I am probably having a fusion from l/4 to s1.

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breadgirl

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Hi, I am probably having a fusion from l/4 to s1, both are torn l/4l/5 much worse. I see my surgeon on Monday with results from discogram he wanted run. Not a full procedure but necessary. My pt says I will have surgery. Mine is not scheduled and I'm scared to death and cry alot about it. Been dealing with this since April and have gotten worse each month that passes. I've had 4 epdiurals, joint block and discogram. Epidurals helped only for a few weeks. I've been on vicodin for 3months and just got switched to morphine which has started to help with pain, vic doing nothing. Mine is a work related injury so I have to fun of dealing with workmans comp, but I have a lawyer now, better to protect myself. I'm only 42, in decent shape, but am so worried about what life will be like after surgery. How bad will the pain be after surgery? I guess I've been dealing with this pain for so long that I really can't take much more. I am mentally and physically drained and just want some relieve. Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
Hi breadgirl. I think everyone is scared of surgery and we all worry about the results. I guess the best we can do is hold on to the hope that we will heal well and quickly and that the pain will be at least manageable afterwarRAB.

Since everyone is different, with different pain tolerance levels, it would be fair to say that for the first couple or 3 days you will hurt quite a bit. However, you will be on an IV with morphine in it and you will be given a button to push when you need a dose of it. That is really helpful and I can tell you that from experience. You will get out of bed within 24 hours of your surgery and that first time is hard, but it will get easier and easier for you.

I do hope the surgery is a complete success and that your recovery will be swift. I wish you the very best.

Carol
PS....there is a post near the top with tips on helpful things after surgery and how to prepare your house before you go in. Reading it will help you.
 
Dear, the word (surgery) is not funny to hear. And being scared maybe means there is something is missing. It could be the need to feel safe and in a good hanRAB, it could be the need of enough educational information, it could be the feet of loading the job or not being able to be yourself again, or it could be a compined of some or all of causes.
Set with your doctor and patient education. Watch educational materials (there is one on iPhone about spinal sugery treatments in a good price)
Or ask for second, and third opinion.
Find the doctor that you feel comfortable with. (it is not necessary the same doctor who has your history, as you can take a copy of your MRI and show it to other doctors.)

If you are thinking about the job. Don't be afraid. After the surgery you can even start your own business if you would like to.

If you are afraid of not being back yourself: you will be able to move and walk easy, just avoid binding for very long time, and twisting for short time. But you will experience a new mind with lyrica.

I did it already. I was afraid too. I have 2 kiRAB and job. After 6 epedural injections, not being able to move and not being sure of doing it with my doctor. I asked a lot of people and doctors until I found the one whom I was feeling comfortable to go under his knife.
In the same time I couldn't walk or set and was absent from work and they know that I'm not ok.
On the day of surgery, a colleague called just 6 minute before I enter the OR to tell me that my employer is firing me for being absent but they still can't do it officially as I'm in sick leave. I felt there was something hidden for me for the good but I never figure it out, all I said I want to finsh sugary and become able to walk again.
The operation was 10 hours, then 24 hours in ICU under Murfin and antibiotic. Then was transferred to the room.
For 2 days I hardly see or talk but my family prayers and my husband's hanRAB kept me strong.
The medication (lyrica, panadol, tramadol, voltarin)
I was on liquid diet. Getting assisted by the nurses and physiotherapist. And enjoying being able to walk by the time and leave the walker.
After 3 weeks the muscles healed. But still need time for the bones.
The only side effect if the surgery is the medication (lyrics) that changed me totally to be moody, increase ADHD, gain a lot of wight, no metabolism, but I can't live without it.
I started my own business. Then when I wanted to finish every thing with the company after 3 months sickleave, they said keep the job, it is yours. And now I have 2 jobs and my business was the hidden reason.
Now I'm able to play with my babies, change thier clothes, hug on setting and curry for very short period.
No binding at all, limited twisting.
Still following ub with another doctor (as my surgeon in another Provence) and getting treatment of physiotherapy.
Trying to lose weight and search for other medicine.

I hope those information are helpful for you. I hope you find the things that help you.

Get well and take care of yourself
 
Had open back surgery last May, due to MVA, went in OR 12:00 pm out at 3, up and about by 9:00 at night. Pain not to bad two shots of morphine and then after that to atosol 30. Next morning up shaving and washing. Unfortunate the two disc that were budging one reputured going in to have fusion in Jan. 2011. Best of luck and try not to stress it isn't as bad as it sounRAB when it come to back surgery state of mind plays a lot as well.
 
Well went to see my surgeon on Monday the 18 and he said I do need a level 2 fusion. Two roRAB, 6 screws, cages for 2 new discs, bone graf and clean out disc matter in my back. Wow that was a mouth full. So now I sit and wait for workmans comp to hopefully agree to all this. I don't want to rush into surgery, but I want this over with. I know or I think I know how bad the surgery will be but living the way I am sucks. Anyone have a 2 level fusion and if you have any info or suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Good luck to everyone out there.
 
Hello Breadgirl, I am sorry you are going through so much. I do understand what it is like as I am waiting for my surgery. I have been seeing surgeons for over 8 years hoping that one would help me and I eventually had to get health insurance before I got one to commit to giving me the help I need. I feel I knew what needed to be done but the public system is over crowded and there is a long waiting list.
So I have the surgery on the 25th of Noveraber. I have a disc replacement at L4-L5 and fusion at L5-S1. He operates from the front. So I am also nervous about the recovery. My parents are going to care for me the first week home then I will have to sort it out mostly myself.
I have been in pain for 10 years so I am really ready for some help. Things have gotten much worse the last 18 months and I have bad sciatica now so they want to do the surgery soon.
I can't give you much advice as I'm as scared and concerned as you are. I hope we are both better off with the surgery. I don't know how it will be as there are so many different stories and we are all going to have our own results but I do hope you can have yours soon also.
Stay in contact with us all and hopefully we will both be much better for it.
Allan
 
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