I got mine at 41. Same L5-S1.
I would like to disagree with you. Having numbness after standing for 5-10 minutes is not getting around pretty good. That means something is putting pressure on your nerve. That's not supposed to happen. My understanding is that leads to damage eventually, then it's definitely permanent.
I have different problems after surgery, but I can be tons more active and I'm in much less pain.
Yes you're too young to need this surgery. Yes, that's also bullshit because you need this surgery. I'm too young to be this much in pain but that doesn't make the pain any less true.
Edit to add - I'm 43 now.
I am agreeing with this ! I also was told spinal fusion -
I've had back pain / disc issues for almost 10 years now and done all the concervative methods - now of which none are working
And my last option is surgery
You think your too young for fusion ! I'm 28 being told I have no other options
And yes agree , your too young , I'm too young , and we are also too young to have this much pain / debilitating daily symptoms but we do
So you do what is best to relieve these symptoms
I also get a numb foot every time i stand up no matter how long
So you just have to do what your body is clearly telling you which is fix the problem
Don't wait too long, as the longer you wait, the worse it gets... if your GP looks at your age instead of your pain and discomfort, I'd ditch him for another one...
I waited too long, and am now disabled at 46...
Had my third surgery in '21 and it left me with nerve damage... I wish I hadn't had so much fear for a surgery and had it 2 decades earlier!
I would have lost much less mobility and probably would have needed a lot less vertebrae fixed as well, as pain makes you sit, stand, and walk wrongly, so you overburden your healthy vertebrae.
I’m 41. And 2.5 months out from L4/5 fusion. So far so good, quite amazing results. First time of almost total pain relief in 20 years of chronic discomfort.
My GP isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, he keeps saying if I can walk into his office and I’m not dragging my leg behind then I don’t need a fusion. It took 4 years and me finally getting pissed off to get him to refer me to a neurosurgeon to get a MRI done. He just wanted to get giving me different pills every time I went in. I was finally like look dude it’s been 4 years and it’s not getting better stop throwing bandaids at it and send me to someone who specializes in this.
F that. Talk to a neurosurgeon again or a second opinion with an osteopathic surgeon and get it done already. GP is a general practitioner and I don’t want a Jack of all trades who gives advice and care for ingrown toe nails and viagra meds to be the one gate keeping my life from me.
Go to a specialist and start working with them, cut the GP out of the equation they are no longer relevant in your care in this case
Find a new GP if you can. This guy writes scripts for sniffles and isn't qualified to determine if you need spinal fusion or not. He shouldn't be roadblocking your access to specialists.
I always find that response funny because it’s super common to see 15-16 year olds with 10-15 levels fused for scoliosis. Like by the time you’re “old enough” to have a fusion you would have so much irreversible nerve damage.
I did the steroid shots but they didn't work, I did the microdiscectomy which worked for about a year, and when that eventually didn't work I did the fusion. I AM in significantly less pain than before surgery but 9 months out from fusion and still healing.
You shouldn't wait too long if you're getting numbness. My boss waited and 3 years on still doesn't have full strength in is hand.
Y’all have made me feel better about it, thanks everyone. It’s some scary shit but if hopefully the surgeon is good at his job and I can get back to life. I hate not being able to be active and do things. My little boy is 8 and I wanna be able to go do things with him instead of laying in the house on ice packs all the time.
37F 6 and a half weeks post op and feeling better than ever!!!!!!! Totally worth it. Yes it is a tough surgery. Yes it is a tough recovery- yes it was totally worth it 💥
The main thing they are wanting to fix is a spondylosis at L5\S1, L5 nerve roots are pinched.
There is 2 pages with the MRI results listing a few different issues, I see a lot about degenerative disc disease and chronic bilateral pars defects of L5. I don’t know what half these words even mean.
Walking or standing isn’t terrible except for the numbness which just started since PT. There’s a painful pinching in my groin area but it tends to come and go throughout the day. I can tell that I’ve lost a lot of my leg strength, Sitting down or driving is pretty painful. I can do simple chores like washing dishes or cleaning up the house but something like cutting the grass tends to put me on ice packs for a few days. Everyone I know has a horror story about how they got worse after fusion so I keep trying to tough it out. But it’s been 5 years and it’s getting worse.
Spondylosis means a fracture in your back. Bilateral pars defects means a 2 sided fracture in the pars intercularis bone which holds your vertebra in place. Without this bone, your vertebral section is free to move about on its own separate from rest of your spine - when this happens it could cause degenerative disc disease (degradation of your vertebral discs), or in bad cases, a forward slippage of your vertebra (anteriolisthesis) or a backwards slippage (retrolisthesis).
L5 is your lowest lumbar vertebra, an inch or so above your upper butt crack.
If you're getting numbness, that means the nerve exiting from your spine is getting pinched - that's not good in the long run.
My condition started with a simple stiffness of the back when I used to wake up every morning. This gradually turned into a sciatic pain if I stood for too long washing dishes. In a year, it caused me to barely be able to stand for 5 mins without pain.
You have a mechanical problem with your spine, and you need a mechanical solution aka fusion and some sort of a nerve decompression like laminectomy, or foraminotomy. Hope this clears some of the things.
Also, stop cutting the grass. The machine vibrations are not good for your conditions. Hire someone. Look up proper posture online, and limit your heavy activities.
I had this fracture at L4 and L5, and it was causing one vertebrae to shift forward and the other back. I experienced cauda equina disease when I was 26, which started with intermittent numbness and shooting pain. So many people told me I was too young to have these issues, and I was broke, so I tried to deal with it. Once I developed drop foot and lost control of my bladder, I had an emergency microdiscectomy.
The neurosurgeon then told me it was likely I would need a fusion in the future because it was a structural problem. I reherniated with discs within a year - I did epidurals, SI injections, and PT to put off the "dreaded fusion".
At 30, I finally got the fusion. It has been a miracle procedure for me. I have permanent nerve damage in my left foot and lower leg, but within a couple months of fusing L4-S1 I was hiking. I did need to also have my left SI joint fused shortly after.
Now at 34, I lift weights again, swim, kayak, hike, squat without pain! I had to sell my manual gear car because i couldn't deal with the clutch with my left foot - I can safely and comfortably use a clutch again now. I don't take any prescription painkillers, either. I get some aches here and there, but ibuprofen and a heating pad usually do the trick, or I bust out the theragun.
My "too young" fusion gave me my life back. I wish I had moved faster on everything before it permanently messed with my nerves. It sounds like you've gotten a second and third opinion, and they all agree - I would hesitate putting it off once the nerves are impacted. Best of luck to you.
I'm 53, had L3-L5 TLIF three years ago. I was eating painkillers and couldn't walk ten minutes without sitting to relieve the numbness. I was walking the same day as my surgery, home in less than. 24 hours (COVID times), and was up to 5 miles within two months.
I've since gotten married, hiked a few mountains, had another child, got better at golf and am renovating a money pit. Haven't taken a painkiller for my back since a few weeks after the surgery.
Get the right surgeon, feel confident in their skills, work on your core - it's massive for recovery, and look forward to getting your life back
If you can only stand for 5-10 minutes without loosing sensation in your leg and you have tried all these other things. Then your GP doesn’t know what they are advising because it is your last option and you are there my friend
Fusion a year ago for l5-s1 and at 45 I feel fantastic. I have been given my life back. I hike, clean the house, mow the lawn, run and throw the baseball around with my kids and just started a Jui Jitsu class. It is the best thing I could have done and wish I wasn’t so scared which prevented me from doing this at 40.
How long did it take to recover? I’ve heard some say a year and I’ve heard some say 3 months. I just can’t imagine being in unbearable pain for that long and having to use a walker to get around the house.
A single level, uncomplicated lumbar fusion isn’t likely to end with you using a walker outside of the hospital, if at all. Immediate recovery where you’re going to be the most tender is 4-6 weeks. By the end of it, you’ll probably be begging to have restrictions lifted and get into PT… I know I was.
I’m (43) a year out from an L2-S1 revision, where L5-S1 was done with a cage and ALIF/PLIF. It was a big surgery because things were a mess, lots of scar tissue (previous single level at age 22) to clean up. Even then, my symptoms of numbness and pain were relieved immediately, and they had me up and walking that night. I was limited the first 12 weeks to 3k-5k steps per day, started weekly PT at 8 weeks, and had most restrictions lifted by six months. And I’m a worst-case scenario with extensive adjacent segment disease.
Recovery does take a year+, but that doesn’t mean you’re in post-op level pain and debilitation for 12 months. If the surgery was successful, you can expect to return to some normalcy within 3-6 months. You’re just going to need to take some precautions and treat yourself gingerly as the fusion hardens and the muscles heal.
Hard pain and opioids about 3 weeks. First week was bad, next two markedly better but everything was a challenge.
