Spinal fusions- 42 yrs young

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sootman
  • Start date Start date
S

Sootman

Guest
Hey everyone,I posted back some time ago. Can someone tell me what type of fusions are there and the pros and cons. After being on workmans comp since 4-21-09 they finally found the problem causing my pain. Had a discogram done after 2 mris and numerous x-rays and the results are L3-L4 has a small defect in annulas on left extending only 1/3 thickness suggesting a mild grade 1 deformity. L4-L5 has a full thickness tear on left w/contrast extending along the left disc which is a grade 4 tear. L5-S1 has a large full thickness tear in midline w/contrast extending outside the level of disc below the L5-S1 which is a grade 5 tear. I return to my Neuro Doc on 4-29-01 so he can make a decision. Thanks, Sootman :confused:
 
I feel that fusion should be last resort. Many minimal invasive repair methoRAB are available for your conditions (tears). Do lots of research. I'm sure others on this board will help you as well.
 
I agree with Az. I am 32 and during the past 15 years my Gp,NS and myself exhausted all non-envasive procedures in order to get a hold of this pain. You name it I had it. Make surgery your LAST resort especially a fusion. My NS adviced me prior to my surgery that i would probably need another fusion in 5-10 years as the discs above and below now bear the weight and strain.

I will say though,that iam now 2 months post and I have NO pain whatsoever. I have not taken a pain med since my 2 week post benchmark and i am walking K's a day. However Iam still very young in my recovery and i don't know what the future holRAB for me. My carrer is Very physical by nature and I am scared that when i return, i may f things up.

Surgery is a very personal decision and should not be taken lightly. DO your homework, make sure you have a very accredited NS or OS and learn the virtue of patients if you havn't already done so.
Btw, i had a posterior L5/S1 fusion with hardware.
Take care and good luck.
 
I agree with everyone. Fusion is the last resort. One negative is loss of flexibility which means that you may not be able to put on socks or shoes without an assistance aid.

Just a side note, a discogram has to be the worst test that I have gone thru with my back. I wanted to strangle the doctor who told me that it did not hurt that much. Then the nurse said that he wont lie to me that it hurts like heck and he will help me as much as possible.
 
lol..yup the disco sucked..the doc who did mine kept stabbing into my illiac crest trying to get to my l5/s1 disc. When he did he managed to hit a floating nerve..wow that hurt. In the end it was worth it. My NS had concrete imaging and was able to rule out a double fusion.
Take care Tom
 
Thanks everyone for the information. My Neurosurgeon has some age under his belt, not for sure if he is update on new procedures . Im sure we will butt heaRAB somewhere . I choose him because my bosses girlfriend had good results with him after I choose him my GP said he was knife happy. Im researching the difference between a Ortho Spine Spec and a Neurosurgeon. Thanks again, Sootman
 
So glad you are doing so well that encourages me!! I have had several lamis and will be doing a fusion in several weeks. I loved the dr that did my lamis but he does not fuse. After seeing 6 doctors lots of research they all said fusion was the only option. Finding the right doctor for you is important, several opinions is needed too. I do not know about WC but do get several opinions. Sometimes Nuero and Ortho doctors can give different perspective it may be beneficial to see at least one of each (spine specialists).
Good Luck!!!
PeMom
L5S1 Lami 3x
TLIF L5S1 soon
 
Back
Top