L4-L5 fusion and spondy

[Lil Bo Peep]

What physical therapy or massage therapy would you recommend before fusion surgery which I am not reading good results but also need bilateral decompression same area.  I would like to do decompression first but the surgeons like to push for both at same time.

Pain is unbearable in foot and calf muscle which was helped by epidural for a month.  Thank you.

[kittyluv1]

Having the fusion surgery at this time would probably be the best treatment option for you.  With spondylosis and spondylolisthesis (vertebra slipping forward over adjacent vertebra) nerve decompression alone without stabilization of your spine would probably not reduce any pain symptoms you are currently experiencing.
Any time there is an invasive procedure, especially when dealing with the spinal column and associated nerves, there is increased risk for infection and other intra-operative complications.  Having two procedures when  doing only one could address your symptoms with less risk involved.
While fusion surgery may be scary, the risk of not having surgery done in a timely manner can lead to further problems which may not be able to be corrected.  Your condition can only progress and expose you to higher risk if not addressed in an appropriate timeframe.
I hope you are able to make the decisions regarding your treatment options and I do wish you the best as you move forward.
Keep us posted on your progress ----

[Lil Bo Peep]

Thank you kitty for your response.  I need a bilateral nerve decompression in same area L4-L5 which is one surgery.  I also have spinal instability by L4 sitting in front of L5, thus need for fusion.  The neurosurgeon would like to do both at same time but says I can wait if I really want on the fusion although I would need it anyway.  Later would make it a little harder due to scar tissue.  The ortho said I could do the nerve decompression first and fusion later, however there is huge discrepancy in recovery time as well as rehab.

Yes degenerate disc disease from c1-s5. and spondyylosis.  hemangioma at T3 or T4.  I'm not concerned about any of that and neither are the doctors as my pain is so great right now from the nerve compression at L4-L5 and last month a cyst formed there (or perhaps before) wrapping around L5 nerve root.  Very painful.  It was aspirated but will come back and I think it is starting to already.

I 'm not liking what I read about others who have had the bone fusion.  With exception of children, the adults seem worse off and some want a reversal if possible!

[kittyluv1]

It appears from your post that you are being scheduled for lumbar fusion surgery which would involve removal of the affected intervertebral disc at the L4-L5 level, with bone graft and stabilization of the lumbar spine.
Is this related to degenerative disc disease and spondylosis?  Is there any evidence of degenerative changes in any other level of the lumbar spine?
Pre-operative preparation can be focused on strengthening the primary back muscles to maintain and improve function.  Stretching exercises are good preparation.
It might be beneficial for you to have an evaluation with a physical therapist to be instructed in the best exercise program which would be designed to meet your individual needs.
I'm not sure what you mean regarding decompression prior to fusion. Are you trying to resolve some specific issue?  Fusion surgery with bone graft is essentially a decompression surgery.  Disc height is increased and maintained with the donor bone graft and stabilized with plating/screws.
Post again with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ----