What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

I've had good results with an L4-4 fusion done in 2017--cycled, skied hard, and still tightly fused (No osteoporosis). Now, things have degenerated to where I am on the list for a double fusion for the levels above that last--L3-4 and L2-3. However, the insurance company declined to approve the surgery, and we are fighting that. BTW, I have congenital narrowing of the spinal canal, and this would be my 4th lumbar surgery. It's that or gruesome pain, at night in bed when turning, and inability to walk without high pain levels. If/When you get to that point, surgery is easier to contemplate. Hope you have some good options for your situation.

@leeman25

I was at the point of contemplating surgery when I had an acute onset of radicular leg pain. I was dragging one leg when I tried to walk. I thought a leg amputation was a good idea. That was when the surgeon wanted to remove all the bad bone and fuse my entire lumbar spine because of arthritis and severe spinal stenosis. I have inflammatory arthritis so all I needed was a large dose of Prednisone to relieve my pain.

I still have some nerve damage causing foot drop but as long as the inflammation is treated ... I will take my chances and hope I won't become paralyzed. I use a rollator which seems to help when I have to walk too far and need to sit down. Being hunched over when I walk helps with the pain too. The surgeon said I wasn't a good surgical candidate because of Prednisone.

You're correct. Some success and some not so much. Had surgery in 2015, with 10 years of success and great relief. Now have severe spinal arthritis and no solution in site. Am very pleased with the surgery in '15 and wish you well. It's worth the effort and time.

REPLY TO: annie1@anniel

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you - my wife Anne had some medical issues that we had to attend to.
Before I answer your questions, I have to tell you that we are celebrating one year - 30th April - for a very
successful second spinal fusion. I feel great (for a 80 year old) but sometimes I over do it - carpentry and
gardening. One has to be careful and be "responsible" as per my wife.
First - I did not have any osteoporosis.
Second - I had a "herniated disc" at L5-L4 that was fused 30 years ago and I continued my profession as
a carpenter till now (lifting / bending / and caring to heavy things)
Third - the second fusion was L4-L3. It was a LLIF approach (side of waist). I would leave it to your
surgeon to decide which approach is best for your situation.
I will tell you both are not without pain. Most important to keep a positive mind, go slowly at first and when
possible WALK - keep the body in motion. My surgeon said he hoped to improve my situation (pain/numbness/
inability to stand for long moments) by 50%. I believe I would say at this point - I feel 90% better.
All the best and wishing you well - peterpaul@ peterpaul
Further questions do not hesitate to respond.

@dadcue

Hang in there, Mike. Best to you.