I had spinal fusion surgery that was originally to only be L5 to S1.
I was told I had bulging and herniated disc and a host of other problems.
My health insurance company did not approve the surgery request and gave my doctor a list of things that had to be completed before they would approve my surgery. The insurance company made me go through more physical therapy and get another more up to date MRI.
After the MRI my surgeon now said I needed surgery from my L3 to S1 vertebra.
Prior to surgery, My symptoms were terrible constant pain from my hips to my feet, both legs. My symptoms were dizzying and been going on for years. I had been in pain management over 2 years.
My surgeon convinced me that I need the surgery so, I got on board with surgery as the fix to my problems. After a couple months of fighting with the insurance company and a 3rd MRI in 9 months my Surgery got approved, and I had my first 10 hour surgery in November of 2022. Then the first week of December 2022 I had my first 10 hour revision surgery, then on December 20, 2022 I had my 2nd 10 hour Revision surgery, then on December 23, 2022 I had my 3 rd and final 10 hour revision surgery.
After 4 surgeries, my pain from the lower back through both legs to the end of my toes is almost unbearable. I lost sensation in both legs below the knees all the way to my toes. Not a complete loss but it's enough that the loss adds lots of extra pain.
I have since found out I am a type 2 diabetic. Makes me wonder if the pain I was experiencing prior to surgery was diabetic nerve pain.
I truly regret having my surgery
I regret not seeking out a 2nd and 3rd surgery evaluation.
My insurance company fought the doctor's surgery recommendation. The insurance company's medical staff said I didn't need the surgery and all conservative methods were not exhausted. Chiropractor's are a conservative method used to eliminate pain originating from the spine.
I wish I would have gone to a chiropractor, at least tried to seek out spine adjust before agreeing to surgery.
I have since been told several times by spine surgeons, I did not need surgery.
I learned a terrible lesson.
Surgery so invasive should have 3 surgeons recommending the same surgery and the recommendations should come from doctors who aren't associated with each other.
I am 67. 3 years post surgery. I lost my job. I have major issues from my belly button down to my toes and no doctor can fix what got broken.
No one should ever tell you what to do or recommend what you should do.
We should only share our stories so you can judge the positive with the negative and slowly piece together your game plan.
I did not ask enough questions about why I needed surgery or what could go wrong. I only heard what could go right. I did not seek out any type of support.
I did not protect myself and now I have to live with what I allowed to happen to me.