Back surgery specifically lumbar fusion, who's had this done?

[Bam Bam]

In my line of work a good strong back is essential but also destroys ones back too. So @ 58 and after a decade or more in pain I decided do something about it. I had a 2 level lumbar fusion done 1 1/2 years ago. After the year of recovery and P/T I am in the same boat as when I started. Crazy thing is it's not the fault of the surgery or surgeon, I have arthritis on my spine which I was told before surgery, but told it wasn't it a issue. Well it is obviously it is because I am in pain most of the day and night. I have a built in weather forecaster in my body now as I feel the weather changes coming. I have spent thousands of dollars of procedures/treatment with most giving me no relief. I recently had a nerve "burn" to try and get some relief and told it may take two weeks to feel the effects, I'm a few days from the 2 weeks, but no relief yet, I feel worse actually. I don't feel like it's the Dr or Hospitals fault I feel like it's mainly age and arthritis kicking my tail. I feel like working is doing as much damage as any healing or procedure has done.
I am curious if anyone has had this type of surgery and what the level of recovery has been.

 

[AustinBR]

In my line of work a good strong back is essential but also destroys ones back too. So @ 58 and after a decade or more in pain I decided do something about it. I had a 2 level lumbar fusion done 1 1/2 years ago. After the year of recovery and P/T I am in the same boat as when I started. Crazy thing is it's not the fault of the surgery or surgeon, I have arthritis on my spine which I was told before surgery, but told it wasn't it a issue. Well it is obviously it is because I am in pain most of the day and night. I have a built in weather forecaster in my body now as I feel the weather changes coming. I have spent thousands of dollars of procedures/treatment with most giving me no relief. I recently had a nerve "burn" to try and get some relief and told it may take two weeks to feel the effects, I'm a few days from the 2 weeks, but no relief yet, I feel worse actually. I don't feel like it's the Dr or Hospitals fault I feel like it's mainly age and arthritis kicking my tail. I feel like working is doing as much damage as any healing or procedure has done.
I am curious if anyone has had this type of surgery and what the level of recovery has been.

I have a few extended family members who have done this.

How is your health aside from the above? Is your diet and body fat percentage in an acceptable area? If not, cutting down on weight and total body inflammation would probably be a really smart road to aggressively pursue.

 

[folivier]

I'm avoiding fusions as long as I can for my 2 herniated lumbar discs. I've been seeing Dr. John Crosby (Louisiana Pain Specialists on Bluebonnet) for nerve ablations and at 70 years old they're still helping. Doesn't fix the problem but takes away a lot of the daily pain. He does my procedure in his office with just a local.

 

[Bam Bam]

I have a few extended family members who have done this.

How is your health aside from the above? Is your diet and body fat percentage in an acceptable area? If not, cutting down on weight and total body inflammation would probably be a really smart road to aggressively pursue.

I'm 5'9 190 lbs, so I think about 15-20 lbs overweight, but not terribly. My overall health is good I say, but knees bother me, my elbow needs a bone spur removed etc tec. My body is good, it's the "frame" that needs help. I feel like I'm too young for this type of issues, but I was never easy on my body, ever! Now I'm paying the price.

How are the family members after recovery?

 

[Bam Bam]

I'm avoiding fusions as long as I can for my 2 herniated lumbar discs. I've been seeing Dr. John Crosby (Louisiana Pain Specialists on Bluebonnet) for nerve ablations and at 70 years old they're still helping. Doesn't fix the problem but takes away a lot of the daily pain. He does my procedure in his office with just a local.

I go to see Paul Waguespack @ BR Neurological Center @ Perkins Rowe, he did my wifes 3 level cervical fusion the year previous to mine. I like him and his staff and the Spine Hospital was great too. I just can't seem to get any relief.

 

[Griz375]

I'm 5'9 190 lbs, so I think about 15-20 lbs overweight, but not terribly. My overall health is good I say, but knees bother me, my elbow needs a bone spur removed etc etc. My body is good, it's the "frame" that needs help. I feel like I'm too young for this type of issues, but I was never easy on my body, ever! Now I'm paying the price.

How are the family members after recovery?

Not to be harsh but 20lbs overweight is an issue if it's front and centre. Spread over your whole frame it's not too bad but concentrated around your waistline, it's a huge issue.

Voice of experience speaking here: 5'11" and was recently 250-60 but lost about 1.5" off my waist so, about 25-30lbs less - night and day difference and knees and ankles are way better.

Now the work starts because I want to lose another 10-15 lbs - goal is to get back to 215-225 I weighed when I was in my 40-50s.

 

[AustinBR]

I'm 5'9 190 lbs, so I think about 15-20 lbs overweight, but not terribly. My overall health is good I say, but knees bother me, my elbow needs a bone spur removed etc tec. My body is good, it's the "frame" that needs help. I feel like I'm too young for this type of issues, but I was never easy on my body, ever! Now I'm paying the price.

How are the family members after recovery?

Everyone has had complications related to the surgery. But that's just a given with how the surgery works.

