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Success stories after lumbar fusion?

Posted by domiha @domiha, Oct 13 11:49am

I realize that many, perhaps most, of us who are here are still experiencing problems. And perhaps people who have been treated, have recovered and are doing well are out there "living life" and no longer posting. But I would LOVE to hear from someone who had lumbar fusion and is HAPPY with the results! I'm trying to decide whether or not to have the lumbar fusion L3-S1.... and it would help to hear some stories with positive outcomes!! Anyone?? Best to all! Mike

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sassytwo | @sassytwo | Oct 18 10:02pm
In reply to @zeek "When I was 56 yrs old, I had TLIF on L4/L5 in 2014 after lifting a..." + (show)
@zeek

When I was 56 yrs old, I had TLIF on L4/L5 in 2014 after lifting a heavy shovel of snow and herniating the disc. An MRI showed that I also had a cyst on my spine and a slipped disc at L4/L5. I assumed I would be offered a cortisone shot but was told by 2 different surgeons at UW Health that I had a “3 strikes and you’re out” situation and cortisone shots would be ineffective. They told me my symptoms would get progressively worse and recommended surgery within 9 months to prevent irreversible damage. I spent those 9 months doing intensive PT, first in an attempt to avoid surgery and as symptoms progressed, PT helped prepare me for the surgery. Surgery provided INSTANT relief and I was soon able to walk more than a mile. I continued walking and water walking for 6 months until fusion was complete. I started spinal stabilization classes and still exercise 4 times per week to maintain core strength and spinal stability. I have no complaints and am able to do everything except I self-limit lifting to 40lbs and avoid severe twisting to protect the discs above and below the fusion. My advice-find the best surgeon, prepare your core for surgery by doing PT exercises, follow your surgeon’s instructions during recovery, build and retain core strength after recovery to protect your back. I hope some of my experience is helpful and reassuring. Good luck to you on this journey.

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very encouraging— thanks! i needed to read this today!

i am electing to move forward with a full lumbar fusion after a year of PT and exploring other therapies and seeking 2nd 3rd 4th opinions . i meet with my surgeon the 1st of November! fingers crossed 🤞

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1 reply
domiha | @domiha | Oct 18 10:10pm

@sassytwo Keep us posted! Wishing you the very best!! Mike

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cmhebert59 | @cmhebert59 | Oct 19 8:44am

I had three fusions , 2012,2021, and July 2024. The last one was not because it went bad. I needed another Surgery because I had an accident and took a really bad fall that damaged the discs below my fusion.
The key to life after fusion is to move in order to regain flexibility.
I have had nearly normal function of my Back after the first two surgeries and even went back to my Yoga Classes and many other normal activities. I've been more flexible than many people half my age with a healthy back!!!
The only drawback with all fusions for me was Neuropathy in the Buttocks and Legs. What I am writing now is, what my Surgeon told me: the longer the Nerves are pinched, the longer it takes to heal after Surgery. It can take up to a year or two to go away. That's what I am dealing with still.
However, to consider is that each case and person is different and some have more and some less.
Hope this will help you.
Good Luck to you!

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bannisterkl | @bannisterkl | Oct 19 12:05pm
In reply to @sassytwo "very encouraging— thanks! i needed to read this today! i am electing to move forward with..." + (show)
@sassytwo

very encouraging— thanks! i needed to read this today!

i am electing to move forward with a full lumbar fusion after a year of PT and exploring other therapies and seeking 2nd 3rd 4th opinions . i meet with my surgeon the 1st of November! fingers crossed 🤞

Jump to this post

Make sure you get a great surgeon! I had the laminectomy, foraminotomy, and fusion of L2-S-1 10 weeks ago.
I'm in PT now. They released to bowl two weeks ago. Hoping to golf soon.

Get your leg and arm muscles as strong as you can before the surgery...you'll thank yourself later!

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sassytwo | @sassytwo | Oct 19 1:20pm

I will be fused from S1 - T12. I am working on arms...push ups! (I could work harder 🙂 And building leg strength so I can squat without bending my back as well hips and gluts and still doing my planks . I may go into PT to again for a refresher. Wow released to bowl in 10 weeks. I will be so happy to stand and walk without pain. Hopefully bicycling too!

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Joytotheworld | @joycaseyrn | Oct 26 1:27pm

Thank you for writing this post I’m scheduled for MI TLIF fusion L4L5.. November 18 I am obviously scared but I lived with painful symptoms for decades I just can’t take the pain anymore so I’m hopeful of this fusion. Would love to hear positive outcomes as well!,
Thank you
Joy

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willow5 | @willow5 | Oct 27 9:50am

Thanks for the reminder to keep building arms, core and legs!! I see surgeon 11/6 to go over surgical options. One or two fusions, clean up , etc. ugh. The stronger I am going into the surgery, the better the recovery, is my guess. Can’t wait to walk with no pain!! Gotta keep the eye on the prize

Please keep the success stories coming! I hear plenty of folks give me the not so success stories.
Willow

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Oct 27 2:36pm

I had my fusion in 1990 and considering I can walk 2-3 miles a day now I guess I’m happy. Yes I still have aches and pains and I’ve been in PT again for low back and leg issues. I’m told it’s the result of my thoracic and lumbar scoliosis and my twisting spine. My only regret is that my fusion is with stainless steel and not titanium as it didn’t exist back then.

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bannisterkl | @bannisterkl | Oct 28 1:12pm
In reply to @willow5 "Thanks for the reminder to keep building arms, core and legs!! I see surgeon 11/6 to..." + (show)
@willow5

Thanks for the reminder to keep building arms, core and legs!! I see surgeon 11/6 to go over surgical options. One or two fusions, clean up , etc. ugh. The stronger I am going into the surgery, the better the recovery, is my guess. Can’t wait to walk with no pain!! Gotta keep the eye on the prize

Please keep the success stories coming! I hear plenty of folks give me the not so success stories.
Willow

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Laminectomy, foraminotomy, fusion L2-S1.

Began PT at 7 weeks, bowling at 10 weeks, driving rand at 12 weeks, PT says I can quit after next week.

So, yes, the stronger you are before the better. Work on both arms and legs.

Best of luck

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