It looks like this surgery will probably be coming up for me. Epidurals are no longer effective and I'm in a lot of pain. Has anyone recently had this surgery? I'm looking for as much information as I can get. Thank you.

Hi Jen and welcome to NeuroTalk. Here is the link to our Spinal Disorders forum..http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

I'm glad you have joined us..tho sorry for the reason.

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

There are great number and caring fellow members here to assist you. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

NyJen I had an anterior lumbar fusion done on L3 to S1... IT really wasn't to bad of a surgery. Bad thing is my surgery failed after months of PT they realized my hip was messed up as well so my back was not fusing .. I wish you the best and if you need any other info please ask ... Good luck!!!!

Welcome Jen! I am a fellow back person...look forward to getting to know you!! You have already been directed to a great forum, however you can drop in anywhere...

Hi ~ Get at least 2-3 opinions before jumping into surgery. You will never be the same afterwards. Surgery does NOT correct the pain. Surgery ONLY corrects mechanical problems. Usually you are left with the same pain or worse. If you happen to get pain relief, it was pure luck. Don't believe a doctor who says he can relieve your pain - he can't.

Also after surgery, the levels above/below the surgical level will fail - they have to take up more of the load. It's called the domino effect. It almost always happens. I've had 2 open spinal surgeries, and mine failed each time -- I'm now inoperable and disabled due to the surgeries. This past year, it was reported that almost ALL the spinal surgeries in the U.S. would have had the same result if the patient had just had physical therapy.

That is why I tell people NOT to have surgery UNLESS their spinal cord is being impinged OR they are in danger of permanent nerve damage. Otherwise, it's best to go to pain management and physical therapy, as you'll get better pain relief.

I wish you the very best. God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee

Hi,

My husband has had 2 spinal fusions. The first was a disaster and the 2nd was a complete success. Today he only takes Advil for pain, swims and tries to keep the weight down. But I will say don't rush get a second and third opinion. We ended up going into NYC with a top spinal surgeon. And what a difference in protocol, his recovery was so much easier the second time and they did more work. They had to take all that was done the first time out and re-due everything. His was at the L4 and L5.

Good Luck.

Gabbycakes