L4-S1 Fusion -- Biting the bullet
 

All,

Newbie here...looking for support.

I'm scared to death about going under getting the surgery done. It's not the pain that scares me...it is the thought of going under and never waking up. I have a wife and two kids under 2 years of age and it is unbearable to think of the three of them without me. This is the only road block to me being cut on and I know the chance of it happening is slim but just the fact that the chance is there is almost too much for me to bear. I know it comes down to doing it but I'm curious if anyone else had/haves a barrier to surgery such and this and how is was/is dealt with.

FYI..I'm in 30 years old, not overweight, and in excellent health other than the back issues.

You are not alone in your thoughts or how you're thinking. Of course surgeons have to state all risks. They just have to, even if not a single one of his/her patients have died from complications.

From what you state, you are in "good" shape.

But, I'd suggest this (which applies to me and others, too): Have your head in the "right" place before you give the okay. Invasive surgery isn't something you'd be here mentioning if it was life/death (spinal cord compression so bad, etc.); you'd already be in surgery or it would be behind you.

Anything done: You have to go in with your spirits high and with positive thoughts toward the outcome.

It sounds like you may need but a bit of time to digest and bolster yourself.

If your surgeon has not had a bunch of patients dying (exact same surgery), it is fear that is gripping you. I understand that. Sooo, give yourself some time - to understand with everything that's overwhelming.

If you aren't risking paralysis, give yourself time.

You'll be okay. But: Thoughts of dying going in are not good. Think of coming out better than you feel now.

I've not dealt with fusions: My spine plainly sucks from my C- to L- and S levels. For me, surgery would be piecemeal, or like someone doing some Leggo thing. ACDF is the scariest prospect, and what my neurosurgeon wants to do first. Like... yeah... I want... well... skip it: You're dealing with your own thougths and that's where the focus should remain.

If something feels if-y, and time is on your side, I say: Wait until thoughts of dying so young are not a the tip of your fingertips.

I agree with Bobbie. More than likely, you will be ok since you are healthy and young. I have five fusions. They were painful but no problems. I am over weight and in my sixties. I will tell you I have confidance in my surgeon. Do you know anyone that has ever had spinal surgery? I know several since being on the forum so long. None has ever died from the surgery, that I know about. I have had seven back surgeries myself, and no problems. I was scared the first time tho, so I can understand your fears. I was 50 before I had my first back surgery.

Talk it over with your surgeon or GP. Let him know of your fears. My doc told me he had done over 4000 before mine. That calmed me down. If you have any questions let us know.
Good Luck,
Fancylady:)

Hey Bro, read my story , i know it will help help you , i was 31 when i went in for this operation, i'm very similar to you, you will be fine mate!. Have a read and let me know, part of the reason i did this also is i want to be able to play with my kids (when i have some one day that is) i don't want to sit on the side lines and watch them....i'm sure you want the same thing...

read it http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread15857.html

Cheers
Michael

I had a ACDF C5-6-7 and I was the same way. I'd been through 9 other surgeries before but on this particular one I was worried about the big sleep. It invaded all of my thoughts. My pain levels before the surgery were about 6/10 with pain meds. Not well controlled.

So what did I do? I weaned off all the meds. Everything even the anti-inflamms. For 8 weeks I was in living hell. My pain levels were 9 or 10 all the time. By the end of week 8
I called the neurosurgeon and said let's get'r done. At that point I would have welcomed death as a warm friend. The pain I could no longer tolerate so the whole issue became a moot point.

I'm still leary of the big drug induced sleep. Last month I had to have surgery on my foot.
The surgeon said he used a general anesthetic. I told him that regional would be fine as all he was cutting on was my foot. For a minute he was at a loss for words. Then he said no one had ever questioned him or requested that before. I said it's either the regional or I'll find a new surgeon.

Needless to say the surgery went off without a hitch. No problems. The whole recovery thing was anti-climatic. Once he got it all sewed and bandaged up him and the anesthesiologist(sp) just stood there for an akward moment. Then the surgeon said "I guess you don't need to go to recovery your already awake, you might as well just go on home". The nurse wheeled me out to the waiting room, signed some papers, the wife brought the car around and off we went. From the end of surgery until I was out the door was 32 minutes.

Why can't they do that on spine surgeries???? I know the answer but still can't I still ask why???