Three Level Lumbar Spine Fusion

Posted by sageacton @sageacton, Sep 15, 2011

I have degenerative disk disease through out my entire spine. I only have pain in the Lumbar region. Severe pain for the last 10 years. After visiting with Dr. Huddleston at Mayo- he has recommended this fusion. There is so much to consider long-term. I am hoping to gain some direction from anyone that has experience. Thanks so much for your time!

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I have had my nerves burnt in the L5 area, and also cortizone shots. I still to this day am in pain but not as severe. Of course I cant lift weights or do major yard work, but at least I can stand at the sink and do dishes with out hurting so much. I dont think there will ever be a "complete fix" for what we have. I too have Degenerative bone & joint disease. No one understands what we go through. The fusion will help with the "BAD" pain, but as for it to "GO AWAY" for good I dont think it will happen...it will just put it in the range of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst) it will be in a 3-4 range (which I am somewhat happy with).

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@auntscary

I have had my nerves burnt in the L5 area, and also cortizone shots. I still to this day am in pain but not as severe. Of course I cant lift weights or do major yard work, but at least I can stand at the sink and do dishes with out hurting so much. I dont think there will ever be a "complete fix" for what we have. I too have Degenerative bone & joint disease. No one understands what we go through. The fusion will help with the "BAD" pain, but as for it to "GO AWAY" for good I dont think it will happen...it will just put it in the range of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst) it will be in a 3-4 range (which I am somewhat happy with).

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I recently had an L3,4,5 fusion with a minimally invasive approach laminectomy. After the bone removal for the stenosis, the titanium clamps (not the rods) they palced in my back failed allowing the L3&4 vetibra to colapse and compress the disk, herneating it thus causing more pain. the fusion healed that way. If the Dr had used the more invasive approach of removing all the bone and replacing it with the rods screwed into the vertibra, it would have been much better. NOW they tell me. I have to undergo that corrective surgery now and am not looking forward to it. Make sure you understand the type of surgergy they are doing and what you have to do in recovery.

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@auntscary

I have had my nerves burnt in the L5 area, and also cortizone shots. I still to this day am in pain but not as severe. Of course I cant lift weights or do major yard work, but at least I can stand at the sink and do dishes with out hurting so much. I dont think there will ever be a "complete fix" for what we have. I too have Degenerative bone & joint disease. No one understands what we go through. The fusion will help with the "BAD" pain, but as for it to "GO AWAY" for good I dont think it will happen...it will just put it in the range of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst) it will be in a 3-4 range (which I am somewhat happy with).

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have severe spinal stenosis , they want to put a rod l1---l5..just had 6th spinal shot ,actually a double hurt like a Mother , worse than all the other 5...numbness in lower legs , minor pain lower back, walk with a limp....Still go to the gym 4 days a week . bike 15min. stretch, use machines and lift weights....was a runner , now have two metal implants in knees also a biker and loved kayaking..can't bend enough to get in but once in could kayak 2 hours....am afraid of surgery , 4 out of 5 people i talk to are sorry.....go to the gym at the Milton Hershey School of Med.......Dooc said keep it up until you can't handle the pain...thanks for your ear....Ted

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My wife had 5 rupered disk in her low back,she was operated on and had a fused back and went back to work in 2 weeks,she is doing great,just can't put her socks on or shoes.

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Tomorrow it will be three weeks since my surgery. Dr. Huddleston replaced a disk and fused the two levels below. I am doing FANTASTIC. I wish I hadn't put it off for so long! I cannot believe how incredible the process has been. I was concerned about so many different things. Really- Bending probably the most concern. I am trying to heal and I am not pushing anything. I have considered going back to work next week and upset my family by the thought, so I will wait. I really feel great. I am weaning myself off of the pain meds because I don't need them as much. The first week was incredibly challenging due to the pain. My husband wasn't able to help me much but my 20yr old daughter was by my side and helped me sit and lay down. I've been out a few times and am taking is slowly. I'll probably drive in the next few weeks. I do not regret a single thing about this surgery and I would encourage anyone to get the care you deserve. This surgery has given me my life back already!!! I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months bring. There is no better care anywhere- AND no better team than that of Dr. Paul Huddleston. I have been blessed by the Grace of God that Dr. Huddleston was able to help me. If you consider this surgery or any surgery and need any help from me, please let me know. I would love to help you make helpful changes for hope in your life. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Dr. Huddleston!!

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I had a 2 level L5 L4 fusion done i had back surgery 12 years ago for a herniated disc, 2 years ago was my fusion. My low back and right leg still have considerable pain if i'm not on pain meds. I have tried everything besides narcotics and nothing works. I have been on Fentynal patch 25mcg for 6 months now. I want to know how many people are on pain meds after spinal fusion but i can't find any percent anywhere?

