inflammation causing the horrible soreness it almost gone. Hopefully I will be able to find something that helps that so I can return to work. But please try this herb it was a miracle for me!!! ZYFLAMEND by NewChapter. I am NOT getting anything for writing this. I was so disappointed when I came on line to find help but found only others suffering like me. Just give it a try!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
ZYFLAMEND
Many people have posted about the pain after cervical fusions. Though there are many causes and I see the doctors agree, muscle spasms, joint irritation above and below the fusion etc...
I have had terrible chronic pain from 2007 until 3 days ago. I tried ever imaginable way to get rid of it from massage, acupuncture, cupping, therapy massage, pain pills ( strong doses) steroid injection, Botox...the list goes on and on. But a few days ago my sister told me about an herb that Dr Oz talked about ( I know Dr Oz???, I was skeptical too) I tried it and the first ONE I took relieved the terrible tension in the muscles in my head, neck and shoulders by 80%. Now just days after I am 95% better. I still have some joint discomfort but the inflammation causing the horrible soreness it almost gone. Hopefully I will be able to find something that helps that so I can return to work. But please try this herb it was a miracle for me!!! ZYFLAMEND by NewChapter. I am NOT getting anything for writing this. I was so disappointed when I came on line to find help but found only others suffering like me. Just give it a try!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've had spinal l5 s1 lasicomy decompression n 5weeks into it I feel the same exact feeling I felt bfore the back surgery. Is this normal? I pray n beg lord everynight to heal n take away the pain. I can't sit or lay bc of pressure pains. It's horrible. Ne sugguestions?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had a 4 level fusion (S1-L2) with 10 screws and two rods.  Unfortunately I have two screws coming out at L2 and have to go in for emergency surgery to have either a 7 or 8 level fusion.  I have yet to find anyone that has had that many levels. Not only has the screws come out, but my pelvic is so tilted due to trying to compensate for the curve of my spine that they have to try and figure out how to make me straight.  It is causing so many other internal problems due to the tilt.   If anyone knows of anyone that has had an 8  level fusion after having a 2 or 4 level fusion, can you tell me if the recovery is much different.  Thank you!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Where to begin.  I had 4 surgeries on my back and going in a few weeks for my 5th.  My first spinal fusion was done in 2002 by Dr. David Arndt. This was the beginning of my nightmare. This was to be a 1 level fusions at level L4/5. He ended up operating on the wrong level and 2 screws came out, one in my hip and one in my
stomach. I ended up having all the hardware removed by Dr. Tromanhauser. (Great doctor). In 2010 I had a four level fusion. I had a fall in may of 2011. I think because of this I need to go in for an eight level fusion. The screw At level L2 is not only coming out but protruding into the above disc.  I am scared to death. they are not even sure how they are going to go about doing this. I should find out by this coming thursday. Has anybody had an eight level fusion? I personally have never heard of anyone having one before. If so, can you tell me what, I should expect?  And as far as a discogram goes, not to scare you but to prepare you, it felt like somebody was crushing my back. Now the pain level may depend on how bad your back is and I am only telling you my experience.  I would appreciate any information anyone can provide me. Thanks!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Where to begin.  I had 4 surgeries on my back and going in a few weeks for my 5th.  My first spinal fusion was done in 2002 by Dr. David Arndt. This was the beginning of my nightmare. This was to be a 1 level fusions at level L4/5. He ended up operating on the wrong level and 2 screws came out, one in my hip and one in my
stomach. I ended up having all the hardware removed by Dr. Tromanhauser. (Great doctor). In 2010 I had a four level fusion. I had a fall in may of 2011. I think because of this I need to go in for an eight level fusion. The screw At level L2 is not only coming out but protruding into the above disc.  I am scared to death. they are not even sure how they are going to go about doing this. I should find out by this coming thursday. Has anybody had an eight level fusion? I personally have never heard of anyone having one before. If so, can you tell me what, I should expect?  And as far as a discogram goes, not to scare you but to prepare you, it felt like somebody was crushing my back. Now the pain level may depend on how bad your back is and I am only telling you my experience.  I would appreciate any information anyone can provide me. Thanks!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello I had bone fusion done about 1.5 years ago were they taken bone from my hip and fused it to my spine threw the front of my neck...Well i am one of those that had a very bad experience? 3 weeks after i had pain in my left arm tingling and felt like it was on fire so they done a CT Scan too see and 2 of the screws came out and are now floating there like in space wich is not good at all? Now i have pain in my top right leg so bad i can hardly walk on it.Im taking 2 tab's of oxy80mg 4 times a day for the pain & im still in serious pain? I have been waiting for over 1 year now too get that fixed and in the past year they found 2 more hurniated disks in my upper spine & 3 months ago they also found 2 more in my lower spine so if any1 ever asked me to get spine fusion my remarks would be DONT DO IT Unless you like to play the roll of the dice? But like i have been told by the surgion many have came out fine butwhy am i not hearing as many good storys as i am all this bad **** happening like as it did too me!!!!! Well good luck e-mail me anytime if any1 knows anything i can even do msg me here and let me know but im 32 and its not looking so good for me sorry about the spelling every1 not that good on these things lol good luck too all with the thing we call BAD-BACKS
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
I am new here and reading your stories makes me feel like I am a wuss.

