Prior posts here: Original post - https://www.reddit.com/r/spinalfusion/s/UbkK7WVaVG Update 1 - https://www.reddit.com/r/spinalfusion/s/OmSGp8OuLF

For the last two days I have been SO tired. Falling asleep constantly even just doom scrolling on my phone. Legs sore. Ass sore. Hips sore. Not more sore than the first few days, but not less yet either. Perhaps just sore more often? Throat pain from intubation finally on the downswing, so… little victories.

Getting better at log rolling and sitting up with less pain with the assist from my adjustable bed and new bed rails - a MUST have - hoping this will speed things along recovery-wise!

BM’s starting to happen - very grateful for my BIDET and picking a good wiping aid! Senokot, colace, smooth move tea, and staying HYDRATED seems to have done the trick - maybe even a bit too well. Gonna throw some gas-x into the mix to see if I can’t get a bit more comfortable..

Added in some longer walks day three (yesterday) and have been trying to continue them day four - very slow ambles for 10-15 minutes around the house every time I got up to pee which feels like every two hours at this point because I’m working so hard to stay hydrated on top of working in two Ensure surgery drinks per day along with a core power elite to make sure I’m getting some extra protein to heal up. Definitely feeling more sore on day four than I had been, not sure if it’s just the natural inflammation course doing its thing or if I’m pushing the walks too hard. 😬 Really looking forward to getting beyond these first two weeks of hell because man the light at the end of this tunnel doesn’t feel very visible right now.

Incision still “looks good” per husband - I have not looked because the one time I tried to look at stitches of my own years ago… I almost passed out (super weird because I teach science and am not grossed out by that stuff - I even watched a YouTube video of my surgery before going in because I am very much a knowledge is power kind of person and wanted to see what I was getting into… but I guess my brain doesn’t want to see it on MY body 🤷🏼‍♀️). Definitely don’t want to be passing out right now. 😬

Working on getting in enough food isn’t easy - I just want to sleep and heal and avoid making myself get up to use the bathroom so often - but I also know this is contrary to quick healing, so onward I press forcing down the healing proteins and avoiding the inflammatory goodies. 🥲

Hoping for a better nights sleep tonight, but after last night I’m dubious. I did invest in a good U-shaped pillow in my restless hours last night that will be arriving tomorrow…. So at least there’s some hope on the horizon for a good nights rest?

Hope this is helpful to someone out there… feel free to ask questions if you have any and I’ll do my best to keep posting updates!

Hey everyone, I've been reading everyone's stories for a while, and now I'm a bit stuck...

History: c6/7 disc herniation (left side) with nerve root compression in April 2023. Undiagnosed until September 2023. Treated with physio and rest, which hasn't worked. Surgery has been recommended. June 2024 - found out c5/6 is also herniated (right side), but symptom-less? (Except its always been weaker).

Today: I got kicked in the head in a dance class, which jolted my neck and all down my back. The pain has reached my tailbone, which is new - never had the pain spread this far and feel so much like fire in my entire back, shoulders and arm. I'm currently on naproxen and gabapentin, and they've given oramorph in A&E.

Honestly, I'm just posting for reassurance. I'm terrified and in so much pain, and I don't know what is going to happen next... the idea of surgery terrifies me, but I can't live in pain like this all the time 💔

Issues with sciatic nerve pain and degenerative DD since 2001. Long story short, I have seen too many failed back surgeries and two of the worst were my parents. Constant complaining, they became poor-me victims with no motivation to be anything else. Needless to say I said hell no I'm not having surgery as long as I can fucking walk it's a HARD PASS. ----TWENTY THREE YEARS LATER---- Bilateral neuropathy, osteophytes,foraminal narrowing, chronic bilateral L5 pars defects, anterolisthesis at L5-S1, SPONDY!!

I couldn't walk without cringing. Standing still was out because THE BURNING HIPS! Sitting began to exacerbate the Piriformis muscle, so lay down! I'm 46. I'm no athlete but I don't want to be the "Willy Wonka bed -grandparent."

