One year later/L3/4/5 fusion

dridobits · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2011, 09:42 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, 05:21 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, 03:42 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, 06:49 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, 03:24 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, 06:32 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.