Comments on: Back [Lumbar] Fusion Surgery for Pain, Sciatica & Stenosis

By: umer

umer — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:38:04 +0000

The most common symptom of true sciatica is posterior thigh, lower leg or foot pain that can be much worse than the accompanying lower back pain

By: Maria

Maria — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 06:19:23 +0000

I’m doing good 4 weeks after surgery. I’m walking since day one pos op, and then when I came back home. After 2 weeks I was able to walk 1 mile everyday, and I’m keeping moving. The restrictions are important to help the fusion heal, so no bending, no twisting, no lifting are the directions we must follow. I had L4-L5 and L5-S1 fusion, screws, rods, you name it! My problems wasn’t new, I just had pain for almost 20 years, which had worsen in the last 5 months. I think the new procedures available today make my recovery much better than if I had a surgery 10 years ago. I’m not free of pain but it is nothing compare to what I had before. Right now I have pain, limited to the surgery site, but it is not constant nor strong, and I can have it controlled by light medication.
I have to use a brace for 4 to 6 weeks, and I think I took the right decision . I hope I can keep myself in this pace of recovery.

By: ddixon

ddixon — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:14:34 +0000

I was hoping for more info from patients after the surgery..It has been 2 wks for me, I had the spinal stenosis plus the movement of the L5 lubar which was moving in front of the spine would also move behid the spine..causing nerves on right side to be pinched causing pain in the right butock and down the right leg..in addition to that it was throwing my spine out of aligment..The end result was the L5 SI fusion along with bone grft from my pelvic. I’m not sure at this point tht I did the right decision, it was basically the last option. I think the post surgery (healing time) is the worst, as there is so many things tht you can’t do and sitting/standin bending all cause pretty severe pain..this is way they limit this type of activity..they do suggest walking as the best thing to do..um walking for me is a litle unstable, was given a walker,think I have graduated from the walkier but still not real confident walkin long distances. I would like to hear more from people with this surgery a year or more down the road..I would like to know if they are able to perform there previous work as they did before the surgery. I know this is still the beging of the healing process but it sure feels like sitting/standing and bending are going to be something that I have to learn to deal with, not going to be happy if this is the case. sorry to ramble on I’m just really curious what the future holds for me.

By: DCogsdil

DCogsdil — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:16:12 +0000

I have had 9 fusions…so have 18 screws and two rods. Its been three years I can walk further but still alot of pain. Some days it feels like the screws are going to come out. Wish I never had it done. But this was my last hope and still severe pain. Did all the esi’s shots and chiro, tried everything. So, guess I will be like this the rest of my life and I am only 44. Good luck to everyone. debs

By: fatchuk812

fatchuk812 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:16:12 +0000

I have had terrible lower back pain for the last year and a half. Have been to chiropractors, accupuncturists, phys. therapists, 5 spinal injections and can get no relief. Even the surgeons have no answeres for me? After listening to the testimonials, a spinal fusion seems to be no remedy either? Most people are still in pain and some are worse. One doctor actually said “Learn to live with it”…….
I guess maybe that is what I’ll have to do.
Might not be worth it though? Tired of the pain.

By: J5mTine

J5mTine — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:16:12 +0000

Thanks! It helped me with my case.

By: xRaineNothingx

xRaineNothingx — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:16:12 +0000

I have had two disc laminectomys and now face lumbar infusion at L3-L4 and L4-L5 and rods with metal disc implants at S1. The doctors say 4 to 6 months flat in bed. Does anyone have any information to give me on the surgeries?

By: itrainsinoctober

itrainsinoctober — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:16:12 +0000

I tried chiropracty, massage, epidurals, exercise, etc. If you have low back pain, mid-back pain, or whatever it may be, there is a really great read called “Healing Back Pain” by Dr. John Sarno. It conveys the most Responsible Content on the matter that I have ever come across and is NOT “about” anatomy in general. You can google his name – don’t have to buy the book. P.S. I’ve had 2 discectomies in the past – didn’t know better, and…..yeah, it’s a really worthwhile read.

By: Hatchetman6971

Hatchetman6971 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:16:12 +0000

Me too, and I agree with the post surgical part. I just wanted to die.

By: Hatchetman6971

Hatchetman6971 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:16:12 +0000

6 inch’s. After I returned to work at the Kenworth Factory I was run over, now with 3 more bad disc’s.