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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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@marylindell

Thank you for the welcome Jennifer. Glad to be here.
I have had 3 major orthopedic surgeries over a span of 25 years. I don't remember the exact recovery period for my spinal surgery. It might have been a bit longer. I do remember my coworkers were surprised to see me back within a month.
To make a long story short, I must say the stiffness on my lowerback is still with me along with a compromised range of motion , although not as intense. But this could have been due to my hip replacement ten years after my spinal surgery. (I am a "bionic" woman as I can never pass the "beep" at airports.)
Sometimes I do wonder if my active lifestyle caused trauma to my bones and joints. Not everyone is cut to play intensive sport like tennis. I give a lot of admiration to athletes like Federa, Nadal, Williams etc . They certainly work hard and they are highly gifted, especially their bones and joints.

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Replies to "Thank you for the welcome Jennifer. Glad to be here. I have had 3 major orthopedic..."
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | May 28 7:11am

Mary I take it you had fusion surgery. Which vertebra were fused?

The stiffness you describe is what scares me about fusion. I've avoided it by 1) having a laminotomy at S1/L5/L4 10 years ago to reduce stenosis and ease pressure on my sciatica and to remove a ruptured disc fragment, and 2) working on my core muscles every day and keeping my weight down. So far, so good.

I have a new surgeon now, and he has encouraged me to stick with the core work. I have stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative discs and vertebra, and some lumbar vertebra that slide over the vertebra below, I forget what that is called. It's a mess and he said if he had to operate, I'd have to have at least two vertebra fused.

I'm not afraid of orthopedic surgery - I've had both knees replaced with great success and my shoulder is next. But spinal fusion just scares me. Maybe the techniques now are better than the past.

Anyway, I wish you all the best. Joe

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