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Contemplating L5 S1 decompression and fusion surgery
Hello, I am new to the group. I am on the tipping point of making a surgery decision. I am 59 years old and healthy. I have lumbar stenosis with severe narrowing of foramina at L5S1. I injured myself lifting a heavy object in Nov 25. I have a bulging disc at L5S1. I have had 9 months of PT. 12 sessions of chiro. 2 epidural injections.
I am upright and mobile without pain. However, I have a dull and heavy feeling in my lower back. I have a slight loss of sensation in my left thigh, calf, and top of foot.
I am wary of permanent nerve damage without surgical intervention. Surgeon is recommending a decompression and fusion.
Please weigh in on your results if you are post op with a procedure as described. I need to be committed to my decision. Thank you.
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I am 71 yrs old. Much lower back pain for many years and excruciating pain in right hip.
Sept. 25'. I have lumbar surgery for L2, L3, L4, L5, S1 after physical therapy and injections didn't work.
I'm still recovering but, have never looked back. Best thing I could have done. Make sure you have a good neurosurgen and get copies of images with explanations
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2 ReactionsI had a fusion of L5/S1 about 11 years ago. I'm still suffering from the surgery. Sorry I had it. I just got worse. But everyone is different.
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2 ReactionsI had compression with bulging disc after a similar incident to yours. Many weeks of PT and chiro years later to try and deal with pain. Then a PT helped more. My view is; after watching many fellow back sufferers come out of the wood work (it seems when you get a condition you start to meet lots of others). It seemed to me that most of the surgery people did worse, with a few that had a great experience. But the numbers weighed heavier toward 'Not Good" outcomes over long term.
My doctor put me on traction to decompress. I could tell it worked so I got my own decompression device. An inversion table has kept my sciatica down. Weigh loss is important, if you have a big tummy it works against you. Anyway, now a days I only get some warning pain in my foot to remind me to get on the table and do some traction.
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5 Reactions@restisaweapon but, what are the side effects of using a decompression device long term? I read something about brain issues.
My family thinks spinal injections are better for me, than surgery.
Why?
Please post a reply.
Thanks.
VJ
Hi mjc0901
Read my posts under Foraminotomy (notably my detailed reply in the comms thread) for similar experiences and potential ways forward. I'm seeing my third neurosurgeon tomorrow for a third opinion as I do not want a L5-S1 fusion.
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2 Reactions@vijay26
Injections have very few side effects. i lived on them for probably 5 years.
They take the inflamation down which makes the nerve less iritated.
In my case the hole where the nerve exits physically has gotton the to point that shots don't help.
Not sure what type of surgery you are talking about doing, but there are many different types. Fusions are definately not something to jump into and should be a last resort as once you go down that road you can't undo it.
The best thing to do is to research, research and research as everyone has a different type of anatomy and problems
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1 Reaction@jlsThank you for your reply.surplus
I do not know, what I am getting into. Epidural injection type of Spinal injection or more going into
Spinal cord itself?!
How many injections did you get
to ease your pain, if I may ask you?
I am really really scared about Spinal injections and surgeries on my fragile back.
How can you live w pain for 24/7?
It is horrible. Sometimes, I feel that being paralyzed may be better than dragging your body in acute pain 24/7. Why?
If you are paralyzed, you cannot feel any pain. You would need assistance from another human being for 24/7. It is not easy either way.
I am totally lost and want to die.
Very depressed and do not have a will to extend life.
Euthanasia is good for all those who need it. We have a right to be born and a right to die.
You have a great day now.
Thanks again.
VJ
@vijay26
I had epidural steroid injections that were at the nerve root.
I probably got 1 every 6 months average and then more often until last year when they quit working.
Do you have a specific diagnosis of what is wrong?
You really need to start there.
A fusion from L2-L5 is the only structural treatment for me.
My wife has had 6 fusions so I have seen the results and will put it off as long as I am able.
Personally I have come to accept that the pain is there whether I like it or not so I have to make the best of it. I try to find ways to minimize it.
There are a lot of people worse off than me.
If you are truly as depressed as you say you are then please seek out psychological help. There are specific pain psycologists who can help.
If you are just venting I understand as it comes with the pain.
Thank you so much jlssurplus
What is a fusion?
Is it better than Spinal injections?
My neurosurgeon told me that I am not a good candidate for major spinal surgeries.
But, being a very depressed person that I am, I preferred surgery over injections.
For some acupuncture works, it seems.
I haven't tried anything, except taking Hydromorphone and Morphine for my.pains. Even these medications do not help me. The Drs want to cut off Motphine, because of its addictive nature.
What pain medications are generally given to people in pain?
Pain is something very painful to understand.
Thanks again.
VJ