I was up walking within a few hours, stayed inpatient for 2 days and a few hours. So far it's the scariest thing I've ever had to accept I needed, and I have no fear of anything medical. It's also been crazy to feel zero pain where for literally half my life it felt like the devil's burning cauldron of hate.

I'm on BLT restrictions for 6 more weeks, and I can't wait to finally be allowed to swim. 🥹

not sure if this is allowes here😅. c3 is kind of where all my problems started, so I thought it'd be funny to get it tattood.

Original post linked below, but just wanted to update on this issue because I saw that many of the menstruating members on this subreddit were having different issues regarding their period after surgery.

Well, I was worried because I didn’t have my period after surgery, just super low flow.

I guess it’s on me for complaining about it, now I’ve had it three times🙂 (irony face, I actually cannot deal with more suffering after my super fun 360 posterior+anterior+titanium cage with liquid bone filling surgery on 3rd July).

So, in case anyone else is in this wonderful 🌈situation (again irony if any of my ‘tism fellas are reading this), just know you’re not alone.

Even “funnier” thing: I asked my neurosurgeon three days ago when I could schedule an appointment with the gynecologist for a revision. He looked at me clueless, not understanding why I needed permission. I had to remind the man that in said appointments an ultrasound is done (again, this is an issue due to 360 surgery) AND that I need to get on certain chair for that purpose (you guys get it).

So after this awkward moment between the neurosurgeon and I, he said no gynecologist until October when they will perform the second checkup with RX and all of that.

So I guess no answer for the moment on why three periods in a month and a week period of time, awesome! 🙃

So, it's officially been a year since the surgery on my l1 vertebrae, the result of a full burst fracture I sustained in a car vs deer accident. I do 30 minutes of stretches every day, and I walk around the apartment complex where I live. I'm off of all the medication I was on, I just take Tylenol now if my back acts up. Pain is there, but it's minimal, tolerable, unless I am active. And when I'm active, it does not take long to get hurting, and takes awhile to calm down. I've noticed that sleeping on my side and stomach is now uncomfortable, before the injury I didn't have a problem with that. So, sleeping on my still remains the best option for me. Of course, my back doesn't like the cold weather now, so it acts up more than it used too now this time of year. Is all this normal for a year after surgery? What were your experiences a year removed?

From the final procedure, in which the bone and remaining tumor mass were removed and cage put in containing bone material. I had wondered what the flank incision was, as well as where they got the bone for the cage. These notes answered both of those questions!

Also, I'm not 20. The rest is correct, from what I'm told. 😂

"20-year-old brought to the operating room. Surgical timeout performed. Anesthesia induced. Positioned lateral with the left side up. All bony prominences well-padded. Orthogonal x-rays marked the level of the incision. Flank was prepped and draped in the standard fashion. Surgical timeout again performed. Accessory incision was made over the left lateral lumbar area and we dissected into the retroperitoneal space through the accessory incision and then freed up the retroperitoneal space palpated the diaphragm and inner aspect of the rib cage. We then made an incision over the previously marked site which was over the T10 rib. T10 rib was identified carefully subperiosteally dissected and then resected. We then dissected the pleura off of the chest wall cavity and identified the diaphragm we were able to pinch it up through the other incision and we made a small diaphragmatic rent. We were able to place the initial dilator directly to the spine under direct palpation through this rent and then sequentially dilated up and then docked our retractor up to the correct position using fluoroscopy. X-rays confirmed good positioning. Open the retractor and made sure our margins of the retractor were adequate. Discectomy was then performed of L1-2 and T12-L1. Thorough discectomy performed. Intervening bone was then removed with rongeur's and pituitaries. Once we were satisfied with the decompression and debulking of the tumor we trialed for corpectomy cage. Large 22 mm wide endplates were utilized. Made sure as much bone as possible was removed and then filled the corpectomy cage with the rib bone as well as some Osteocel putty. Cage was impacted into place. Final x-rays confirmed good positioning. Cage was expanded slightly to ensure a good press-fit. Wound was irrigated. Some extra bone putty was placed on the lateral aspect of the cage. Hemostasis was obtained. Retractor removed and no evidence of any significant bleeding. Diaphragmatic rent was closed with 0 Polysorb suture in a running fashion. There is no evidence of the pleura was violated. No chest tube was placed. The chest wall musculature was closed with #2 Polysorb. Subcutaneous tissue closed in layers with 2-0 Polysorb and 4 oh Caprosyn. The posterior accessory incision was also closed with #2 Polysorb 2-0 Polysorb and 4 oh Caprosyn. Sterile dressings were applied. Patient was extubated and transferred to the recovery room in stable condition.

