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I am contemplating S1-L5 lumbar fusion. Outcomes thoughts

Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 15 10:41am | Replies (47)
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@samcal9977zz

I would specifically ask the skiing community about their thoughts regarding this surgery.

Generally, I would certainly try some natural therapies...like chiropractic...before going for surgery.

In the early 90s, I went to my chiropractor for help with knee problems. Right off, he told me that he wasn't sure if chiropractic would work. It didn't and I had to get the surgery.

But, the chiropractic has worked for other injuries and problems.

But, you know, I would try something like that first. If it doesn't work, surgery always remains an option.

Best of luck.

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Replies to "I would specifically ask the skiing community about their thoughts regarding this surgery. Generally, I would..."
skijag1 | @skijag1 | May 24 10:58pm

Hi. I’ve tried Everything. I think it’s time

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tony1946 | @tony1946 | May 25 4:23pm

Dear Fellow skier
Some thoughts!
I’ve decided I must get surgery. Like you I am a dedicated skier, trees, bumps and heli skier. My #1 passion. 78yo
I know we can both ski after surgery; it’s a matter of how and how well. I will ski after my extreme stenosis in L345 is decompressed. I will not play golf; too hard on the lower back.
My question is will I jump back into bumps, trees and steep or cruise. I always skied the edge short swing and bumps. That kind of skiing is much harder on the spine than GS or medium radius turns on groomed trails. So as a completely unqualified guy giving you an opinion; you know you will get it done sooner or later. You want to ski again like me; I’m sure you see my point as an instructor.
Just sharing my thinking on skiing and surgery.
I am confident
78 with extreme stenosis I will ski again I missed last 2 years. Getting decompressed this fall (Sept ), will work hard to be ready to ski the 25 Season. From my reading what you get is what you get.
Sounds like you’re in a similar situation where you haven’t skied recently but are not ready to give it up. That’s my deal.
Now the spine interferes with my fitness and training off season, that is unacceptable.
Good luck I’m going down swinging.
My neurosurgeon recommended decompression and coflex . It’s like fusion but flexes. I did research didn’t like the metal options . He agreed to do a hemilamenotomy or partial Laminectomy. It leaves your spine stronger than the full one and should receive the stenosis pressure. Depending on your symptoms the hemi can work unless you have lower back pain as a major complaint. My surgeon did say it could work for a while but a fusion might be needed later. I have heard so many bad stories on spines surgery I’m thinking less is more. Somewhere in the 30-50% revisions or reduces are needed. Recovery from fusion is considerable. I do doubt myself sometimes. This spine surgery as my Neuro Dr says is very individual and no gaurantees.
Good luck , if your losing fitness,
like me due to pain, it’s time!
Tony

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