3-Level Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Laws

Hi

I am wondering if anyone has had a lumbar spinal fusion. I am 35yr old who is contemplating the pros and cons of this surgery.

If anyone has any info or if you have had this surgery I would be very gratetful for your comments on the surgery itself, recovery etc...

COH

Whats wrong with your back?

thehamo

prob better off in long term ilness tbh

Laws

I have advanced degenerative disc disease of the 3 discs at the end of my spine (L5/S1, L4/5 & L3/4) with a retrolisthesis (slippage) of one of the vertebrae.

COH

I'm well out of my depth on that so! You're probably better off asking on the spinalhealth forums etc.

Duck's hoop

Hey Laws,

I've had a spinal fusion, though it's a bit more dramatic/drastic to the lumbar you're considering.

I'm fixed from T(horacic)4 to T12 following an incident in which I made crumbs of T7/8/9.

At the time I was given the option of a non-surgical, hoping for the best, natural healing thing which would have involved 6-8 months in a solid cast and no guarantee of success.

Opinions varied, but as an active type the consensus was to fix it if I wanted to continue with sport in any meaningful way.

I'm glad I did. It's solid. Has never given me one moment of grief, touch wood, in 12 years. X-rays look cool in a Terminator type way. 12 screws and two fcuk off bars in there.

The cons as I see them are;

The PAIN of surgery and for a fortnight post-op. It was excruciating, like nothing I could have imagined, incredible, soul destroying pain. Others I know didn't find it so bad so it doesn't apply to everyone. And it was a major surgical intervention so to be expected. Your own would probably be well down that scale. And as I've said, I've had NO pain in it since.

Mobility of my thoracic area, trunk rotation, has reduced considerably. Difficult to bend that titanium. This is a definite negative in some sports and pursuits.

I seem to be about an inch shorter on one side, so not sure if they measured it up right. This has its own consequences. Though that shouldn't concern your own intervention.

I think if you've a degenerative disc thing going on and you want to maintain an active lifestyle you should probably consider going for the surgery sooner rather than later. There's a sort of inevitability about it and the younger and more in shape you are the better your rehab etc.

Don't know if this helps. I would say a hesitant 'yes' to surgery though.

Good luck.

Giant Kiwi

Hi Laws,

I have been putting up with (suffering) with Lumbar DDD L4/5 - L5/S1 for roughly 4 years.

I am now 12 weeks post fusion and am so glad I did.

I have 6 55mm x 7.5mm screws and 2 rods into my back. Apparently they are the second biggest screw that is available to be put in.

Before surgery I had extremely painful legs, back, hips with the occasional loss of sensation in my feet and toes.
I went through 3 epidurals and 1 nerve block before the surgeon and I discussed the surgery options.

I should also say I'm 32. 6'6 and fairly fit and active as far I can be.

I had my surgery at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital on a Thursday and was kept in HDU for the first night afterwards. It wasn't a particularly comfortable experience for me but the staff nurse charged with looking after me was amazing. Topping up the liquid morphine every half hour or so.

I was shifted to another ward on the Friday afternoon where I was taken off drips, heart monitors and the like.

Four days in hospital and I was sent home.

The pain I had before the surgery was gone by Saturday and has reurned intermittently afterwards. I was told this would go and it HAS.

I like Duck's Hoop was told the fitter I was before surgery the easier and faster rehab would be after. My physio said it should only take a year for me to be as strong as someone who never needed the surgery.

I have my occupational health appointment to go back to work next week.
The only reason I'm not back is my job is physical.

My GF reckons I'm taller after the surgery but I think it's just because I spent so long leaning to one side we got used it. Now I'm standing taller and straighter then ever before.

I would also say a hesitant yes but I wouldn't want to be the guy that said do it and it didn't work.

My life has changed for the better and I wouldn't look back.

I hope this helps your decision.
Good luck and if you want to know anything more PM me.

Laws

Thank you for your reply ducks hoop.

Wow that was some injury to your thoracic spine! Good to hear you are doing well now.

I've gone down the root of non-surgical options as advised aswell but if anything my symptoms are getting worse and it is really affecting my daily living. I've always been very fit and active myself so I am keen to get back to a good level of activity again.

I agree that there is now a sort of inevitability about the surgery as nothing is hitting the sides at all with pain relief. I think I am more so trying to get myself accustomed to the idea of surgery as I had convinced myself for some time now that it would start improving. But reality has hit home now that I need to start making decisions about it and get myself back to normal...well that is if I was ever normal haha

Thank you again, your reply is much appreciated.

thehamo

Hey just to play devils advocate here mate,

A friend of mine had a couple of stress fractures and herniated discs in his L4 L5. He went for epidurals and pain blockers and they didnt work so he decided on surgery after much deliberation. Surgery went well, in that they surgeon done what he was meant to do. The pain however didnt go away for him but his range of movement depleated comletely. A year on and he is still in pain and considering going in for a second surgery to see if anything can be done.

Im just letting you know so you dont think its as easy as go in get surgery and you're fixed for ever.

I had the same injury (feckin rugby messed us both up!) and I went the alternative non surgical route and it worked wonders for me. IM back cycling and running and started kettle bell classes too.

I suppose my point is, what workes for one person doesnt mean its going to work for you. Surgery is fairly serious so I would really consider your options before you do it. Make sure you go with the best if you do go with surgery becuase you have to live with the consequences, be they bad or good, for the rest of your life.

Hope you get it sorted what ever you do, I can totally feel your pain, as can other people here.

Duck's hoop

You're welcome Laws,

I'm not doing as good as I would have liked but everything is relative and I'm doing way better than original prognosis.

As thehamo said, research it fully and go with the best available. The Mater Hospital has some very well reputed saw bones.

Hope it pans out well,

DH.

jdee99

Hi I have just got home from have three level fusion L3 -S1 done. Have to say whilst it is early days it has been the best thing I ever did. Thought I would be in huge pain post op but it is certainly bearable. If you want more info pm and will be happy to discuss

Regards

Jd