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Spinal fusion L3 into sacrum (2014) with L3 herniated disc now
Spine Health | Last Active: Feb 8 6:50pm | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
Thank you! Yes, it is the L3-L4disc. It’s the same one that herniated over 10 years ago. They removed part of the disc it seems, but not all of it. The screws were left in because the surgeon said he would have to take all of the hardware out and do a revision. He said I might never have any problems with it so it would probably be best not to do anything. They are still migrating, and have been noted on previous x-rays through the years. I wish it was L2 L3 and they could do the microdiscectomy! I don’t know if they would even try that or if there might be another option other than a revision. Trying not to lose hope but right now I can barely walk to the bathroom and back. I stand in a significant side-bent position to be able to walk and then have to get right back to bed. I have no idea how I will be able to get down the stairs, into a car and ride to the doctors office on Wednesday.
Replies to "Thank you! Yes, it is the L3-L4disc. It’s the same one that herniated over 10 years..."
I feel your pain. My discs L2-3, L 3-4 disintegrated and there was traumatic disc extrusion near the spinal cord at L 1-2. Over many years the vertebrae naturally fused so I have had to get 4 steroid injections for pain. Currently space of epidural canal is narrowed and another epidural is not recommended. It has been years of acute flare up events and chronic pain. I take a minimum of Hydromorphone. The bed hardness (I slept on the floor since 2008!) was a big factor in getting sleep. But now the best sleeping can occur partially sitting up. The Pain Clinic Doctor here in Vancouver is going to try a nerve ablation procedure. I talked to Occupational Therapist for the first time yesterday and she stressed mind-body connection for relaxation. I splurged last year and bought a new mobility scooter so my husband and I can get out locally. Car rides are difficult to handle. Relaxation is something I’ve done for years and do have lots to have my mind stimulated. It is torture though and frustrating with limited mobility, but you need to listen to your pain and get bed rest with rotation of ice packs and regular med schedule whenever needed. No guilt! My question is: anyone had success with lumbar nerve ablation?
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@ptpatty Welcome to Connect. You have a pretty good understanding of spine issues having been a PT. I hope your doctor can find a solution for you. It sounds like it's very difficult for you now with daily living. I think that just removing a herniated part of a disc does leave the possibility that it can happen again as the disc doesn't heal itself. I'm sorry you're going through all of this. I think of 73 as young, and I am not that far behind it myself.
Do you have someone to help you get in and out of the car to go to your appointment?