Hi All!
For many years, I suffered from back pain and later on pain from my shoulder blade to my fingers. On the advice of my orthopedic surgeon, I went to see a pain management doctor.
I went to several pain management doctors for over 10 years. I went through so many different things in order to get relief. All sorts of shots, radio frequency, chiropractors, cupping, PT, etc. I did finally find a pain doc who was able to help me and for about 4 years, he would get me comfortable for about 3-4 weeks at a time. This was huge for me. However, after a few years, all his efforts stopped working. Against his advice, I decided I could not take it any more. I had no quality of life.
I researched and researched and decided to see a neurosurgeon. I decided to take my chances with surgery. After lots of tests, we found my spine to be a mess from top to bottom. The surgeon had to narrow down where to start. He decided on C5/6 and L3/4.
First, I had my discs at C5/6 replaced. The surgery went well (out patient) and the recovery was easy.
Six months later I had an X-LIFT FUSION on L3/4. That surgery went well, too, but recovery was HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! It took over 5 weeks for the horrible pain to subside. I hate pain killers so I only took them at night in order to sleep.
It's been about just over 3 years and I can happily say that the pain that I had is gone. I do sometimes need a shot on my cervical spine, but that is because there are still issues there, but not bad enough for me to want to get surgery.
The BIGGEST come away.....
1, I know many people who have gone through back surgery and said it failed. After conversations, I realized that it was not the surgery that failed, but the patient.
2. It takes approximately 18 months for 2 years for the internal healing to be COMPLETE.
3. Although it has been years since my surgeries, I STILL baby my back as if I just had surgery. I do NOT do anything to strain my back. I DO NOT make any quick moves, lift anything heavy, over-extend my body bending or stretching, I exercise regularly.
4. I listen to my body and when I am having pain or discomfort, I rest. I do not push through the pain.
I hope this helps someone and I wish everyone good health and a painfree life!
Ronnie