1. < Spine Health

Spinal fusion and possible laminectomy have been recommended!

Posted by bobcinem @bobcinem, Apr 12 8:50pm

My orthopedic doctor and a spine surgeon in his group have recommended spinal fusion and possibly laminectomy. The more I read about it, the more terrified I become! And the success/failure rate (checking multiple sources) is not that great! Recovery from the fusion could take up to 6 months. I also have EDS which could extend that time! I am 73 years old, petite and thin. Does anyone have anything to comment, pro or con? Thanks so much!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | May 1 8:28pm
In reply to @beancat425 "This is sooooo reassuring! I really appreciate you (and others here) for the feedback. I've had..." + (show)
@beancat425

This is sooooo reassuring! I really appreciate you (and others here) for the feedback. I've had so many "small" issues physically and personally family-wise that I'm having to take things one day at a time... in the meantime, last month I developed shingles on my face that are healed over but I'm having nerve issues from head, jaw, teeth, gum, ears, sinus... Oy vay! Lol! Since those areas are close to my cervical site (in my opinion, lol), I'm slightly nervous. Anyway, your reassurance has helped me with one less worry. Thank you again and I'll keep you/everyone posted after tomorrow's "event." (smile)

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@beancat425 Here is a discussion I started about dealing with the fear of medical procedures. You may be interested in looking at this if you need to fill some time while you're waiting.

Good luck!

Just Want to Talk - "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/

REPLY
beancat425 | @beancat425 | 1 day ago

Hi all. Surgery went well. Bit of constipation before they'd let me come home. This is day 6 including surgery day on May 2. Inpatient 5/2-5/5. If only my bowels were better could've been 5/4. Lol... Only on Tylenol and muscle relaxants.. lidocaine patch. And boy does my head feels huge on these shoulders. Tight shoulders! If I could just get a nice massage! Lol Feeling a few"spiders" or"water" trickling down my back but understand it's nerves. Small muscle spasms in foot and arm on the right, my dominate side. Other than not being able to look down or turn neck I'm good. Love my little picker upper thing, although at 5'9" it could stand to be longer. Lol

No collar or brace.

Thanks again for all the encouragement!

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bobcinem | @bobcinem | 1 day ago

I'm so relieved for you! I will update you next week after my surgery...digits crossed I only will need to stay overnight (we'll see!)

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1 reply
beancat425 | @beancat425 | 1 day ago
In reply to @bobcinem "I'm so relieved for you! I will update you next week after my surgery...digits crossed I..." + (show)
@bobcinem

I'm so relieved for you! I will update you next week after my surgery...digits crossed I only will need to stay overnight (we'll see!)

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Is yours posterior or anterior? Mine was posterior/back. Think that's the difference. My husband has the anterior last year and didn't stay as long as I did if I recall. Good luck!

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beancat425 | @beancat425 | 1 day ago
In reply to @bobcinem "Thank you so much for your comment. I'm 73 and I am so fearful of the..." + (show)
@bobcinem

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

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Hello, it's day 6 and I'm coming along. Click on my name for details. God bless!

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beancat425 | @beancat425 | 1 day ago
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@bobcinem Welcome to Connect. If you have had spine surgery, you probably won't feel like traveling...." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@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?

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I was walking next day in the halls. Yes in pain but not enough to keep me down. I walk around even here in the house. Sit to do a few dishes. Sit when tired. Lay completely down when exhausted. Went for ice cream earlier with the hubby. Even on discharge we took a nice country ride. Of course the every 6-8hr 1000mg Tylenol, muscle relaxant, and lidocaine patch helps. I filled but didn't use the oxycodone --it actually was no help to me. 😆 All this to say follow post op instructions and take it easy.

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1 reply
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | 1 day ago
In reply to @beancat425 "I was walking next day in the halls. Yes in pain but not enough to keep..." + (show)
@beancat425

I was walking next day in the halls. Yes in pain but not enough to keep me down. I walk around even here in the house. Sit to do a few dishes. Sit when tired. Lay completely down when exhausted. Went for ice cream earlier with the hubby. Even on discharge we took a nice country ride. Of course the every 6-8hr 1000mg Tylenol, muscle relaxant, and lidocaine patch helps. I filled but didn't use the oxycodone --it actually was no help to me. 😆 All this to say follow post op instructions and take it easy.

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@beancat425 I'm glad to know you're doing well. I didn't feel well on pain drugs either and didn't take the oxycodone. Keep up the good recovery.

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beancat425 | @beancat425 | 17 hours ago

There were points that had it been nearby, I might have partaken but we purposely put them out of reach. 😆 Those 6 little pills might have lead to other issues.

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