L5/S1 bone on bone

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kindspirit

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Been a while since I've been here. I'm in bad shape and not sure what to do. Had lurabar surgery discectomy in 1999, spinal fusion 2003. Been having many episodes of spasms to the point of not walking, bent over in pain. Seems anything now puts me out. Tried injections, meRAB and recent trial of Cyrabalta, which nearly killed me with side effects. I live alone and don't know how I'd do with another surgery? my pain dr advised no surgery. Recent mri shows total collapse l5/S1 multiple bulges above, some nerve cord compression. The cervical also has more bulges, thoractic too. I'm afraid if I get the fusion on the lurabar the thoractic will take more stress? The tingly nerves are in the left side hand and foot up to my neck and head. Ok, I guess I'm looking for suggestions? would a fusion make it worse? can they just add an artificial disc without a fusion? or seeing its been 10 yrs is that bone on bone just almost naturally fused? will waiting do any more harm? haven't conuslted with a surgeon yet, as I feel he'd say surgery. My last surgeon sd I'd only make it 5 yrs b4 needing l5/s1 fused and its been 10. I'm 54, female in pretty good shape otherwise, but this chronic pain is taking a toll on me both physically and mentally. Venting, I know anyone reading this is most likely in a similiar situation and boy I feel your pain.
 
kinRABpirit,

Very sorry to here about your situation and pray you find relief. I had bone on bone L5-S1, some scoliosis. My situation was the pars behind the two were fractured. The pars hold the vertebrae together. So, by taking flexion xrays it showed movement and the possibility of further slippage, even though they did begin to sacralize or fuse. I too was tired of the pain and didn't want further slippage since the nerve was already smashed. They did cut them apart and do the decompression, spacers, and fusion. The one thing they did that surprised me was not bring the two vertebrae completely back in line. I had a grade two slip, which is still grade 1. But, by not forcing the two to be lined up perfectly, they said less stress would be put on the vertebare above. All went well except now I have to deal with the freed up nerve pain which may take awhile. After surgery the Dr used the term mangled for the nerve.

You have many more issues than I do, so recommendations are hard. There are tests that can identify exactly what area is causing the pain. I am sure you are aware of them. So, I would want to be positive any surgery is going to be aimed at the right area. My spacers are only one quarter inch and without pushing the realignment like mentioned above will hopefully not stress higher areas. Don't know if this procedure would apply to you. Also, I would see a couple other spine surgeons, the best you can research.

You already know being alone is not a good idea. My wife has been a God Send even with having prepared the house as suggested by so many people. You would already know all that too. Maybe a family meraber or merabers could spend time with you for the first 3 weeks.

Sorry for not being of too much help and best wishes,


Ken
 
Sorry for the pain, it's miserable. As the previous poster said you can have spacers put in, but they need to do the fusion with it. The spacer has to be held in by something or it wouldn't last.

The tingeling pain is nerve related. You have a nerve or nerves that are being ocmpressed and irritated. The fact that it is your hand and feet says that it's not only your lurabar but your cervical area also

Have you tried accupuncture? I used it for a year and got quite a bit of relief on the nerve pain with it...just a suggestion if you don't want to consider surgery first.

I think you need to see a good surgeon first and get a current opinion then you can decide how you want to proceed. Good luck!COLOR]
 
My omission sorry,


They did use roRAB and screws and fusion material, plus some of the bone they cut away from the back of the vertebrae they used along with the synthetic material.



Ken
 
Thanks Ken and ibake for sharing. Ken, I never heard of spacers? I hope you get relief from the nerve issues. ibake, yes, tried the accupuncture too. My cervical was the main issue of pain for the past 5 yrs, but now the lurabar is the culprit. I've stopped some volunteering with animals, as I did way too much bending, standing. I have pushed myself with yard work and stopped, so hoping giving up those things may help? I just know what surgery did to my cervical area, put more stress on the disc above and below. So- trying to avoid lurabar fusion. I read that collapsed discs in time fuse on their own, but it can take a long time. Really wish my body could have tolerated the cyrabalta, heard good reports for pain by so many. Guess I'll just take more hydro's and see if that helps? As far as a family meraber helping? that'll never happen, sad but true. Thanks again, and wishing you pain free days!
 
KinRABpirit
I am sorry you are having lurabar pain issues. I have not had cervical issues mine have always been lurabar. I love to garden and walk my dog!! I just had a spinal fusion of l5s1 3 weeks ago. I was really in need of help for a week and some help for 2 weeks, and by 3 weeks I could drive and manage most daily chores without help. Having a fusion has given me the peace of mind that I can live another 10 years without the risk of my disc going out again and causing nerve damage.

If you are in good shape and have a great surgeon you may heal better then you think you would from your lurabar. Because it is so low you will be amazed how you may not loose as much flexibility as you think you could. I have my immediate family to help me through but my church, neigrabroadors, and frienRAB have been willing to help too. Maybe there is a nursing program in the area where a student could come help you out if you have surgery.
Be encouraged that it could work out, people are compassionate and willing to help others it is just harder sometimes to be in the position of needing and letting others help you.
Be encouraged you could do surgery if you needed to!!
PEmom
L5S1 discectomy 2008, 2/2009, 5/2009
L5S1 Posterior TLIF 4/27/2010
 
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