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What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 30 3:25pm | Replies (222)Comment receiving replies
I am 67 yrs old. was told I have to get lumbar surgery L4/5. My Dr said he wouldn't give me pain meds as I take benzodiazepines for 30 yrs. For yrs I was on heavy duty pain rx. My chiro said let's find you a diff dr.
Tramadol, flexeril, Soma etc don't help my pain. I am wondering what other choices there are for me. I hear the success rate isn't very good.
There was a woman who posted her story on mayo site but I can only gwt.in touch via facebook. If anyone knows her pls have her email me. Thks
Replies to "I am 67 yrs old. was told I have to get lumbar surgery L4/5. My Dr..."
I had a laminectomy:discectomy on L4-5. I was in a lot of pain after. Six months after I needed a fusion as it left my spine unstable and my nerves were crushed I was told at a second opinion. I would never go through such a serious surgery on the spine without proper pain meds. I would get a 2nd opinion. I am basically bed ridden now. I was warned not to get surgery and I didn't listen because I had so much pain and faith. Try if you can PRP or massages. Walking and water therapy can help. You will not want to do this at all without proper pain meds.
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I hope you find some pain relief soon. It never hurts to get a 2nd and even 3rd opinion. I actually got 3 opinions about my L5 chronic nerve damage. It was the 3rd neurosurgeon that said I might be a candidate for a Spinal Cord Stimulator, the other two never mentioned it. I had no idea what it was. Anyway, it's been a game changer for me. I wish you the best.