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fusion srgy.set for tues.march 13th.

hi,had first srgy.last dec.13th,removed part of L5 disc an pachted L4(was leaking).went to therapy about 20 sessions,first couple weeks were ok then started to get more painful.now im back to the pain i had prior to first srgy.went for postop appt.had another MRI an showed more herniation an scar tissue.was told next option was fusion or wait(wheather an time of year could be a factor in the way im felling)YEA RIGHT!my doc. is one of the best neruo.surgions in the area and would'nt give me a straight ansewer on what too do(just said i would make right decision)so after talking it over with my family decided to go with the fusion.cant live like this,sharp shooting pain from insion to middle of butt,no feeling in left foot(toes are toataly numb). gotta get my butt back too work.im a 44 yr.old male work at a factory an work the family farm.my question is for anyone who has had fusion of that area.need to know what to expect down the line.dr. would just give me some percentages,an said effects everyone different.how am i gonna be in a year or two?starting too get really worried an depressed(THATS NOT ME!)so if anyone could give me a little insight an or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.not sure i made right decsion! THANKS ALOT........JEFF
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Avatar universal
Good luck tomorrow and keep us all posted on how you are doing?  How long have they said you would be in the hospital?.  Prayers are with you ! Stephanie(rescue304)
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Avatar universal
Jeff,

Please read any of the books by Dr. John E. Sarno.  This man has helped some 10,000 people become pain-free (with all kinds of back problems) WITHOUT surgery, drugs, or any spinal manipulation.  His books helped me get over my sciatica and low back pain.  And he helped John Stossel of ABC News 20/20 fame, as well as other well-known people like Don Imus, Howard Stern, and actress Anne Bancroft.

Check out the online dictionary Wikipedia where there is a link to the 20/20 John Stossel segment.  Type this web address in your browser: http://wikipedia.org/wiki/John_E._Sarno
You'll need Real Player (which you can download for free on their their site)to see the video that aired on 20/20 back in 1999.

Or, go to Amazon.com books website and read what so many others have said about any of his books:  The Mindbody Prescription, Healing the Body, Healing the Pain;  Mind Over Back Pain;  Healing Back Pain:  The Mind-Body Connection, or his newest in 2006 The Divided Mind:  The Epidemic of MindBody Disorders. I think you'll be impressed.  His books are inexpensive, not lengthy, and very easy to read.  Give it shot.  I certainly would before I had another surgery!
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Avatar universal
Hey Jeff,
Nancy here. I am beanebean.  I had lower lumbar fusion 17 years ago, at that time they used bone from my hip and fused me. It was a long recovery time because at that time nothing was micro-surgery. I have to say it was a success. It lasted for a soild 15 years. I would only have pain in the winter or if I really over did it. Now, 17 years later it is no longer fused my body reabsorbed the bone. I now need to go in on the 27th of March to have another fusion, this time they will be using a cage and screws. The last two years have been
hard. I take alot of meds and they do not help at all. I want to live so I would love to keep my liver and kidneys in good shape. I UNDERSTAND YOUR FEELINGS! It is very normal and you are not alone. I have always been a "tomboy" and work hard and play hard. So, I understand that not being able to do those things can affect you mentaly. Just try to re-invent yourself and be all that you can be. I never give up and I can't I have a 10 year old child and I don't want to teach her that if it hurts you lay down and die (or give up). IT IS A "PAIN IN THE BUTT">HA, HA. Just do what you can do and be proud. Don't forget, the first month or two after the surgery you are going to wonder if you did the right thing. IT HURTS, but it will get better over time. Also, remember do what your doctor tells you, don't rush it - it has to last you a life time. Sorry it is such a long comment but I really understand what you are feeling only makes you human NOT weak. You will do just fine, tell our mind!I will be thinking of you on the 13th and hope all goes wonderful and as easy as possible.
beanebean
LET ME KNOW HOW IT GOES>
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