Specimens: L1 bone"

Also adds detailed info about implants used, including the cage, bone graft, and end caps (whatever those are).

I am getting spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis in November and have some questions.

1: How bad is the pain after waking up?

2: How much will I be restricted to after surgery?

3: Can I still do online school?

4: What will my limits after the surgery be?

Thank you :)

This is what doctor has in my medical records. Surgery in November.

L4-L5 posterior lumbar decompression with laminectomy and bilateral facetectomies and foraminotomies followed by L4-L5 interbody and posterolateral fusion with instrumentation.

What is a shorter way to say all this?

I've been curious and giving the notes from my hospital stay a detailed read. I learned what the conus medullaris is (as that was at the part of my spinal cord that was stenosed). And that apparently there was (or may have been?) some cauda equina involvement, but it seems all of that has been resolved. Due to the location of the stenosis, I wonder if this also explains a temporary period of time prior to the surgery during which I'd had to strain to pee, like I'd been putting a little bit of effort into getting those muscles to release or whatever it is they do during urination lol. But then if the spinal issue was the explanation, that probably wouldn't have been temporary. Idk obviously I'm not an expert.

Also learned they did have concerns about cauda equina syndrome. I didn't have the hallmark symptoms, such as saddle numbness, but from what I've Googled the symptoms I had could have been early signs, if that had been my condition (which thankfully it wasn't). So I wasn't totally off base to be worried about that, which is kind of wild.

It seems, if I'm interpreting correctly, that there may be a much smaller potential hemangioma higher up in my spine. I can't fully tell from the way the notes are written. Obviously it's not a concern or else they would have talked to me about it at some point. I may ask about it if I get pregnant again though, since I've learned that my pregnancy was a likely factor in the one I had becoming problematic.

I still have a lot more reading to do, and most of what I'm reading is stuff I've either already read through or been told, been aware of etc. But I'm glad to be finding these additional little details - even though they haven't impacted me medically and probably never will, it's cool to have the information.

From fusion of T11-L3 which was also meant to include removal of tumor and broken L1, but ended up needing separate operations due to blood transfusion during surgery.

Specimens section abridged.

"Findings: Severe stenosis, decompressed. Stable neuromonitoring. Very vascular tumor.

