So scared of surgery
 

I am scheduled for a laminectomy, an L4-L5 bone fusion with TLIF spacer and hardware on October 29. I am terrified. The pain has been with me since 2011. It hasn't been excruciating, but bothersome and nagging. I ran a half marathon at the end of April and felt a lot of pain near the end. Some days are great (hardly any pain at all) and other days I am in the recliner with the heating pad and Hydrocodone. I am so worried that this surgery will leave me worse off than I am now. My surgeon is excellent, a board certified expert, I trust him. But I've heard so many terrible stories. I need someone who has had this done to give me some perspective. Please!

If you have a great surgeon, you are far ahead of the curve.

Most forum posts are unfortunately the rare percentage that had less than perfect results, or even multiple conditions that complicated things.

I had L4-5 fusion/laminectomy a little over 8 years ago. The surgeon said there was a badly injured nerve (actually said he had never seen such a red angry nerve), as well as several cysts thru out the vertebrae. I had pain for a few years. Among this area being the worst, the MRi also indicated degenerating disc disease. The surgeon said he did the worst area; but I had issues that would continue causing problems. He took care of the most severe.

As mentioned, I had spine pain as well as sciatic pain; but was able to manage until I fell. At the time, the fall was minor and didn't give it much thought; but within days the pain became unbearable. When laying in bed at night; just the slightest movement caused crying pain. I had to get something done because couldn't even function the way I was.

While this awful pain did subside after surgery; I did continue having pain which eventually brought me to see a Pain Specialist. Thus, began my starting narcotic meds to lessen the pain. I did have several procedures done; but nothing helped the pain except the meds. Even tried a Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial but it was unsuccessful so I never did the final implant. The unfortunate side of narcotic meds is the awful constipation which caused many additional issues.

I don't think I could have continued with the awful crying pain I had before the surgery. Also the nerve that was badly injured could have caused even more damage if it had not been relieved by the fusion. My spinal cord was very compressed so the laminectomy did open up an area leaving the spinal cord not as narrowed in the worst area. Tests a few years ago show I still do have spinal stenosis and unfortunately still do have pain. I also developed peripheral neuropathy which has added to additional pain. So, in my case, it is a combination of lower spine pain, as well as PN of the legs and feet.

Wish you all the best whatever you decide.


Gerry

Hi Cole, welcome.

I don't know that it makes sense to compare your situation (back) to anyone else's, because backs are as different/individual/unique as fingerprints or snowflakes.

However, given the risks, why are you considering surgery at this point (i.e. why now rather than later)?

back surgery last resort

when to consider lumbar surgery

What other treatment modalities have been tried/considered?

Back Pain Treatment: Non-Surgical Options for Pain Relief

Doc

I completely agree.

Although it appeared it was very important to Cole for someone to "please" respond who had this type of surgery done. I did want Cole to learn that there is the possibility of continuing pain. With that in mind; at least had a response from someone who had been there; done that; but pain is still a possibility. Made sure to let Cole know the additional findings pretty much concluding with "in my case, etc.".


Gerry

Welcome Cole3030. :Wave-Hello:

Hi Cole!
 

Welcome!
What is the diagnosis you've been given? I'm just wonderin. I may be lookin at surgery as well. Still waitin to hear from my Dr if there might be other options first.
If you do end up needing the surgery, try not to let stark terror set in.
Like Jo*mar said, most things we read on forums are the negative experiences, b/c that's usually when folks reach out to the forums. The majority of people don't really feel the need to come to a forum to post their success story, but it sure is nice when they do!

You've come to a great place for support and understanding!
Caring,
Rae
:grouphug: