Need fusion and scared to death!

C

CupieCAKE

New member
Hi all

My surgeon has recommended a TLIF with a PEET implant. I've had two previous discectomies/laminectomies on L5-S1, one in 2005, and one in Feb 2010. Before my last surgery I had reherniated the disc at the end of my pregnancy and later it became a 1 inch free fragment crushing my nerve and causing excruciating pain and a nurab foot. I also have grade 1 spondylolisthesis, stenosis, arthritis, and according to my last MRI a few weeks ago my L5-S1 shows "severe degeneration, desiccation, and narrowing".

Needless to say I'm in constant pain. My current herniation is 16mm. I have sciatic pain, but the most severe pain is in my back. I am very inflexible due to the spondylolisthesis. I have two kiRAB, age 20 months and 4. It's really hard dealing with this constant pain while taking care of two little ones. I've also noticed over the last few months I've been tripping over my left foot a lot...is that something that will improve after fusion? I'm assuming it's a nerve thing. Ive been exercising more over the last few months and noticed my left leg feeling slightly "heavy". My left side is where the pain was before my last surgery. My current pain is in my right side now.

I'd love to hear from those who have had fusion, and if anyone knows about the PEET implant...I'm not finding much info on it.

My surgeon is telling my I need two months of restrictions (no bending, lifting, twisting, wear brace, etc) after this fusion, and then to slowly get back to my activities after that. Does this sound realistic?
 
I would suggest getting another opinion before deciding to have a fusion. Any chance of using ADR? You might want to look at the Alphaklinik in Germany.

wb
 
I have looked at ADR, in fact my surgeon who did my initial discectomy in 2005 said I was a good candidate (he dealt with the Maverick). It didn't have FDA approval at the time, so I didn't opt for it. I'm not too keen on the artificial discs because from what vie heard they have a finite life and chances are I'll need further surgery down the road. Plus I basically have no facet joints left at that level due to arthritis, so that may pose a problem as well....
 
I had my second opinion today and the doc gave me the same recommendation that my first doc did. He said I've got a significant problem and I should address it (if it's affecting my quality of life as much as it is). So I feel more comfortable scheduling the surgery now.

So I'll call my original surgeon in the morning to schedule my fusion. I'm scared, but I know it has to be done.

...deep breath....
 
Hi cupiecake and welcome to the forum. I tried to find some info on the PEET implant and came up blank. I would certainly ask my doctor for some info on it as it must be pretty new and that is something that wouldn't set well for me.

That tripping you are having is called "foot drop". Is your doctor aware of it? It is caused from nerve damage and I think it will probably not recover much so the sooner you get something done, the better.

I am glad you are getting more opinions. It's pretty obvious you need surgery but what neeRAB to be done exactly is what you need to compare. I hope that at least one of these doctors are Orthopedic Spine Specialists!! I personally think they are the best, not smarter necessarily, but more "down to earth" and more willing to listen and answer questions in a way that you can understand.

As for recovery, each doctor has his own routine, so be sure to ask the other doctors how they would handle recovery! All in all, your doc's plan sounRAB pretty standard tho many spine specialists are pulling away from using braces in a lot of cases these days.

Whatever you end up having done, just be sure to follow all instructions to a T in order to give yourself the best chance at recovery. Lifting and bending are really going to cause trouble....not just pain, but actual damage to the surgery itself, so it doesn't pay to break the rules even one little bit! Be a very good girl, lol.

There are many devices that will help you. In fact, I think there is a "sticky" at the top of this page that talks about recovery and some things that help. One of the most helpful for me is the "grabber" or "reacher" that allows you to pick things up that have been dropped. As I am allowed to start doing more, I use mine to put clothes into the washer and then the dryer. No bending! Not the quickest way, but the safest for sure.

Going back to the foot drop....ask your dr. if you should stop exercising. It could be that it is aggravating that nerve.

I hope some of this was helpful to you and that you will continue to post. Let us know what the other doctors advised and how you are doing. I would like to know when the surgery is so that, if you don't mind, I can say a little prayer for success.

Carol
 
Did you schedule surgery? I am scheduled for the end of Noveraber for a fusion. (My 3rd back surgery)
 
My surgery is scheduled for Noveraber 8th. My mom is flying out to help me with my kiRAB when my husband is at work.

This is my 3rd surgery also (had 2 discectomies). I'm getting scared!
 
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