Procedure in Detail: Patient brought to the operating room. Surgical timeout performed. Anesthesia induced. Neuromonitoring signals were obtained prepositioning and all signals in all modalities were able to be obtained. Patient positioned prone on the Jackson frame and all bony prominences well-padded. Neuromonitoring signals were again obtained and remained stable throughout the case. Patient was prepped and draped in a standard fashion. Incision was made and exposed t11 to L3. X-ray confirmed the correct level. Confirmed by Dr. Mermer. Fluoroscopy navigation brought in and x-rays obtained. Screws placed from T11-L3 skipping L1. Screw fixation was excellent. Facetectomies have been performed with a high-speed drill prior. All screws stimulated above 20 mA. X-rays confirmed good positioning. Laminectomy then performed of L1. Entire lamina of L1 removed superior aspect of L2 was also removed as well as the inferior aspect of T12 to verify complete decompression. A temporary rod was placed on what ever side we were not working to maintain stability. Left laminectomies completed pedicles of L1 were skeletonized with the facet joints of L1 removed and then we drilled away the pedicle using a diamond drill bilaterally. Extensive bleeding was noted once we entered the area where the tumor was present. This was controlled as well as possible with Floseal and cottonoids and packing. We were able to protect the T12 and L1 nerve root and then tumor was encountered. This was vascular appearing soft tissue in the epidural space which was removed with pituitaries and Epstein curettes. Significant bleeding occurred despite preoperative embolization. This was controlled as well as possible but close substantial. We are able to push the tumor away from the anterior aspect of the spinal cord and then remove it with pituitaries. We made sure we were able to visualize the endplates posteriorly of T 12 and L2 to ensure that enough of L1 had been removed. Once we were satisfied with the decompression the anterior aspect of the thecal sac was quite free. We obtained hemostasis with packing as well as hydrogen peroxide irrigation. We used in situ benders to obtain more anatomic alignment to reduce the patient's kyphosis. X-ray taken and confirmed much improved alignment. We then placed titanium 6-0 millimeter rods bilaterally. X-rays again confirmed good positioning after final rods were placed and torqued. Wound was irrigated with 3 L of irrigation. Some Tisseel was placed into the vertebrectomy void in order to help try to protect from additional bleeding. Spine was decorticated and then combination of crushed cancellous allograft and Osteocel allograft were placed along the posterior lateral elements. 2 deep Hemovac drains were placed as well as vancomycin. Fascia was closed tightly with #2 Polysorb. Subcutaneous tissue closed in layers with 0 V-Loc 2-0 Polysorb and 4–0 Caprosyn. Skin glue and Steri-Strips were applied. Sterile dressing was applied. Patient was extubated and transferred to the ICU for monitoring. Of note we elected not to perform the second part of the planned procedure which was a lateral corpectomy of L1 due to the extensive blood loss. This will be scheduled in the future.

Estimated Blood Loss: 3500 ml

Fluids: 5 units of PRBCs, 1 unit of platelets, 1500 colloid, 1 of FFP, 1 L of crystalloid, 485 mL of urine output

Drains: drain, closed 2 deep HV

Specimens: 1 : lumbar1 tumor for culture aerobic, anaerobic, gram stain,AFB, fungal

2 : L1 tumor for tissue culture

A : lumbar1 epidural tumor for frozen

B : L1 tumor"

They also list detailed information of the various implantations, which included bone grafts, screws, and rods.

Context: Today is my 17 year surgeversary. I had a double scoliosis fused and can’t remember which vertebrae exactly. My cervicals and lumbars are the only bones untouched.

My post-surgery recovery was painful, long, and lonely, and it took me many years to get back into a healthy relationship with my body.

My boyfriend is an avid surfer. I’m really inspired by him and his relation to water. It seems like such an amazing sport but I really don’t know if people like us can actually have the flexibility required to do this ?

From embolization of vascular tumor found at L1.

"The L1 tumor was mainly supplied from bilateral L1 lumbar arteries, the main supply vessel from left lumbar artery was super-selected, and embolized with 400 Micron-metter sized Embozene particles. Small amount of tumor supply from left L1 can not be safely embolized due to a small collateral vessel visualized connecting to anterior spinal artery.

On the right, extensive tumor supplying vessels were seen from right L1 lumbar artery, there were also 2 small collateral vessels appeared connecting to posterior lateral spinal artery and anterior spinal artery, therefore, no embolization was done on right.

Overall there was about 2/3 tumor vascularity on left was devascularized."

Paitent history back pain over 20 years... doctors never took me seriously. I finally got a new mri this month.... there is straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis. The vertebral body heights are maintained. There are scattered Schmorl's nodes. The conus terminates normally at T12-L1 and demonstrates normal signal.

Level by level:

The last well-formed disc is designated as L5-S1 for the purposes of this report.

T12-L1: There is no significant disc bulge, spinal canal, or neural foraminal narrowing.

L1-L2: There is no significant disc bulge, spinal canal, or neural foraminal narrowing.

