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← Return to Considering L5-S1 fusion
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I had L5-S1 fusion a little over 6 years ago. I had injured my back after a ski fall. The pain increased over the next year. I was finally directed to a marvelous neurologist who put me on a cocktail of drugs (tramadol, gabapentin, diclofenac potassioum, and diazepam. It took me a few days to acclimate to the side effects of the drugs, but after that, I felt 100%
better, I was back to cycling 30 to 40 miles a week, hiking, and working around the house. I did have an occasional bad day when the pain returned (not as bad as the original pain). I wasn't satisified with what I had gained, so I was directed to an orthopedic surgeon who ordered another MRI (my third one in less than two years), Interestingly, he said that the scan showed spondylothesis at L5-S1 (even though previous scans revealed nothing of the sort). That was early in my pain journey, so what did I know? He recommended fusion. So, I said "go ahead". Surgery went fine. Four months later, I had more pain on my "good days" and worse pain on my bad days. If I knew then what I know now, I would have gotten second, even third opinions, and other radiologists to interpret the MRI images. No way I would have that fusion again. I am still much better off than many that I see on this site, so, I feel blessed for that.
Replies to "I had L5-S1 fusion a little over 6 years ago. I had injured my back after..."
Thank you for this info. I am struggling with this decision and sorry for your experience. I can relate because I skied for 30 years, but I don't blame that for my back pain. Maybe I should. I think a surfing lesson at age 70 did me in. Or maybe gardening- this heavy flower pots are a challenge.
I am taking meds and getting injections. My meds are or have been gabapentin, prednisone, tramadol, tizanidine, naproxen, and Tylenol. Prednisone gave me Cushing Syndrome. Naproxen was discontinued when I ended up in the hospital with diverticulitis. I didn't like the tramadol and I started getting hooked on it, so I stopped it. I am still on prednisone because you have to wean off of it. Surprisingly, a max dose of Tylenol per day is effective. I use tizanidine in the evening when I know I won't be going out again. Gabapentin seems good, but I don't actually feel it working; its effect is subtle. Pain management is my main activity every day.
I have only talked to one surgeon so far who told me the recovery would be brutal and the surgery might not work. This message board has been helpful.
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Hi I don't know if my situation is very similar but I have severe lumbar stenosis and after I walk and stand my calf muscles throb all night making sleeping difficult. The surgeons say I need laminotomy and then fusion or a spinal cord stimulator if I can't do the surgery.
I have an acquaintance who is in training for acupuncture and Chinese medicine who says I should try that for a few months. Any advice ?