NeuroTalk Support Groups - View Single Post - fusion quandry L3-S1

tamiloo · 07-08-2009, 03:46 AM

Every case is different. I had my 5th lumbar surgery last year in October. I have problems I was born with...Spina Bifida. My first surgery was to fix a disc and then I did have a fusion L5 to S1. I will say that my fourth surgery where they fused a level higher, I wasn't very happy with the outcome. However my last surgery I have seen great things happening and I do know that I have years of healing to look forward to. Most of my leg pain is gone. I do have limitations. My sweetheart...known here as the Olhipie at times has to help me with socks and shoes. He loves to feel needed so I let him help. I am fused from my L2 to S1. I have six lumbar so the doc...Not to confuse himself in his notes...he calls my sixth one L0...silly I know.

I do feel a lot better than I did before my last surgery. Has your doc done any injections where the problems are to see if there will be pain relief?
My doc did this to see how much it would help to have the surgery. I got much relief from the pain so this was very encouraging.

Do you feel you should get a second opinion? If you trust your doc that makes a whole world of difference. I trusted my doc the minute I met him. He knew I would need the surgery but still tried to give me pain relief without having the surgery. He gave me five months to think about it...I was in so much pain and finally scheduled the surgery. I have no regrets...

Sorry I went on and on. If you have any questions or just want to talk feel free to PM me...take care and know that prayers are being said in your behalf...