Same Question
 

I had successful fusion of L3, 4 and 5 in 1981 (age 23) to treat spinal tumor and I am also seeking info about the effects of age on spinal fusion. Also had 6 weeks of radiation so that might be a player. Not sure.
Sort of assumed I would get arthritis in my spine, but so far so good. I do get achy feeling in my hip when cold damp weather is coming (one of the sites where some bone was harvested to patch up spine), but it's very minor.
Just wishing to be proactive if that is possible.
Thirty plus years from last surgery and still going strong.
Any info greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

Hi TucsonGrandma,
I just signed up on this forum to contact you. I live in Tucson also. Your post was in 2010 and it is now 2015. First I was wondering how you are doing 5 years later? Also, I am in the process of getting Neurosurgeon Opinions on Fusing my L4-L5. I have had 2 opinions so far. One said an ALIF is what I need and the other said a TLIF is what I need. I have Anterolisthesis. I don't know what grade slip, but I do know my slip is 9mm. I was hoping you can give some advice on these Tucson doctors, have you found a good surgeon? Should I go up to Pheonix and ask at the Mayo Clinic? Any advice would be appreciated, as I, like everyone else, is terrified and making this decision.
Thank you
Jeepgirl

Hello jeepgirl,
Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups. :)

Just wanted to mention that TucsonGrandma hasn't visited NeuroTalk since July 2010 from what I can see so you may not get a response from her, but there may be other members in a similar situation who can help you with information and support about potential surgery.

take care.

Lumbar-Spinal Fusion
 

Hi! My name kittykats59 and I had L-3&4 done Feb. 25th. Well now I have a screw loose and the pain is outrageous. My opinion is, if I could do it over again, it wouldn't get done.

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