One year later/L3/4/5 fusion

dridobits · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2011, 10:42 PM

Hi, I'm just checking in. I haven't been online in a long time. It is now just over a year since my fusion. I have to say I am so happy with the results. I still take a few pain killers a day but have been able to do things like actually sit for a nine hour car drive and only have a few days of soreness. I can now clean my house without winding up in bed for a week.

Mostly it is the chemically sensitive disc problem that is gone. I will always have back problems but it was the right decision and am so happy with it. I am still not working full time and don't think that will happen but I'll take everything I've got. It was one of the best decisions I feel I ever made. I know anything can change at any time but for now, I'll take it!

Just thought I'd put it out there for people looking for good fusion outcomes. I wish everyone the best for 2011.

mmglobal · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2011, 06:21 AM

Thanks for the update! While the result is not perfect, it sounds like you have substantial releif and your life is dramatically improved.

We should all be so lucky!

Please keep the updates coming... fusion patients are not represented well enough here... it's great to read successes.

All the best,

mark

Maria · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2011, 04:42 PM

GREAT news! I know I cannot sit for a 9 hour drive tho I do make it for 2-3 hours now. Re cleaning.. my father recently passed away (12/28/10) and I'm here in Fla. taking care of cleaning out a good sized 2 BR condo myself and so far so good. I've not had really any pain that is distracting altho emotionally I'm distracted.. however I have to say that I think as well with the drying up of my L5S1 disc and autofusion of that level much of my pain that limited me seems to be very well controlled with the daily pain med only now.

Like you I know that things can change (other levels acting up) tho like you I'll take what I can get now and make the very most of it!

Am very pleased to hear the degree of recovery you've had post fusion and I do seem to hear more and more positive reports these days re fusion outcomes. So thanks for posting the update as those who have that as the only option or the best recommended option would certainly like seeing that there are good outcomes out there! Take care and wishing you the best with ongoing recovery/spinal health!

dshobbies · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2011, 07:49 PM

Hi D,

You had a difficult few years there and I am so pleased that you have some of your life back. I completely agree, it may not be 100% but it is so much better than where I was, I can't complain too much.

I'm curious about a few things.

A multi-level lumbar fusion is actually contra-indicated. Of course, you had no choice but has your doctor indicated that there might be more problems down the line as adjacent discs bear the burden?

How has your movements/motion been affected by these fusions? What are your limitations and/or what can you NOT do? I was told that some multi-level fusion patients can no longer climb stairs, which in San Francisco makes living difficult.

I ask this for others considering similar surgeries. The more information they have, the easier a decision.

Glad to hear you're doing so well, Dale

mmglobal · #5 (**permalink**) 01-10-2011, 04:24 PM

My understanding is that even for 3 level fusions, the reduced range of motion, while noticeable, is not typically a limiting factor in daily life. Tying shoes my be more difficult, but easily worked around, etc... Most of the doctors I've spoken to say that for a 1 or 2 level lumbar fusion, most patients won't even notice the reduced motion.

Drido... I look forward to what you and others have to say. Great question Dale!

Mark

Aaron · #6 (**permalink**) 01-10-2011, 07:32 PM

I am glad you got that diagnosis for your tear and were able to treat it. I think the majority of dr. are missing tears as pain generators. Even after discogram showed positive provocation at tear and an epidural injection at tear level with herniated level that helped very much with the knifing pain for a while they still disregard
( which previous inj. at just herniation did nothing, still the injection could have been placed different angle of herniation, I know, confusing) . While a few consider it a pain generator most do not and say I should not worry about it. I am talking top thoracic spine specialists,some who wrote a book together and still totally disagree. I think sitting pain is a big red flag with chemicallly sensitive discs, just my opinion.

dridobits · #7 (**permalink**) 04-05-2011, 08:49 PM

I do have some issues with range of motion but it it isn't major and I still feel the fusion was the right choice. I was in bed for most of ten years so the only direction I had to go was up. The things I have most trouble with are backing up when driving and sweeping, washing floors. There are some absolutely crazy driveways here which I will not attempt.

Living in the bay area is a challenge. I have many steps to where I live and my bedroom is on the second floor. I don't have problems climbing stairs in fact my neighbors have over 60 steps to their house. I try not to lift too much as I'm afraid of putting stress on the other discs. I feel like the steps help as it gives me more exercise. There are lots of things I won't do for fear I will mess things up.

Maria · #8 (**permalink**) 04-06-2011, 05:54 PM

Must be fun for you re carrying bags up the stairs or carrying luggage up and down! I live on the 2nd floor and get good exercise carrying bags up stairs, pet supplies tho luggage is always a challenge when I go somewhere. I use the smaller suitcases w/wheels but it makes so much noise and is cumbersome if I have several things to bring.

I only recently gave thought to adjacent disc levels re some of what I do when I had to clear out, pack up and take care of my father's estate alone. That had to be the most phyical work I've done in years!

My cervical spine is sometime compromised and I find I have trouble turning my head to check things out when backing up, driving and such so usually turn my full torso. Twisting motion. Not right I know even w/ a non fused spine (or one with remaining probs/bulges).

I was down a long time too and that's why I'm pleased w/how much up time I have w/just being on some pain med. If and when that all changes and if more surgery is still an option I'd do what I had to do which is what you did it sounds like and seem to have had good results, actually pretty great results it sounds like re that 9 hour car drive and working still! take care!

dridobits · #9 (**permalink**) 04-10-2011, 10:48 PM

Safeway delivers in this neighborhood for all the heavy things. I don't know what I would do without them. It's good to find out about places who may deliver in your area. It isn't worth re-injuring myself for a bag of cat litter.

dshobbies · #10 (**permalink**) 04-11-2011, 06:19 PM

Great idea - I've never thought about it for heavy items. I wait for my husband but perhaps this is something I should look into and leave him alone for more important things, like changing toilet paper rolls!

I do love him so much. He's a very good man and I consider myself very lucky. Just having a little fun at his expense

All kidding aside, it is a good idea.