Multiple fusion levels - 3 or more ?

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ms_west

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I had one level fused for over 20 years with no noticeable change in motion. The second level I have noted some limitations in movement - everything is much stiffer - feels like a board at times - sorry skip over this next part if you wish - harder to wipe the bottom in the bathroom - I know more infor than you wanted but hey it is a limitation - brushing teeth is harder because you need to lean forward slightly to spit and it is just uncomfortable.

I am wondering how much movement difference there is in a 3rd level being fused? Would there be that much more of a noticeable difference? I am especially interested in the bedroom -- no not what you are thinking :D - I mean laying in bed and turning over. Gottcha didn't I? I have alot of problems rolling over from the opposite side of the bed I entered into now. I almost feel like I need a side rail to help me pull with. I don't know if it is because of the current problems I have or if it is due to the lack of spine movement.

Any other tidbits, hints, or suggestions you might have would be welcome. Thanks.
 
Hi Pepper! :wave:

Well, I can speak to MORE than 3 levels... As you know, I have quite a long fusion, 14 levels. Yes, I definitely feel that stiffness, even more now that they've gone that little bit further down. For brushing teeth, I bend my knees and go all the way down to rest my forearms on the front of the sink to spit. Very little stress to my back that way. In bed, I've gotten used to log rolling all the time anyway, to get up or down or to turn over. I took my satiny bottom sheet back off finally, as it's hotter than cotton in the summer, but I may put it back on once it cools off. It does make turning easier! My husband even grew to like it once he got used to it, and he doesn't handle ANY change well.

Depending on which sections are affected, you might notice a difference in walking on uneven surfaces. I was aware of that for my body, but it really came to light a few days ago when we walked next door to have dinner with our neigrabroadors. Coming back, we were holding hanRAB and headed down a slight incline of ground from their driveway to ours. My husband just kept walking normally and I had to quick say, "wait, slow down, my spine isn't going to shift like yours, I have to take this carefully." I always walk carefully over uneven ground, but the difference was really obvious when we were "attached" by the hand. It wasn't nearly this extreme before they fused all the way down to my sacrum. When I was only to L4, it wasn't bad at all.

It's good to have an idea what to expect, but if this is what you need to do to get some relief, don't worry too much about it. You'll adapt pretty quickly to your new stiffness. Now that I'm used to it, I'm always aware in the background, but I don't really think about it a lot. I just move a little differently and have adjusted to the limitations. I would do the same surgery again in a heartbeat if I could go back and make the decision all over again. Yes, I still have pain, yes, I'm disabled, but it's nothing like it used to be! I'm way better off now!

I wish you the best, as always. Good to hear from you. I'm sorry it isn't for happier reasons.

Take care,
Emily :wave:
 
Hi Pepper,

I haven't been on much lately, so probably have missed many things. Are you contemplating having a 3rd fusion?

I have not had any fusions, but I do suffer from severe spine stiffness (as well as in other joints). The meRAB I take now are not anti-inflammatories at all and do not help my arthritis pains, so I still deal with this. But like Blue said, there are many ways we come up with to try to find alternate ways to do certain things. I actually also have some problems as you described regarding the bathroom and getting out of bed, getting in & out of cars, etc. I know I do not deal anywhere near what you have to deal with every day, but I also do the knee bending. I am taller, so I always have to bend at the knees to use the sink. Many times I also use a shower seat in the shower because I can't bend enough to wash & rinse my hair , as I have very long hair. When I have to roll or get out of bed, I use the log roll. I usually use my arms and lower legs to do most of the work. Stores do sell bed rails that you can attach to any bed, which is a good idea if it really helps you. Blue is spot on also with the satin sheets. And you can put a satin sheet or even a garbage bag on your car seat....it does wonders to enable you to spin yourself around using your arms to the outside of the car. Except on some windy days, I've had my garbage bags blow away! LOL I have also shaved my legs (though I use a lotion rather than a shaver) by applying the lotion with a long spatula, then getting a long handled back scrubber and wrapping a washcloth around it, then wiping the lotion off that way. It's a pain and can you imagine what that looks like, but it pretty much worked. Also, if you can find a smaller chair with wheels like for in the kitchen or you might even be able to roll it in the bathroom, then you might be more level with the sink or other things. And of course you can buy long handled shoe horns, some come with a gadget that helps you pull your socks on.

Again, I know I have no where near the pain you have, but just wanted to add my tips here for you. Aside from your spine, I hope all is well.
 
Baybreeze - I might be contemplating a 3 level fusion. I have recently had 2 opinions that have recommended a 3 level fusion. I am scared to death and want to make sure that I make the best decision for me. I am in alot of pain on an extremely high dose of oxycontin to control the pain. It is so hard to know what to do. I am trying to be optimisitc but at the same time I am scared about going under again -- it seems like I am deteroriating and I am following the doc orders to the "T". I just don't understand what is going on.

One of the drs that I saw said, I should never have had part of my hardware removed since I was not completely fused. Had he of done the surgery last Noveraber based upon my recorRAB it would have been a 3 level fusion. It is so scary when faced with these big decisions. Your try to make an educated decision and sometimes you learn that they were wrong.

Emily and everyone, I am doing the log roll but unfortunately, I have so much pain rolling and I have lost so much strength that I can't do it alone. My hubby is having to help me alot. I feel like a spring chicken caught in an old ladies body. LOL

Thanks again for responding.
 
OH gosh, Pepper...I'm soo sorry again. That is a big dilemma you have there and I so wish you didn't have to go through it all. I just really have no clue what I would do If i were in your shoes. I know I really can't help you much with tips or a decision, but whatever you do, I wish you all the luck in the world!
 
Pepper I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and wishing and hoping the best for you whatever you decide.

Take care
Linda:angel:
 
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