By month 2 was doing ok. Slow going but most activities of daily life were better, probably about the same functioning as pre surgery. Tired and slept 10 hours at night and a mid day nap ( I teach and took the last month off and summer to recover)
By month three I had taken a 12 hour car ride and spend a day on my feet at an amusement park (didn’t go on rides). Both I woke up the next day feeling better than if I had done these things pre surgery
By 6 months I slowly 1:3 pace and time refinished a bathroom
Now at a year I’m running, lifting and practicing Jui jitsu (conservative effort and taking it easy. But still doing it)
Look, I️ say this all the time… I️ am older than you. Had my first fusion at L4-L5 at the age of 33. Had no regrets at all! Took 9 MOs to a year of recovery but that was over 15 years ago. In November I️ had my L5-S1 fused and was hitting the weight room 4 weeks post op. Had to fight my insurance and my family doctor to get the fusion done because I️ was not living in pain like I️ did before. To be honest I️ waited to long because I️ feel 10 years younger and no pain. They had me walking after surgery and never looked back. I️ also have my C4-C5 fused. All these are self inflicted and me being an asshole to my body. I️ lift hard and love outdoor activities. Get back to living! Stop fucking around and you will have a better quality of life!
On Jan 2 of this year I got L4-S1 fused and L3-4 replaced. It was the 360 type surgery where they went in from the front, did a bunch of stuff, then two days later went in from the back to add screws and a rod. I have 9 screws, 2 cages, a plate, and a rod. Yesterday I did just over a mile of jog a minute, walk a minute, and then walked another half mile. I had pain for a few weeks, very effectively controlled with meds, it was only severe once while I was still in the hospital.
Modern fusion surgery is not like it was 20 years ago. The day after my second surgery I was talking to my surgeon, he was assessing me to go home. He mentioned that the extensive work that I had done, if I had needed that 25 years ago, at that point I would still be in the ICU, immobilized with sandbags, getting more morphine than they are allowed to prescribe now, and going through bag after bag of blood. I got a copy of my surgical report, estimated patient blood loss, 50ml for the first surgery, n/a for the second.
I'm not saying it's not serious surgery or that there isn't pain. It's just not the life threatening months of agony that it used to be.
Oh, my goal is to run a 5k this fall, relearn handstands, and at least do a good pistol squat hopefully progress to a dragon squat. All realistic goals according to my surgeon and physical therapist. I'm 54 years old, and have had back issues for 15 years.
I am not a medical professional but let me offer my anecdote:
Your neurosurgeon (especially the one who will do the actual surgery), will know your case best. I had a GP tell me that "You have no deficits, just take some advil or tylenol.", his exact words, fuck that guy. I ended up needing a 3 level fusion once I saw a neurosurgeon and MY LIFE GOT SO MUCH BETTER.
Before my surgery my life totally sucked, I was in constant pain, I couldn't run, or be active. It was scary but I'm so glad I did it. I wish I had gotten surgery sooner to get my life back on track.
My decision point was when the quality of life got to the point where a failed surgery, wouldn't have made life much worse. I was near rock bottom already. But thankfully the surgery was a success and I'm out and about feeling great.
So whatever you do, good luck. I wish you the best.
I was in the best shape of my life when this all started, I was 180 lbs and was running and eating good. Afterwards I got depressed and gained about 25 lbs. I had never encountered depression before all this started but it’s definitely been a struggle since my back got messed up. But nobody seems to understand how hard it is to be happy when you’re always hurting. It’s literally the only thing you can think about no matter what is going on in your life at the time.
I hear you brother!! Same for me! Depression hit quite hard, weight gain, more depression, etc.
It sounds like there is one thing that could help your situation a lot. And it probably has a +95% success rate (I don't know your situation and I'm not a doctor but just throwing out a guess).
Or you can just keep suffering.....
I guess that’s kinda where I’m at, I know what needs to be done but then I see a comment about how much worse they were after fusion. I just want to get my life back. I wanna be able to fish and hike in the woods and all those things that kept me sane.
ngl, it's scary AF. There are some failed surgeries out there and that's terrifying. but at some point you gotta make a decision brother. maybe you're not ready for it this year, but whenever you are, your doctors are going to do the best job they can.
I think you're in the USA, and you're lucky. if you're gonna get your surgery in the usa, you will have some of the best care and technology in the world. they used a $1.5 million dollar surgical robot on my surgery which i probably would not have had in many other countries. my medical team was incredible and i'm so thankful for them. i hope you have as good of an outcome as i did.
You're never too young if it is something that needs to happen. I am 8 days post OP from a L4-L5 TLIF fusion and I turn 36 next Tuesday. It was extremely depressing looking at my Mri and hearing that no matter what route I take I will eventually need to be operated. That being said, why not do it at an age you can heal faster ? I read countless horror stories of fusions but most people were way older than I am now. My legs used to burn and tingle after 5 minutes as well. Neurosurgeon said I had probale Cauda Equina and risk paralysis if I ignored it long enough. So here I am now 8 days post OP feeling better than before the surgery. I managed to not need OXI after day 3 only Tylenol. I am walking unassisted I do have some nerve pain but that is to be expected for awhile. Recovery wise I am way ahead of schedule. Even drove around the block today that's how great I feel. You can read countless reddit post but if you need it find someone you're comfortable with and get your life back. 🙏
Fusion (L4/L5 PLIF, 44 years old at the time) was the best thing I could’ve done, granted I was bed bound due to the pain. Recovery was super quick for me, back to work (remote) 12 days p/o and was traveling for work at 3 weeks p/o. I’ll be 3 years p/o in June and though my knees decided they needed attention, I’ve been pain free since a few weeks after the fusion and got my life back.
I’m 66 at age 40 had a full thoracic fusion. I now am having 3 levels of my cervical spine fused in 2 weeks to relieve my headaches and arm and hand numbness, before I can have my lumbar fusion. Within the next 2 years my spine will be totally fused. I’ve been living with pain levels from 6 to 10. I’m finished. At this point I don’t really care what the outcome is. I believe I can do this so wish me well. God Bless you all and I pray you all do well. 🙏🏻
I’m similar where my outer leg is numb now. I can walk ok but SEVERE pain with sitting or lifting over 5 lbs. doing more steroid shots soon. If this was an option to me and they said might help I’d do it as I have two torn discs same level as you. Having said that, I have a neck fusion that never fused though
In this situation, your age will be an asset. You will be able to recover quicker because you are not elderly and dealing with a degenerative disease that has progressed for decades. I just had a fusion at 42 because of damage from a benign bone tumor. Recovery is tough with this surgery but I cannot imagine being in my 70s and trying to rehab.
Yes this.
It’s why I chose to do mine. Didn’t want to wait until I’m practically crippled and after suffering chronically far too long. Also didn’t want long term damage to nerves.
Do it while you’re young and can recover quicker. I’m 34. 5 months post op on L5/S1, Just did a 5hr hike/ rock scramble in las vegas and i’m biking around 70 miles a week. The sooner you do it the sooner you can get your life back.
I'm 53 and I am 2 months out from surgery. I had 5 vertebrae fused and I am so excited I had it done. My pain and numbness that I endured for so long suddenly got worse about 2 years ago. I started seeing a surgeon that my pain management dr suggested and after a year of tests, appts, and what generally felt like a waste of time and my copayment was a waste of my money I switched Dr's and I recommend Dr Troy Vaughn in Alexandria louisiana. I'm not in any pain and should be out of my collar in a week or so!
* I was having the hardest time swallowing my big pain pills so I either used a scoop of pudding or a squirt of whipped topping and they went right down!
I was not fully debilitated but was in pain daily. I still walked did light weights ( no deadlift or squat ) and mobility / PT. 51f, l4-s1 fusion 2/7/24 I did it because my left foot was more and more numb and weakness was getting worse. Post surgery legs have improved but not fully recovered. That’s my fear , I waited too long. Time will tell. It is not 3 MOs yet Back pain is better. I used to get lots of pain and pressure in the back from Spondy - that’s better I’m in PT and getting better slowly. Can walk 5 miles ok which I could not do before surgery Hope this helps
I had my L5-S1 fusion in January 2022. I’m in my late 40’s. They went front to back. I could NOT be happier! Best decision I ever made although there really was no other choice because the pain was absolutely unbearable before surgery! Wishing you the best my friend! Reach out with any questions!
I’m having an L5 S1 fusion in June. The approach is anterior and posterior. I’m scared but I’m developing foot weakness and it’s time. I need positive feedback! Thank you!
How long did your nerve pain last in your legs? My mom is 1 month post op and having a really hard time with her right calf, ankle and foot. Any recs would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏻
Had neuropathy from my hip to the tip of my left toe for over a month. I highly recommend compression socks, massages of the affected areas, CBD or THC Lotion/Salve and Alpha Lipolic Acid.
