I need some good feedback concerning spinal fusion...

[jmanderson]

I am scheduled to have spinal fusion on Friday at L3-L4 and i'm very nervous.  I'd really like to hear of some people that have had this and have had a successful outcome?  I don't want to hear horror stories, as this is not something that I can NOT have done.  Thanks!

[IOUEBILL4]

HAD MY L3-L4-L5 FUSED TOGETHER ON APR 07 2010 (8hrs in OR) AFTER TWO DAYS ALL DISC,LUMBAR RELATED PAIN WAS GONE ONLY PAIN WAS AROUND INCISION, UP AND WALKING NEXT DAY  "TOUGH" GOING FROM SITTING TO STANDING  WAS IN HOSPITAL FOR 7 DAYS ONLY TO REGULATE MY BLOOD (ON BLOOD THINNERS)  STARTED SWIMMING THE END OF MAY, SOME STRECHING + LAPS FOR 30 MINS TOPPED OFF WITH 8 MINS IN HOT TUB (LOVED THE HOT TUB) STARTED SWINGING GOLF CLUB JULY 1st BACK WAS "STIFF" AFTER 18 HOLES BUT PAIN FREE.JUST STARTED SOME LIGHT RACKETBALL BY MYSELF REALLY FEELING NORMAL,STARTING TO LIFT WEIGHTS WITH A 50lb LIMIT I SWEAR BY MY 6 SCREWS AN 2 RODS  THE PAIN WILL BE THERE FOR A FEW MONTHS @ THE BEGINNING BUT IT WAS THE  "B E S T" THING I'VE HAD DONE TO MY BACK  I'M 62 JUST RETIRED AND FEELING GREAT, TAKING ARTHTITIS TYLENOL.THE "MOST IMPORTANT" PART OF THIS WHOLE PROCESS IS YOUR DOCTOR AND I HAD THE  """BEST DOCTOR"""" PERFORMING THIS TYPE OF OPERATION AND HIS NAME  IS DR.MICHEAL GROFF @ THE BETH ISRAEL SPINE CENTER BOSTON MASS. MY BACK IS COMMING AROUND BUT MY GOLF STILL  "*****"   LOL   LOL   GOOD LUCK
"

[summer39]

I've been to many doctors regarding fusion. There's an 80-85% chance that you will have a reduction in pain & 97% chance that you will fuse. You can ask your doctor for his specific success rates. The other good thing you have going for you is taht you're only having one level done. You're more likely to feel better & heal from just having one level.

Good luck. I know it's hard, but it's better to try to not be nervous going into it :)

I think that you tend to read horror stories on the internet & in these forums because those are the people who need & are seeking support and advice.