Have multi level spinal fusion next week! Help!!!!

[bjferge]

Hi,  I'm new to this forum, but not to back problems. Sorry about some of the spelling before I start. I've been suffering with a bad back for 7 years. I'm so looking forward to this surgery. I can't take the pain much longer. Last year it hit the worst. I think that's when my L4,L5 disk went.  The L5,S1 disk went in 2000. I have besides herniated disks, sevior curving of my lower spin, where it's pulling away from my pelvic bone, arthritis in my L4,L5,and S1, caused from stress fractures, degenerative spine disorder, spondylios(sp), and last but not least spinal bifita occulata(sp).  So it's a mess.
  I have had every possible back test thought up by man, and trust me some of them where killers.  Did the epideral injections, brought on diabetes, did physical therapy, tried a chyropractor(sp), he admitted he couldn't help, also recevied a tez unit . I don't for see any other treatments left for me.  Right now I take enough oxycodone, and other type drugs, that it's effecting my personality,bouts of depression, anxiety, paramoid, and making me act like a teenager(I'm 37) also, and after surgery, they have to ween me off them.  It also effecting my job.  They think I'm drunk, NOT! I almost lost my job too!  My friends are really wondering about me, along with my family! I was never like this, before last year and the drugs.
  My question is has anyone else gone through all this h__l?  Has anyone else had this kind of surgery, and did it help?  I don't think I can take much more of this.  Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

[JD54]

Hi! I had a 5 level fusion of the L-2,3,4,5,andS-1,in May of 08.Since then  I now can walk and move about but I have a lot of lower back pain. It is tolerable with 7.5 vicodin,about 3 a day. I also had left knee replaced in 07 and had to retire from construction. I am currently 54 ye
ars old
                        Thanks,
                                       Joe

[tontodansgirl]

I am 34 and I had a fusion at l4-l5 October 15, 2009.  It has been 4 1/2 weeks and I am doing great.  Haven't even started therapy yet.  I start it the 16th of this month.  I walk as much as I can and pretty much do what I want just don't pick up nothing heavy.  I haven't worn my brace today.  First time since surgery..  Like I read in one of the post; technology is more advanced than it was years ago and although the discogram  hurts like poo, and even made my back worse, with the right doctor and surgery you'll survive..  Good luck..

[MV_rico]

I recently had a level 2 fusion on Aug 27 2009. L4,L5,S1. So far so good. I was in the hospital 4 days. They had me up and walking the next day. I will admit its been painful but Im happy I did it. I actually think the second week post op was the worst. I'm actually going in today for my first follow up appointment and to have the staples taken out. They went throught the front for my sugery. Its about a 5-6" incision. I definitly recommend the fusion. Even though its only been a couple weeks. The pain is much better than what I went through before. Before this surgery, I had 3 epidurals and a discectomy in aug 2006. I felt this was my only option to help with the pain. Good luck. Hope you find the help you need.

[shayron13]

I had my first work related injury in 05. herniation of the disc. I went through the epideral injections and they worked. Had no major back problems until this past summer july of 08. I was doing my job, lifted a box and got instant pain to the same area.... I knew right away that I injured it again..... went through chiro, and eventually had the shots again. they helped but not like the first time. I just had a discogram this past friday and was told that I need multi level fusion. I'm scared but can't live with this low back and leg pain. Anyone recently have fusion with all the new techology

[Sweetpotatoe57]

Having terrible pain.  DDD at L5 S1, spinal stenosis in the same area, L4, L3 not as bad, and  cannot sit at all.  Posterior disc bulging seen.  PT want me to do back extension to open up the back of the spine.  Have you heard of this.  All the Dr's say I don't need surgery, but going down hill fast.  Any suggestions?? Can't sleep, muscle spasms, and burning in arms. Something seems to be going on in my T8, or around that area, and MRI showed no problems in the T's.  Also have SI joint issues.  I am A MESS!  Any thoughts on exercises?

[mhigdon1599]

I would love to hear any story's about successful spinal fusion on the lumbar area. I am awaiting surgery for the spinal fusion on the Lumbar, only one level and am very very scared . I am in severe pain from my mid back all the way to my lumbar and my butt and hip area and feeling lots of leg pain from my knee to my toes. The pain is mostly in my lumbar and butt hip area if is wasnt for meds ( im taking hydrocodine 7.5 about 8 a day) i would not be able to get out of bed . I just would love to hear some success story's to help with this whole mental process.
Thanks to all