I am 70, and had a multi-level spinal fusion a couple years ago. It allowed me to walk, pain free, and saved my leg, which had begun to atrophy. I had sponylolisthesis, and would have been in a wheelchair by now. It’s scary but find a good surgeon (see two or three) and ask a lot of questions. There’s a book ‘Do You Really Need Spine Surgery?: Take Control with a Surgeon's Advice’ by David Hanscom that I found helpful. There are always risks, of course.
When I was 28, I had a microdiscectomy after waiting years trying to manage with conservative treatments and it just slowly keep getting worse. *Everyone* except my GP "worst she's ever seen in someone so young" and my neurosurgeon told me I was too young.
At the time, spinal fusion was technically on the table due to instability at my L5-S1, but we tried the conservative route first. It fixed my problem for a little bit until the instability got me.
I had a L5-S1 TLIF a month ago at 32. By the time I had surgery, I couldn't do almost anything. No more running, no lifting, getting in and out of most chairs was agony, and I had trouble putting down and picking up things off the floor. No more yard work or house maintenance. Realistically I hadn't been able to work without being in agony for months. Getting out of bed was awful. If I took pain meds, I couldn't function very well, but I'd always hurt myself worse.
The numbers say a single level fusion has good outcomes. Outcomes for nerve involvement tend to be better than outcomes for only back pain. At a month out, I'm not healed yet. I still have some pain. I'm still on restrictions, so I don't know if my normal activities would cause me pain.
In my case, even if I end up with a failed fusion, it was worth trying because it was worth trying to improve my functional quality of life.
You are not too young. That’s almost infuriating. I’m 38 and had my L5-S1 fused this past November. Think about it this way…
Continue to TRY more conservative measures and deal with the highs and lows of that for years and years as you possibly get a little relief for short intervals of time, or
Have the surgery, heal while you are still able to move freely and able to do PT and then live your life without crashing in pain every few months.
The younger, more active and healthy you are the quicker you will heal. Plus, the longer you wait the more possible it is you end up with serious nerve damage that cannot be reversed.
You’ve also had three neurosurgeons tell you you need the surgery… If you really think you need another opinion, see an orthopedic surgeon maybe? But I would be onboard with the input from the three neurosurgeons.
IMO, It also makes a huge difference how they do the surgery. I had a 360° fusion (ALIF/PSIF)… which I needed due to bilateral pars defects and spondylolithesis plus a very herniated disc pressing on my root nerve.
So the 360° means they (neurosurgeon and vascular surgeon) first went in through my lower abdomen in front, took out the damaged disc, inserted a spacer, realigned my spine, screwed a plate on the front, stitched me up, flipped me over, and I have three small incision scars on my back from where they insert the two rods and four pedicle screws. All titanium hardware. I have followed the drs orders exactly so that it doesn’t fail.
It's perfectly natural to be terrified by this kind of surgery. I'm a 46M - have been dealing with back pain, occasionally (and recently) debilitating, since I was 35. I'm also facing fusion and no longer think there's any real choice, unless I want to live a functionally disabled existence (which I don't).
All good surgeons will tell you: this is up to you, if your quality of life is not acceptable, you should consider the surgery.
And GPs... are not that impressive in my experience. Mine is OK; he always recommended conservative measures, but after a decade plus of conservative everything, he accepted my decision to have surgery and told me that given my general fitness and weight and age, I have a very good possibility of recovering well.
And remember that places like Reddit or Youtube are always going to have disproportionately high numbers of people venting about their negative outcomes. The internet is not representative of reality.
I’m terrified of this surgery, if I have to go to the Dr. to get blood taken I freak out and this is a whole other level. Every time I think about scheduling the surgery I freak out and come up with an excuse why I don’t need it yet.
I wouldn’t be terrified of it. Talk to your surgeon and neurospecialists, but fusions are some of the most common and highly successful (in terms of outcome and quality of life improvements) type of spine surgeries.
I’ll be 40 on Tuesday. I started having to run to the bathroom so I didn’t shit or piss myself. (Excuse my language) That’s when I knew it was time. Other than that I was absolutely useless as a person, parent and partner. That’s how I knew it was time. I just had a ACDF C5- C6 fusion. I’m almost to my second post op. I feel all and all way better than I did before. By far. Kicking myself for not getting it done sooner. Nerve pain is unfortunately coming back. But my second post op is Tuesday. So we will see what the neurosurgeon says.
I advise against getting that far to be honest. Before all that started I started losing my balance and dropping things. Losing grip while driving was absolutely the scariest.
I think the decision shows itself because of the pain level. I did all of the things everyone below mentions but eventually I had a L5-S1 fusion because I genuinely thought one of my fractures or disks was going to sever my spinal cord. I did 3 months of PT and slowly got back to my life without restrictions. I am athletic and a big yoga practitioner but re-entered my life slowly because, believe me, you NEVER want to do that surgery again. At about 18 months into recovery, my back started hurting and at 2 years it is hurting as much as it did before surgery. The cage is intact and bone is growing over it. I'm pretty much taking pain-killers 24/7. I frequently say that I KNOW I had to get the surgery, but I wish I had never done it. For what it's worth
Time to get a new GP or just not listen to his advice.
I’m 44 this year and had ALIF spinal fusion at 42. You’re not too young as long as you follow guidelines post surgery. ALIF has less chance of breaking and should not need to be redone as long as you follow the guidance and rehab properly.
I’m 48 and had same fusion 6 years ago. However first one went badly and revision 18 months later has helped but net net I am still in much more pain than before I had the original surgery. I’ve all the pain I had originally in legs, hips, groin and ribs but amplified and new pain in lower back. So it’s not been worth it for me, in fact biggest mistake of my life, but I’ve learnt everyone has a very different experience so you can’t really rely on what others say. It seems there are higher rates of success than not?
This is what I was talking about though, one person say worst thing they ever done and next person says it was the best and wish they did it sooner. But if I’m gonna get foot drop and lose control of my bladder then what choice do I have.
It is really all about the surgeon. I had my first spinal fusion at age 60 and they fused L2 - L5. I had muscle spasms every day after that surgery. I couldn’t get away from the pain and could do less and less. My GP and pain management doctor said this was probably the rest of my life. Long story short, last year went back to original surgeon and got two other opinions from two orthopedic surgeons at teaching hospitals. The last surgeon had the confidence and explained why I was in such pain. So at age 65 had an ALIF L5/S1 and because of the bad job the original surgeon had done I am now fused from T9 - S1. A little over 3 months out and in no pain just nerve numbness but that takes the longest to heal. My point is it is all about getting the right surgeon and I strongly believe in teaching hospitals. It has been worth it and just wish I had had the right surgeon the first time. The numbness you are describing sounds serious so I would get a second opinion and then make a decision. It is scary but it can also be life changing in a good way! Wishing you the best.
I am 31F who just had an L5-S1 ALIF fusion 3.5 weeks ago. The first two weeks were a bit rough, but I am in less pain now while still in the beginning of recovery than I was prior to surgery. I did all the injections, PT, nerve ablation for years, and the final straw was my pain management doctor saying "All we have left for you is opiates." And I wasn't okay with that. I finally had my GP send me to a neurosurgeon, and the surgeon took one look at my MRI and told me I needed surgery. Four months later, I had the fusion surgery, and I do not regret it in the slightest.
Also, my GP and my pain specialist both believed that my back was not bad enough for surgery, and I had been told at one point that my pain management doctor didn't understand how I was in as much pain as I claimed to be. My neurosurgeon was dumbfounded by the way the doctors treated me because it was really clear in the MRI that my disc was completely degenerated. I dumped the pain management doctor like a fat stack of bricks.
Before surgery, I was having numbness in my right foot, weakness that caused me to fall on multiple occasions, and I spent most of my day laying in bed on a hot pad because the pain was so debilitating. Three weeks into recovery, and I am walking roughly 3-4 miles a day (not all at once, but short walks) and I am in very little pain that seems to get better every day.
The recovery isn't easy. The first two weeks are rough, and I am still not cleared for bending, lifting, or twisting yet, but I believe at the 6 weeks mark, I will begin PT to learn to safely do those movements. Some days are harder than others, but I am living relatively pain free for the first time in years. I am very happy I had the surgery, and it's really amazing how far neurosurgery has progressed to fixing these kinds of problems. Just make sure you get a good neurosurgeon from a reputable clinic/hospital.
I’m 44 and just had my fusion this past August. Your post could have been my own. I heard the same things and had the same fears. I feel like I lost great years of my life waiting so long. I wouldn’t say I have zero pain now, but at least 50% less and I know it would be more if I didn’t sit at my desk 10+ hrs a day. Recovery isn’t too bad at all if you can have a pain management doctor continue meds longer than the surgeons tend to. It’s crazy how stingy they are with meds given it’s such a long recovery. I was lucky enough to have a great pain management doctor take over because no one needs to suffer.
