flatback, pain and possible surgery

[Guest guest]

Hello, I am 29 years post herrington rod surgery for broken L5. I have had pain

over the years but now I am almost crippled. I cannot walk upright, my legs ache

and go numb and my hips hurt. Sitting,lying or standing I am never comfortable.

I am going to see a neurosurgeon next week. Has anyone had corrective surgery

for flat back and could let me know if it has changed the quality of their life

for the better. I'm so afraid. Thank you

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

It's OK to be afraid. Actually it is healthy to have a respectful fear of this

surgery or any surgery. I for one and many others have had successful outcomes.

Like you I was crippled up and getting worse when I surgery in 2006 with Glazer

in Boston. I had two flatback surgeries two days in a row, one anterior and one

posterior. Today, I function pretty much normally except for the limitations

brought on by rods and screws. I am also drug free, not that, that is a criteria

for success. Some need pain meds, some do not. Out of 100% pain, I have about

25% which is not bad considering he promised a 50% reduction in pian. I see a PT

therapist for some remaining nueropathies that have taken all these years to

clear up but am still making progress so I keep going back. I am not perfect. I

still am a little crooked based on the first fusions at 15 years and struggle

with ongoing exercise to keep my weight at bay but all in all I deem my surgery

a success. I am sure others will pipe in. Best of everything for your journey.

C

>

> Hello, I am 29 years post herrington rod surgery for broken L5. I have had

pain over the years but now I am almost crippled. I cannot walk upright, my legs

ache and go numb and my hips hurt. Sitting,lying or standing I am never

comfortable. I am going to see a neurosurgeon next week. Has anyone had

corrective surgery for flat back and could let me know if it has changed the

quality of their life for the better. I'm so afraid. Thank you

>