What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?

In my case, not the best result. Was diagnosed with both peripheral neuropathy and spinal stenosis. Vanderbilt specialists were saying one thing (peripheral neuropathy) and an other prominent neurological surgery group saying spinal stenosis. Tried to get in to Mayo and John Hopkins to get another opinion to break the tie but I guess because I had been seen and diagnosed by two competent groups of specialists, I was turned down. I finally had to make a decision as I was beginning to fall down.

So, in mid-May of last year, at the age of 67 I had both a spinal fusion and laminectomy performed. 12 hour surgery from T-10 to S-1. Brutal. The first month I was in so much pain even under medication I just wanted to die.

So, fast forward to today, 13 1/2 months later. Am really no better. While I advanced from a wheelchair to a walker to a cane, I am still in considerable pain even though I am on muscle relaxers and pain medication (Oxycodone) under the supervision of a pain management clinic. I am still very unstable and feel as though I don’t have the connectivity in my back / spine to be able to walk.

Have done the electronic stimulator for six (6) months to promote bone and nerve regeneration, continued physical therapy and also recently a laser therapy that is fairly new technology and not covered by insurance.

Bottom line is is that after all that I have not improved my quality of life and probably have added to it extra pain and discomfort, fatigue, and continued lack of stability on my feet and mobility.

Just had an MRI done yesterday for a third spine specialist to look at my back to determine if a grant else is going on. He mentioned when he looked at a regular e-ray last week that I might have some screws loose which might explain the continued pain after over a year.

Am not complaining if it sounds that way. Am grateful to still be hanging around. So may other people have is a lot worse then I do. Just trying to encourage anybody who is contemplating any kind of back / spine surgery to prayerfully consider the potential risk and the fact that you may not be any better and maybe worse after the surgery.

Mayo Connect is a life saver. To have a forum by which you have others and a support group to talk to who have been through similar experiences and can relate has been extreme helpful to me.

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My surgery was a only a 3 level open surgical fusion, and very complex. My surgeon was the first in the US to use the Mazor robotic approach. I was hospitalized for 4/5 days and then transitioned into the hospital’s acute recovery unit for 3 weeks. I had 3 physical therapy and occupational sessions daily, it was difficult. I also had a neurologist, his PA and a RN overseeing my care plus an assigned nurse and nurses aides. A hospitalist, my surgeon, his surgical assistant and PA came to see me several times while I was in the unit. This group took a team approach to decisions concerning my care, arranged for an emergency MRI and OR room for my seroma and another drain.

The skill of my orthopedic surgeon was a major blessing, and he used the Mazor robot to set the screws (99.9% accuracy) in the fusion hardware, which is so important. My surgeon also had another physician on his surgical team who monitored the nerves in my spine as he worked on each vertebrae.
I was well trained and prepared to go home after receiving this care. Did I mention my surgeon prayed with me before went went in to the OR.

The surgeon’s name is Neville Alleyene and his hospital affiliation is TriCity Medical Center in Oceanside CA.

Above all, please don’t give up. God led me to this doctor and I suffered for two decades before finding a doctor who said he could fix my back! AND HE DID. The first couple of months after surgery was rough, but is now very tolerable.

May the Lord bless you as well.

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Seems like you should be better than "just hanging around". From my own experience and talking to others who have been rushed into spinal fusion with all kinds of promises, the end result is often no help. I actually felt a little worse 4 months after L5-S1 fusion, Interestingly, the orthopedic surgeon who did the fusion saw spondylothesis at that joint. No other radiologist picked this up. I believe I had had 2 or 3 MRIs up to that point. Makes one take pause. My best advice is to gat 2 or 3 other opinions.

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I would say that the Lord led you to the perfect situation. The care and nymber of medical personnel who assited in your care and recovery is unheard of back here in PA. There may be such a team of specialists in our PA area, but I have yet to find them. Most office visits are 15 minutes in a little cubical with PA and then doctor. Quick review and a short discussion, then, OK, let's see you back in a week or two. I have often said, even on this website, where are all the doctors, specialists, etc. working together on my problem (like one sees on the TV shows)?

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My surgery was a only a 3 level open surgical fusion, and very complex. My surgeon was the first in the US to use the Mazor robotic approach. I was hospitalized for 4/5 days and then transitioned into the hospital’s acute recovery unit for 3 weeks. I had 3 physical therapy and occupational sessions daily, it was difficult. I also had a neurologist, his PA and a RN overseeing my care plus an assigned nurse and nurses aides. A hospitalist, my surgeon, his surgical assistant and PA came to see me several times while I was in the unit. This group took a team approach to decisions concerning my care, arranged for an emergency MRI and OR room for my seroma and another drain.

The skill of my orthopedic surgeon was a major blessing, and he used the Mazor robot to set the screws (99.9% accuracy) in the fusion hardware, which is so important. My surgeon also had another physician on his surgical team who monitored the nerves in my spine as he worked on each vertebrae.
I was well trained and prepared to go home after receiving this care. Did I mention my surgeon prayed with me before went went in to the OR.

The surgeon’s name is Neville Alleyene and his hospital affiliation is TriCity Medical Center in Oceanside CA.

Above all, please don’t give up. God led me to this doctor and I suffered for two decades before finding a doctor who said he could fix my back! AND HE DID. The first couple of months after surgery was rough, but is now very tolerable.

May the Lord bless you as well.

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A second response today...Yes, pre-surgical good physical conditioning is a factor in recovery. BTW - I can't imagine a surgery just to remove the screws. That option has never been presented by my neurosurgeon - nor would I be interested in another cycle of surgery/recovery just for that reason!

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Have always held on to the belief that with GOD all things are possible ! Nothing quite like having a competent and well trained medical professional / physician who prays over you. GOD is the ultimate physician ……

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That sounds like an amazing surgeon you found! May I ask how insurance handled this very intense surgery and that you had a long hospital stay? I guess if u are on Medicare, approval went easier.

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