Lumbar fusion and pregnancy

Hi,

I posted this question on another forum, but I did not receive any responses.  I had some questions about pregnancy and lumbar fusion.  I am 27 years old, and I recently underwent a lumbar fusion from L4-S1.  I also have two other herniated discs in my back, from L1-L3.  My neurosurgeon stated that I will be able to have a child, have a c-section, and an epidural, if an anesthelogist would agree to it.  My questions are, would I be able to have a natural childbirth, or would I have to have a c-section?  I'm afraid that I will end up needing to be totally under general for birth if it's a c-section.  My other question is should I find a high risk OB, or can I go with any OB?  I also have a history of urinary reflux, and have had bladder surgery.  I'm also looking into finding a back support brace.  I'm also afraid that if I do get pregnant, I will spend most of my pregnancy on bed rest.  My neurosurgeon stated I can start trying to conceive after 6 months from surgery, and we are looking to try in the fall.  I would like to start looking for a new OB if needed before we get pregnant.  Thanks very much for your input.

[maliit78]

Hi there-

I'm in a similar boat- I had a discectomy last August at L4-L5 and am now about 14 weeks pregnant (it came as quite a surprise to us since it was so soon after the surgery).  So far, I'm progressing, but I do have more back soreness than pre-pregnancy and have had some complications with the baby's progression that may or may not be surgery related.  I was on bed rest from weeks 6-10 and am able to walk around slowly now.

I've spoken with my OB and she doesn't seem to want to do a c-section unless totally necessary, however, she plans on talking with my neurosurgeon just to be sure as the surgery was not long ago and due to it's location.  My neurosurgeon, on the other hand, seems to be more open towards the c-section (I seem to trust his opinion more on this!) due to the type of surgery I had.  My OB suggested I have a consult with the hospital anesth. in a few weeks to go over my options since epi's are usually placed at L4-L5.  

One thing I would say is that as happy as I am to be pregnant, if we could have waited a little longer to get pregnant, I probably would have done that, to increase the strength in my back before starting to carry the baby weight.  It is NOT fun at all.  

I hope to keep checking this forum, maybe a knowledgeable person or doctor will respond to this important issue!  Good luck to you and your family planning!

Gen

[Mrs_X]

I'm interested to see if you ladies have received any answers on this topic. I am 27, and had a spinal fusion (l4-S1) 8 months ago.  I would love to start trying for my first child in the fall; however, I would prefer to be able to have an epidural or c section.  I have read that due to location of fusion, I may have to be put completely under for delivery.  Any info you ladies could share would be awesome. I am really nervous about the delivery and my ability to carry full term and maintain a normal life (meaning not be on bedrest).  Is this even a realistic goal?

[Coreysmith]

Hello ladies,
not to freak u out but I have some knowledge in this department and wish I would have had someone talk with me early on in my pregnancy. I am 26 years old and my baby in 4 mths old. I looked into the complications of pregnancy with a spinal fusion. (Mine was done 10 years ago) I was told by my ob the the only issues I should have is the epideral. I in fact could not have an epideral in fear the the medicine might pool and  cause complications. I elected for a c section  because we were concerned about harming me  while pushing. So I had general anesthesia and a c section, which went sooo smoothly. As for my pregnancy. Everything was honky dory up until my 6-7th month. The weight and pressure of the baby ( I only gained 30lbs total) I started having severe si pain, lower back pain and siatic (sciatic) pain. They put me on lighy duty restriction. It became harder and harder to walk and more painful every day. I delivered my healthy happy baby at 27weeks.( due to preclamsia) and ever since I have not been able to stand up straight or walk without severe pain. I am 18 weeks post delivery and still severely disabled. I saw a normal ob which I strongly disagree with looking back also I should have been on bed rest and pt since month 6. The pressure that ur body goes thru should naturally seperate between ur hips and back and due to the rod and fusion my hips/pelvis took all the weight. I am still seeing drs to find a way to eleviate the pain. I might even have a fractured pelvis. I wish I would have been warning about the severity of the pressure and lasting effects if u walk and remain with normal activities up until delivery. I also felt as thouh I should of had an orthopedic work alnong with my ob. Good luck and best advice I could give is to know ur body and make a huge deal out of ur pain. Because only u know ur body and u could permanently injure itself easily. I wish I would have told my dr to take a more active role. Hopefully this helps and doesn't scare anyone. But I can honestly say I woulddo it all again to get my AMAZING daughter!!!!