Hello,
I am new to this and this is my first time posting in any type of fourm. I am scheduled for L4-L5 back fusion on Feb. 16th. I am still having second thoughts about this because of some of the horror stories I have read. I have spondylolisthesis and my spine is unstable. I have taken shots but they only worked for about a week with the pain. I have never taken any pain meds. Most days my pain level is about a 3 but some days it hits 7 to 8. I am only 52 years old and fairly fit. I run approx 18 to 20 miles a week on treadmill because running on road is to much much pounding on my back. I now wear a back brace when I run which help hold my back in place. I have not reached a point yet that I can no longer live with the pain but it does bother me that I can't be as active as I used to be. I know that the surgery may not help the pain but I am wondering if I should have it due to my back being unstable. Just looking for some input from others.