I was in an accident last October and have been suffering from lower back pain ever since due to a 10 mm disk extrusion with a 5 mm fragmant separated on my L4-5 and a lesser bulge on L3-4. I should mention that I am a Fitness/Yoga instructor and doing my job is next to impossible. I have been in so much pain (after having never ever had any back pain before) that teaching my classes is getting harder and harder every day. I mean, I hit level 9 on a daily basis, not counting the recent shooting pains in my back, butt, legs, and heels. When teaching, I now mostly talk my people thru the moves. Both disks are leaking.

I did PT, use the tense unit, did all (10) injections, had my discogram and need a 2-level fusion on my L3-4 & L4-5, and will get 2 bars and 6 screws. He will go in from the side.  
Anyway, I am planning to have this surgery done this summer. It will be a big change for me (as I am not used to NOT working), but I feel that it will give me some relief at the least.

I heard that I need to make a list of things I need prior to surgery...like grabbers, silk pj's, etc. ect. So, any help there is greatly appreciated.
What should I expect from this surgery? How long is the recovery? I hear from 3 months to one year? What is the real deal? When can I walk up and down the stairs, etc.? I know that I will be out of work for a long time, but when can I do normal chores at home, such as cooking?

Again, I do still feel silly to ask after reading how some of you have been suffering from back pain for all these years. So, I hope it's ok that I posted here...oh, and I am 45 years young...never had any back pain until 3 hours after the accident last October. Def. a life changing moment.
Helpful - 0
1629578 tn?1299814894
My quick story to share about my fusion, I know most of you may not have scoliosis but I had a fusion also.

I had harrington rod/fusion surgery for scoliosis almost 23 years ago. In the last 10-15 + years, I have had terrible complications from the surgery, neurosurgeon calls it flatback syndrome. My 2 rods start at T3 and end at L2, they took bone off my left hip at the time of surgery to fuse the spine.

I have been in and out of doctor's offices, counselors, physical therapy, seen many massage therapists, chiropractors, multiple prescription use, and also have used many modalities of alternative medicine. Because I suffer from chronic pain all the time, fibromyalgia symptoms, myofascial pain (tons of knots in the muscles...everywhere), pinching and burning of nerves and especially around the rods/fusion and my legs, extreme dizziness/vertigo, migraines that last for weeks, TMJ disorder, bulged disks, abnormal forward curvature (at least 30%) of the cervical spine, degenerating disks, pre osteoarthritis, arthritis, bursitis, sciatica, numbness , burning, and tingling of extremities, muscle fatigue and weakness/atrophy, edema, shortness of breath, thyroid issues, gall bladder issues, hypoglycemia, poor concentration, memory problems, moodiness and depression, sleep issues... I think that just about covers it all :(  I never had any pain or any issues before my surgery, even though I was only eleven.   Many other scoliosis friends that have had fusions are suffering with the same things as well because of the long term outcomes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
How much pain were you in after the surgery? Did they go front and back? And who was your doctor?
Thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I had my third back surgery almost two months ago and I am still in the healing process for this one so I am not sure of the over all outcome yet.

I have had lower back pain since 1998 and I have been through everything that you can possibly imagine to try and fix the problem and some things I have done more than once due to moving. I did pt at least four times, I have been though pain managment twice and then the three surgeries. I have also had more needles stuck in my than I could have ever imagined in a life time ( and I have four kids).

My first surgery was done in Texas in Dec 2008 and I thought it was going ok till I lost all feeling in my pelvic area and all the way down my left leg. When I went to see my Dr he told me that one of the bone fragments was missing and that they couldnt find it so I was sent for a milagram. The day after the milagram I went back to the Dr and he said that I had to have surgery again on in the morning, so April 2009. After this surgery I was extra careful and tried to watch what I was doing because I was lead to believe that the second surgery was my fault, but I found out about six months later when I got my hospital records that it was the dr that messed up. The surgical records stated that there was a plastic clip removed from my nerve during the second surgery that had been left in during the first surgery.

