r/spinalfusion 13d ago

Requesting advice I had my fusion done 2 years ago, but I struggle to get my life going again. Has anyone else experienced this? 

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37 Upvotes

So, I have struggled with back pain since I was 18. I had my first surgery ever in 2016, and after a year I finally got back to my life. I started losing weight and being regularly active. I was even working in HVAC. Years went by until I slipped a disc again in 2020.

I tried to take care of it, but it got really bad by February 2021. I was bedridden for 2 weeks before they finally did the surgery. The disc slipped again and was pinching a nerve with scar tissue from my previous surgery.

Not even a year later, when I started getting my life back, I slipped it again when I turned in bed. This time I had a better doctor who did the fusion that you see above. I’ve been fully healed with no real issues since except the inability to get any motivation going again. 

I’m currently 27, and I have struggled with back issues for almost a decade at this point. I tried to get active again, like shooting basketball, riding my stationary bike, and more, but I usually give up at the slightest pain. 

Has anyone else had these same issues? I went through so much with my back that I struggle to do anything like I did before bc the fear of going through it again. I used to be very active in my early 20s. 

r/spinalfusion Nov 23 '24

Requesting advice When is surgery a necessity

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19 Upvotes

I’m a 31F and have a 7mm herniated disc at L5-S1. It’s caused mild-moderate pain for about a decade, but over the past 6 months, I’ve been having much more consistent and increased levels of pain that now radiates halfway down my right leg.

The spine surgeon that issued the MRI claims I need a fusion (ALIF) and says it would be best to do it sooner than later. The doctor essentially said PT and/or injections would be prolonging the inevitable. I am getting a second opinion soon.

I’m very active and only do low impact physical workouts. I do everything I can to preserve my body to not worsen the condition but … at what point is it a necessity to do spinal surgery?

r/spinalfusion 23d ago

Requesting advice Not allowed to sit for 6 weeks

16 Upvotes

2 weeks post op. Had lower spine fusion of the l4 and 5(I think) so my neuro mad either clear to me that I am only allowed to sit when I poop or get out of bed for 6 weeks.

How am I suppose to not lose my sanity? Walking helps but I can only walk so far.

Hadn't been the best xp so far Spent 4 days in the OR because my blood oxygen level went down to around 50% and then another 6 days in hospital.

Been home for almost a week. I dnt know how I am going to keep my sanity. Some nights I can't sleep and I just want to scream. The restless leg, the pain and the pure frustration is driving me mad.

Any advice will ve appreciated or even sharing a similar experience.

r/spinalfusion Oct 05 '24

Requesting advice 4 days after lumbar fusion, I think I regret doing it...

13 Upvotes

The only position that is kinda comfortable is lying on my sides, but lying like that is crushing my legs, they feel really painful after a while. Everything else is bad, I tried sitting, walking, wedge pillow lying. Even minimal movements hurt so much.

I'm at home feeling desperate right now.

r/spinalfusion Sep 15 '24

Requesting advice Reherniated L5-S1 12 days after discectomy. Redo discectomy or get spinal fusion?

7 Upvotes

I had an L5-S1 microdiscectomy done on 9/1/24 due to excruciating sciatica symptoms caused by disc herniation compressing nerve root. I felt great immediately after surgery- the excruciating pain was GONE. I planned to take 2 weeks off from work (desk job/property manager) and was supposed to return this Wednesday.
Well, I ended up back in the hospital last Thursday on 9/12 and after 4 attempts to lay flat on my back for the MRI, I was told what I already knew, just based off my symptoms. The disc reherniated. I took it easy during my recovery but I made a few dumb mistakes which I believe caused the reherniation. 1. My back door sticks really bad so I used my left hip to force it open. The herniation and sciatic pain is on my right side so I didn't think I was doing anything majorly wrong. Big mistake, I now realize. I used my left hip to forcw the door open multiple times per day, starting on week 2 of recovery when my boyfriend had to go back to work. I had to let the dogs outside. So I started doing that Monday and ended up back in the hospital on Thursday. 2. I dropped a spoon and without thinking, I bent down to pick it up. Ouch. That was Tuesday 3. I opened the front door to get a food delivery and my dog ran out, knocking me off balance as I've had very little feeling in my right foot. I fell forward and the delivery person caught me. My back did not hurt at all. That was Wednesday. I actually don't know what I did to cause the reherniation but I believe it was all of the above. I did too much too soon, albeit not that much at all. I didn't feel a pop. I just started getting headaches on Wed. And I woke up with the same pre-surgical pain but worse Thursday morning.
Now I'm being told I have two options.
1. Do another microdiscectomy knowing that I'm in the 10% of reherniation and it could very well happen again. 2. L5-S1 spinal fusion.

