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I had 4-level (3, 4, 5, & S1) fusion 5 years ago for sciatica and it has been downhill ever since. I have lost some feeling in my legs & feet, have developed bladder/bowel control problems and the weakness in lower body is getting worse. I can no longer walk more than short distances without a shopping cart because of instability. I have lost some faith in modern medicine and feel I am not taken seriously. I’m 81 and other than the aforementioned issues & well controlled type 2 diabetes i feel I am still high functioning for my age. To anyone reading this please think twice before opting for surgery as I thought it would solve all my problems not double them! I hope no one is thinking, “Well what do you expect for an 81 yo woman?”
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@suznk8
I feel your frustration! I am a 69 year old woman, 12 weeks out from a C5-C6 fusion and am quite upset that I believe I am worse than before surgery! I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2020, took the non-surgical approach and much improved for the first few years, then my balance and gait, due to weak legs and lack of energy, took me to a neurosurgeon who recommended the Cervical Surgery.
I did not complain about pain but said I wanted to be able to walk more confidently so I could keep active and enjoy retirement. They insisted I had to have the cervical surgery due to if I were to fall I would likely be paralized or worse.
The surgery went very well, recovery easy enough, but it did not address my desire to walk better. The Physical Therapy perscribed focused on rebuilding my neck, shoulder and arm strength, which of course is a big positive. When I ask about the lack of strength in my legs, worsening balance and stamina, they indicate that the spinal stenosis in my thoracic region affects lower body issues but the surgery is more complicated. That is all they have shared at this point.
My father lived with SS until his death at 98. He had lumbar surgery in his 80s, and was able to walk without a cane until he was 90. In retrospect, I feel I lost my opportunity to live a little before I am bound to a wheelchair and diaper, and if the medical team heard me and were more direct with me that the surgery would not be helping me to walk better, I would have delayed it and spent more energy and time with PT and a personal trainer to improve my balance and ability to walk.
Oh well - hind sight.