After moving from Texas I was still having a lot of back pain and I have trouble getting out of bed so I started seeing a new Dr. After my first MRI came back the surgain called me in and told me that there was no choice I had to have a third surgery. At this news I broke down crying and had to get myself under control so that I could go get in the car with my kids. This being my third surgery I knew that there was going to be a lot of pain, but I was not really sure what all was going to happen and neither was the Dr. I came out fine, but I am still in pain and on pain meds and they told me that I probl. will be for the rest of my life.

I am 34 years old and I have a nine inch scar on my back, fusions at L3-L4 L4-L5 L5-S1, 8 screws, 6 pins, and scar tissue that has to be scrapped periodically off my nerve in my back. I also have had some issues with depression because everyday I find new things that I will no longer be able to do with my kids, my family.

I know that this all sounds like the bad side of fusion surgery, but I can walk still and I am alive to be with my family so I guess there are the good things to look at too. I am also a person that believe you should know every side of what you are walking into and with surgery there is danger.

As far as the pain is concerned yes there is going to be pain and it will be bad when you first wake up, but it can be overcome and the pain is different for everyone. The recovery is different for everyone and from what I have seen it also varies by Dr.

I wish everyone good luck and you will all be in my prays I know what you are going through.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oops - mistyped.  My fusion will be C3 - C7.  Four levels.  Typed C2.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Although it isn't urgent yet & I'll be going back for exams every 3 months, I will be needing multi-level Cervical Fusion of C2 through C7 some time in the next few years.  Timing depends on how it progresses, but I have basically no discs left in those 4 spaces as well as some movement which is causing compression of the spinal column.  My Dr intends to build a full strut for the anterior side, as well as fusing the posterior side, all 5 vert.  He's telling me anywhere between 6-12 weeks with hard collar, and loss of approximately 25-30% mobility.

Anyone out there done this many Cervical?
Helpful - 0
1267561 tn?1270268336
This coming April 12, 2010 I will be having an ANTERIOR LUMBAR DISCECTOMY AND INTERBODY FUSION AND PARTIAL DISCECTOMY.  In other words, the surgeon will make an 8"incision on my abdomen and enter through the front, moving all my insides to the side then spreading the lower vertebraes apart to put in spacers along with screws(fusing 3 vertebraes)  Then a mesh will be applied and a bone fusion liquid will be injected.  I will then be turned over for a series of micro incisions along my spine for microc surgery to clean bone spurs and partial discectomy.  Has any body had this experience so that I might have something to reflect upon.  I feel very comfortable with both of the surgeons required to do this procedure.
Mrs. H.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Correction: was a 6 hour surgery got out of recovery at ten pm so it was the next day the physical therapists came in to get me up to walk. Thought I was going to puke. Felt like ****, pain was horrible, legs shook like an earthquake but I know I needed to get up to walk. So I forced myself. The 3 days in the hospital is foggy but I remember at least twice thr physical therapists comming in to get me up and walking. I forced myself to go as long as I possibly could. To this day, the 4-5 times a week I walk I walk for 45 minutes. I'm always sore later. Had my post op appt last week, everything looked good. Got another appt in 3 weeks and I'm going to bring up the pain in my legs and my upper part of my incision. I give positive thoughts and energy to u all!!! *hugs*
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just got done feb 22nd with a l5/s1 fusion. I have severe bilateral spondylolisthesis with severe bilateral foraminal stenosis due to having the disc degenerate a this level causing signigicant bilateraly root nerve compression. Went to a chiro for 15 months, did physical therapy, spinal injections, alternative healing methods, but it came down to my quality of life and me needing the surgery. I have a metal cage with cadaver bone, titanium rods, and screws. It was a 5 hr surgery. I'm walking 4-5 times a week, losing weight like crazy. Pain meds make my appetite disappear. My whole diethas changed since my surgery. I feel like a vegetetarian, all I want is fresh fruits and veggies. I drink a boost or two a day for the protein. I'm on 4 pain meds of which 2 are break thru meds. I'm 23 days out of surgery and my leg pain began a week ago at nite. That's a horrid pain in and of itself. Thought I had finally goten rid od that pain. My incision is 5-6 inches long. I was only fused at the l5/s1 area but where it hurts the most is up higher at the top of my incision. Feels like the rods and screws are there instead of lower. That happen to anyone? Still have pain levels of 7 or higher everyday. I still force myself to walk cuz I know I need to. This is my story of my first fusion. I was in the hospital 3 days.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey man let me tell u I am 38 and had a L5 S1 spinal fusion done dec of 2008 and had the cage and rod and screws and Im a full time firefighter full time and was terrified to be cut but had no choice and the operation went great and I was out for 4 months and 4 months later ram my first half ironman 70.3 miles so hang in there it works i promise.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey Jen my name is Steve and I had a fusion done 3 weeks ago. It was a 2 level fusion of L5-S1. Iv'e been dealing with back pain for about 7 years now and thought it was time to do something about it. When I woke up from surgery I was hooked up to a morphine pump and was given Oxycontin 40mg twice a day. You wont feel any pain because of the meds you will be on. You will just feel a little uncomfortable being in a hospital bed. I was released from the hospital in 4 days and I am currently weening my way off of the oxycontin. This has been the hardest thing for me to do. I don't know why people perscribe this stuff because you get hooked immediately. I tried quitting cold turkey but that didn't work as I"ve been having the chill's cold sweats and didn't know what to do with myself anymore. Now I'm on 10mg once a day and it's getting a little better. As far as the pain I would say on a scale of 1 to 10 I would say it's a 2 right now. The only problem I'm having now is I have tingling and numbness in my feet and Im going to see the neurosurgeon today about this. If you have any other questions you can e-mail me at ***@****.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
First off I am so sorry for your pain. It hurts me to think of it.  I hope you all do better and find relief.

