NeuroTalk Support Groups - 44 yr old got fused -L4-L5-S1

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- - 44 yr old got fused -L4-L5-S1 (https://www.neurotalk.org/spinal-disorders-and-back-pain/147241-44-yr-fused-l4-l5-s1.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ginnie (Post 759782)

Hello and I am glad you are recovering. All the next six months you will find out just what you can do. Believe me, if you over do it, you will know about it. I am 8 months almost to the day of surgery and I spent one hour pulling weeds outside today. Nice to be able just to do that. I had doner bone on a C3-7, none out of my hip. I heard that can be an ouch for a long time. I thought I was too sore for PT at 4 weeks, but I did start and finish the program. It did help me, and it was not pushed on me to do more than I could. PT was a good experience, and helped me to get on my feet sooner. I was afraid of it too at the beginning. Don't put it off too long if you can. Good luck in your recovery. ginnie

Hello Im Rick i read your reply do you think a epidural will help with the pain i am having surgery done on july 5th and the doctor says he also will use bone from my pelvic please reply back thanks im really scared about all of this

Quote:

Originally Posted by bak2bak (Post 755982)

i will spare u guys the agonizing tale of pain . if you r here , then u already know.

i had L4-L5-S1 fused--plates ,rod,cage. my back pain at the spine is GONE . apparently my doc used material from my left hip along with the piece of s1 floating around in there . my left hip is now my nemesis . i did not expect to go thru this without pain and recovery time , but i'm here to say my left hip hurts like hell !!! i'm a pretty tough guy and was blessed/cursed with a very high threshold for pain . oddly though i have a higher resistance to pain meds , sedatives etc...
so when i say i'm in pain....the average person would be screaming . i've done some of that since the op as well as been in tears .
i'm active and stubborn . right away , post op , i would take advantage of feeling way better a particular morning and push myself....no walker or cane and enjoy the day . BIG mistake .i payed dearly . all it took was my shoe catching something , causing me to twist and i had to jerk my body to catch myself from falling . my hip especially let me know about my poor judgement .

so now i use the walker almost every time i get up , no matter if i'm only going 6 feet away . i started taking it easy and now i can walk 1/8 mile in my driveway . still sore but walking seems to be the best exercise .
its humbling that my 4 yr. old daughter puts my socks on for me but just be prepared to take things slow . i now have been streching and i have put my own socks on 4 times now . lol .
i would like to point out a few things . the side of my left leg still feels bruised and has areas that are numb . i see the doc today , so ima ask about that . going to the bathroom is still a great chore , trying to turn to wipe(if u know what i mean ). i recommend a raised toilet seat (handicap retail store), but be SURE its one that will touch the floor . mine doesnt and i fell . soaking in epsom salt as soon as u r able was great for me . after a 2 hr soak i was feeling great .
my spine is still feeling great and no pain in my right hip AT ALL since the op .
getting this done lifted my spirits tremendously . if u r thinking about having this procedure done , maybe dont put it off for 4 yrs like i did . you r already in pain so u may as well get it over with . although my doc suggests not racing mountain bikes and hitting trees any more i think ima be just fine .
good luck to evreyone .
BY THE WAY--coughing and especially sneezing , even laughing hurt pretty badly . i had muscle spasms due to that . for me , diazapam/valium works well . so try to get your doc to prescribe those now(before u leave hospital) just in case .

I had the same surgery done but they used a man made material instead of from my hip. It fused great, it has been two years and I am still in terrible pain, not as bad as before but I was bed riden before surgery. Very very important to be as active as you can, keep walking everyday. And i agree with you about the meds. I had to call my dr. on day 2 because of the pain. they dont tell you just how bad it is.

I don't blame you for being scared. An epidural can help alot. Did you say you are going to have the surgery? Or just the injection. Make sure you do your homework if there is surgery involved, and get that second opinion. I had several of these shots, and got some temporary relief before I had my surgery. I wish you all the best. Welcome to Neruo Talk. ginnie

Forgot to tell you, ask your doctor why he prefers to use your hip graft.. I had doner material put in, and saved my hip from all the extra pain. This does hurt, so take it easy. I read your post again. I wish you all the best in recovery, the others are correct, take it easy!!!! ginnie

Quote:

Originally Posted by ginnie (Post 892219)

Hi this is rick again i am having surgery on july 5th they already gave me the injections and they did not work i am bone to bone on L5 S1 but thanks for the advice i am just a little bit afraid of what state im going to be in when i wake up but thanks alot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buschman52 (Post 892992)

i am bone to bone on L5 S1

Hi Rick,

I concur with Ginnie's comments. I'll add that using donor material from your own hip ostensibly avoids issues of rejection or reaction to synthetics. That call is dependent on many factors (age, health, bone condition, etc.) including the experience/skill of the surgeon.

I've got bone on bone in that same location, and others in my neck (c5-c7).

I can appreciate your apprehension. My surgeon advised against surgery for me and recommended pain management instead. He said the body always tries to heal itself, and in time, the bones should fuse naturally. The issue of statistics with this kind of surgery (Failed Back Syndrome) also entered into his opinion and my decision.

However, each person (and their spines) are individual cases, and should be evaluated independently (by multiple opinions). There are good reasons for electing surgery and good reasons for declining. It's an individual/personal decision, and we're here for you either way.

This is a good place to ask about what happens afterward... Many folks have been through it -- some more than once. It also might be prudent to touch base with the hospital's Patient Advocate ahead of time to get a handle on what to expect (as well as here) and what they can do for you if needed.

Doc

I wish you all the best on July 5th. I hope this works for you, and that you can get relief. Take it easy after your surgery. do you have support at home? Sorry that the shot didn't work. After I had two shots, I had to go ahead with the surgery too. we will be here for you after too. That is the origional reason why I found this site . I needed to be with others, who were going though back surgery. I was scared too Rick. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers on the 5th. Let us know how you do. ginnie