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Hi @cis and others who have had spinal fusion surgery. I'm considering a fusion at L5-S1, and I am interested to know more about real patient experiences with spinal fusion.
Surgeons generally say they do a lot of them, and they claim the success rate is quite good. So, I would like to hear more real patient experiences with spine fusion. My disc is mostly gone at L5-S1. Based on Xray, it's bone-on-bone. The remaining disc is bulging and pressing on the nerve. I had two decompressions at that location in 2006, which provided a little pain relief for a couple of years. Hence, scar tissue has formed to place more pressure on the nerve, along with the bulging disc.
In summary, I'm thinking about having L5-S1 fused, and I would like to hear about good and bad experiences to help me decide.
Replies to "Hi @cis and others who have had spinal fusion surgery. I'm considering a fusion at L5-S1,..."
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Based on my experience, unless you are losing or have lost the use of your leg(s) or bowel/bladder function, I recommend you exhaust all other alternatives before having such a radical procedure done.
I had what was described to me as a simple hemilaminectomy to relieve boney pressure on my L5-S1 nerve root in March 2021. 95% chance of an excellent outcome. This was not the case.
I rehab daily and my leg/ butt pain is still worse than it was before the surgery. Most days I wish I had not undergone the surgery.
No matter what the surgeon tells you, spinal surgery is a BIG DEAL.
Everyone is different. Some have the desired result but the vast majority do not.
Aside from the risk of infection, the trauma to the nerves will be extensive and if you develop scar tissue around the nerves, prepare yourself for a life of agony.
In any event, recovery is LONG if you’re in good physical condition and much longer if you are not.
I can’t offer alternative suggestions but I can tell you to be very deliberate about this.