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What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?
Spine Health | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (236)Comment receiving replies
I have been scared out of my wits this past week. I have a fusion at c5-t1 plus the original acdf at c5-c6. Long story short - I was changing the furnace filter when I "browned" out and and fell into the furnace. Since then I've had a couple of similar episodes - and
the pain! The shortness of breath. The feeling that someone has punched you through your back to your heart.
I'm almost 60 and post menopausal with a comorbidity no doctor thinks off - polycystic ovary syndrome. A metabolic multiple issue. The insulin resistance went away when I had a total hysterectomy but whatever the cause of that underlying issue is still there. In other words, I don't know if I was ever a good candidate for all the surgery. I think what's happening is the adjacent segment degeneration. So scared I had the "if anything happens" talk with my husband. My last hospitalization for a hemi laminectomy was not a fun experience and I have no desire to end up back in the hospital. All I know is I'm scared out of my wits and feel like this can't have a good outcome. I hope to see a surgeon as possible-but...
I'm sending you a great big hug and saying you are not alone in your pain. Thanks for sharing your story and resilience.
Replies to "I have been scared out of my wits this past week. I have a fusion at..."
I'm so sorry to hear what you are enduring.
It's bad, and when the options are not guaranteed, it can be scary.
All any of us can do is try to weigh whether there is a chance things will improve against sticking to the suffering we are already familiar with, and those aren't terribly fun thought exercises.
Any spinal procedure at any age gives me the heebie-jeebies, and I've had plenty at this point.
It's never something to take lightly.
I will be holding good thoughts for you and your husband. It's an unenviable position.
I sure hope you are able to get some relief and happiness in the coming year!
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@hhall124 Have you told your doctor about nearly passing out? In changing a furnace filter I'm guessing you were bent over and then stood up. That can cause dizziness if your body is trying to adjust the blood pressure to that change. Being bent over, the blood goes to your head with gravity, and then suddenly that's reversed when you stand up. It is something you should tell a doctor in case there are blood pressure or heart issues.