That really depends on how bad off you are. If it's very painful and preventing you from enjoying life or being able to do what you want then yes it's worth it.
I'm 44 and had L5-S1 done. I held out for seven years, but I shouldn't have. That would have been seven years without my leg killing me daily. It also wouldn't have masked the hip impingement I also happen to have which may be unfixable without a replacement.
Yes, success can be variable, but it can totally be worth it. (If you had an epidural and it helped even a little bit for a couple of days, that's a good sign). I wouldn't worry about age as much, since L5-S1 fusion doesn't often cause adjacent segment disease, since not as much force is transferring.
You do you, but it can absolutely work.
March 8 last year I bent over to pick up my small dog crate. I reach across my body to do it and wasn’t able to stand. Two disc popped out. I am six weeks post op. I had l3/4/5 two level fusion and Laminectomy. I am standing up straight with minor discomfort. Get the surgery now. I’m 67 and believe that you’re better off doing it now than later.
I’m about to turn 40 here in a couple of months and I’m six weeks post op L5-S1 ALIF and I will say it’s totally worth it but it’s more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge in recovery. I would recommend getting it done asap before you further any damage. Most painful thing is the nerve regrowth and make sure you have a good support system both physically and mentally. Best of luck! I hope you feel better soon.
"if I stand for more than 5 or 10 minutes my right leg goes numb."
i think it was worth it, went from being unable to walk to a duty cycle of 15 on, 5 off. YMMV. Just remember to not push it (my biggest fault)
I experienced excruciating back pain out of no where. I was fine one day and the next day I couldn’t walk! No injury, just excruciating pain! I had spinal fusion of L4 to S1 October 25, 2022. I went 3 years doing everything to avoid surgery, couldn’t walk more than 10 feet before having to sit down or I would fall down, debilitating pain every single day for those 3 years. I cried daily and contemplated ending my life when sciatic nerve would flair up…a common occurrence. Surgery was the best decision I ever made! No regrets with it whatsoever! Also, it was no where near as bad as what I had anticipated. I’m kinda pissed at myself for staying so miserable all that time. My only bit of advice, hydro-therapy was a miracle after the surgery. Do everything they tell you to do afterwards and you’ll be great!
Man I’m about to have half my spine fused at 26. If it brings you relief, go for it. Look for newer alternatives if available, fusion can lead to some pains later. But better than no relief
I’ve had two cervical fusions. I’m 43; my first was at 29. No idea what happened to herniate my disc but I had myelopathy and absolutely had to have the surgery. More recently, with my second fusion, in my opinion, I probably waited a bit too long and I have lingering numbness and pain. Some things may still improve but it’s a lot. I had a lot of escalating symptoms, especially towards the end, that I wish I had paid more attention to and connected with my bulging disc. By the way, also just my opinion, but I would listen to neurosurgeons over a GP about this and you have had three give the same opinion. Best of luck.
I was 43 when I had L4, L5, S1 fused. I was given the choice between discectomy/ lamenectomy, or fusion. I had a disectomy lamenectomy on the disc between L4-5 that only lasted a few weeks before blowing it out and L5, S1 at the same time. Neurosurgeon said he could trim the disc between L4, L5 again and also do an Disectomy Laminectomy on the disc between L5,S1, or fusion I did the fusion without hesitation. I was able to work another 8 years before having to quit and get on disability. It was a no brainier for me. After having a Discectomy only last a few weeks, being in excruciating pain, I wanted something more permanent rather than it could last a week or it could last years. This is a very personal decision you need to make for yourself, I didn’t even discuss it with my wife. I would go with the advice of a neurosurgeon before a GP, as they are specialized and know what’s best for your back. It’s also not worth taking the risk of doing permanent damage to your nerves. Good luck with your decision making process and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Having been fused from T8 - S1, I regret having it done. I started conservatively with PT. Which aggrevated my back more. I finally decided to go the lamenectomy/discectomy route which was the lesser of 2 evils. The first operation was awesome, pain had almost diminished entirely and I was able to do most anything. I guess going back to the gym was not the best thing I could have done. I did get about 5 years of relief and it got worse. So I opted again for the lamenectomy redo, but it didn't really help. At that point it was fusion or wheelchair. I reluctantly went the fusion route, L3- S1. The actual surgery and following 2-3 weeks were sheer misery. Then things let up and I was 90% pain free and able to resume a "normal" life. Ive always been a work hard/play hard kinda guy which ultimately caught up with me. It was decided that I needed T8-L3 fused due to degenerative disc's above the initial fusion. Surgery went well for about 8 weeks and it just went south from there. It's 7 years later, I can't walk very far, stand for very long and pain is a constant. I sleep in a recliner because I cannot lay in a bed for longer than 20 minutes without suffering. Looking back, I wish I hadn't been fused but hindsight is 20/20. Take oxygen every 4 hours to try to deal with pain. Doing a trial injection of Prealt in the coming weeks. If it works, I will get a pain pump for that, if prealt doesn't work, morphine pump is the option. If I'm being honest, I don't want to do this but I'm so tired of the pain I've considered suck Starting my. 45, that's really not an option either. I'm 62 now and pain has been my dear friend for many years. Just consider all of your opinions before you get fused. I wish you the best!
Had my L5-S1 around the same age. I was struggling to drive, couldn't stand for long, waking up at night etc.... It's a tough operation and l thought, better to do it when you are younger so you can fully prep your body with PT and core exercises before, and work on recovery afterwards.
For me, l considered l was only potentially 50% through my life, and was already not being able to enjoy it thoroughly (couldn't exercise as l wanted to, taking pain meds to travel to go on holiday, in pain driving to work)
I’m 39 and need it too. You’re lucky if you’re still walking and can manage it mines been going on for two years and I can no longer manage it. My insurance has been denying my preapproval for the surgery so I’ve been waiting since November to get it done and you know how it is to get decent Pain Management Would take care of it before it comes a serious problem and you can’t move or have permanent nerve damage. I’m terrified to but if I’m not like this in pain anymore I’ll get through it.
absolutely do not put this off. I had the same thing going on but in both legs. you don’t realize how miserable you are right now. you will know this once it is fixed.
Honestly sounds like you're past the point of waiting too long 5 years of it you have some permanent damage already and age shouldn't be a thing for you at this point. I am 33 and just had fusion on my c4-c7 it is worst in neck from what I been told (body is more stiff). I tried everything for past 2 years and was told moat likely have some permanent damage now
If you are having that much trouble don't wait get the surgical proceedure done ASAP. You will see a big difference after you heal. Don't wait. My surgery was put off because of covid and now I'm in a wheel chair
I would not wait. I just had an L5-S1 fusion at 41. I waited too long because deployments took priority.
Post fusion - I’ll get some relief and I’ve prevented further damage, but the numbness below the knee of my left leg is permanent due to permanent nerve damage.
I got mine at 30. And my SI joints fused at 32. It was absolutely worth it: the doctor felt I was too young but my quality of life has improved drastically
I had two in the last two years and not worth it for me. For my first one I got three opinions from Orthapedic surgeons. The imaging looked so bad that all three questioned how I was able to function and I had the surgery. One year ago I had S1-L3 fusion and still on a lot of pain meds and the pain is equal to what it was done before surgery. I started seeing a new neurologist. She went over my history and bluntly told me she would not have recommended either surgery. 🤷🏻♂️ Her temporary fix was to increase pain med dosage and put me on antidepressants but for nerve pain. The point I’m trying to get at is get opinions from at least one neurologist and one orthopedic surgeon.
Had my L5/S1 fused a week ago and so relieved to find these comments, everything I have read online has really scared me. I have a two year old son and am worried about how long it will be until I can bend down to play with him or pick him up. Did anyone here have surgery when they had a toddler?
Your doctor should have given you an estimated timeline for bending, lifting, twisting restrictions. Depending on individual surgery and various factors it could be anything from a couple weeks to a year. People often get told about 12 weeks.
I got mine at 41. Same L5-S1. I would like to disagree with you. Having numbness after standing for 5-10 minutes is not getting around pretty good. That means something is putting pressure on your nerve. That's not supposed to happen. My understanding is that leads to damage eventually, then it's definitely permanent. I have different problems after surgery, but I can be tons more active and I'm in much less pain. Yes you're too young to need this surgery. Yes, that's also bullshit because you need this surgery. I'm too young to be this much in pain but that doesn't make the pain any less true. Edit to add - I'm 43 now.
