How many people had multiple back surgeries?
 

I had L4-S1 fusion when i was 37. Im just wondering how many people did more then 1 back surgery. What kind of job did you have? Did that job make put more stress on your back? Right know im on Long term disablity just had hip arthroscopic surgery on 2/17. When i heal and recover i will go back to work, but my job terminated me october 2012 because i was on LTD for a year. I was a communication installer pretty physical job. Im just wondering if a should find job less physical job so my back surgery doesnt give out. I really dont want to have another back surgery. What jobs did you do and was it to much on your back? I dont think i can sit in office doing work. I would go nuts. So whats a good job for me to do?

Hi ~ I've had 2 open spinal surgeries, plus an SCS implant and later removal. I had been an optician for many years and that required that I be on my feet all day. After the second surgery, I just couldn't do it anymore, as the pain was more than I could tolerate. Plus, after awhile, I ended up herniating more discs, so I ended up applying for Social Security Disability and I've been on it ever since. :( Surgery just seems to beget more surgery -- at least that's what I've found and I've read that too. :rolleyes:

I wish I knew what to advise you. There WILL be things that you can't do anymore, but you don't want to be INACTIVE either. Perhaps physical therapy would help you, and they also would be able to advise you as to your limitations. Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

Leesa
Thats what worries me that once you have back surgery it seems that you are more likely to need futher back surgeries. I have been doing pt for the last 3 years. Between my back, neck, and hips surgery i have benn busy doing pt. But after each surgery i would have to start pt all over again. My lt hip was my last surgery. So once i do pt for hip i will start doing back then neck. Its just a long process.

Yeah, that's what they've found in some studies -- that with spinal surgeries & fusions, that the levels above & below the surgery sites tend to herniate because they've taken on too much of the load so they fail -- thus it leads to more surgery.

The trouble is, they've found that the people that have had surgery have NO BETTER RESULTS than the people who have had physical therapy!!! Doesn't that bite your butt??? :mad: So from what they say, we both had surgery for nothing. :eek: NUTS

Take care & God bless. Hugs, Lee

It can be very depressing. I have had since March of 2008 2 spinal fusions, a tethered cord release and 2 months after the release the Dr had to go back in and drain spinal fluid that had built up. I have not worked since because of the pain that I endure daily. Unless you experience it, you have no idea because it is so difficult to explain. I have tried to describe my pain to my husband and kids but I don't think, I know, they will never fully understand unless it happens to them and I PRAY it doesn't. I have yet to be approved for my disability so you can imagine my frustration but yet I trudge on. My quality of life has dimenished so much. I DO NOT give up. Friday i go back for another MRI to make sure there is not something they have missed and then the first of May for an EMG on the legs. I have no idea what the results will be, what I do know is I would love to be NORMAL again , something I miss so desperately. I wish you all the luck and will be thinking of you!

I have had eight open surgeries........3 cervies and 5 lumbies. The cervies were in 86, 95 and 96. My neck has been stable and pain free since 96. I am 63 now and there are some arthritic changes but nothing that a little moist heat and muscle rub won't releave. I am thrilled. The lower lumbar is another story. It is a complete mess to put it simply. I have two more levels that the surgeons would like to repair but that isn't going to happpen. Best wishes.

Hi just not right
 

Sorry you are having these back issues. None of it is fun. I have had two cervical fussions. I was an artist working under a magnafier for 30 years. I ruined my cervical spine. My ankles gave way with another degenerative condition, so top and bottom are not working right. I could not go back to work in that condition. I do hope you can find something good to do work wise. I can't tell you how much I miss my business, travel, the excitement of having my own business. Working is a joy, I never did get over that not working part. I still want to badly. ginnie

It is just so nice to filnally find a place where someone has an idea of what I experience everyday painwise. Thank you for your encouraging words.

Hi Linda
 

Yes, that is why I stayed with Neuro Talk. Here at least people do understand the real issues of medical trauma. Our daily lives are drastically changed. I sure hope you do not have to have surgery on your back. I never thought I would have to have a second one. I am also worried about another surgery on my neck. C1-2 and t1-2 don't always feel so good. I come back here for that compassion and understanding as often as I can. I hope this day finds you with less pain. ginnie

Hi Linda,

I know where you're coming from, but please don't sell them, or yourself, short. The people you love, and who love you most, have the greatest capacity for understanding & compassion.

If it's the descriptive language that's difficult to put into words, try googling: describe pain. There you'll find words and language to help describe it to both doctors and loved ones.

If it's a matter of comprehension, everyone has had incidents of pain in their lives, both physical and emotional. Think about those times and try to analogize. "Remember that time when ______. Remember the pain and emotions you felt? How bad it hurt and no-one else could understand? Now imagine feeling (like) that every day of your life. Well... that's how I feel, Sweetheart."

That's blunt and oversimplified, but I think you get the idea. Analogizing - putting things into terms people can understand and relate to from their own experiences - is often a powerful learning/teaching tool.

I think it's also important to be aware that our loved ones often seem to behave as if they're ignoring or forgetting about our pain. If they seem to be ignoring it, it may be because they don't want to be the reminders; they don't want to make you feel bad/worse by bringing things up. They may also be trying to distract you from thinking about it because distraction is a legitimate and effective way of coping with chronic pain. If it seems that they forget how much pain you're in, that may be a good thing too. That may mean you're doing a good job of coping, and putting those around you at ease rather than uncomfortable and on edge. Though we may be victims, I think it's best that we don't play the part of victims - that we don't accept that role (but from what I've read, I think you already know that. ;) ).

I hope we can talk more about this,

Doc