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What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

Spine Health | Last Active: Feb 15 7:50am | Replies (174)

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@heatherm

I want to share my experience now that I'm on the other side of spinal fusion surgery. I have read about other people's problems following the surgery, and I greatly feel for them. I'm learning it's not always an easy street once surgery is completed, particularly during later years as people age.
Right now, I feel positive and hopeful about the outcome of my surgery, that involved L3,4,5, and S1. At five weeks later I am regaining my strength and mobility while just starting to reduce my medications. I sleep through a good part of the night, though for the first few weeks, spent a good part of the night in a recliner. I can now walk half an hour with the aid of my hiking sticks with no pain or major fatigue. Previously, I couldn't walk three minutes to the mailbox without deep fatigue and plenty of pain. I now look forward to hiking to the library and grocery store in my new neighborhood. I am starting to dream about the travel possibilities for my husband and I ( once we get past this horrible pandemic). I can enjoy my brand new grandson and being a grandmother, as I have dreamed about for so long!
I feel that the surgery will certainly have been worth it all, even if this just gives me ten, (maybe 20) good years where we can enjoy good health.
I am so grateful- I feel I have regained so many years!

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Replies to "I want to share my experience now that I'm on the other side of spinal fusion..."

Good evening @heatherm, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I noted that your outlook is consistently positive. Congratulation on keeping your promises to yourself that you will let yourself dream of travel and other activities.

We are going to see our grandchildren next month. I am very excited. We get to be there for Amelia's 2nd birthday. And I will be grateful for my shoulder surgery so I can play on the floor with her. And I will have gratitude for my knee that doesn't cry all the time because of my TKR. Just like you, I have had a laminectomy with fusion and my neck has welcomed some titanium blocks to fuse the vertebrae and keep me upright.

You have overcome some real challenges and that s impressive...... and I want you to enjoy all the time you have regained.
May you have contentment and ease.
Chris