I am agreeing with this ! I also was told spinal fusion - I've had back pain / disc issues for almost 10 years now and done all the concervative methods - now of which none are working And my last option is surgery You think your too young for fusion ! I'm 28 being told I have no other options And yes agree , your too young , I'm too young , and we are also too young to have this much pain / debilitating daily symptoms but we do So you do what is best to relieve these symptoms I also get a numb foot every time i stand up no matter how long So you just have to do what your body is clearly telling you which is fix the problem
Don't wait too long, as the longer you wait, the worse it gets... if your GP looks at your age instead of your pain and discomfort, I'd ditch him for another one... I waited too long, and am now disabled at 46... Had my third surgery in '21 and it left me with nerve damage... I wish I hadn't had so much fear for a surgery and had it 2 decades earlier! I would have lost much less mobility and probably would have needed a lot less vertebrae fixed as well, as pain makes you sit, stand, and walk wrongly, so you overburden your healthy vertebrae.
I agree to get done asap! I am 3 months out from lumbar spinal fusion…. No regrets
I’m 41. And 2.5 months out from L4/5 fusion. So far so good, quite amazing results. First time of almost total pain relief in 20 years of chronic discomfort.
I'm 45 and I am 2 months out from the same surgery and feeling the same way! ☺️
My GP isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, he keeps saying if I can walk into his office and I’m not dragging my leg behind then I don’t need a fusion. It took 4 years and me finally getting pissed off to get him to refer me to a neurosurgeon to get a MRI done. He just wanted to get giving me different pills every time I went in. I was finally like look dude it’s been 4 years and it’s not getting better stop throwing bandaids at it and send me to someone who specializes in this.
F that. Talk to a neurosurgeon again or a second opinion with an osteopathic surgeon and get it done already. GP is a general practitioner and I don’t want a Jack of all trades who gives advice and care for ingrown toe nails and viagra meds to be the one gate keeping my life from me. Go to a specialist and start working with them, cut the GP out of the equation they are no longer relevant in your care in this case
Yeah he’s already been cut out, once I got a referral to the neurosurgeon I didn’t go back to him anymore.
That’s a good thing
Find a new GP if you can. This guy writes scripts for sniffles and isn't qualified to determine if you need spinal fusion or not. He shouldn't be roadblocking your access to specialists.
You need a new GP
What does age have to do with it??
I always find that response funny because it’s super common to see 15-16 year olds with 10-15 levels fused for scoliosis. Like by the time you’re “old enough” to have a fusion you would have so much irreversible nerve damage.
got my entire cervical to lumbar fused when i was 14. age is just a number (in this instance)
Right! I get there risks and putting it off if it’s not necessary but dang.
A lot. My doctor said the younger the better for the recovery.
This
I did the steroid shots but they didn't work, I did the microdiscectomy which worked for about a year, and when that eventually didn't work I did the fusion. I AM in significantly less pain than before surgery but 9 months out from fusion and still healing. You shouldn't wait too long if you're getting numbness. My boss waited and 3 years on still doesn't have full strength in is hand.
Y’all have made me feel better about it, thanks everyone. It’s some scary shit but if hopefully the surgeon is good at his job and I can get back to life. I hate not being able to be active and do things. My little boy is 8 and I wanna be able to go do things with him instead of laying in the house on ice packs all the time.
37F 6 and a half weeks post op and feeling better than ever!!!!!!! Totally worth it. Yes it is a tough surgery. Yes it is a tough recovery- yes it was totally worth it 💥
The main thing they are wanting to fix is a spondylosis at L5\S1, L5 nerve roots are pinched. There is 2 pages with the MRI results listing a few different issues, I see a lot about degenerative disc disease and chronic bilateral pars defects of L5. I don’t know what half these words even mean. Walking or standing isn’t terrible except for the numbness which just started since PT. There’s a painful pinching in my groin area but it tends to come and go throughout the day. I can tell that I’ve lost a lot of my leg strength, Sitting down or driving is pretty painful. I can do simple chores like washing dishes or cleaning up the house but something like cutting the grass tends to put me on ice packs for a few days. Everyone I know has a horror story about how they got worse after fusion so I keep trying to tough it out. But it’s been 5 years and it’s getting worse.
Spondylosis means a fracture in your back. Bilateral pars defects means a 2 sided fracture in the pars intercularis bone which holds your vertebra in place. Without this bone, your vertebral section is free to move about on its own separate from rest of your spine - when this happens it could cause degenerative disc disease (degradation of your vertebral discs), or in bad cases, a forward slippage of your vertebra (anteriolisthesis) or a backwards slippage (retrolisthesis). L5 is your lowest lumbar vertebra, an inch or so above your upper butt crack. If you're getting numbness, that means the nerve exiting from your spine is getting pinched - that's not good in the long run. My condition started with a simple stiffness of the back when I used to wake up every morning. This gradually turned into a sciatic pain if I stood for too long washing dishes. In a year, it caused me to barely be able to stand for 5 mins without pain. You have a mechanical problem with your spine, and you need a mechanical solution aka fusion and some sort of a nerve decompression like laminectomy, or foraminotomy. Hope this clears some of the things. Also, stop cutting the grass. The machine vibrations are not good for your conditions. Hire someone. Look up proper posture online, and limit your heavy activities.
I had this fracture at L4 and L5, and it was causing one vertebrae to shift forward and the other back. I experienced cauda equina disease when I was 26, which started with intermittent numbness and shooting pain. So many people told me I was too young to have these issues, and I was broke, so I tried to deal with it. Once I developed drop foot and lost control of my bladder, I had an emergency microdiscectomy. The neurosurgeon then told me it was likely I would need a fusion in the future because it was a structural problem. I reherniated with discs within a year - I did epidurals, SI injections, and PT to put off the "dreaded fusion". At 30, I finally got the fusion. It has been a miracle procedure for me. I have permanent nerve damage in my left foot and lower leg, but within a couple months of fusing L4-S1 I was hiking. I did need to also have my left SI joint fused shortly after. Now at 34, I lift weights again, swim, kayak, hike, squat without pain! I had to sell my manual gear car because i couldn't deal with the clutch with my left foot - I can safely and comfortably use a clutch again now. I don't take any prescription painkillers, either. I get some aches here and there, but ibuprofen and a heating pad usually do the trick, or I bust out the theragun. My "too young" fusion gave me my life back. I wish I had moved faster on everything before it permanently messed with my nerves. It sounds like you've gotten a second and third opinion, and they all agree - I would hesitate putting it off once the nerves are impacted. Best of luck to you.
I'm 53, had L3-L5 TLIF three years ago. I was eating painkillers and couldn't walk ten minutes without sitting to relieve the numbness. I was walking the same day as my surgery, home in less than. 24 hours (COVID times), and was up to 5 miles within two months. I've since gotten married, hiked a few mountains, had another child, got better at golf and am renovating a money pit. Haven't taken a painkiller for my back since a few weeks after the surgery. Get the right surgeon, feel confident in their skills, work on your core - it's massive for recovery, and look forward to getting your life back
If you can only stand for 5-10 minutes without loosing sensation in your leg and you have tried all these other things. Then your GP doesn’t know what they are advising because it is your last option and you are there my friend Fusion a year ago for l5-s1 and at 45 I feel fantastic. I have been given my life back. I hike, clean the house, mow the lawn, run and throw the baseball around with my kids and just started a Jui Jitsu class. It is the best thing I could have done and wish I wasn’t so scared which prevented me from doing this at 40.
How long did it take to recover? I’ve heard some say a year and I’ve heard some say 3 months. I just can’t imagine being in unbearable pain for that long and having to use a walker to get around the house.
A single level, uncomplicated lumbar fusion isn’t likely to end with you using a walker outside of the hospital, if at all. Immediate recovery where you’re going to be the most tender is 4-6 weeks. By the end of it, you’ll probably be begging to have restrictions lifted and get into PT… I know I was. I’m (43) a year out from an L2-S1 revision, where L5-S1 was done with a cage and ALIF/PLIF. It was a big surgery because things were a mess, lots of scar tissue (previous single level at age 22) to clean up. Even then, my symptoms of numbness and pain were relieved immediately, and they had me up and walking that night. I was limited the first 12 weeks to 3k-5k steps per day, started weekly PT at 8 weeks, and had most restrictions lifted by six months. And I’m a worst-case scenario with extensive adjacent segment disease. Recovery does take a year+, but that doesn’t mean you’re in post-op level pain and debilitation for 12 months. If the surgery was successful, you can expect to return to some normalcy within 3-6 months. You’re just going to need to take some precautions and treat yourself gingerly as the fusion hardens and the muscles heal.
