Hello all. Had my 6 week check up today. All hardware is still intact. Dr says we should start seeing some bone growth around week 12. I was released from the huge back brace..(awesome)..
My back is feeling much better. I am walking 1-2 times a day, 3-5 miles each walk. Not using any kind of pain pills..even Tylenol.
My wife says i'm back to the man she married. I guess after years of pain u don't realize how it changes you, your emotions and your attitude..
Still a long way to go but i'm doing well and keeping the faith..

That's awesome news GatorMike!!

I had low back surgery (decompression of trapped sciatic nerve and two level
spinal fusion) in late April 2013. I fractured my L5 vertebra which slipped forward and trapped the sciatic nerve six months prior to surgery. I tried physical therapy and nerve blocks without relief. Those six months were really rough. I'm happy to say that my surgery was successful in relieving the sciatic nerve pain and numbness in my right leg and low back pain.

I'm dealing now with some postop issues, including poor posture (bent over with difficulty straightening up), am still using a walker to get around, sometimes using a cane inside the house. I also still have some low back pain (secondary to posture?). In the mornings, I have 'nerve pain' behind my right knee which lasts for about an hour, then subsides. I am able to sleep well though. All in all, I'm very thankful and consider the surgery successful compared to the pain and disability for the six months prior. I'm wondering if others have had the same difficulty with posture and difficulty getting around. By the way, I'm not a youngster and know it takes us older folks longer to return to status quo. I will start an outpatient course of physical therapy next week, had inpatient rehab following surgery for 18 days, and a few home P.T. visits. Any helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Keep going on the PT. I have kept up with PT for my cervical fusions. I was fused C3-7. The first hint of bad posture, I do the PT I learned at home.
Three months isn't a long time in your recovery. I am no spring chicken either, and it took me almost a year before I really felt healed. Just keep up with the PT and do your best not to strain at home. It will get better in time. ginnie

Hi, I don't know what to do.

I've had two discetomies (looked up the terminology, think I got it right... They removed herniations from my L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs), and still have herniations now. They're pressing on nerves, so I have pain and weakness. I went to a clinic and had three epidural corticosteroid injections, to no avail.

Anyway, what I'm getting at is, my surgeon said if they do more surgery, they are going to have to fuse stuff. I know you guys aren't doctors (probably), but I wanted some other opinions besides my own worried mind. Also I needed to vent about it.

Thank you so much for reading,

Laura

DEFINITELY.

Hi Laura, welcome.

About the only time folks here concur on when surgery is indicated IS when nerves are being pressed on and/or there is danger/risk of worse/permanent nerve damage/paralysis. You're the only one who can feel what you feel (physically) so you're the only one to make the call.

There are risks, as there are with all invasive procedures. I won't elaborate because I don't want to scare you out of a procedure that may help you. I'll just suggest to do your homework and ask questions here and/or of your surgeons until you are satisfied with the answers. ("I don't know" can be a valid answer, and is better IMO than a misleading one.)

Doc

Doc is right for what he has stated, to be sure. There are other reasons though, many actually, for surgical indications that he didn't mention and as he rightly stated...because he is not a doctor (Doc, that is nothing other than a statement of fact that you have in your signature/avatar - no disrespect intended as you usually have great advice!).

What I think is missed here is that your situation is unique to you. Your doctor has taken your personal history, performed an examination on you based off that personal history and then ordered diagnostic studies (imaging, labs, etc.) to detail your problem and best figure out how to address it. He/she is in the best position to advise you! While there is wisdom to be gained and experiences shared here, in my opinion you are best advised by your professionals which you have pursued whose opinions of your condition should not be trumped by any non-professionals (or even professionals on this list should they chime in as they have not had the same opportunity to evaluate you) when considering a treatment course. Good luck to you!

Before you go to surgery, get another opinion. If this doctor already "fixed" those vertebra and you still have the herniations, I would seek that other opinion, out side that practice, and make sure two doctors concur that this is right for you. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Hey Laura,

I have discs fused and there is nothing wrong with having that done, mine was done to fix disc pressure on nerves causing me alot of pain (read this thread from the beginning as it is my story) and it resolved it big time, but i only considered this option when all other possibilities had been thoroughly investigated,checked out and tried until failure, only then consider fusion surgery, for me all other avenues did not work, surgery was the only option left for me and praise God it thankfully fixed me (that was 6 years ago now and i am still pain free). Others in here have also been fixed by fusion surgery so don't fear mate ....just do your homework on it and when it truly is the last resort for you, go for it.

Let us know how you get on and we are here if you have any questions.

Cheers
Mike

If you have nerve compression the surgery will help you. Wish they had put the hardware in first time around for you. This surgery can turn out OK. If you have nerve pain, it should go away with the fusion. My own surgery was successful. However I know it is scary, anytime the surgery ward is a destination...NT will be here for you. ginnie