Spinal Fusion

Posted by joelaurie1 @joelaurie1, Nov 30, 2024

My surgeon has recommended Spinal Fusion. I'm currently taking envinity and have 5 more shots to go. The surgery would take place around April.
For some of you that have gone through this , please let me know how it went.
Thank You for any comments, Joe

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@willjean19

My heart goes out to you. It is a very big decision. I dealt with it for 2 years before having surgery. Have you tried all conservative options such as injections, physical therapy etc.? I did all that including mesenchymal cell & PRP injections. Close to 2 years of physical therapy etc. I did not have any numbness or shooting arm pain. Horrible compression with neck and shoulder pain. Was unable to sleep, retired early, etc. Have you had an MRI? That tells the story of how serious the situation is. My spinal cord signal was normal, however I had signs of spinal cord effacement. The procedure was about an hour longer than expected; the Surgeon explained the bone spurs were extensive and compared it to chards of glass rubbing against the nerves. Fortunately I had no nerve damage. Recovery has been a process. I’m still in physical therapy and see a Rheumatologist for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease symptoms. The fusion was successful & I don’t regret it. I’m still dealing with muscle tightness and pain related to the realignment and alteration to my spine. My episode began during the height of the pandemic when medical care was unavailable in my area due to the shutdown. If you’ve tried everything; I would consider meeting with a highly recommended Neurosurgeon and see what your options are. Sorry for the long reply, sending you the best of thoughts

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Having injections on Jan 3rd. That is ok for the long reply. If that does not work then AFDC surgery. Have a good neursugeon. I just don't won't wait too long. Thank you for your quick response. Never had anything like this, really scared, can't use my hands very good. Tlk to me.

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@kensie123

Having injections on Jan 3rd. That is ok for the long reply. If that does not work then AFDC surgery. Have a good neursugeon. I just don't won't wait too long. Thank you for your quick response. Never had anything like this, really scared, can't use my hands very good. Tlk to me.

Jump to this post

For myself I relied and still do on my faith to heal and make progress. It sounds like you are in good hands & will know more after the injection. If you’re having an epidural it will determine what discs are compromised. The surgery has a very high success rate. I was on an anti inflammatory diet and was as physically active as possible prior to surgery. Following nerve decompression the nerves rebuild and heal. Sending you healing thoughts & keep us posted on your progress

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How long approximately does it take nerves to heal? Have any ball park number? Thank you for your response and taking to me
.. Will the injections take awhile to take effect?

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@willjean19

For myself I relied and still do on my faith to heal and make progress. It sounds like you are in good hands & will know more after the injection. If you’re having an epidural it will determine what discs are compromised. The surgery has a very high success rate. I was on an anti inflammatory diet and was as physically active as possible prior to surgery. Following nerve decompression the nerves rebuild and heal. Sending you healing thoughts & keep us posted on your progress

Jump to this post

Thank you for your response. How long approx does it take for injections to take effect if they are going to help? Thanks again!

REPLY
@willjean19

My heart goes out to you. It is a very big decision. I dealt with it for 2 years before having surgery. Have you tried all conservative options such as injections, physical therapy etc.? I did all that including mesenchymal cell & PRP injections. Close to 2 years of physical therapy etc. I did not have any numbness or shooting arm pain. Horrible compression with neck and shoulder pain. Was unable to sleep, retired early, etc. Have you had an MRI? That tells the story of how serious the situation is. My spinal cord signal was normal, however I had signs of spinal cord effacement. The procedure was about an hour longer than expected; the Surgeon explained the bone spurs were extensive and compared it to chards of glass rubbing against the nerves. Fortunately I had no nerve damage. Recovery has been a process. I’m still in physical therapy and see a Rheumatologist for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease symptoms. The fusion was successful & I don’t regret it. I’m still dealing with muscle tightness and pain related to the realignment and alteration to my spine. My episode began during the height of the pandemic when medical care was unavailable in my area due to the shutdown. If you’ve tried everything; I would consider meeting with a highly recommended Neurosurgeon and see what your options are. Sorry for the long reply, sending you the best of thoughts

Jump to this post

How long does it take for the injections to take effect if they AR going to? Than you!

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@kensie123

Thank you for your response. How long approx does it take for injections to take effect if they are going to help? Thanks again!

Jump to this post

I don’t recall; for myself the epidural (ESR) was not effective for me. The PRP and mesenchymal cell injections showed improvement after a few weeks and lasted 6 months in my case.

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@kensie123

How long approximately does it take nerves to heal? Have any ball park number? Thank you for your response and taking to me
.. Will the injections take awhile to take effect?

Jump to this post

Nerves heal at a very slow rate and for some can take 12-18 months

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I had a Lumbar spinal fusion of L3-4-5 in May 2024. It is now 7-months since the surgery, and things are not going well for me. I have severe complications including loose hardware, a new herniation of L2, Adjacent Segment Disease and a lot of Pain. I'm scheduled to have another surgery in January. I doubt this surgery will repair all of my issues or alleviate my pain which is very bad. I don't think I will ever have a normal life.

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So Sorry to hear about your problems. This is exactly the comments im looking for as my surgery is not schedueled until April- May. You have given me lots to think about...
Thank You, Joe

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Thank You willjean- I have time before i have it done, i may cancel!

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