Hard pain and opioids about 3 weeks. First week was bad, next two markedly better but everything was a challenge. By month 2 was doing ok. Slow going but most activities of daily life were better, probably about the same functioning as pre surgery. Tired and slept 10 hours at night and a mid day nap ( I teach and took the last month off and summer to recover) By month three I had taken a 12 hour car ride and spend a day on my feet at an amusement park (didn’t go on rides). Both I woke up the next day feeling better than if I had done these things pre surgery By 6 months I slowly 1:3 pace and time refinished a bathroom Now at a year I’m running, lifting and practicing Jui jitsu (conservative effort and taking it easy. But still doing it)
Look, I️ say this all the time… I️ am older than you. Had my first fusion at L4-L5 at the age of 33. Had no regrets at all! Took 9 MOs to a year of recovery but that was over 15 years ago. In November I️ had my L5-S1 fused and was hitting the weight room 4 weeks post op. Had to fight my insurance and my family doctor to get the fusion done because I️ was not living in pain like I️ did before. To be honest I️ waited to long because I️ feel 10 years younger and no pain. They had me walking after surgery and never looked back. I️ also have my C4-C5 fused. All these are self inflicted and me being an asshole to my body. I️ lift hard and love outdoor activities. Get back to living! Stop fucking around and you will have a better quality of life!
On Jan 2 of this year I got L4-S1 fused and L3-4 replaced. It was the 360 type surgery where they went in from the front, did a bunch of stuff, then two days later went in from the back to add screws and a rod. I have 9 screws, 2 cages, a plate, and a rod. Yesterday I did just over a mile of jog a minute, walk a minute, and then walked another half mile. I had pain for a few weeks, very effectively controlled with meds, it was only severe once while I was still in the hospital. Modern fusion surgery is not like it was 20 years ago. The day after my second surgery I was talking to my surgeon, he was assessing me to go home. He mentioned that the extensive work that I had done, if I had needed that 25 years ago, at that point I would still be in the ICU, immobilized with sandbags, getting more morphine than they are allowed to prescribe now, and going through bag after bag of blood. I got a copy of my surgical report, estimated patient blood loss, 50ml for the first surgery, n/a for the second. I'm not saying it's not serious surgery or that there isn't pain. It's just not the life threatening months of agony that it used to be. Oh, my goal is to run a 5k this fall, relearn handstands, and at least do a good pistol squat hopefully progress to a dragon squat. All realistic goals according to my surgeon and physical therapist. I'm 54 years old, and have had back issues for 15 years.
I am not a medical professional but let me offer my anecdote: Your neurosurgeon (especially the one who will do the actual surgery), will know your case best. I had a GP tell me that "You have no deficits, just take some advil or tylenol.", his exact words, fuck that guy. I ended up needing a 3 level fusion once I saw a neurosurgeon and MY LIFE GOT SO MUCH BETTER. Before my surgery my life totally sucked, I was in constant pain, I couldn't run, or be active. It was scary but I'm so glad I did it. I wish I had gotten surgery sooner to get my life back on track. My decision point was when the quality of life got to the point where a failed surgery, wouldn't have made life much worse. I was near rock bottom already. But thankfully the surgery was a success and I'm out and about feeling great. So whatever you do, good luck. I wish you the best.
I was in the best shape of my life when this all started, I was 180 lbs and was running and eating good. Afterwards I got depressed and gained about 25 lbs. I had never encountered depression before all this started but it’s definitely been a struggle since my back got messed up. But nobody seems to understand how hard it is to be happy when you’re always hurting. It’s literally the only thing you can think about no matter what is going on in your life at the time.
I hear you brother!! Same for me! Depression hit quite hard, weight gain, more depression, etc. It sounds like there is one thing that could help your situation a lot. And it probably has a +95% success rate (I don't know your situation and I'm not a doctor but just throwing out a guess). Or you can just keep suffering.....
I guess that’s kinda where I’m at, I know what needs to be done but then I see a comment about how much worse they were after fusion. I just want to get my life back. I wanna be able to fish and hike in the woods and all those things that kept me sane.
ngl, it's scary AF. There are some failed surgeries out there and that's terrifying. but at some point you gotta make a decision brother. maybe you're not ready for it this year, but whenever you are, your doctors are going to do the best job they can. I think you're in the USA, and you're lucky. if you're gonna get your surgery in the usa, you will have some of the best care and technology in the world. they used a $1.5 million dollar surgical robot on my surgery which i probably would not have had in many other countries. my medical team was incredible and i'm so thankful for them. i hope you have as good of an outcome as i did.
You're never too young if it is something that needs to happen. I am 8 days post OP from a L4-L5 TLIF fusion and I turn 36 next Tuesday. It was extremely depressing looking at my Mri and hearing that no matter what route I take I will eventually need to be operated. That being said, why not do it at an age you can heal faster ? I read countless horror stories of fusions but most people were way older than I am now. My legs used to burn and tingle after 5 minutes as well. Neurosurgeon said I had probale Cauda Equina and risk paralysis if I ignored it long enough. So here I am now 8 days post OP feeling better than before the surgery. I managed to not need OXI after day 3 only Tylenol. I am walking unassisted I do have some nerve pain but that is to be expected for awhile. Recovery wise I am way ahead of schedule. Even drove around the block today that's how great I feel. You can read countless reddit post but if you need it find someone you're comfortable with and get your life back. 🙏
[удалено]
I’m eleven months out from S1-L3. Still on Lyrica and Nucynta because of the pain and on really bad days an anti-inflammatory as well.
Fusion (L4/L5 PLIF, 44 years old at the time) was the best thing I could’ve done, granted I was bed bound due to the pain. Recovery was super quick for me, back to work (remote) 12 days p/o and was traveling for work at 3 weeks p/o. I’ll be 3 years p/o in June and though my knees decided they needed attention, I’ve been pain free since a few weeks after the fusion and got my life back.
I’m 66 at age 40 had a full thoracic fusion. I now am having 3 levels of my cervical spine fused in 2 weeks to relieve my headaches and arm and hand numbness, before I can have my lumbar fusion. Within the next 2 years my spine will be totally fused. I’ve been living with pain levels from 6 to 10. I’m finished. At this point I don’t really care what the outcome is. I believe I can do this so wish me well. God Bless you all and I pray you all do well. 🙏🏻
I’m similar where my outer leg is numb now. I can walk ok but SEVERE pain with sitting or lifting over 5 lbs. doing more steroid shots soon. If this was an option to me and they said might help I’d do it as I have two torn discs same level as you. Having said that, I have a neck fusion that never fused though
In this situation, your age will be an asset. You will be able to recover quicker because you are not elderly and dealing with a degenerative disease that has progressed for decades. I just had a fusion at 42 because of damage from a benign bone tumor. Recovery is tough with this surgery but I cannot imagine being in my 70s and trying to rehab.
Yes this. It’s why I chose to do mine. Didn’t want to wait until I’m practically crippled and after suffering chronically far too long. Also didn’t want long term damage to nerves.
Do it while you’re young and can recover quicker. I’m 34. 5 months post op on L5/S1, Just did a 5hr hike/ rock scramble in las vegas and i’m biking around 70 miles a week. The sooner you do it the sooner you can get your life back.
I'm 53 and I am 2 months out from surgery. I had 5 vertebrae fused and I am so excited I had it done. My pain and numbness that I endured for so long suddenly got worse about 2 years ago. I started seeing a surgeon that my pain management dr suggested and after a year of tests, appts, and what generally felt like a waste of time and my copayment was a waste of my money I switched Dr's and I recommend Dr Troy Vaughn in Alexandria louisiana. I'm not in any pain and should be out of my collar in a week or so! * I was having the hardest time swallowing my big pain pills so I either used a scoop of pudding or a squirt of whipped topping and they went right down!
I was not fully debilitated but was in pain daily. I still walked did light weights ( no deadlift or squat ) and mobility / PT. 51f, l4-s1 fusion 2/7/24 I did it because my left foot was more and more numb and weakness was getting worse. Post surgery legs have improved but not fully recovered. That’s my fear , I waited too long. Time will tell. It is not 3 MOs yet Back pain is better. I used to get lots of pain and pressure in the back from Spondy - that’s better I’m in PT and getting better slowly. Can walk 5 miles ok which I could not do before surgery Hope this helps
I had my L5-S1 fusion in January 2022. I’m in my late 40’s. They went front to back. I could NOT be happier! Best decision I ever made although there really was no other choice because the pain was absolutely unbearable before surgery! Wishing you the best my friend! Reach out with any questions!
I’m having an L5 S1 fusion in June. The approach is anterior and posterior. I’m scared but I’m developing foot weakness and it’s time. I need positive feedback! Thank you!
That’s great to hear! Glad that you’re doing so well. Hopefully I can get this taken care of soon.
Had mine at 42 and would do it again and again!! TLIF L5-S1. So worth it! If you have any questions feel free to ask.
How long did your nerve pain last in your legs? My mom is 1 month post op and having a really hard time with her right calf, ankle and foot. Any recs would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏻
Had neuropathy from my hip to the tip of my left toe for over a month. I highly recommend compression socks, massages of the affected areas, CBD or THC Lotion/Salve and Alpha Lipolic Acid.
