New to group!!! Questions on Spinal Fusion!!

[Guest guest]

Hello!!

I am Jenn, 33 yr old Mother of two children under 5!! I was

recently diagnosed with DDD and my L5 S1 disc is almost totally

gone...part of it is pressing on my nerve causing major stress on the

left side of my body. From numb toes, neck pain, shooting pains and

nembness down my leg....to twitching at night so i am unable to sleep.

I have had PT, epidural steriod injections, tried countless meds to

help the pain....NOTHING helps. My neurosurgeon wants me to have

spinal fusion.....I am so scared about it....I have not read nor heard

good things about it. I went for a 2nd and 3rd opinion...all drs

agree it is my only change of pain relief. I am worried. I have two

young children and want to be able to play and be active with them!!

Any advice....would help me so much!! Thank you all!!

Jenn