Let's hear the positive outcomes from anyone who had spine surgery

My first experience with a back issue began in 1993 with partially herniated discs in L3-L-5 and I spent 5 months on bed rest until it healed enough to resume some normal activities. My orthopedic doctor at the time believed that surgery was a last resort. The issue recurred in 1998 and after a month of bed rest and two cortisone injections, I told him that it was time to discuss the surgery options. A few weeks later I had an L3-L-5 laminectomy and although it bothers me from time to time, it doesn't last more than a few days. I'm 73 now and I'm very happy with the results of my surgery. My limitations are age and PMR related. My doctor retired years ago and although I have more than a few cervical spine issues these days, I remember his reluctance to perform surgery and so I will save it for a last resort.

@loriesco I also live close to UCSD and am looking for the best orthopedic spine doctor. Could you share the one or ones you recommend? It would be so helpful. Thanks so much

@susiesmith, you'll notice that I removed your personal email. Connect is a public forum. We recommend sharing personal contact information using the secure private message function. I might also add that by sharing here in the forum, you are connecting with several people where all can benefit from group support.

@susiesmith I got it and sent it to your email.
https://health.ucsd.edu/care/orthopedics/spine/

Justin ... but I don't want to share in public! (then I will have to wait even LONGER for my visits! 😉 (naw, I shared!)

@loriesco Thanks a million!!

I mentioned in an earlier discussion that I'm scheduled for a T3 to Pelvis fusion on October 29. I'm very glad for all the positive results people seem to be getting . But I am curious if anyone has had such a major fusion and what were their results after the long challenges of getting back to life. Thank you

I just found this string of chats re: positive outcome of spinal fusion. While my life is permanently altered due to mobility limitations, I can swallow food, liquids, and medications without choking. Prior to surgery, my head, neck, and right shoulder were leaning to the left. I could barely lift up my right arm more than 3 inches without sharp pain. Now, I can easily raise the right arm above my head. No more choking on food or liquids because head and neck were straightened. Maybe TMI, but my bladder is no longer profusely leaking. I had to take extra underwear and pants in case of leakage. Doctor said that nerves in spine to control bladder were source of the leakage--it was AWFUL! Also, a bone density was required before surgery. I'm 79 yrs. old and the bone density revealed severe osteoporosis. I was in a danger zone for fractures and a lifetime of pain and quite possibly a shorter lifespan. Thankfully, neurosurgeon immediately put me on Tymlos which has improved my osteoporosis. I'm also thankful for the skill of the neurosurgeon (Dr. Patel at University of Colorado hospital). So, while I'm living a new version of a "normal" life, there's much to be thankful for as a result of the spinal fusion surgery that took place in March 2026.

@memuno1stborn
I have to say wow!!! I’m so impressed with how much you have improved after just 5 months past surgery. What type of surgery did you have?
Wishing you the best!!
Sherry

Hi everyone. I had cervical spine circumferential surgery on August 5th to fuse c4-t1. I have titanium disks and a rad and screws. The five days at Och Spine Center Center at Weill Cornell in NYC were rough, but except for one miserable night, either my friend or husband stayed over. While it’s too early to tell, I am finding that with a rented recliner, walkers for upstairs and downstairs, a transport chair, and wonderful caretakers(my husband and son), everything is manageable although even with the amount of drugs I’m on(a lot), I still have pretty severe aches(not sharp pain). I do have double vision out of the side of my eyes from the surgery, which is uncommon, but will see a neuro opthomologist for that. OT and PT come twice a week(that in itself was an ordeal to set up), and a nurse comes once a week. I’ve had many visitors, and that helps as well. It is much too early to say whether my surgery was a success(6 more weeks till scans) but I count myself lucky, even if it turns out that my range of motion is compromised. I am an avid weight lifter and working out is my very favorite activity. So I hope to get back to that. To my surprise, I am patient, so I know it could be an entire year. In short, I was petrified to have this procedure. And now, I wait, and hope for the best. I will say the r tough part is being able to eat enough. Thankfully, I did not have any swallowing issues. But I have lost 10 pounds and am now below 78 pounds. I think it is muscle mass so it will come back.

I hope this helps. We read all the time about how things can go wrong, so it’s a great idea to put out some positive thoughts. I wish all of you a full recovery.