Jan 2023 My mother is age 78 with 70 degrees of scoliosis and degenerative spine and spondylolathesis and just completed L3-S1 spinal fusion ALIF. It was successful with standard nerve pain following. we are in the wait and see phase. But so far she did well. She is have right leg burning and nerve sensation. very aggravating she is on meds and gabapentin. started on cymbalta today. If nerve pain doesnt let up they will do a nerve block to see if it lets up. anyone else have experience?

I'm 73 and in 2021 completed my 9th spinal fusion. I have 3 levels fused in my neck; 8 levels of my thoracic spine and 5 levels of my lumbar spine. This has all happened over a 34 year period.

This all started in 1989 and still a part of my life. I would never have had such an active life without having these fusions. I know that one fusion usually leads to further fusions.......but one must consider what type of life they want to live. I had no plans on living in my recliner. I did give up tennis, but then played golf for 22 years. Have given that up and now play pickleball. I have more work to do and expect to figure out how to return to the pool as I am a big swimmer. Due to my 2021 8 level thoracic fusion surgery I have been unable to swim the freestyle and breast stroke as unable to life my head out of the water. I will not give up and work out in the gym regularily.........keep moving is my strategy and works for me.

I am 67 yrs old. was told I have to get lumbar surgery L4/5. My Dr said he wouldn't give me pain meds as I take benzodiazepines for 30 yrs. For yrs I was on heavy duty pain rx. My chiro said let's find you a diff dr.

Tramadol, flexeril, Soma etc don't help my pain. I am wondering what other choices there are for me. I hear the success rate isn't very good.

There was a woman who posted her story on mayo site but I can only gwt.in touch via facebook. If anyone knows her pls have her email me. Thks