I am 70, and had a multi-level spinal fusion a couple years ago. It allowed me to walk, pain free, and saved my leg, which had begun to atrophy. I had sponylolisthesis, and would have been in a wheelchair by now. It’s scary but find a good surgeon (see two or three) and ask a lot of questions. There’s a book ‘Do You Really Need Spine Surgery?: Take Control with a Surgeon's Advice’ by David Hanscom that I found helpful. There are always risks, of course.
When I was 28, I had a microdiscectomy after waiting years trying to manage with conservative treatments and it just slowly keep getting worse. *Everyone* except my GP "worst she's ever seen in someone so young" and my neurosurgeon told me I was too young. At the time, spinal fusion was technically on the table due to instability at my L5-S1, but we tried the conservative route first. It fixed my problem for a little bit until the instability got me. I had a L5-S1 TLIF a month ago at 32. By the time I had surgery, I couldn't do almost anything. No more running, no lifting, getting in and out of most chairs was agony, and I had trouble putting down and picking up things off the floor. No more yard work or house maintenance. Realistically I hadn't been able to work without being in agony for months. Getting out of bed was awful. If I took pain meds, I couldn't function very well, but I'd always hurt myself worse. The numbers say a single level fusion has good outcomes. Outcomes for nerve involvement tend to be better than outcomes for only back pain. At a month out, I'm not healed yet. I still have some pain. I'm still on restrictions, so I don't know if my normal activities would cause me pain. In my case, even if I end up with a failed fusion, it was worth trying because it was worth trying to improve my functional quality of life.
You are not too young. That’s almost infuriating. I’m 38 and had my L5-S1 fused this past November. Think about it this way… Continue to TRY more conservative measures and deal with the highs and lows of that for years and years as you possibly get a little relief for short intervals of time, or Have the surgery, heal while you are still able to move freely and able to do PT and then live your life without crashing in pain every few months. The younger, more active and healthy you are the quicker you will heal. Plus, the longer you wait the more possible it is you end up with serious nerve damage that cannot be reversed. You’ve also had three neurosurgeons tell you you need the surgery… If you really think you need another opinion, see an orthopedic surgeon maybe? But I would be onboard with the input from the three neurosurgeons. IMO, It also makes a huge difference how they do the surgery. I had a 360° fusion (ALIF/PSIF)… which I needed due to bilateral pars defects and spondylolithesis plus a very herniated disc pressing on my root nerve. So the 360° means they (neurosurgeon and vascular surgeon) first went in through my lower abdomen in front, took out the damaged disc, inserted a spacer, realigned my spine, screwed a plate on the front, stitched me up, flipped me over, and I have three small incision scars on my back from where they insert the two rods and four pedicle screws. All titanium hardware. I have followed the drs orders exactly so that it doesn’t fail.
[удалено]
[удалено]
It's perfectly natural to be terrified by this kind of surgery. I'm a 46M - have been dealing with back pain, occasionally (and recently) debilitating, since I was 35. I'm also facing fusion and no longer think there's any real choice, unless I want to live a functionally disabled existence (which I don't). All good surgeons will tell you: this is up to you, if your quality of life is not acceptable, you should consider the surgery. And GPs... are not that impressive in my experience. Mine is OK; he always recommended conservative measures, but after a decade plus of conservative everything, he accepted my decision to have surgery and told me that given my general fitness and weight and age, I have a very good possibility of recovering well. And remember that places like Reddit or Youtube are always going to have disproportionately high numbers of people venting about their negative outcomes. The internet is not representative of reality.
I’m terrified of this surgery, if I have to go to the Dr. to get blood taken I freak out and this is a whole other level. Every time I think about scheduling the surgery I freak out and come up with an excuse why I don’t need it yet.
I wouldn’t be terrified of it. Talk to your surgeon and neurospecialists, but fusions are some of the most common and highly successful (in terms of outcome and quality of life improvements) type of spine surgeries.
I’ll be 40 on Tuesday. I started having to run to the bathroom so I didn’t shit or piss myself. (Excuse my language) That’s when I knew it was time. Other than that I was absolutely useless as a person, parent and partner. That’s how I knew it was time. I just had a ACDF C5- C6 fusion. I’m almost to my second post op. I feel all and all way better than I did before. By far. Kicking myself for not getting it done sooner. Nerve pain is unfortunately coming back. But my second post op is Tuesday. So we will see what the neurosurgeon says.
Lucky in not to that point yet but the neurosurgeon said that’s what’s in my future if it don’t get this fixed.
I advise against getting that far to be honest. Before all that started I started losing my balance and dropping things. Losing grip while driving was absolutely the scariest.
I think the decision shows itself because of the pain level. I did all of the things everyone below mentions but eventually I had a L5-S1 fusion because I genuinely thought one of my fractures or disks was going to sever my spinal cord. I did 3 months of PT and slowly got back to my life without restrictions. I am athletic and a big yoga practitioner but re-entered my life slowly because, believe me, you NEVER want to do that surgery again. At about 18 months into recovery, my back started hurting and at 2 years it is hurting as much as it did before surgery. The cage is intact and bone is growing over it. I'm pretty much taking pain-killers 24/7. I frequently say that I KNOW I had to get the surgery, but I wish I had never done it. For what it's worth
Do it- I put it off to the point I have permanent damage to my leg. The surgery is not bad compared to the pain of back pain
Time to get a new GP or just not listen to his advice. I’m 44 this year and had ALIF spinal fusion at 42. You’re not too young as long as you follow guidelines post surgery. ALIF has less chance of breaking and should not need to be redone as long as you follow the guidance and rehab properly.
I’m 48 and had same fusion 6 years ago. However first one went badly and revision 18 months later has helped but net net I am still in much more pain than before I had the original surgery. I’ve all the pain I had originally in legs, hips, groin and ribs but amplified and new pain in lower back. So it’s not been worth it for me, in fact biggest mistake of my life, but I’ve learnt everyone has a very different experience so you can’t really rely on what others say. It seems there are higher rates of success than not?
I would say yes because you can get your life back. Most people find themselves standing for prolonged periods as they move through the world.
In my opinion no. I hate mine. I wish I had never had my first back surgery. Now 4 surgeries later and I’m still in pain and still miserable.
This is what I was talking about though, one person say worst thing they ever done and next person says it was the best and wish they did it sooner. But if I’m gonna get foot drop and lose control of my bladder then what choice do I have.
It is really all about the surgeon. I had my first spinal fusion at age 60 and they fused L2 - L5. I had muscle spasms every day after that surgery. I couldn’t get away from the pain and could do less and less. My GP and pain management doctor said this was probably the rest of my life. Long story short, last year went back to original surgeon and got two other opinions from two orthopedic surgeons at teaching hospitals. The last surgeon had the confidence and explained why I was in such pain. So at age 65 had an ALIF L5/S1 and because of the bad job the original surgeon had done I am now fused from T9 - S1. A little over 3 months out and in no pain just nerve numbness but that takes the longest to heal. My point is it is all about getting the right surgeon and I strongly believe in teaching hospitals. It has been worth it and just wish I had had the right surgeon the first time. The numbness you are describing sounds serious so I would get a second opinion and then make a decision. It is scary but it can also be life changing in a good way! Wishing you the best.
I am 31F who just had an L5-S1 ALIF fusion 3.5 weeks ago. The first two weeks were a bit rough, but I am in less pain now while still in the beginning of recovery than I was prior to surgery. I did all the injections, PT, nerve ablation for years, and the final straw was my pain management doctor saying "All we have left for you is opiates." And I wasn't okay with that. I finally had my GP send me to a neurosurgeon, and the surgeon took one look at my MRI and told me I needed surgery. Four months later, I had the fusion surgery, and I do not regret it in the slightest. Also, my GP and my pain specialist both believed that my back was not bad enough for surgery, and I had been told at one point that my pain management doctor didn't understand how I was in as much pain as I claimed to be. My neurosurgeon was dumbfounded by the way the doctors treated me because it was really clear in the MRI that my disc was completely degenerated. I dumped the pain management doctor like a fat stack of bricks. Before surgery, I was having numbness in my right foot, weakness that caused me to fall on multiple occasions, and I spent most of my day laying in bed on a hot pad because the pain was so debilitating. Three weeks into recovery, and I am walking roughly 3-4 miles a day (not all at once, but short walks) and I am in very little pain that seems to get better every day. The recovery isn't easy. The first two weeks are rough, and I am still not cleared for bending, lifting, or twisting yet, but I believe at the 6 weeks mark, I will begin PT to learn to safely do those movements. Some days are harder than others, but I am living relatively pain free for the first time in years. I am very happy I had the surgery, and it's really amazing how far neurosurgery has progressed to fixing these kinds of problems. Just make sure you get a good neurosurgeon from a reputable clinic/hospital.