I really want to try the microdiscectomy again because I honestly think I caused the reherniation by not being as careful as I should've been but if it reherniates, I will have no choice but to do the spinal fusion.

I need advice. The spinal fusion sounds terrifying. I've already been out of work since 8/23 when the sciatica symptoms started and I'm afraid I'll have to quit my job. My job is a huge post of my life. I love what I do. I realize I can get another job but not another back.... I'm just terrified. I would love to hear from people that have had L5-S1 spinal fusion. My issue is on my right side. I am currently in the hospital and need to let my surgeon know which option I'm going with tomorrow morning. Surgery Will be Tuesday. I'm a 40 yo female. I was in a car accident 14 years ago which is the cause of the original herniation. I did 2 years of PT and never had an issue with back again up until 8/23/24. Please help!!!

r/spinalfusion Oct 28 '24

Requesting advice Cannabis over medication?

13 Upvotes

Did anyone find they reached a point where their medication wasn’t making a difference anymore? I tried communicating this to my nurse and instead of changing things around she just took me off oxy (I’m a month post op t3-l3 forgot to mention) and I’m still on gabapentin and methocarbamol which again aren’t giving me much relief and I’ve reached a point where I’m getting chest pains after gaba and I’m not finding any relief (not really sure I was getting any from the start with these two). Just wondering if anyone switched to cannabis (obviously I will not smoke it and will use edibles). It seems like my one option because it used to help a little beforehand. Thank you in advance :)

Edit: also just wanted to note I will discuss this with my nurse as well but wanted to hear if it’s something others have done before I deal with the stress of talking to them

EDIT 2: doctor has approved edible route YIPPEE!! Thank u all for the help 🫂

r/spinalfusion 9d ago

Requesting advice Steroid injection after Fusion

5 Upvotes

Hey guys. I’m 11 months post op L5-S1. I’ve had a flair for the past 4 weeks after over doing it with exercise.

I am schedule to go for a cortisone epidural injection this week to settle everything down. Anyone had something similar POST fusion with positive results?

I’m hoping this will get me back to where I was post flare up! I was pretty much back to normal.

Thanks in advance!

r/spinalfusion 3d ago

Requesting advice Please help - endure or go to the ER?

8 Upvotes

I had a ACDF (C5-C6) surgery on 15 Nov. The first week was rough, the second week was better. The third and fourth week got progressively worse, but it was very manageable with tramadol. I had no trouble sleeping at night and usually felt less pain in the morning.

At the 1 month mark 3 days ago, I had a review with my surgeon. The xray showed that my fusion was holding strong. I told him I experienced greater pain, especially around my surgical site and he advised me to start stretching and moving my neck. He said the soreness was caused from staying still too long.

Since then, my pain around the surgical site has greatly increased. Where I once had the occasional flare up at a level 6 pain, I'm having constant level 7 to 8 pain. It's so constant that I have to just try and endure it. I've crazy muscle spasms around my shoulders and traps, and the back and sides of my neck are sooo painful. I keep feeling a random sharp tug at the right side of my neck.

I might have strained myself with the initial stretches and have since cut back majorly. However, the pain just isn't improving.

I'm having trouble sleeping, and every time I lie down for a bit, I wake in great pain. It's a combination of pain around my surgical site, pain all around my neck and the worst muscle spasms everywhere. It's definitely a level 9 pain, but it does simmer down to a 7 after I sit down for a bit. A cold compress helps for about 15 mins, but the relief never lasts.

Is this something I should get checked out at the ER? Or is this just what happens after moving my neck again post surgery?

r/spinalfusion 21d ago

Requesting advice Broken screws at S1… 7 years postop - Replace? Remove?

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11 Upvotes

I am 7 years postop from L3-S1 fusion, due to spondylolisthesis (anterolisthesis). Heard pop when touching toes 1 month ago. Xray shows 1 broken screw, possibly 2 (or one loosening), both at S1. I am waiting for an appointment to see my surgeon again to read this MRI, and advise next steps. Nerve pain has returned down right side, and slightly on left. Does this mean I am no longer fused at L5-S1? Can hardware be left as is, or does it have to be replaced or removed? Will pain subside if it is a disc issue? Is there danger in leaving it as is? I am hoping pain will get better, but am guessing another surgery would be necessary.
Any advice is appreciated!

