Guest guest Posted February 26, 2010 Report Share Posted February 26, 2010 I had a new set of scans done today and my doctor showed me that the next procedural step for controlling my spine pain is a fusion from L.3 through S.1. He leaves it up to me to decide when it should be done - his personal preference is to wait until I simply can't tolerate the pain any longer, and I think I agree. He says the recovery period is about 9 months. I would like input from those of you who have had similar fusions. How bad was it? How long was the recovery period? Would you recommend having it done, and if so, what would make you decide (or made you decide) to do it? Are there risks associated with waiting, such as further spinal injury because the area is very unstable right now? Also, I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; if any of you also have it, I would REALLY appreciate your input. I am seeing the actual surgeon in about 10 days and I would like your thoughts before then. Thanks! in New Mexico Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2010 Report Share Posted February 27, 2010 Hi , I had a 3 level/360 spinal fusion from L2 to L5 in Nov.of 07, spinal surgery or any other surgery unless in an emergency situation is a very personal decision, you need to have that conversation with yourself and say, " Can I live with this pain and uncertainty through out my life? " , then do the pros and cons list, and your decision will be made clearer for you. I had to have my surgery since it was an accident and the Discectomy that they tried first failed inmmediatly so I had no choice in the matter. Unfortunately my surgery failed. The surgeon that did it used cadaver bone that was supposed to be used (accordin to the manufacturer), only through the front and he introduced them through the back, so they have started to chip and break away, leaving me with a lot of pain 24/7 and another 4 spinal surgeries so far. I have friends that had spinal fusions and they are doing great. They went back to work after 6 months, and had no issues, so that comes to show you how different the outcomes can be. Just make sure to get a couple of opinions before jumping into surgery. Interview your surgeon throughly, and ask him what his success rate with 3 level fusions, how his patient's are doing after that type of procedure, and more importantly, do a lot of reaserch on the procedure. There is a lof of information online on success rates on 3 level fusion, etc. so do your homework before going to the OR. I hope that this info. helped. Take care and good luck! Millie > > I had a new set of scans done today and my doctor showed me that the next procedural step for controlling my spine pain is a fusion from L.3 through S.1. He leaves it up to me to decide when it should be done - his personal preference is to wait until I simply can't tolerate the pain any longer, and I think I agree. > > He says the recovery period is about 9 months. I would like input from those of you who have had similar fusions. How bad was it? > > How long was the recovery period? Would you recommend having it done, and if so, what would make you decide (or made you decide) to do it? Are there risks associated with waiting, such as further spinal injury because the area is very unstable right now? > > Also, I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; if any of you also have it, I would REALLY appreciate your input. > > I am seeing the actual surgeon in about 10 days and I would like your thoughts before then. > Thanks! > in New Mexico > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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