I'm basically bone on bone at L5/S1 and leaning toward a spinal fusion. Therapy isn't helping...actually it's making it worse. Has anyone on here had one and if so what was your experience like?
My husband had a fusion in his neck--C6 and C7--and had excellent results. He also had lamenectomy at L4, L5. He supposedly had a herniated disc there and spinal stenosis. I hate to tell you that, but this is just him and not necessarily what your surgery will turn out like. I hope you have great results! Good luck if you go ahead with it!
Thanks for the info! I've spoken to a few other people who've had very good results with a spinal fusion.
L5/S1 is a money surgery more often than not. There is less than 5 degrees flexion in that joint. Fusion doesn't make much difference As you probably know it will do nothing for facet arthritis. For years the treatment was to remove the disc in this area. You want another opinion from a non-spinal center before considering. I am one who was nearly under the knife after mos of therapy and injections. Got cold feet as I visited with other patients in the waiting room there for second and third surgeries. To make a long story short it got better eventually.
Fortunately, my facet arthritis is mild at this point, I'm more concerned about the transition of force to L4/L5. Right now the disks above L5 are in good shape so I should be good to go for a number of years. I've had two neurosurgeons, not affiliated with a spine center, tell me that a spinal fusion is my best option and it's up to me when to do it. Basically boils down quality of life.
You should be good to go. Make sure the explain which Intervertebral Body Fusion device they use. that it is both removable and adjustable post operativley. They have come a long ways since plates and screws.....
Yes they have come a long ways... :)
Question: if the discs harden and thin, will they eventually disintegrate or wear so then it becomes bone on bone? Just wondering how that happens.
I had a buddy get the fusion a while back and was having some pain. They went in through small hole with a screw driver and tweaked the dealyhoop a turn or two on one side till the electic gizmo that hooked up looked right. Fixed em right up. Sorta like very precise chiro adjustment. Wouldn't it be cool if it were on a remote.........
Was it a TLIF or PLIF?
I believe it was a one level PLIF as it was done with an open field and used a cage. Although they do little through a scope anymore here.
My mom had a fusion a few years ago. One possible outcome is that it can cause further stress on the spine above and below the fusion site. It is definitely a decision that I would put a lot of thought and research into.
I'm Getting a one level TLIF on L5/S1 done on the 23rd. I went through my course of PT and it only made it worse which I knew it would. The disks above L5 are in good shape so I shouldn't have any problems for a while.
Rent a "lift recliner" or buy one from Walmart..............(you may even want to sleep there a few days when you get home) Trust me on that. even a seat riser for the stool and going commando a few days helps. They may not THINK its necessary, and maybe its not but anything to avoid unnecessary twist and stress speeds the healing by eliminating some pain. Stay up on your pain meds for a few days and do your best to avoid "prn" meds.
Thanks for the info, lamb! I don't tolerate the narcotic pain meds so that won't be an issue. :)