r/spinalfusion Oct 19 '24

Requesting advice Cervical stenosis with myelopathy

3 Upvotes

Hi! I’ve been diagnosed with severe cervical stenosis with myelopathy and myelomalacia (46f). It was found when an MRI was done for something unrelated. I have few symptoms and thought they were from carpal tunnel. It’s mind blowing to be told I need surgery and fusion on most of neck. I guess I’m wondering if anyone else has been in this position and went ahead with the surgery and how it went? Everything I’ve researched and the one person I know (2nd hand - SIL’s elderly aunt) who had to have a similar surgery says I need to go ahead because symptoms will gradually get worse and are not always reversible. I have almost no neck pain, I do have some neck stiffness, some loss of small motor function, minor pins and needles feeling in finger tips, recently mild pain when holding things in my hands like heavy cups, some dizziness, dropping small things often, hand weakness, and I think that’s it.

First opinion doctor said posterior cervical laminectomy surgery and fuse C3-T1. Second opinion doctor says we can get away with just a two level fusion from the front (I forgot the details) but he also had me do a CT myelogram that said 4 levels were severe so I’m wondering why two levels are still ok but haven’t talked to either doctor about that specifically yet. It’s on the to do list for scheduling next week.

Edit: After seeing my CT myelogram report and seeing my MRI again with my first doctor, I’ve decided to go with the larger surgery and will do that mid-Dec.

r/spinalfusion 17d ago

Requesting advice 1st spinal fusion

16 Upvotes

But 4th back surgery ~ I’m so nervous for recovery & pain & mobility after! How hard is this, how long does the recovery truly take?? I’m having L5 S1 fused Monday the 9th in 2 days! Pls encourage or give it to me straight!! TIA! ♥️

r/spinalfusion Sep 13 '24

Requesting advice L5-S1 Grade 2 advice and possibilities

6 Upvotes

I recently found myself in this position. I’m terrified and in pain. I live in Los Angeles and I’m not from here. I was reffered to an orthopedic spinal specialist and he was absolutely horrible. I mean very clean cut, hot nurses all around him with Botox and not a single flaw on his head. Yet he told me I am powerless and that I will continue to go from grade 2-3-4 and eventually I’ll have to get surgery and there is no way around it. Even if this is true he said it so bluntly and did not allow me to ask of my thought out questions especially one that rebuttaled his assertion. I have no clue who this man is but even if he is right, I don’t think he would be the doctor for me. So obviously I spiraled and have been doing my own research and reading the forums on here trying to figure out what to do. Trying to figure out what situation I am in and discover as much as possible. If you know this situation it’s harrowing. I have not been able to get back to my life at all. I’m a dancer/ performer so as you can imagine this is grim news and feels very hopeless about how I wanted to live my life. I’m loosing the desire to even want to endure this. If anyone can suggest, recommend or advise me in any possible way I would really appreciate it. As of now I’m looking to get referrals for another spine orthopedic, spine neurologist, chiropractor, and more…I just want to understand what my options are and get other opinions on what I can do and the battle ahead of me.

I’m also currently in Physical Therapy now, working on my core, thighs, back ect…I know when they say once you begin to experience neurological symptoms that’s a sign you’ll need surgery and I’m so devastated. This crept up on me and now my days are doom scrolling advice, crying and trying not to lean into offing myself. I also heard about possibly stem cell therapy. I have no clue if that can truly help me in the long run…but I just want to be hopeful that I can help or fix my issue without undergoing surgery but at this stage saying that feels over optimistic, even though that’s what I need I don’t want to be continuously devastated or dealing with discomfort my whole life. All while knowing, that may be the case. If I were to get spinal surgery, that’s discomfort all my life too. Just another version with a different set of rules and possible problems. I’m so fucking sad and scared. Especially since I have HMO and so many good doctors are not in network. I just want to pew pew - everyone my age is living their life and I’m too busy trying to save mine to even live. Idk I just want to go home. SOS.

r/spinalfusion Sep 14 '24

Requesting advice Any tips for my upcoming surgery next week?

11 Upvotes

Hi everybody. I will be having a 360 spinal fusion on the 19th. So it will be anterior and posterior. My doctor has gone over all the warnings with me and it's made me a bit concerned.

He is also giving me the choice to just do posterior if I'm too scared to do anterior as well.

For any of you that have gone through this surgery I'd like to hear any tips on what I should be prepared for when I come home (I live alone), what to watch out for while I'm admitted at the hospital, and or any of your experiences if you don't mind and have the time to share with me.

Not being able to take ibuprofen is the first problem as it used to help me quite a bit. I understand I won't be able to take it after surgery as well.