I'm not a doctor, but I'd be willing to bet that losing the 20 extra pounds you're carrying around would materially lower your discomfort.

I would also urge you to look into low-inflammation diets for six months and see if it helps.

 

[machinedrummer]

I had L2-L-5 fused. Unfortunately the workload will be taken up by the discs above and below. I now need a C Spine fusion. I have severe stenosis in two spots and moderate in another. Right arm goes totally dead while sleeping at least three times a month. And of course I now have another lumbar bulge and stenosis. It’s a genetic thing with my condition. Both my mother and father had the same issues along with RA. Good luck to ya. Avoid the knife as long as you can but like me the longer one waits the harder it is to get through the recovery. We’re not spring chickens anymore.

 

[Bam Bam]

This is my hardware they installed. L4-L5 & L5-S1 fused. When Dr saw my MRI he came in a said "Wow your backs a wreck"! So I knew it wasn't going to be good.

 

[Magdump]

I go to see Paul Waguespack @ BR Neurological Center @ Perkins Rowe, he did my wifes 3 level cervical fusion the year previous to mine. I like him and his staff and the Spine Hospital was great too. I just can't seem to get any relief.

Dr Wag is the man. I’ve been working with him since he started in BR. His patients do well. Id let him make the call on where to treat you. The Neuro Medical Center is great but if he thinks you are at risk for anything he may opt for the Lake. If you do have surgery at the Lake, I may see you fresh post op. You’ll likely wind up in my unit. Good luck buddy!

 

[Old Grey]

This is my hardware they installed. L4-L5 & L5-S1 fused. When Dr saw my MRI he came in a said "Wow your backs a wreck"! So I knew it wasn't going to be good.

I feel for yah man. I`m all plated up in my neck. Its no picnic, as you already know. I didn`t have a choice, i had to have emergency surgery or i would have been paralyzed from my neck down. If you can live with the pain by avoiding surgery, do so. Surgery isn`t always the answer. I live with severe pain everyday, and i will until i die. But at least i got lucky without becoming paralyzed. Even to this day, 10yrs later after surgery, i`m still recovering. Arthritis is my biggest issue since surgery. I`m knocking on the door of 70yrs old, it isn`t going to get any better for me. I`ve learn to live with alot of pain. It just makes me a tougher old bird.

 

[Bam Bam]

Dr Wag is the man. I’ve been working with him since he started in BR. His patients do well. Id let him make the call on where to treat you. The Neuro Medical Center is great but if he thinks you are at risk for anything he may opt for the Lake. If you do have surgery at the Lake, I may see you fresh post op. You’ll likely wind up in my unit. Good luck buddy!

I had actually talked to you after my surgery when you bought something from me. I am avoiding another surgery till I can't deal with this pain any more, but my window of relief was very short once the arthritis kicked in.

 

[dantheman]

My wife has a couple of screws in her back . She tried everything else . The fusion helped tremendously . She'll never be 100% but her quality of life is so much better .

 

[Magdump]

I had actually talked to you after my surgery when you bought something from me. I am avoiding another surgery till I can't deal with this pain any more, but my window of relief was very short once the arthritis kicked in.

I remember that morning. They do usually say put the surgery off until last resort, but I’m not sure if that holds true after they’ve already done one. I hope your path is smooth no matter the plan. I’m sure it’s weighing on you. You’ll be in my prayers brother.

 

[hkump]

No guarantees in surgery. Once the incision is made, you can't go back. Avoid surgery unless it's an emergency. Had a military buddy who was strong as can be and had some minor back pain, didn't really need surgery, but his surgeon "highly recommended" surgery. Buddy ended up almost paralyzed, now has to use a walker, and looks 80% worse. He told me that he should've listened to me. Now, he's on disability. Surgery is never guaranteed. I'd avoid it if possible.

 

[twinin]

That's what's hard about back surgery. It involves so much and may or may not provide relief.

 

[Bam Bam]

Well after the first surgery I'm very hesitant about another. The procedures in the meantime aren't working and if the pain gets a little worse I won't be able to work. Just when I finally start making some real good money too only to be dealt this blow, so a year of a reduced salary due to being weight restricted and unable to perform normal work didn't help either. Hopefully I can save up some money soon so me and my wife can travel some before we are unable to health wise.

 

[dantheman]

Our biggest issue was the insurance . A couple of months after her surgery we got a bill from the hospital for $60k .
They said that the procedure was not pre authorized or some other things had not been done first, etc. I don't know , it was a confusing situation . Finally , my wife requested a third party mediator and they ultimately ruled that the surgery was covered and insurance would have to pay . Thank you Jesus !
Whatever you do , make sure all the bases are covered .

 

[Xeon64]

Yall are making me nervous. I am going to Dr. Today about a herniated disc in my neck from a car accident back in April of last year.

 

[folivier]

Here's another option that I use. CBD oil, full spectrum, taken sublingually daily. Helps me with my inflammation and pain. Not like pain pills which I won't take but it does help somewhat. Probably as effective as NSAIDs which have their own risk.