Guest guest Posted January 14, 2011 Report Share Posted January 14, 2011 >I thought we needed a note of hope in here - it seems to have been all doom and gloom for a while now. >I am now six months post-surgery for a four-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion with instrumentation (10 screws, 2 rods, 2 crossbraces, 3 spacers, lots of bone grafts) and I am doing fine. My pain level is way down in general (there are moments, of course, but there will ALWAYS be moments) and I can move so much better. I am left with a weak left leg due to damage to the L4 nerve on the left, so now I use a cane and it straightens my gait right up. My spine is weaker, of course. There have been a couple of necessary lifestyle changes. But I learned long ago to roll with the punches and the punches have become fewer and weaker and will probably stay that way for a while (I'm hoping for a couple of years), so I'm happy. I have been very fortunate to have done so well with this fairly drastic procedure. My wish for all of you is that some small or large thing can happen to help you, and that you can focus on that improvement as life goes on. With a congenital problem (Ehlers-Danlos) I know that there will always be more deterioration, but it is SO nice to have this respite; I can face the new year on the farm with real hope that I can do more. Hi Wow, that's a big surgery to go through. It's wonderful to hear that you are doing well. Perhaps with time and walking your leg will improve. Once again, I am thrilled to read how well you are doing. Ehlers-Danlos is a difficult condition to live with. I recall reading that doctors believe that Abraham Lincoln may have had Ehlers-Danlos also. Best wishes in your recovery Kaylene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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