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@sageacton

Tomorrow it will be three weeks since my surgery. Dr. Huddleston replaced a disk and fused the two levels below. I am doing FANTASTIC. I wish I hadn't put it off for so long! I cannot believe how incredible the process has been. I was concerned about so many different things. Really- Bending probably the most concern. I am trying to heal and I am not pushing anything. I have considered going back to work next week and upset my family by the thought, so I will wait. I really feel great. I am weaning myself off of the pain meds because I don't need them as much. The first week was incredibly challenging due to the pain. My husband wasn't able to help me much but my 20yr old daughter was by my side and helped me sit and lay down. I've been out a few times and am taking is slowly. I'll probably drive in the next few weeks. I do not regret a single thing about this surgery and I would encourage anyone to get the care you deserve. This surgery has given me my life back already!!! I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months bring. There is no better care anywhere- AND no better team than that of Dr. Paul Huddleston. I have been blessed by the Grace of God that Dr. Huddleston was able to help me. If you consider this surgery or any surgery and need any help from me, please let me know. I would love to help you make helpful changes for hope in your life. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Dr. Huddleston!!

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Are you still doing well. My husband had an MRI ordered because he has prostate cancer and the doctor told us last friday it is not bone cancer but he has a broken spine. Never heard this term used. we need a spine doctor now!

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@sageacton

Tomorrow it will be three weeks since my surgery. Dr. Huddleston replaced a disk and fused the two levels below. I am doing FANTASTIC. I wish I hadn't put it off for so long! I cannot believe how incredible the process has been. I was concerned about so many different things. Really- Bending probably the most concern. I am trying to heal and I am not pushing anything. I have considered going back to work next week and upset my family by the thought, so I will wait. I really feel great. I am weaning myself off of the pain meds because I don't need them as much. The first week was incredibly challenging due to the pain. My husband wasn't able to help me much but my 20yr old daughter was by my side and helped me sit and lay down. I've been out a few times and am taking is slowly. I'll probably drive in the next few weeks. I do not regret a single thing about this surgery and I would encourage anyone to get the care you deserve. This surgery has given me my life back already!!! I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months bring. There is no better care anywhere- AND no better team than that of Dr. Paul Huddleston. I have been blessed by the Grace of God that Dr. Huddleston was able to help me. If you consider this surgery or any surgery and need any help from me, please let me know. I would love to help you make helpful changes for hope in your life. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Dr. Huddleston!!

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I am doing so very well. I would encourage you to see the spine clinic at Mayo. Please see Dr huddleston as soon as possible. There is a waiting list. I was seen March 13th for my four month post op. I am able to do so much more than what was ever hoped for. I have very few days in pain. In have returned to work full time and am able to work outside in the garden. I worry about your husbands diagnosis. Who told you of your husbands back? And, is this separate from cancer or in addition to the cancer? Whatever you were told, If your husband has back pain, I have no doubt you'll get reliable trustworthy information from the Mayo. If your husband is in pain, please share that when getting an appointment. I wish you and your husband the best and I will pray for your husband. Please get an appointment as soon as possible. You will not regret your visit.

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@sageacton

Tomorrow it will be three weeks since my surgery. Dr. Huddleston replaced a disk and fused the two levels below. I am doing FANTASTIC. I wish I hadn't put it off for so long! I cannot believe how incredible the process has been. I was concerned about so many different things. Really- Bending probably the most concern. I am trying to heal and I am not pushing anything. I have considered going back to work next week and upset my family by the thought, so I will wait. I really feel great. I am weaning myself off of the pain meds because I don't need them as much. The first week was incredibly challenging due to the pain. My husband wasn't able to help me much but my 20yr old daughter was by my side and helped me sit and lay down. I've been out a few times and am taking is slowly. I'll probably drive in the next few weeks. I do not regret a single thing about this surgery and I would encourage anyone to get the care you deserve. This surgery has given me my life back already!!! I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months bring. There is no better care anywhere- AND no better team than that of Dr. Paul Huddleston. I have been blessed by the Grace of God that Dr. Huddleston was able to help me. If you consider this surgery or any surgery and need any help from me, please let me know. I would love to help you make helpful changes for hope in your life. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Dr. Huddleston!!

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Please please be seen. I accidentally replyed to my own response. Please read the reply from today. I know there is wonderful care available for your husband at Mayo. I am doing better than I ever ever hoped for! Spine care at mayo is phenomenal! If You'd like, you can call me. Just let me know! God bless you! Never ever give up. Hope is crucial to healing.

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@susansman

I had a 2 level L5 L4 fusion done i had back surgery 12 years ago for a herniated disc, 2 years ago was my fusion. My low back and right leg still have considerable pain if i'm not on pain meds. I have tried everything besides narcotics and nothing works. I have been on Fentynal patch 25mcg for 6 months now. I want to know how many people are on pain meds after spinal fusion but i can't find any percent anywhere?

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I am doing great. I need only tylenol if headache. I understand your concern! There is hope! I promise!!! Your patch is a narcotic.

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