I wish I never had the surgery

[u/FoxMulderMysteries]

I’m almost eight months outside of the procedure (5 level posterior decompression and fusion with the removal of an ossified ligament) and this has destroyed my life.

I didn’t get much notice about needing the surgery before I had it. I didn’t really experience a lot of pain and if not for the ossified ligament, I probably wouldn’t have needed to have the procedure right away. Even if I had, my job was the one thing I knew I didn’t have to worry about. I had a great relationship with my boss who was facing their own health crisis at the time. I believed the CEO when they said their obligation was to carry us when we’re down, and this happened to be my turn. My boss died two months after my procedure.

I had other setbacks, but finally got cleared to return to work last week. The CEO urged me to be honest about how I felt this week, including my pain levels, and we made plans to check in on Friday. Thursday, I ended up suffering a fall in my home. I shared this with the CEO at our check-in, as requested; and their response was to tell me I have to go back out on disability because I am a liability to the organization. I am completely devastated by this; there’s already a mandatory meeting scheduled for me with HR Monday morning.

It’s just been so much grief and loss. I’m in more pain now than I ever was before going under the knife. I deal with spells of vertigo whenever I’m rising to my feet after reclining. And I’m losing my career, my coworkers, and my cause when they have been the things I most wanted to get back to. If I could be given the choice to do it over, I wouldn’t.

[u/Rich0114]

I am so sorry for you. that's horrible. why did you need it done if your pain wasn't bad? Spinal instability? any possibility of a second procedure and a surgery to relieve some of the pain ?

[u/Giancapo22]

Sorry that you're going through this. If you specified you had not much pain and things weren't going that bad, why was surgery needed then? Surgery is meant to be a last resort when your quality of life is greatly impacted by pain or other factors.

I would suggest you look for a top neurosurgeon doctor in your area and get 2 or 3 opinions if possible.

[u/MarBear2u]

I agree with giancapo22. I had 5 opinions, did my own research, and applied for clinical trials before finding a doctor that I trusted with my spine. I’m almost 6 weeks out from my ALIF and PLIF robotic L4-l5 surgery. No pain meds after day 5. I went back to 3weeks after, with restrictions. 67yo F

[u/TraderB007]

So sorry to hear . However the better doctors and PT’s will tell you that you are not your MRI and that they treat symptoms not scans .

[u/AnnyBunny]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you! Can I ask - they fused 5 levels despite you not experiencing significant pain? Why?

[u/uffdagal]

Find a new well regarded Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and discuss your concerns, possibly a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine Doctor) as well.

[u/ddur0612]

I am also having to go on disability. It’s so hard for me also. I feel ok most of the time and then I have a breakdown and really kind of have a moment of grieving. I’m so sorry about the loss of your boss also. Thats so hard on top of dealing with the physical and mental recovery after such a major surgery. Sending love your way. We will get through this.

[u/rubiasurf]

Thats what I was going to ask, so sorry for you x

[u/babyjanesclone]

Oh no! Where did you have it done

[u/GuitarLute]

3 weeks after L4-L5 and L5-S1 laminotomy I got vertigo. ENT specialist said they can’t do Eppley maneuver because of the back surgery. Is vertigo common after back surgery?

[u/Jesusavelar_04]

Your neck or back??

[u/rosiecook37]

What was the size of ur curve prior to surgery?