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Anyone else pleased with their spinal fusion outcome?

Spine Health | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (31)
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@coachdavid

With my first surgery, disc decompression & laminectomy, pool aerobics gave me back my core strength. (1991)

Two years ago I had L-S fusion with resulting sensory nerve loss in my right foot. While the fusion took away my bilateral sciatica, I struggle with balance & sleep due to back discomfort.

I honestly don't know if I would have this surgery again, given my lack of balance due to sensory nerve loss & chronic discomfort at night. ☮️

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Replies to "With my first surgery, disc decompression & laminectomy, pool aerobics gave me back my core strength...."
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | May 13 6:21am

Thanks Coach,

I have the same fears about lumbar fusion. I have a surgeon I trust, but fusion is a tricky procedure with a LOT of nerves in the affected area. I'm 70 y/o and weigh 155-160. I've had laminitomies at S1/L5/L4 12 years ago to ease pressure on the sciatic nerve, and that worked.

Now I'm in the gym everyday working on my core. I'm glad your sciatica is gone - especially bilateral - extremely painful as you well know.

As far as sleep, have you tried sleeping on your side with a firm pillow between your knees? I do that and it keeps my spine more or less neutral. A good pillow that keeps your cervical spine supported also helps. You' can experiment to find pillows that suit you.

All the best to you friend.

Joe

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