New here

[killian123]

Hi everyone, Iam just over five weeks post-op from a posterior L5/S1 fusion with harware and was wondering if anybody would care to share any kind of success stories in regarRAB to this type of operation.

Obviously this is a pain forum but if there is any one who maybe knows someone who has had a successful fusion, your insight would be greatly appreciated.

A little history...I am 33 years old and have been suffering with back problems for over 15 years. It began while i was away in military and has ultimatly gotten to the point wher e i had exhausted all other non- envasive procedures and surgery seemed to be my only option.

Like I said iam 5 weeks post and I have'nt taken a pain med of anysort for about 3 weeks. I feal that i am recovering well but i've also read so many horror stories about fusions lasting only 1-2 years.

Iam kicking myself in the but for not educating myself more on this procedure...i put a great deal of faith in my Neurosurgeon and went ahead with it...
Anyways if anyone has a little insight it would be much appreciated.

 

[Pebble Beach]

Hi. Welcome to the board. I just saw your post. I too have suffered with back problems for many years, about 20 years at this point. I have been thru 6 spine surgeries to date. Each time it was due to a new problem that arose.

I have had instrumentation inserted in my cervical/thoracic area from C3 to T4 level. This surgery was done about 10 years ago. The surgery in my opinion was a success. But I have other cervical issues at this point not related to the surgery. I have cervical stenosis which is causing more issues for me.

In addition I had instrumentation in my lurabar spine done in 1997 from L2/3 to the iliac crest. Also this was a success. The problem with my lurabar area was a condition known as "flatback syndrome" where I was flexed forward and could not stand in an erect poistion for about 14 months. AFter the surgery I was standing and walking normally. But as with the cervical area I develope stenosis which has created other issues for me.

In my case the surgeries were successful in my opinion. The problem was that I am prone to spine issues. New problems arising unrelated in my opinion to the surgery that was done.

Hope you heal quickly. Good luck in recovery and keep us posted on how you are doing.