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Can anyone recommend L5S1 fusion at age 54?
After years of being active/athletic I injured my back in May of 2022. Thought it was just a “tweak” and did a round of therapy as I had several trips planned through the summer that I needed to complete. By August I was barely able to move and at 53 was using a walker. Discovered I had a sever herniated disk L5S1. Had to get the insurance epidural which did nothing and ended up in emergency surgery. Fully recovered! Was back 100% until early Drc 2022. Began having tightness and aching in left buttock. Another epidural with no results. Then Christmas Eve debilitating pain again. Another epidural and then discovered after finally getting second MRI in 5 months I somehow re-herniated the same disk even more severely. Had to get another insurance epidural which caused excruciating pain and ended up with same emergency surgery again. This time left with tingling/numbness in left leg from hip to toe. Therapy helped me strengthen and get rid of my limp.
Now I feel like Im back where I started. Ortho Dr who did the previous surgeries says I need fusion. I’ve sought a second opinion from a respected Neurosurgeon who has ordered an MRI and says it’s either a chronic pain from orrmanodamaged Sciatic nerve or I will need fusion. A week ago I would have said I could live with the current issues for a year or more but now I don’t believe I can. I’ve heard so many mixed opinions in fusion…Do it! Don’t do it!
I’ve gone from a very active 54 yr old to feeling and moving like I’m 90. I want my life back…within reason of course.
I’m seeking counsel and opinions from those who have faced this same decision. Your results, your suggestions, your prayers!
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so sorry to hear about your pain. I will be having my 9th spine surgery 9/6 on L3/L4 and L4/L5. This time it is severe spinal stenosis. I am 67 years old now but my spine issues started over 30 years ago. I have had L5/S1 discectomy and fusion and got along great! Just to get rid of that pain made it all worth it. I would recommend that you go to a spine surgeon if at all possible. It's always your choice, but I couldn't stand the pain and having no quality of life. I wish you all the best!
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1 ReactionI definitely understand what you are going through. It is great to get second and even third opinions. There is also research information on the internet and doctors on You Tube - Mayo and Seattle Science Foundation. I have been fused C3-C7, T2-S1 and Si joints. The area i would also ask about is your si joints. Some people when they are fused in the lower lumbar also have si joint issues later. Some doctor's will take care of this issue with the lower fusion. Keeping your core and back muscles strong will also help you long term.
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1 ReactionHello @deedee12 Welcome to Connect. I have looked at Seattle Science Foundation videos before and there is a lot of information there. It is geared for surgeons and I learned a lot. I did go to Mayo for surgery and had a C5/C6 fusion. My surgeon did recommend keeping core strength to help protect my spine.
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1 ReactionI wonder if you did any PT and kept it up after your initial injury? I can understand your reluctance for surgery but consider this. Your injury occurred and weakened your back. You’ve had a few procedures and the more insult to your back by each the more scar tissue occurs no matter how small. So unless you’ve been doing a daily exercise program to strengthen and maintain your physicality your back may be still weak. Core exercises are the optimal for bad backs and PT would have you performing those types of exercises. I’d try PT first if your pain is not too bad. Also try using heat on your back before stretching or exercising and cold packs afterward to cease the pain from exercising. It’s my routine 2x day.
Hi there Not sure if this will help but thought its worth a shot. I had blockers put in my neck and my lower back which were very successful to the point we are now going back to burn the nerve's. At the start i couldn't understand why i would bother given it might only last 3 to 18 months or so... but now agree with the pain specialist that you don't realise how much pain we are used to until it is gone. I just thought i would share this with you incase it helps at all
take care from Australia
https://www.advancedneurosurgery.com.au/artificial-disc-replacement
.htmlhttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lumbar-disk-replacement#:~:text=The%20lumbar%20vertebrae%20and%20disks,combination%20of%20metal%20and%20plastic
https://www.adrspine.com/insights/i5-s1-disc-replacement-success-rate#:~:text=Why%20L5%2DS1%20Disc%20Replacement,from%2075.5%25%20to%2093.3%25.
I am 64 and had L4/L5 fusion this past June, I have been suffering with serious lower back pain since 2016. I had epidurals twice a year to no avail, I then decided to address the stenosis with a L4/L5 laminectomy in 2018 which relieved 80% of my pain and 50-60% of the numbness. At that time my surgeon strongly suggested I consider a fusion but based on all the negativity regarding fusion surgery I opted for the laminectomy. By late 2021 it was like I never had the laminectomy and my pain continued to get worse. Although only 2 months post surgery 100% of my non surgical pain is completely gone and the numbness is at trace levels. In my situation I wish I wold have listened to the guidance in 2018. Hope this give you one additional data point and best of luck.
When I was 58 I had a spinal fusion of L4-S1..2 plates 6 screws..are still there as soft bone from hip was packed around the fusion.. Done in OKC by excellent surgeon (Odor) 1995.. no problems in that area since. Now at 86 I do so much better than others my age .. slim, male.. professional work now retired.