Facing level 3 fusion on L2-L5

[sami1153]

I have been advised to have a Level 3 fusion on L2-3, L3-4, L4-5 as these discs are herniated.. At L1-2 and L5-S1, discs are bulging.  Also DDD and Scoliosis of the lower.  I was told I would be "stiff".   So my question is....just how stiff are you and what is your quality of life afterward. Does anyone out there had any "positive stories" to share?  However, I still would like to know how ya feel, even if it's not so good news to share.  
I'm very confident in my neurologist since he took care of my cervical problems back in Jan of 2008.  I had a cervical fusion on C4-5 with bone spurs removed.  Thank goodness I did.  I can say it was tough going for awhile..but I can honestly say I am 100%...no pain whatsoever.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks and Happy New Year.  I'm truly hoping that 2011 will be a much better year.

[squirtatious]

I wish u the very best hun, its not an easy surgery however if its ur only last option and everything else has been tried, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. U'll be in my thoughts!! *hugs* happy new year to u as well

[sami1153]

I'm glad that you are feeling better these days.  Yes, I have had other opinions....same response.  My entire lumbar spine is a "mess" I'm told.  Mostly due to the physical work that I've done all my life.  I'm a 57 yr female otherwise in good health.  Have suffered with lower back pain as far back as I can remember.  Since the end of Sept 2010, it has gotten progressively worse.  I was just standing and felt my lower back just drop.  Talk about pain.  Ended up in ER and advised to see neurosurgeon.  The report is so long, involving every disc in the lumbar spine.  Walking and standing are so hard.  Tires me out like there's no tomorrow.  I'm on Motrin 600, Robaxim,and Valium.  If I don't take them, the muscles start spasming all over the place.  Toes are numb, piercing pains down both legs and my lower back feels like it is on fire.  I don't know if I'm having a reaction to the meds, but my stomach is a mess.  Or it could be that I've just caught some intestinal flu bug.  The scoliosis is in the lower lumbar and sacrum and curves to the left.  My left side is where most of the problems are.  I was beginning to think that I needed a hip replacement.  But now since the MRI...I know why.  I kinda freaked when I saw my MRI and once the report came, I couldn't believe what I was reading.  I only wish I could hear something positive about this surgery.  Don't really want to have it...but what other alternative do I have.  The shots, physical therapy and pain management are only band aids. My neuro said this is something that will not get better on it's own.  If I don't take care of L2-L5, then L1-2 and L5-S1 are going to go as they are already bulging.  
Hope you are on the mend and feel better soon.  Happy New Year!!!  (at least hoping for one).  

[squirtatious]

Have u had multiple opinions of what's the best way to manage ur issues? A 3 level fusion is nothing to sneeze at!! Not trying to sound neg, however the success rate goes down the more levels involved.  What's ur scoliosis curvature? Its normal to have discs dry out as we age, if u don't mind sharing, what are ur symptoms? I wish u the best whatever path u chose. I had a 1 level fusion in feb of this year. Took 3 months to get to the pint I could handle my pain, another 3 months to begin getting back into the synx (sp) of things. I still don't do anything that requires extensive bending, hurts my back and makes my legs feel funny and achy. Otherwise, I have some stiffness and soreness in my lower back that I deal with regularly. I'm doing a lot better than where I began earlier on in the year:)