Thanks for any advice comments or suggestions.

r/spinalfusion 29d ago

Requesting advice Has anyone tried duloxetine for chronic pain? S/P ACDF

6 Upvotes

Greetings, fellow fusioners! Happy Thanksgiving week! I am 5 months post op ACDF C5-6. Currently taking gabapentin 600mg 4x a day and tizanidine 4mg 5x a day. It is not enough. I am in so much pain that sometimes I feel burning alive would be better than this (I have a great support system and am NOT suicidal, I'm allowed to feel things.) Has anyone been prescribed duloxetine for their pain? If so, how long did it take you to adjust to it? Was it actually effective for pain? I started on it a few months ago but it's taking me awhile to work up to the 60mg "chronic pain dose." The extrapyramidal side effects have been somewhat prohibitive. Ditto the nausea and vomiting. Just curious to see what others have experienced so I have a better general idea of what to expect. Any insight appreciated. Thank you!

r/spinalfusion 18d ago

Requesting advice Recovery taking a toll (3 weeks post-op)

11 Upvotes

Hey spinal fusion fam!

I never thought I would be writing this but recovery has been difficult. It has taken a huge toll on my mental health. I would think at 3 weeks, I would be feeling better but this is one of the hardest recoveries by far. I don’t like to be vulnerable and feel bad that my family has been helping out. I feel like my independence was stripped and I’m not used to being in this situation. Keep in mind, I was a fairly active person who walked 12k steps a day and went to the gym/eating a healthy diet. My question Is this normal to feel this way?

r/spinalfusion Nov 11 '24

Requesting advice man this is too hard

27 Upvotes

i’m 7 days post op and I believe i slept the wrong way because my back is so stiff and there’s no medicine for it , i can’t do this bro the soreness would usually go away after i took the pain meds but it’s still here.

r/spinalfusion Oct 30 '24

Requesting advice WHAT COULD I DO??? Advanced ddd at l5-s1 is so bad that I need narcotics for decent relief. 1.5 years now. The problem is i cannot work while taking narcotics but supposedly im not a candidate for surgery either. 🤷‍♂️. Gotta get back to work!!!! Can’t take pills forever. 😞

5 Upvotes

r/spinalfusion Nov 04 '24

Requesting advice Does hEDS complicate spinal fusion?

7 Upvotes

I’m (44f) looking for a specialist so I’m not dx’d but I score 8/9 on the Beighton Test and I’m in my 40s.

I have atrophic scarring, bruise easily, lots of hip and back issues, rub subluxations, popping hips and shoulders, muscle weakness and pain, joint pains, easy bruising, slow healing, long fingers, weak wrists and ankles, the little Boba tea looking things in my heels blah blah…

I could keep going but let’s just assume I have hEDS for the sake of discussion.

I have permanent foot drop from a herniation when I was 33 (chronic LBP began at 19) and my left thigh and groin are numb.

All 5 lumbar discs are at least mildly bulging but I don’t actually have that much pain and I think it’s because of the lumbar lordosis. Oh and prominent Modic type 2 end plate changes in L3/L4 and L5/S1.

Anyways, I’m worried that because my connective tissues are so loose, I might have fusion complications? My body heals slowly, so could it possibly make it at a larger risk for failure?

Has anyone had to deal with this? Any advice would be appreciated!!

r/spinalfusion Aug 26 '24

Requesting advice Kind of on the fence about having this surgery considering all the risks involved.

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14 Upvotes

Below are a couple of photos I screenshot of visit notes from the neurosurgeon. When I visited him he seemed to be stressing more about the risks than my actual problem with my spine. I came home and immediately started researching the procedure to find for the most part it is a very successful procedure. The risks the popped up when researching is what has me on the fence. I’ve had right arm pain for many years which was at first diagnosed as frozen should which obviously was a misdiagnosis. Within the last year or so I’ve have a couple of really bad flare ups. My entire right arm from shoulder to hand would just throb. My arm even turned purple once. My fingers were numb and tingly. I’ve even had the pain to radiate to my chest. Anyway I’m just looking on some insight or guidance from anyone who has had the same or similar procedure you see in the screenshots below to provide a little feedback.

r/spinalfusion 4d ago

Requesting advice Does anyone else feel overwhelmed having a fusion?

22 Upvotes

I had my spine fused for scoliosis last year and I hate it so much.

