360 degree Fusion.. shoot...
I've had back problems now for the last 5 years. The docs have kind of blown off my symptoms always saying "Its just a couple bulging discs". I went to an orthopedic surgeon recently who had me do a discogram (nasty painful test) and a myleogram. What that revealed is basically that my back is broken (fractured in a few spots) and I have degenerative disc disease. It's time for a fusion. And it is going to be quite involved. And I'm scared.
I don't know when yet. It will be at Abbott. They are getting a few specialists involved since I have had gastric bypass and a couple of c-sections.
Take care all..
I have chronic back pain myself, from getting T-boned almost 12 years ago. Losing so much weight has helped with the pain, but I still walk like I'm in a serious cross-wind. My left hip is a full inch higher than my right, and it causes extreme pain in my left knee when I do a lot of walking.
So I can relate, and I do pray that the surgery takes care of your problems! Be sure to let us know how it goes, okay?
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Back problems are the worst.
This is just totally my opinion, I don't know your individual issues, but I would be a little leary of fusion. I know several people who have had this done and have had issues further down the line. My husband has had 2 back surgeries and the doctors talked about fusion, and after much researching and talking with people, he decided against it.
As always, consider what your doctors suggest, do lots and lots of research and go with what you think is right for you. I will keep you in my thoughts that this all works out for you.
Peggy
It's a hard decision and not one I've come by lightly.. and I still get nervous about.. but I have done so many things.. shots, physical therapy many times, modified therapy, massage therapy.. and now my right leg is so numb.. it turns blue when I sit too long. All from this area in my back. I have had everything else checked. It's my back.
Thanks though for your concern. I am leary of it... it's a huge surgery. But things just are not getting better. And I want to dance with my kids. I can't right now...
Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with your back. I too suggest that if you haven't already, try to do some other treatments before going with the fusion. Maybe even get a second opinion. In a physical therapy newsletter I recently read, they have a 50% failure rate. And by failure they mean no relief of symptoms, or an actual increase in pain. Many, many people end up having the fusions reversed. I'm sorry that I can't offer alternatives or suggestions for what would be better or any of that, but often people don't know what they are getting into with some of these surgeries. I just wanted to make sure you are aware of the statistics. I know that cronic pain sucks. Have you done injections and PT and all that?
sorry.. wanted to finish my reply.. (had to go on the last that's why it was short)
I do thank you for your post. I've heard that concern alot. This has been something that I've prayed about and really tried to avoid. But things are really getting worse and I need to do something before the damage is permanent. I don't want to sit on the sidelines...
I had an anterior/posterior fusion in May of 2006....one year after my RNY. 8 1/2 hours of surgery......they had the same anethesiolgist for my fusion as did my RNY. Basically they cut me open in front.....did the a fusion from the front....turned me over, opened my back up and did another fusion from the back. Rods, screws, artificial discs.........its not perfect by any means, but the nerve damage was so long term that they didn't expect complete pain relief. But my back is much more stable and I can walk so much better than before.
It is not an easy recovery, but you will survive! Best of luck to you, and let me know if you have any questions!
Hugs,
Jana
I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you....it's not a pleasant surgery and the recovery is slow and painful. But then again, having an anterior/posterior fusion is different than just having an posterior fusion.....being cut open on both sides at once makes for a truly miserable recovery. It did seem to derail my weight loss too, being only a year out and getting in so little excercise in the year following the fusion.
But like all things....it gets better as time goes by. Plan on having a lot of help after the surgery.....you'll need it. And allow yourself the time to heal.....follow your surgeon's instructions and be patient.
Hugs!