Back surgery (spinal fusion)

[petelanca]

I had c5/c6 done in Oct 09 and walked out the hospital the next day. Didn't look back for 10 months. Pain returned and had c6/c7 done in dec 10. Same recovery as before. Dr went throught the front both thimes and seemed less tramatic than wisdom teeth removal. All in all, I would go again tomorrow if I could trade the 24/7 pain off for even 10 months of no pain. Of coarse the goal would be to correct it all the first time for ever. Guy next to me at work had the same procedure, same Dr and is in a wheel chair. I was running 20 miles a week, working out, general good health. He was 140lb's over weight, diabetic, smoked. Do your part to reduce risk, pick a good Dr, the rest is in God's hands.

 

[5.45 Shooter]

Anyone here had this done? If so, can you post your results and opinions, etc?

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spinal-fusion/lumbar-spinal-fusion-surgery

Yes I have had back or rather neck surgery about 6 years ago.
I had it the fusion done on my c6 & c7 cervical vertebra, the Dr. went in through the front of my neck just above my left clavicle bone. I thought that was a bit odd but at that time I would have done anything to stop the pain.
The surgery was a complete success, I have not had a bit of problem from having this surgery. Since then I have water skied, raced go carts & motor cycles without problem. I had the bone fusion type, I hear there is a new type that doesn't use a piece of bone from the pelvis. That was the only pain I felt was the incision on my left side just where my belt rides.
Good Luck with what ever you decide.
Living is not living unless you are pain free.

 

[spanky]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I'm treating several right now. Most of the time they are successful and decrease/stop pain. Fusing one level affects spinal movement minimally. More levels = less motion. Strengthening the spine stabilizes the segments and improves outcomes. Spanky, if you have any specific questions please PM me.

You know we will.

Line of questioning = Mel?

Yep.

 

[70116]

Always.

I'm about to see what the doc says about my results... just had the MRI done, have a ruptured disc at L4-L5, with a crap load of pressure on my sciatic nerve. I hope there are other options besides surgery in my case, too.

PM Sent

 

[70116]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.
You know we will.


Yep.

PM sent

 

[littlebob]

Good Luck Spanky. I've heard both as has been posted in this thread. I've had a few problems with my lower spine, It pinched nerves and made pain so intense in my upper legs I couldn't stand. My regular DR gave me a few hints as to get around it and also
reffered me to a specialist. I was always better by the time the specialist could see me, so
never went any further.

 

[machinedrummer]

Had one in 07, l4,l5, s1. Its better but not perfect. My spine is failing not due to injury but degeneration. I have 4 in my c-spine going out now. I would suggest that you find a neurologist when having any spinal surgery. Knee, hip, shoulder, etc. Ortho is fine but my opinion is Neuro. is better for spine. Good luck to ya. Ask what restrictions (permanant) if any because it could effect your job performance, and some will not allow employment with restrictions. Cover all the bases before getting cut. Good luck

 

[Nomad.2nd]

I had c5/c6 done in Oct 09 and walked out the hospital the next day. Didn't look back for 10 months. Pain returned and had c6/c7 done in dec 10. Same recovery as before. Dr went throught the front both thimes and seemed less tramatic than wisdom teeth removal. All in all, I would go again tomorrow if I could trade the 24/7 pain off for even 10 months of no pain. Of coarse the goal would be to correct it all the first time for ever. Guy next to me at work had the same procedure, same Dr and is in a wheel chair. I was running 20 miles a week, working out, general good health. He was 140lb's over weight, diabetic, smoked. Do your part to reduce risk, pick a good Dr, the rest is in God's hands.

Yea, while being overweight, smoking, and being overweight isn't good, I can't see it impacting your CNS to that degree.

Guy next to me at work had the same procedure, same Dr and is in a wheel chair.

And that's why I havn't had it done....