Spinal fusion and possible laminectomy have been recommended!

Fusion is very difficult and changes spine mechanics so dont think you will be able to do all the movements you used to. It also increases chances that other vertebrae will become over stressed and fail, leading to other problems and potentially more surgery.

@bobcinem
Is this recommendation for your cervical or lumbar spine? What are your current symptoms? How long have you had these symptoms? What levels of your spine are they recommending fusion/laminectomy?

Have you had a neurologist do an EMG/nerve conduction study of your upper and lower limbs? Have you had a recent MRI and have you read the report in detail? What does it show (stenosis, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs/osteophytes, flattened or compressed spinal cord/thecal sac, spondylolisthesis, neurogenic claudication, etc.)?

I am 55, female, had ACDF surgery on c5-c6 in 2022 where they removed damaged disc and bone spurs and fused/put in hardware/metal. In 2024, I had decompression/fusion of l3-l5. I am glad I did these surgeries to decompress my spinal cord from further injury and reduce pain/numbness in back/hips/buttocks/thighs and feet. I have residual weakness in arms/hands, hips/legs but need surgery in May on c6-c7 since my spinal cord is being injured again due to herniated disc and this is worsening weakness, walking, balance and bladder control.

Without getting too detailed... I'm scheduled for laminectomy in about 3 weeks. My neck pain is minimal but I have occasional arm weakness and or pain in certain positions, tingling pinky fingers, and lots of hand and finger cramping, and some imbalance at times. My pain is so minimal that I don't even take ibuprofen or Tylenol. I stretch a lot and try to pay attention to my posture. I'm hesitant on surgery but fear at 62 things will progress.

IMPRESSION:
Redemonstrated advanced multilevel degenerative changes, slightly progressed since 1/25/2018, with moderate canal stenosis at C5-C6 and C6-C7. Similar T2 hyperintense foci in the cord at C6-C7, suggestive of myelomalacia. Multilevel foraminal stenosis, most advanced on the left at C6-C7.

Thank you so much for your comment. I'm 73 and I am so fearful of the procedure. I was told I had to have the spinal fusion, and possibly the laminectomy. Ugh
The pain is supposedly pretty bad for a while and the recovery time is 6 months to a year! That's what is really overwhelming me... we were supposed to go on a trip to Ireland and Scotland with my brother and his wife... so I am just heartbroken about this... Please keep me posted! And GOOD LUCK! I'll be holding you in my heart!! xxx

Wife had laminectomy but surgeon failed to tell her that the operation could lead to spinal to spinal instability
and this is what actually happened she now has spondylolitheis the L3 Vertabrea has now shifted, out of place,
Proceed with caution PS her "former" surgeon failed to warn her that this might happen and he says I can fix problem-Fusion No THANKS!!!

Wife had spinal stenosis . Surgeon did laminectomy but hospital records show something called "INTERTRANVERSE FUSION WAS ALSO DONE. Can anyone tell me what exactly was this? Also surgeon failed to warn her that operation might lead to spinal instability-She now has sondylolitedis L3

@bobcinem Welcome to Connect. If you have had spine surgery, you probably won't feel like traveling. Perhaps that could be an incentive for after your recovery. Would you be able to defer that trip with your group?

I know you have a lot to think about. I am a spine surgery patient with a cervical fusion. I stayed in a neck brace for 3 months until it fused because I didn't want to have hardware screwed to my spine. I had to rehab after the 3 months because my neck was weak from the brace. I did feel pretty good at 6 months. I have also broken my ankle, and I can tell you that the surgeries and recovery from that was far worse than spine surgery and a lot more painful. Having to be confined in a cast with a swelling ankle is torture, and all I could do was elevate my foot and use some ice, and pain meds of course. That went on for awhile, and then I had to gradually walk on my weak ankle which hurt and took a long time to get strength and muscles back.

Cervical spine surgery is easier than lumbar spine surgery. With lumbar, you are bearing most of your body weight on the operated area which makes that a tougher recovery.

I also had to overcome a lot of fear before my spine surgery, and I started this discussion about facing fear of surgery. It took me months to get past my fear step by step and I had been working on that for a couple years by the time I had surgery. My case was misunderstood by 5 surgeons and I was nervous seeing all of them, but also confronting my fear by facing them in a consultation, and afterward telling myself, I had done well handling the situation.

How can I defeat my anxiety about medical tests and surgery?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-can-i-defeat-my-anxiety-about-medical-tests-and-surgery/
Have you discussed your fear with your surgeon or primary care physician? Perhaps a counselor?

Thank you so much... I'm fearful of the after pain too and how long it will be. My younger brother by 5 years had the same surgery and was back to work with Fedex delivering packages so that makes me feel a bit better. My husband had it from the front last year and doesn't have the pain any longer but has other back/spine issues. I didn't like his pain level at all. So I'm really apprehensive. I see my doc for preop tomorrow and will express my concerns. I have low back issues also. I actually went in the day of surgery back in 2007 and changed my mind after undressing. It still lets me know it's there but to this day I don't regret NOT having the surgery. Will keep you posted.

Thank you so much for this. My anxiety is through the roof!

Thank you... added to my LIST of questions at pre-op tomorrow.