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Can anyone recommend L5S1 fusion at age 54?

Spine Health | Last Active: Sep 12, 2023 | Replies (28)

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@denman55

I was told by an Orthopedic surgeon that I am not a candidate for surgery because I do not have CENTRAL canal spinal stenosis. He also told me that the risks far outweigh the benefits. It appears that I have foraminal spinal stenosis and no surgery has ever been recommended for me. I have been in pain with this condition for well over 10-years, have had RFA, Epidural steroid injections, and a MILD procedure. Nothing has worked for me and my pain persists and is getting worse. The spine doctor I see told me that my only option is the Spinal Cord Stimulator. My heart sank!

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Replies to "I was told by an Orthopedic surgeon that I am not a candidate for surgery because..."

SCS has been recommended to me for years…trying all else first. Just had ablation 3-2 2-1 1-5. Both sides. Insurance will only cover 6 spots at one time. Still have so issues near upper hip/spine. See him tomorrow for 4 week follow up, much improved elsewhere. I know it’s not permanent, but procedure was much less of a big deal than I thought.
Not sure if continuing pain is something we can do ablation for in 3-4 months. Had an mri before ablation, and hips appear to be in pretty good shape. So, 🤞🙏🤞 that ablation would be an appropriate treatment.
If not, good news about SCS is that you can have a trial first.
I am not looking forward to that idea, but I’m not looking forward to spending the rest of my life in pain…
Will see what doctor says tomorrow…