Can someone tell me how much pain your spinal fusion was -- really?

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I know how difficult this is, huge decision. I actually felt a lttle better before surgery too. Then I had a bad day, then a good day, it was if my brain was playing tricks on me. But, I knew it was just a matter of time. The bottom line is, as you already know, only you can make this decision.
Best of luck,
Lori
 
I did not have 24 hour care. My husband took off work only for my actual day of surgery. My two boys were around, because I homeschool them, and got me breakfast and lunch and brought it to me in bed, changed videos for me, etc. But they both work part time and were off to work most days around lunch time. Then I'd be alone for the rest of the day until my husband got home, usually not before 8 pm or so. I had a reaction to the anesthesia and was prone to passing out for the first about 6 weeks after surgery, so I had to always use the walker, but even so, I was able to get out of bed myself, use the bathroom without help, shower once every 2-3 days and wash at the sink on the days I wasn't up to showering, change my clothes (using my grabber) and keep track of my meRAB myself. I was certainly in pain, no doubt about that, but I kept my meRAB in my system all the time and that pretty much controlled it. Some days were harder than other days, but it was manageable. I was on Percocet at a pretty high dose for about maybe 2 months, then tapered it a bit and then stepped down to Vicodin.

Are you having only the bottom few levels done? Or are they going up into your old fusion, too? The fewer levels you have done, the faster and easier your recovery. I had 8 levels done this time, so my recovery was a bit longer than a lot of people here.

One thing we won't do here is sugarcoat anything. We'll tell it like it is, since we've been there and know how much we haven't appreciated people who make it seem like this will be a piece of cake and you'll be back to normal in a week or two. That's not going to be the case. It's a big surgery with a long recovery. But maybe I should shut up. I think I've scared a few people. Some people have said their recovery was way easier than they expected, after reading what some of us have been through. I know my recovery was harder than some (also easier than some). Try to read different threaRAB from other people to get a more general idea of a typical recovery. Everyone's different. Two people with the same problem, same surgery, same surgeon, can have completely different recovery stories. But one thing that I think you'll see in common is that it does take time. It won't be a quick fix. If you can work without a lot of physical exurtion, you might be able to get back out there quickly. Some people have been back to work in 6 weeks, but not in any physical capacity.

Hang in there!
Emily
 
I agree with you on the fact that it shouldn't be in the elective category, however I am an avid believer in being proactive before it is too intense that we make bad choices. I took a year and a half to decide. Couldn't have done it without my husband. We all have to make decisions based on the information from the responsible people who love us and know us best. They are their to help and guide and assist. The point is that when we make a new decision based on the facts we can be relieved and go forward with confidence and determination. Our gutt instinct or better yet our God given discernment. When in doubt? DON'T.
 
my fusion was very good i didnt have a hard time at all and allthough it did not take i would do it again in a heartbeat and now i may have to have anterior and posterior to refuse it i know its worth it.
 
Thanks for your honesty Sweet Thing.

I keep hearing the same thing, but the good news is that much of the pain has subsided right..Most of the leg pain goes away, and it's mostly the incision and healing pain and soreness right.

Have you resumed some of your old activities...can I be so bold to ask both of your ages?...Terri Z when is your surgery? Mine is Feb 5th...L3-L4 decompression and posterior fusion..perhaps L4-5 too...
The anxiety of waiting is the worst.

I have heard many stories that the first 3 days are the worst, and each day is better and better with of course some bad days and MUCH patience.

Best wishes to you both, I'm trying my best to eat healthy, take my calcium and stay strong.

God bless...
 
Terryz, I think the pain is worth the results. Just make sure that you have a good surgeon and do everything they ask for you to do. Good luck Indychris.
I also liked to here that MKF is doing great and say it is nice to see posting again.
 
People with shorter fusions will have less pain and better results than those that have had larger/multiple levels of fusions. The more levels you've had, the less apt you are to have a good outcome. Been dealing with this most all of my life with multiple surgeries and know THOUSANRAB of people that didn't have good outcome. My fusions were T-5 to the sacrum. Originally started at T10-L5. Then what's even worse is when you add the anterior as well and start removing ribs.
 
hi,you all been through the wrecking mill.I'm a chicken,was suppose to have surgery last year already,L5S1 area.my first surgery in 1995 was a partial discectomy through the microscope used today,back then.was helpful,but after 10 years disc is narrowing where have some bone on bone.also few upper bulging herniated stuff.I saw two surgeons,one wants a fusion with bone graft,hardware,the other who did my first surgery says don't need a fusion according to mri,he wants to go in to shave bone away from the nerves.Not certain what to do,I'm at a decent comfortable level after getting the radio frequency Rhizotomy done last year,I don't rely on meRAB if I do workers comp won't pay for any,another problem I'm having.I was suppose to repeat the RK and the WC denied me again.my aunt just had 3rd surgery for same problem,she now 73.was very painful and she a strong woman,I'm a weakling.I been a nurses aide for 15 years seen plenty,but in all my care of people never met anyone confide to wheel chairs or bed due to being paralized or problems from a normal degenerating back.In my sad case anyone have any solutions to best what to do?I wanted a 3rd opinion but got denied that too.I admit my back will never be better no matter what gets done on it,you don't get better with age.But I do suffer alot from foot pain,burning feeling.To Terriz,I think you decided good at the moment.
 
