Connect
13 yrs after Lumbar Fusion...what would you do?
Good day back pain community,
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is J...I am 42 years old...fell off a ladder when I was 20 and had a lumbar fusion in 2009 to fuse my L5/S1.
13 years after the fusion, the above two discs have experienced quite a bit of wear and tear. It appears that the L4 and L5 have completely collapsed.
My question for the community is, has anyone experienced something similar? And what have they done surgery wise? I think it would be clear to say that am beyond any over the counter remedies. 😂
I haven't met with my orthopedic surgeon yet to discuss the options, but I would like to hear of any success/horror stories prior to my appointment. I come from a medical family so I have heard the gamut from the MD's in my family...however, none of the MD's have had to undergo anything like a fusion.
If any MD's are reading this, I would love to hear from you as well.
Here is a link to my CT Scan...
youtube.com/shorts/hnnHs4R6DpQ
Here is a link to my MRI...
youtube.com/shorts/WX3h1PEiV48
Sorry...you will have to copy and paste cause it won't let me post full links.
A plethora of appreciation to anyone that takes the time to respond. 😁🙏
J
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
I'm an RN ago recently underwent minimally invasive fusion of L-4, L-5 & S-1. I awoke in the post-anesthesia area with no sciatic nerve pain which I had endured for decades.
My surgeon utilized nerve mapping intraoperatively to minimize the handling of nerves.
I'm recovering well, originally having a L-5 Discectomy in 1991. My neurosurgeon told me then I had the discs of a seventy year old man.
Find yourself either a neurosurgeon or a spine or scoliosis fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon. Spine surgery is different for each individual based on their bone & disc degeneration.
I also recommend having the surgery at a hospital that does a lot of back surgery so you have excellent postoperative support.
Best to you. ☮️
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsOne of the side effects of fusion is degeneration of the adjacent discs. More fusion will decrease your mobility further and create the same adjacent degeneration again. Another option is artificial disc replacement (ADR) which allows movement and doesn't put pressureon the adjacent discs. The USA is approved for two levels of ADR's and from what I have read, some insurance companies will pay for it. I live in Canada and four months ago I went to Germany and had five artificial discs replaced in my neck. They do multilevels which is what I needed. I believe that even for two discs, they are much cheaper than the USA. Of course insurance if you have it for the USA would most likely be affected if you had surgery in another country. My cost was my responsibility and it was a big decision. You can send your imaging and medical history and they will give you a free consult. A quote later and you'll have all the info you need to make a medical and financial decision. I am a massage therapist and can speak professionally and personally when I say, you are too young for more fusions. I am happy to provide more info.
Can u tell me who your surgeon is?
Dr Chris Graves is my surgeon.