I am 20 years old and had my first surgery in December2006, i had laminectomy at L3-L4,L4-L5,and L5-S1. I was going good for the first 10 months but i woke up one day and the pain started just like it did the first time. I'm going for an epidural injection in about a week, but I've tried 3 before my first surgery and am not too hopeful that it will work. I don't know what to do, I'm busy with school and it's very frustrating that I can't join my friends without being in immense pain. I have to stay home like an old man. My surgeon said to try another surgery and if that didnt work to try fusion. I dont want to try fusion because I'm too young and I hear that it is a terrible recovery. Does anyone have advice for someone my age? I can't keep living like this, and I can't keep taking pain meds.

I am 48 had my first fusion two years ago. Felt fine for awhile and then had to get another. And a year later back at the Dr again. My pain comes and goes however I can honestly say I have no pain at fusion sites. I have degenerative disc disease. Broad disc? Degenerative arthritis and anklyosing spondylitis which I am sure these are the factors that cause me pain. I think it depends on what else is going on in your back.

I have now had 5 back surgeries. The 1st was a fusion of S1 and L5 along with laminectomy and decompression of l2 through l4. 2 years later had to have laminectomy of l2 through l4 again. Unfortunately the surgery did not go well and left me in worse shape with additional symptoms. 2 months later another surgery by a different doctor to fix that. 2 years later another surgery with a fusion of l4 through l2 that was connected to existing fusion. This December because of severe degeneration above these fusions I have had to undergo another surgery with fusion of L1 through T9. For some unknown reason the fusion was not connected to the lower fusions and as result have suffered a fractured vertebrae between them. Outcome is yet to be determined. Was told by surgeon they could go back
I in and connect these which of course means another surgery or let the fracture heal in its own. This will take much longer and creates excruciating pain. I am also in a special clam shell brace for an indefinite period. Had I know back then what I know now would definitely have explored other options. I'm 55 years old and feel 75. Uncertain what the future holds but am certainly done with the surgery thing

Hey , its abit late, but i wanted to share my experience with you, i have had done exactly what you are getting done (or may already have it now). Let me know if its worked out for you or if anyone else wants to know about it.

In a nut shell, it hurt like you won't believe, but now its sweet and after suffering for 10 years with very bad back pain, i can now run again and play soccer and all the things i love to do without pain!. I wish i had done it years ago. Please feel free to contact me if you waant more details on what i had done.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Mike

Hi, my name is Dani & i was just reading your post...... I was wondering if you had any advice for me. I'm 22 y/o and just has a fusion of L4/5,L5/S1. I've previously had two other lower back Op's when i was 18 and 21.

It's only been 6 weeks post op from the fusion but i'm still in heaps of pain & was just wondering how long it took you to get over the post op pain and back to some sort of normality!

Cheers

Hello Every One There,
I Am Suffering From Spondilolisthesis,
I Take A Few Pain Killers For The Relief,
But I Know Its Not The Permanent Solution To The Problem I Have?
Can Anyone Guide Me What To Do For Its Cure?

I AM SUFFERING FOR THE L5 OVER S1....

hi mustafa

i also have spondylolisthesis. no cure except surgery. fusioin. if you have stabilty problems, then a brace will help.

I agree with curious, mustafa. Fusion is the only real answer. You can do different physical therapies to help with the pain, but if the vertebra are slipped, they need to be stabilized.

To answer the original thread question, I've had a fusion of L4/5 L5-S1. Solid as a rock. Worked as a medic about 6 months out from surgery. It has now been about 5 years. (wow! that long, already?) No other lumbar- level damage. I actually had l5-S1 blow because of the strain of not having l4/l5 fused. I hope everything turned out ok...

I had spinal fusion in 2002 dec 16th st marys hospital milwaukee wi.
It has left me disabled and in no better condition now than 5 yrs ago.
I was ok for the first 2 yrs or so with moderate leg pain and leg spasms.
Now im at a loss as what to do. I take heavy doses of pain meds daily just to take the edge off.My Doctor suggested a pain pump but i dont think i want anyone ever cutting on me again.!I have read talk of getting the steel removed from ur body but my surgeon says no way that can happen ! has anybody ever actually had this done and what is ur results?
Thx James