Hi Reidy,

Sorry for what you're dealing with. I'm 71 and have scoliosis, stenosis, listhesis, and disc degeneration in my lumbar spine. Nothing fused yet thankfully and my surgeon has said my strong core muscles are protecting my spine, and at least for now, making fusion unnecessary. (I am in the gym everyday and work with a personal trainer. I'm very fortunate to still be this active.)

About 12 years ago it was recommended that I have the S1 through L5 fused, just like you. The first surgeon I saw would only do a fusion.

Well I found a second surgeon, and he did confirm a fusion would be recommended, but tried something else first, a laminotomy. I had this procedure done at S1, L5, and L4. The surgeon drilled a hole in the back of these verterbrae, and this gave the sciatic nerve more room. He also removed some disc material from L5/S1 that had ruptured and was in my spinal canal.

That was 12 years ago and I haven't needed fusion surgery. I'd at least ask your surgeon about the procedure I had. It helped a lot with the unbearable stbbing pain I had on the back of my right leg. And before surgery, I couldn't stand up for more than 30 seconds. Recovery from the laminotomies was short, less than a week and the incision didn't require stitches.

I hope this helps. Please let us know how you proceed and all the best to you!

Joe