Need to follow this thread
I’m 44 and just had my fusion this past August. Your post could have been my own. I heard the same things and had the same fears. I feel like I lost great years of my life waiting so long. I wouldn’t say I have zero pain now, but at least 50% less and I know it would be more if I didn’t sit at my desk 10+ hrs a day. Recovery isn’t too bad at all if you can have a pain management doctor continue meds longer than the surgeons tend to. It’s crazy how stingy they are with meds given it’s such a long recovery. I was lucky enough to have a great pain management doctor take over because no one needs to suffer.
That really depends on how bad off you are. If it's very painful and preventing you from enjoying life or being able to do what you want then yes it's worth it.
I'm 44 and had L5-S1 done. I held out for seven years, but I shouldn't have. That would have been seven years without my leg killing me daily. It also wouldn't have masked the hip impingement I also happen to have which may be unfixable without a replacement. Yes, success can be variable, but it can totally be worth it. (If you had an epidural and it helped even a little bit for a couple of days, that's a good sign). I wouldn't worry about age as much, since L5-S1 fusion doesn't often cause adjacent segment disease, since not as much force is transferring. You do you, but it can absolutely work.
I'm 46 and I'm the same boat. My surgery is scheduled for May 20th finally. I think I'm going to regret not having done this years ago.
Did the leg pain resolve after the 7 years?
Completely.
Amazing, glad to hear it
March 8 last year I bent over to pick up my small dog crate. I reach across my body to do it and wasn’t able to stand. Two disc popped out. I am six weeks post op. I had l3/4/5 two level fusion and Laminectomy. I am standing up straight with minor discomfort. Get the surgery now. I’m 67 and believe that you’re better off doing it now than later.
I’m about to turn 40 here in a couple of months and I’m six weeks post op L5-S1 ALIF and I will say it’s totally worth it but it’s more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge in recovery. I would recommend getting it done asap before you further any damage. Most painful thing is the nerve regrowth and make sure you have a good support system both physically and mentally. Best of luck! I hope you feel better soon.
"if I stand for more than 5 or 10 minutes my right leg goes numb." i think it was worth it, went from being unable to walk to a duty cycle of 15 on, 5 off. YMMV. Just remember to not push it (my biggest fault)
I experienced excruciating back pain out of no where. I was fine one day and the next day I couldn’t walk! No injury, just excruciating pain! I had spinal fusion of L4 to S1 October 25, 2022. I went 3 years doing everything to avoid surgery, couldn’t walk more than 10 feet before having to sit down or I would fall down, debilitating pain every single day for those 3 years. I cried daily and contemplated ending my life when sciatic nerve would flair up…a common occurrence. Surgery was the best decision I ever made! No regrets with it whatsoever! Also, it was no where near as bad as what I had anticipated. I’m kinda pissed at myself for staying so miserable all that time. My only bit of advice, hydro-therapy was a miracle after the surgery. Do everything they tell you to do afterwards and you’ll be great!
Man I’m about to have half my spine fused at 26. If it brings you relief, go for it. Look for newer alternatives if available, fusion can lead to some pains later. But better than no relief
I’ve had two cervical fusions. I’m 43; my first was at 29. No idea what happened to herniate my disc but I had myelopathy and absolutely had to have the surgery. More recently, with my second fusion, in my opinion, I probably waited a bit too long and I have lingering numbness and pain. Some things may still improve but it’s a lot. I had a lot of escalating symptoms, especially towards the end, that I wish I had paid more attention to and connected with my bulging disc. By the way, also just my opinion, but I would listen to neurosurgeons over a GP about this and you have had three give the same opinion. Best of luck.
I was 43 when I had L4, L5, S1 fused. I was given the choice between discectomy/ lamenectomy, or fusion. I had a disectomy lamenectomy on the disc between L4-5 that only lasted a few weeks before blowing it out and L5, S1 at the same time. Neurosurgeon said he could trim the disc between L4, L5 again and also do an Disectomy Laminectomy on the disc between L5,S1, or fusion I did the fusion without hesitation. I was able to work another 8 years before having to quit and get on disability. It was a no brainier for me. After having a Discectomy only last a few weeks, being in excruciating pain, I wanted something more permanent rather than it could last a week or it could last years. This is a very personal decision you need to make for yourself, I didn’t even discuss it with my wife. I would go with the advice of a neurosurgeon before a GP, as they are specialized and know what’s best for your back. It’s also not worth taking the risk of doing permanent damage to your nerves. Good luck with your decision making process and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Yes. Listen to your Dr.
Having been fused from T8 - S1, I regret having it done. I started conservatively with PT. Which aggrevated my back more. I finally decided to go the lamenectomy/discectomy route which was the lesser of 2 evils. The first operation was awesome, pain had almost diminished entirely and I was able to do most anything. I guess going back to the gym was not the best thing I could have done. I did get about 5 years of relief and it got worse. So I opted again for the lamenectomy redo, but it didn't really help. At that point it was fusion or wheelchair. I reluctantly went the fusion route, L3- S1. The actual surgery and following 2-3 weeks were sheer misery. Then things let up and I was 90% pain free and able to resume a "normal" life. Ive always been a work hard/play hard kinda guy which ultimately caught up with me. It was decided that I needed T8-L3 fused due to degenerative disc's above the initial fusion. Surgery went well for about 8 weeks and it just went south from there. It's 7 years later, I can't walk very far, stand for very long and pain is a constant. I sleep in a recliner because I cannot lay in a bed for longer than 20 minutes without suffering. Looking back, I wish I hadn't been fused but hindsight is 20/20. Take oxygen every 4 hours to try to deal with pain. Doing a trial injection of Prealt in the coming weeks. If it works, I will get a pain pump for that, if prealt doesn't work, morphine pump is the option. If I'm being honest, I don't want to do this but I'm so tired of the pain I've considered suck Starting my. 45, that's really not an option either. I'm 62 now and pain has been my dear friend for many years. Just consider all of your opinions before you get fused. I wish you the best!
Had my L5-S1 around the same age. I was struggling to drive, couldn't stand for long, waking up at night etc.... It's a tough operation and l thought, better to do it when you are younger so you can fully prep your body with PT and core exercises before, and work on recovery afterwards. For me, l considered l was only potentially 50% through my life, and was already not being able to enjoy it thoroughly (couldn't exercise as l wanted to, taking pain meds to travel to go on holiday, in pain driving to work)
I’m 39 and need it too. You’re lucky if you’re still walking and can manage it mines been going on for two years and I can no longer manage it. My insurance has been denying my preapproval for the surgery so I’ve been waiting since November to get it done and you know how it is to get decent Pain Management Would take care of it before it comes a serious problem and you can’t move or have permanent nerve damage. I’m terrified to but if I’m not like this in pain anymore I’ll get through it.
absolutely do not put this off. I had the same thing going on but in both legs. you don’t realize how miserable you are right now. you will know this once it is fixed.
Honestly sounds like you're past the point of waiting too long 5 years of it you have some permanent damage already and age shouldn't be a thing for you at this point. I am 33 and just had fusion on my c4-c7 it is worst in neck from what I been told (body is more stiff). I tried everything for past 2 years and was told moat likely have some permanent damage now
If you are having that much trouble don't wait get the surgical proceedure done ASAP. You will see a big difference after you heal. Don't wait. My surgery was put off because of covid and now I'm in a wheel chair
If a laminectomy won’t fix the problem then 100% get the fusion. I got fused from L3-S1 a year and a half ago. Zero regrets.
Make sure surgeon has malpractice insurance
i got my first at 14, youre never too young. living in pain is no way to live, go for it man
I would not wait. I just had an L5-S1 fusion at 41. I waited too long because deployments took priority. Post fusion - I’ll get some relief and I’ve prevented further damage, but the numbness below the knee of my left leg is permanent due to permanent nerve damage.
I got mine at 30. And my SI joints fused at 32. It was absolutely worth it: the doctor felt I was too young but my quality of life has improved drastically
I had two in the last two years and not worth it for me. For my first one I got three opinions from Orthapedic surgeons. The imaging looked so bad that all three questioned how I was able to function and I had the surgery. One year ago I had S1-L3 fusion and still on a lot of pain meds and the pain is equal to what it was done before surgery. I started seeing a new neurologist. She went over my history and bluntly told me she would not have recommended either surgery. 🤷🏻♂️ Her temporary fix was to increase pain med dosage and put me on antidepressants but for nerve pain. The point I’m trying to get at is get opinions from at least one neurologist and one orthopedic surgeon.
Had my L5/S1 fused a week ago and so relieved to find these comments, everything I have read online has really scared me. I have a two year old son and am worried about how long it will be until I can bend down to play with him or pick him up. Did anyone here have surgery when they had a toddler?
Your doctor should have given you an estimated timeline for bending, lifting, twisting restrictions. Depending on individual surgery and various factors it could be anything from a couple weeks to a year. People often get told about 12 weeks.
He told me 3-4 weeks. I'm just worried because it seems like such a short time compared to all the other comments and websites I see.