I had my first surgery on 03/06. It was L-4, L-5 S-1 fusion with instrumentation. Decompression/laminoctomy. Pelvic metal plate/clips. Bone growth stimulator inserted. Harvested hip bone.
My pain was unberable even though I have a very strong pain tolerance. I was totally dependent on my walker, PK and my family. Pain was never less than 10 out of 10. Than by 5th month it got somewhat better, but pain never been less than 6. And than by 8th month my surgery was diagnosed as Failed and more pain and other severe symptoms occured due to the nerve damages.
I had my second surgery done 3 weeks ago (removal of old hardware, fused 2 more levels, decompression, laminectomy, etc) and pain gets sometimes to 10, but most of the time about 6-7, which I can tolerate. I don't depend so much on everybody and even a walker around the house as the first time.
I feel that I am stronger surgery wise this time.
So see, you never know how you body will handle it, everyone is so different. Just think positive and hope for the best.
One thing I can tell you for sure: recovery is not a walk in a park: long, painful, uncomfortable, a lot of limitations, mental and physical pain. But hey, we all still here and hopefuly one day this will be in a past, right?
Good luck to you!:)
 
You made me laugh! I remeraber asking my surgeon before the surgery how often I could go up and down the stairs after I got home from surgery. His mouth said, "as often as you want." But his EYES said, "you're not gonna want to!!!"

TerriZ, I think you'll know when it's time. Yes, it's a big surgery, and yes, recovery is painful. For the amount of pain we go through with this, honestly, there ought to be a word with a lot more letters in it or something. "Painful" is too easy. Stubbing your toe is painful. This is more, way more, and recovery will be measured in months, not weeks. I'm not trying to scare you, just being realistic because you asked.

Once I had made the decsion and then had those occasional "good" days (which really aren't good, as we all know, they just aren't as bad), I made myself think about how I was on the bad days. I knew I needed to do it and just stop doubting my decision. I'm now 15 months post op and don't regret it for a second. It was worth every second of pain I endured.

Let us know how you're doing. There are lots of people here who have been there and can share their experiences with you. (Please just keep in mind that most of these surgeries are very successful and that those successful patients are off living life, not hanging around on this board. We are NOT representative! Many of us here have had complications or continued problems. Don't let us scare you out of doing what you need to do.)

Take care,
Emily
 
No problem....I was 51 years old when I had my fusion, I am 53 now...my awful leg pain was gone when I woke up in recovery! When they got me up to walk the next morning, I cried not from the pain but because I was so used to that awful pain..most of the pain after that was recovery pain...the first 6 weeks were rough....after that it was all uphill for me..I was back at work full time at 11 weeks. Hope this helps, any questions, I'll be glad to help if I can.....take care...ST
 
Terri Z
I had a 2 level fusion 4,5 & 5,6 and it was 18 years ago. 1990
It was truly a piece of cake. Had 10-12 years of great results. UNTIL... the innevitable. had no idea.
I am now facing a possible 2nd surgery. The scar tissue is bad, and the stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal is pinching nerves. The C 6,7 is bone on bone (below fusion) above is bulging and below it is bulging. I Just had an epidural steroid injection and it took the pain away for 3 days. unreal exhuberation and almost a sureal type saga. I see the surgeon tomorrow for review of recent MRI, Epidurals, and options.
Any worRAB for me??
 
I agree a few people have gone back at 6 weeks and many other have returned at 12 weeks. This is major surgery and if you push yourself to hard you are more apt to have a set back and it is going to only prolong your recovery. Just my 2 cents.
 
Hi terri

I had fusion on L5 S1 on Dec 10 2007 so I am 5 weeks post op tomorrow. Up until yesterday I felt pretty awful, pain in both legs, nurabness in one that I did not have prior to surgery and a lot of back pain and stiffness. I think I am starting to feel a little better, nothing tremendous just baby steps.
I can't tell you yet if my surgery was successful therefore I can't say I am glad I went through with it, only time will tell.
Yes, I can't lie, the pain is/was bad. It isn't anymore than I imagined in my head though prior to surgery (amazing what an overactive imagination can come up with). Although I did not count on the nerve pain, I think my surgeon could have and should have warned me about that one. :confused:

Lori
 
Everyone heals differently. It depenRAB on alot of things. Many people have had a successful fusion. I am not one of them. I had my PLIF w/cage May 06 and my pain worsened after the surgery. Not at first, but a few months into it all of a sudden, I seemed to be going the other way. I thought it was from a fall, but with all of my later symptoms, it appears scar tissue and seperating vertebra were to blame. I have been off of work for 2 years now, waiting month after month, appointment after appointment to hear I could go back to work. I got a new Pain management doctor in Deceraber and in two weeks, he got my pain under control so well, I can't believe it is even me. Last week, he told me to go ahead and go back to work! I'm so excited and nervous all at once. My point is, if you really need to get back to work in a hurry and are having problems, don't let them dismiss you. The medicine I have been given is nothing but a bandaid, but it is buying me time to get back to some sort of life and to really have time to consider my future options. Good luck to yoU!
 
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