elective surgery laminectomy and interspirens process fusion

[monica4301]

I understand the need for surgery to alleviate the sciatic pain down my leg that prevents me from walking,, it has all been explained, but I do not know the post op outcome, they say 80% are helped but then I read that in 5 yrs I am back with the same problem as my arthritis continues to advance.
I am 67 and think if I can avoid this surgery and continue on pt and steroid injections that might just keep me going, I should cancel this elective surgery to be done in just 3 weeks.. I want to do the right thing for my body. I am really frightened and confused.  I dont want to end up having emergency surgery bc I have let this go too long.
I just dont know what to expect post op, immediately, or in a yr or more.

[kittyluv1]

Oops!  Just noticed that you are anticipating a laminectomy and interspinous fusion, but you don't indicate what level of your lumbar spine is involved.  The procedure as stated is not as extensive as a lumbar fusion, but it would help to have additional information before commenting further.

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community. Members are  here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the spine. Advice given is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences

Having surgery can seem very scary, but it depends on exactly what surgery and where it is being done.  From your post, it appears that you are anticipating surgery on your lumbar spine secondary to degenerative changes that have caused pain and sciatica.
Could you elaborate on the exact surgical procedure that is scheduled?  The rate of recovery and anticipated outcomes are different for each type of surgery.
If you have significant nerve involvement, delaying surgery is a risk as permanent damage can occur that may not be repaired even with surgical intervention.
If you have been getting enough relief from the epidual injections and physiotherapy, you possibly could continue with these modalities, but the degenerative changes could progress.  The rate of progression is an unknown and any traumatic injury such as a fall could cause severe injury.
Post again with an update and we will try to assist you further.
Best wishes -----