I'm 33 yrs old. At 27 my back just gave out & since I've got a discogram, disc decompression, nerve blocks, injections, PT, etc. I worked for my job -2 times w/6mo off.  The work docs of course said I was too young and just need to stretch :|  12/18/08 my back gave out for good started pt w/more injection but now it was my low back and my hip/butt/leg/whole leg nerve.  I got better in May I could not only touch my toes but the floor.  I was ecstatic I won the fight.  

Then in June I movd the wrong way & flared up until now.  I thought going  back to PT last week I'd be ok.  (wishful thinking cuz I am terrified of the fusion).  Plus I had been addicted to the stupid norco (I was on 12 a day for a few years) so I was running out it wasnt helping.  So I started suboxone after w/drawl after w/drawal.  I wasnt myself on them and now I have to get off the sub (which now my body has a block to getting full pain relief from meds) and I fought all that time getting off to have to get back on now :(

Now this is what are the facts.  I have to go back in a couple weeks to set up my appt for a fusion for my L4 L5/L5 S1.  I have DDD so there is nothing left to the above, and below herniation, slipped disc, stenosis, fractures, etc.  I'm getting it done by a surgeon from Northwestern in Chicago.  (the other surgeon was only going to do one level didnt even see the fractures - scary!)

I am scared to death.  Of waking up paralized. W/nerve damage.  With the PAIN.  The getting back to being able to walk and go somewhere.  This has taken so much of my youth already.  I want to get married and have a child.  I hear so many horror and then some good stories.  My surgeon says each person is different and I have to do it now when its a choice and not my only option as I'm getting worse :( :( :( I dont have a specific accident but may not remember there were times I was hurt just dont remember the back but you never know.

My questions for anyone that has had the L4 L5 S1 done or any lumbar etc done.  Or anything I guess for that matter.

When you wake up in the hospital is the pain unbearable?  For how long?
I dont think I can go home as I wont be able to walk up/down stairs will I?
How hard was it to walk the next day when they get you up?
How long until you were able to actually walk up and down stairs or to go to a restaurant and sit down and eat?

I am just terrified.  Shock is still there but a little more subdued now I'm in a mode where I feel the need to start going through everything I own and cleaning it out and making lists of what to do and so on in case things dont work out and I cant move around normally again or for a very long time.

Any input would be appreciated.  I've read everything but still curious about the stairs, pain, etc.  Thanks so much in advance.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I injured my back an neck many years ago. Through 5 surgeries and countles injections I have my L2-3-4-5-S1 and C5-6-7 fused. Two plates, 4 rods, 6 cages, 4 bone transplants from my hips and two cadaver transplants, 5 bone plugs and 16 screws! I now need my C3-4 fused badly but I know that will eventually mean my C4-5 will fail as well. The two disks above my L2 are in really bad shape as well.  Although I am in constant pain I take nothing stronger than Aleve 95% of the time but I am about at the end of that rope. Clearly I could get a lot more meds but I can't think well when on pain meds and don' t like to feel "stoned". There has got to be a better way. There seems to be nothing between anti-inflamatories (NSAIDS) and hydrocodone!;or between fusions and just constant pain. I am even willing to try something experimental before going back on hydrocordone or opium, or getting cut open again. At 52 I am not ready to give up on life! Ihave a Ph.D. and still can't find any reasonable research. I was hoping that people such as your selves who alolive wih this problrm may be of help.

If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate hearing them. Please respond with any sugestions, doctors or clinics, preferably in Louiiana but I am not choosy at this point!. I wouled even go back to pain pills at this point if I have no other choice! Anyhting has got to help. Thank you in advance for your support.

Dr. Bobby Savoie, Ph.D.
Helpful - 0
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