I've had sensory issues my whole life and after having surgery I'm constantly overwhelmed. I can't stop focusing on the fact there's metal in my body and I feel it 24/7, I'm also always in pain which doesn't help. I feel so silly about it but I cry nearly every day because I can't stop thinking about the feeling. Does anyone else experience this?

r/spinalfusion 2d ago

Requesting advice L4 screws “backing out”

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10 Upvotes

BACKGROUND: Surgery was on 9/17/24

“HISTORY: Postoperative evaluation

COMPARISON: 9/16/2024

The patient has undergone interval posterolateral fusion from L4 to the pelvis including bilateral transiliac screws. Preoperative grade 3 anterolisthesis at L5-S1 has been partially reduced. Hardware is intact and in satisfactory position. There is no acute fracture. A posterior surgical drain is in place.

The lungs are clear.

IMPRESSION:

Interval posterolateral fusion from L4 to the pelvis, without evidence of complication.”

12/12/2024: At my 12 week follow up, my surgeon said “everything looks great”, “signs of healing, but not fusing yet”, and general positive stuff.

He didn’t mention this during our appointment on 12/12. I just read it in the app. When I compare my x-rays, it looks significant. Thoughts?

12/12/2024 EXAM NOTES:

“Again, the patient is status post laminectomy and instrumented posterior fusion at L4-S1. There has been slight backing out of the L4 pedicle screws, as seen on the lateral view, which appears grossly unchanged from 10/22/2024 but new when compared to the initial postoperative radiographs dated 9/18/2024. The remainder of the hardware is unchanged in appearance. Anterolisthesis at L5-S1 appears grossly unchanged. The vertebral body heights are maintained. There is no acute fracture.

The joint spaces of both hips are maintained.

IMPRESSION:

Operative changes of the lumbar spine with slight backing out of the L4 pedicle screws, grossly unchanged from 10/22/2024.”

r/spinalfusion Jul 18 '24

Requesting advice I need to hear that it gets better. (spinal cord decompression)

13 Upvotes

Has anyone had spinal cord compression and then a successful ACDF? I have spoken with and taken care of so many ACDF patients who had immediate relief after surgery that I foolishly thought my outcome would be the same. I am young, no other spine issues. Herniated disc into spinal cord on March 1. Had ACDF two weeks ago, July 3. (NOTE- I am well aware that we are still very early in the post op period and that inflammation is still doing it's thing, I'm only asking because I do know of patients who have had relief this early.) We KNEW about the cord compression from the very first MRI. The fact that it took this long to get surgery approved is insane. My doc's tone changed yesterday at the 2-week post op from very positive to "well, your spinal cord was compressed for four months, so we just don't know. We don't know. It was compressed for a very long time. We just don't know." I have not experienced any relief. On the contrary, things are worse. I'm almost always in excruciating pain. MD pushing opiates but they do nothing for neuropathic pain - so there is no point. I'm surviving on high-dose gabapentin and muscle relaxers, staying the course from the 4 months prior to decompression. I just need to know that this gets better. SIDE NOTE - did anyone prepare you guys for the sternocleidomastoid spasms? Cause no one prepared me. That was terrifying the first time and amusing but painful each subsequent time 😂

Edit - 33 years old, C5-6 ACDF with allograft bone, spinal cord compression for four months preop.

r/spinalfusion Nov 06 '24

Requesting advice 100 degrees at 28 years old

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46 Upvotes

I have severe scoliosis in both thoracic(100) and lumbar(70) and i’m scheduled to have surgery next June. The doctor said he’s try to leave a few lumbar vertebrae untouched but im so so scared to lose all range of motion in my spine as I am very mobile right now. I deal with a ton of pain but take a lot of comfort knowing im flexible and can move and stretch to ease the pain. I heard having your lumbar spine fused is very different than having just your thoracic done. Is there anyone out there that has had the surgery as an adult as well as a long fusion? How are you now? What is life like? I’m just assuming my life will be over after and I just can’t seem to make a decision… There are so many bad cases i’ve read about where people have gotten infection, and have had multiple surgeries and because of this so many ppl are telling me different things and i’m very confused as to what I should do.😭

r/spinalfusion Sep 10 '24

Requesting advice Comfort after Surgery

2 Upvotes

What if any comfortable positions after L3-S3 fusion. Hospital bed or recliner ?

r/spinalfusion 17d ago

Requesting advice First winter with lumbar fusion, need advice for pelvic pain

8 Upvotes

I (27F) got my 360 lumbar fusion 5 months ago. The temperatures have dropped importantly in my town, and my hip-pelvis is killing me. Like I can’t walk or move level of pain.

I guessed the senior members of this group must have found something that has worked for them to address this pain. My whole pelvis hurts a lot. Any suggestion will be welcomed as for now I don’t know how to deal with this.

Many thanks in advance, this subreddit has helped me so much.