Need a fusion and am scared
 

Hello & Happy New Year to all,

I am writing with the hope of getting understanding, support & advise from any and all that are able.

In 2004 I had a laminectomy & decompression. I had a few herniations, degenerative disc disease, stenosis and also some infringement of nerve roots from L4-to L5 and S1. The surgery was not a success.

So now, after 3 plus years of continued pain and many MRI'S I am continuing to get large herniations in my lower spine, with the above mentioned problems plus a few more that cropped up, however, I don't have a MRI report in front of me to say what they are.

The past few months I find that I am unable to hop out of bed or even stand up gingerly without sitting up for about 45 minutes until my spine wakes up. It feels like the top half of my body doesn't want to sit on my lower half. The pain is horrific and even when I am able to stand and go downstairs for my coffee, it still takes a number of hours till I can move around . The feeling of having a bad fit between my upper & lower spine at least goes away. I know this sounds weird but it is true.

A few months ago (7) I went to a neurosurgeon after having another MRI and he said that I needed a fusion. I have heard bad and good things about fusions but the bad things always seem to stand out. Also, I didn't like the surgeon. He was a tad too arrogant for my liking. Not the laid back, comfortable type I would have preferred.
Needless to say, I never went back to him.

I have to have my spinal issues taken care of shortly.
I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure two years ago. My Nephrologist said it would be best to take care of these problems before I begin dialysis and or have a kidney transplant (I have been going through testing for transplant).
Obviously, I am a nervous wreck about having a fusion done and the length of time it takes to heal. I also need to find a Doctor I like who is good. I would like to have the surgery where my Neph. is, as the hospital knows my medical history, but the problem I have is the Doc. I don't like is affliated with that hospital.

One most important problem I have, is my inability to walk very far without severe pain, burning, tingling etc. We have about 15 stairs going up to our second level & I have a heck of a time making it up. Mostly in my thighs & calfs.
I am so very tired of all of this. My hips hurt when I lay on them too. If I didn't need my sciatic nerve I would tell them to take it out.

Thanks to all who may read this and if anyone has similar problems would you please be so kind as to respond? It would be much appreciated.

Warm regards,
*Barb

Poor baby!
 

Hi Barb!

Wont go into my history, go ahead and read it. Sounds to me like you have little choice. Just pick a board certified MD either Neuro or Ortho. My problem was I still have the stupid sciatica that I had b4 the fusion. Also now there is a lot of scar tissue, rods and other junk in the way to get any help from other methods, aka radio frequency ablation. My best friend is also scheduled for a lumbar fusion end of Jan. Both of you sound like its the way you need to go. Dont be afraid,with the pain pump and all its pretty pain tolerable. After about 4 or 5 days I went home and was alone til my hubby got home from work, with pals dropping by of course. It will be ok, and sounds to me like you will get some relief.

Good Luck,

Let me know how you do. Best if new year wishes.

Liz B

I wish you luck but the fusion won't work
 

If you are not on physical therapy you need to be on it and you ned to start an excersice program. I went through a simillar time in my life many people believe that the spine and the kidney's are related and it is common for people with back problems to have kidney trouble. I would highly recomend yoga every morning to start your day. Rodney Yee has a great video called back care yoga, losing weight is key as that takes the pressure off the disks and fixing muscle imbalances is a must as NO SURGERY IS GOING TO CORRECT A MUSCLE IMBLANCE and is you go though with the surgery and do not correct the muscle imbalance or lose the weight you will have problems with the level about the level that was fixed and will need another surgery.

My advice:
1)See a physical therapist
2)See an acupuncturist at least once a week and count on continuing to see him every week for at least the next 3 years
3)Lose weight even is you are not over weight every extra pound makes your back hurt more
4)Stat doing yoga EVERY DAY
5)Detox your body with kidney and gllbladder clense
6)Sunlight is key make sure your getting enough
7)Take you vitamines
8)Read and learn more

I know I'm talking a little hard to you and I know people have already told you all this stuff already but this is what works the surgery will be a wast if you don't fix the real problems.

May God Bless you
,Mike