Has anyone had laminectomy then needed spinal fusion?

Posted by pattyo1 @pattyo1, Apr 18 9:36pm

I had multilevel laminectomy (l2-l4) in October 2024. I had severe nerve spasms before final postop visit. I was told my nerves were "waking up". I felt like the surgeon was dismissing my pain. I am now scheduled for a spinal fusion with another surgeon. I am afraid to be hopeful based on the laminectomy results.

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tonyst | @tonyst | Apr 20 11:36am

The TOPS procedure is an alternative to spinal fusion, which involves permanently joining vertebrae. It's intended to provide pain relief while preserving the spinal column's natural range of motion.

The TOPS device is placed on the posterior (back) side of the spine and is designed to stabilize it without fusing the vertebrae. This allows for continued movement in areas like flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation.

tonyst | @tonyst | Apr 20 12:07pm

In reply to @gently "tonyst, so, with intractable pain, you would? Suffer? None of us are fans of surgery. We're..." + (show)

No, I wouldn’t suffer. Currently taking Norco with acetaminophen every 6 hours. Flexeril 3 times a day and Gabapentum 300 mg. This keeps me pain free as long as I don’t do anything to aggravate the pain.
Currently searching for an alternative to fusion surgery.

I’m looking at the TOPS procedure. I would post it but am not allowed to on this site.
You can search TOPS surgery for back pain on the internet.

pattyo1 | @pattyo1 | Apr 20 12:47pm

In reply to @tonyst "No, I wouldn’t suffer. Currently taking Norco with acetaminophen every 6 hours. Flexeril 3 times a..." + (show)

Best wishes with your future treatment plan! It is good to be proactive!

pattyo1 | @pattyo1 | Apr 20 12:48pm

In reply to @tonyst "The TOPS procedure is an alternative to spinal fusion, which involves permanently joining vertebrae. It's intended..." + (show)

It sounds like a good procedure!

gently | @gently | Apr 20 4:14pm

https://premiaspine.com/topstm-system/

bluridgeranger | @bluridgeranger | Apr 20 5:30pm

I had a laminectomy at C3-C5 in 2001 due to developing stenosis. I’d already had anterior fusions at C4-5,C5-6 a few years prior. I had a great result with relief of pain and spasticity symptoms. 20 years post-op, with few lifestyle impacts other than some range of motion loss.

pattyo1 | @pattyo1 | Apr 20 7:28pm

In reply to @bluridgeranger "I had a laminectomy at C3-C5 in 2001 due to developing stenosis. I’d already had anterior..." + (show)

That is wonderful!

pattyo1 | @pattyo1 | Apr 23 10:36am

In reply to @gently "pattyo1, fusion will solve the instability. I only know from friends how excruciating the pain is..." + (show)

I went to the neurosurgeon yesterday and now have another issue. I have arachnoiditis along with the spondylolisthesis. I could try a nerve stimulator before surgery since the arachnoiditis may be the primary source of the pain. I have to make a difficult decision. Any input is wekcome!

gently | @gently | Apr 23 4:43pm

pattyo1, a temporary trial could be good. I wonder if they'd be able to differentiate between the two pain sources. Arachnoiditis is so rare; I'm glad they discovered it. bless your choice

pattyo1 | @pattyo1 | Apr 23 5:52pm

This is very hard! I am grateful the arachnoiditis was found, as well. I actually have two distinct pain patterns. I am thinking a pain stimulator trial couldn't hurt. I am now afraid that if I have the fusion I may wake up in pain making it incredibly hard to navigate recovery. No one mentioned arachnoiditis until I sent a few questions to the surgeon's portal. I wonder if he took a second look at the CT myelogram. Yesterday I was able to clearly see the spondylolisthesis as well as the arachnoiditis. I am a retired nurse and although I never worked neurosurgery I am able to grasp the information fairly well. This whole experience has been unexpectedly difficult as far as day to day living.