Upcoming PLIF fusion surgery L5-S1

  • Thread starter Thread starter dogwalker321
  • Start date Start date
Hi Apocalyto22,

I really can't say as I blame you for cancelling... I just called and cancelled my surgery. I too am concerned that the recovery time will be tougher for me than the actual surgery. After having endured 6 other bone sugeries and 3 abdominal surgeries, I thought I had a fair expectation of what it would be like but I guess not.

It's time to go back to the drawing board and see what else is out there for solutions. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.
Nancy
 
Nancy, I think that's wise. You really need to be mentally ready for such a big surgery. I think you'll know when the time comes whether it's the right thing to do. Until then, keep educating yourself, ask questions, and try to get in as best shape you can. The better shape you're in before surgery, if it comes to that, the easier it will be coming out of it.

Blessings,
Emily
 
hi,I been cancelling few times already,not afraid of actual procedure its the recovery,and the pain and worries that go with it.I'm chicken I guess.
 
Tgald, I hate to say, but yes, it's totally unrealistic to expect to be back at work in that short a time, and will certainly endanger your fusion to be playing sports at 3 months. Most of us aren't even back at work at that point, much less doing anything active. You should not bend, lift more than 5 pounRAB, or twist at all for months after this surgery. The doctors do tend to undertell how long the recovery is for a fusion, but it's not a quick, easy surgery or recovery. What you're reading here is from us, who have been through it. This is really how recovery is. It's easier for some than others, but football in 3 months will destroy your surgery.

Maybe get another opinion from another surgeon in a different group?

Blessings,
Emily
 
marlosmom - not sure why my signature doesn't always show up. Do you see other people's signatures? Anyway, lol, here are my surgeries:

11/07 - Diagnosed acute & chronic S1 nerve root irritation
12/21/06 -360 PLIF L5-S1 with roRAB, screws, cages & BMP.
3/21/06 - L5-S1 fusion w/o instrumentation.
12/21/05 - Laminectomy/discectomy L5-S1.
 
Yes, I have tried many other alternative treatments but I am going to see what else is out there. I just called to cancel with the surgeon and asked if there was any alternative to the fusion. We'll see what he says but I am not expecting him to suggest anything else. My pain mgmt doctor had suggested a Spinal Cord stimulator to control the pain. He is the one that sent me to the Neuro guy to see if surgery would be an alternative to having wires and a small unit sitting under my skin. That one doesn't thrill me either.
Maybe I was being unrealistic and thought that the fusion would make life a little easier in the long run but from the sound of it I may be mistaken.

Thanks for the reality check - I really appreciate your input.
Be well,
Nancy
 
you are doing the correct thing and believe me you will know in your heart when it is the right time. Personally, I knew I was ready when I was 100% homebound and it was a struggle to do everyday activities.

God Bless you and good luck.
 
I would not do it. I had multiple l4,l5,s1 done the middle of Noveraber. The Dr. did not warn me either. He told me I could return to work in 6 weeks. I was "just a teacher" I returned part-time after 3 months and lasted only 2 weeks until I could not stand or sit without being in horrible pain. I was taking vicodin, flexeril and wearing a tens unit to make it through just 1/2 a day. My surgeon then refers me to a pain specialist--where I started in the first place 8 yrs ago who says I am to be off work and also off PT. I had been doing PT since three days after surgery. I was told I never had a chance to heal and now it is all delayed. I'm an active person and sitting home is driving me crazy. I wanted to get a new puppy, but realized "I can't even bend over to brush my teeth, how am I going to handle a puppy. THINK IT OUT AND ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS!!
 
Hello Tgald ~

I feel it is important to get several opinions. I consulted with 8 different spinal specialists before finally deciding on the one who did the surgery. I hope the doc you chose is fellowship-trained. I am troubled by him giving you what I would consider "misinformation" about your recovery.

Of course everyone responRAB differently to this surgery, and recovery is accordingly different. However, none of my 8 docs said anything but that it was a long recovery...that you aren't fused for 6 to 12 months and you have to be extra careful during that time.

I can sit comfortably for quite awhile, but I am still taking oxycontin and lyrica 'round the clock. At 2 weeks, your incision may not be all the way closed! I was still quite heavily medicated at this point, and slept a great deal. I would definitely question your doc about what he told you!
 
Welcome Tina,
Gosh it sounRAB like you have been through the ringer with having 3 levels done at the same time. I am so relieved that I postponed/canceled the surgery for now. Thanks to people like you, Emily, MarlosMom and the others that responded to my questions, I have a much broader understanding of the "big picture". Never would have guessed it from what the Dr told me; guess he would have a drop in business if more people understood the whole recovery issue. I'm not saying that it might not still be necessary but at least my eyes are wide open before going forward.

Best wishes to you and I hope you have a speedy and less painful recovery,
Nancy :wave:
 
Don't feel too bad I canceled surgery myself.was suppose to go 2005,then again 2006.i'm still alive,under control like a remission phase at present,but mentally I know I'm not ready.
 
Hi Nancy,

Don't give up on the idea of surgery entirely. I just felt you needed to do a little more research to be sure you knew what you were getting into. It may still turn out to be the best solution for you. If so, you will enter into it knowing you have left no stone unturned.

Keep in touch!!
 
Cherir ~ You have to activate that feature and I did not have it activated so don't see people's signatures. Thanks for replying.

apocalypto ~ They do the same fusion surgery using bone between the vertebrae; they just do not add the "instrumentation," the roRAB, screws, etc. The hope is that the bones will all knit together, forming a solid fusion without having to add the foreign objects to the body.
 
Hi Nancy ~

I just wanted to clarify my initial reaction to your first post. I just wasn't sure you knew what you were getting into. I was afraid you thought you'd go in, the doc would do the procedure, you'd be a little uncomfortable for awhile, and then you'd be "good as new."

I couldn't tell if you'd tried every other method of treatment offered to you and realized that you enter into surgery as a last resort (not a quick fix)!

That being said, if you need surgery, don't be afraid of it. If you need surgery, do your research ahead of time, checking out the surgeon and the hospital very carefully. The majority of surgeries turn out fine.
 
Emily,

I spoke with my doctor today and once again asked about recovery time. He did tell me that everyone was different but I should expect to be able to drive 2-3 days after I am released from the hospital and still says i will be able to work 2 weeks after the surgery. I will have to wear a brace for 3 months that includes a bone stimulator which promotes bone growth. After 3 months he once again said I will be able to participate in physical activites. I asked him if I would be able to play baseball this summer and his reply was yes. I asked him if there were other patients of his that I could speak with and he said he has a list I can get from his office. I intend to get the list tomorrow. I will let you know what more I can find out.

tgald
 
my one doctor told me I be in hospital 2 weeks.you can't walk,you need to learn that all over again.so guess his version more correct.
 
Back
Top