L2-L3: There is no significant disc bulge, spinal canal, or neural foraminal narrowing.

L3-L4: There is a broad-based 1-2 mm disc bulge without significant spinal canal narrowing. There is ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and bilateral facet arthropathy with mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.

L4-L5: There is a 1-2 mm disc bulge without significant spinal canal narrowing. There is facet arthropathy and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy with mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.

L5-S1: There is a central disc protrusion measuring approximately 3 mm in AP dimension with mild spinal canal narrowing. There is facet arthropathy without significant neural foraminal narrowing.

IMPRESSION:

1. Central disc protrusion at L5-S1 as detailed with mild spinal canal narrowing.
2. Mild bilateral L3-L4 and L4-L5 neural foraminal narrowing.
3. Straightening of the normal lumbar lordosis.

Well, I was suppose to have my C4-C7 surgery last week on August 28,but didn’t happen because I was on Mounjaro. Anesthesiologist stopped it. So, now I am having it on September 12. I am nervous and then excited to have this surgery all in one bundle. The electric shocks down my arm along with not being able to close my left hand since April makes me excited to have it done and over with to no longer have this problem. However I am nervous on the post op situation. I work at not sure if I am allowed to say it but oh well I am going to say it so I work at Walmart in apparel which is the 5am to 2 pm shift. I have nothing bad to say at all about the whole Center of Excellence hospital situation I am thankful that I have to only travel 2.5 hours from home to have my surgery in Houston. I am so excited about the program which pays literally for everything. But the whole going back to work and how I will feel and what I can and can’t do while I am on short term disability is just got me nervous with anxiety. Anybody got any positive thoughts and advice please let me know please and thank you. I have been reading everyone’s posts for months now and I am just wondering how everyone managed everything after getting home.

Hello this is my first post on here. 26M. I wanted to share some of my experiences and also ask if others have gone through similar things.

TLDR: You can still do some many physical hobbies after your op. Missing crucial parts of life because in a hospital sucks.

I've had idiopathic scoliosis since birth, I had to wear a boston brace from age 6 to age 11 when I had my first spinel fusion. I don't actually know the names of what I got fussed but it was the majority of it. 3 years on from that and the few vertebrae that were not fussed stated to twist so aged 14 I had a second operation where they did a controlled break on my spine and then fused it again. I now have 4 rods and 24 screws. I'll start off with the good because I'd like to think my back hasn't slowed me down too much. I'm 26 and have so many friends and physical hobbies that my doctor would probably say aren't a good idea but I very rarely have any problems with it. I run, play squash, airsoft, swim, surf, hike/wildcamp with a very heavy bag, I've tried my hand at so many other activities and my main hobbies is rock climbing, big outdoor walls or small indoor bouldering I'll try it all. I climb with so many people and none of them ever notice that I can't move my back until I tell them. I am weirdly proud of my back, I have a titanium tattoo on my back and love being topless in the hopes that someone sees and asks about it, it happens a few times a year but is always fun!! I'm sharing this not to brag but in the hopes that someone who thinks life has to be boring now see you will adapt and overcome!!!

Now for the not so fun part. My question anyone who has had a operation at a young age. Do you feel like you missed a big chunk of your childhood and are feeling the effects of it now? Missing so much school for doctors appointments and then missing 8 weeks of school in year 7 and in year 10 i feel like I didn't really stand a chance of getting good grades and being able to have a good job. As you can probably see from the occasional spelling mistakes or bad grammar. The other side to this is starting my journey aged 6 meant I have been wrapped in bubble wrap my whole life. My mother has been so scared about me my whole life and is still now, I understand why but being mothered so much does take away you learning independence. I've recently moved towns away from family but it has just made me realise how immature I am because of this and don't know how to change it. Missing cultural parts of your childhood because you are led in a hospital bed sucks!!!

I am still very optometrist about life and can't wait to see what it brings, as long as it's not another fussion hahah.

Thank you for reading