Calling all Spinal Fusion TW members

Well I'm sneaking up on 90 days post op. This time around really took it's toll on me. but I do feel like real relief is just around the corner. I' walking every other day about half a mile. I'm trying to get setup for some more PT. My biggest accomplishment so far is how much I've reduced the amount of pain killers I was taking. I'm down fro 3 x 30mg ER Oxycontin plus 6 x15mg Ir oxycodone to 2 x 15mg ER Oxycontin and 6 x 10 mg IR Oxycodone. I'm going to try and cut back on the number of 10 mg IR this week. If I can get down to the 2 x 15 ER and 4 x 10 mg IR as my baseline then I think thats a good goal to set.

 

Great to hear from you, and great news about your pain.
I hope you continue to feel better and improve.
On my side the epidural has been working and going to ask for another in 2 weeks when I see the doctor. Then we'll see.

 

It's been a long, long road but I feel like this last surgeon really new his business. the hardest part is how restricted my body is in moving around. I just have to rely on one of the hand grabber's to pick things up that I drop on the floor. No Twisting or bending. At 66 it's hard to keep my body from doing things that are a natural reflex, and it's been doing for all these years. Hope everyone here suffering from back pain of any form is doing better these days.

 

Went to see the doctor yesterday and sending me for another MRI and then we can pinpoint the right spot for 2nd epidural.
This week marks 1 year since surgery.

 

Hey guys
I just found out i need a ACDF 5-7.
Ive only consulted with an orthopedic surgeon. Reading through this thread has me second guessing myself, and considering getting a second opinion with a neurosurgeon..
Wise decision??
My main issues are numb fingers, im pretty lucky thats all that bothers me right now.
I have pretty severe degenerative disc disease and theyre pinching my spinal cord.

 

Yes do get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon.
And it's good to second guess yourself.
Orthopedic doctor said the only surgery he might do is fusion 3,4,5 in my lumbar spine. But at the time I was not a candidate. Neurosurgeon did a micro lumbar discetomy and cured 75% of my issues. Had I been able to see him in the first place I might be back to work a year ago. But my nerves were impinged for over a year. So I still working that out.
Keep us posted. And don't be afraid to get a second opinion for your own sake.

 

I appreciate the feedback Thanks

 

MRI this morning, putting big boy pants on and going into the tube. When results come back then we schedule another epidural.

 

well I'm considering canceling the rest of my PT. I have a scheduled appt. for Thursday, and I'm going to sit down and talk with them. Every time I have a session it takes me 2-3 days to recover. After my last Pt last Tuesday I was so sore I couldn't get out of bed for 2 days, and it really effecting my walking. My biggest problem, are Trigger Points in my back muscles just below my shoulder blades on both sides. I wouldn't wish those on anyone. They're killing me pain wise. I've already had one round of injections, and roll around on the bed with a tennis ball in the right spot, but brother that is another pain all to itself. It's the only self help that I've been able to find on the internet. Anyway, I'll just keep plugging along no matter what.

For 303Tacoma, always get a second opinion, and from my point of view, I wouldn't let anyone other than a Neurosurgeon operate on my spine, upper (Neck) or lower back. Just my opinion.

 

Ok MRI was fun. 1st. appointment today started IV stuffed me into the tube lots of noise pull me out and said somethings wrong with the machine. Go into waiting room and wait for the open MRI which I wanted in the first place. Now to wait on the neurosurgeon to get results and give me a call and move onto the next faze of another epidural, and hope that gives me relief so I can return to working.
Man David it sounds like their just being too rough on you.
Keep you head up and keep on keeping on. Remember every one heals differently and at different paces.

 

Geez i feel grateful im not feeling the way you guys do, im sorry for all your pain.
I did get a second opinion on 6/3,
I was scheduled for surgery 6/19 with an orthopedic.
I cancelled that surgery yesterday with the ortho,and am going with this neurosurgeon.
The neurosurgeon was awesome spent a half an hour talking to me, im scheduled for 7/2.
Im a little scared, but im sure thats normal.

 

What do they want to do?

 

ACDF
5-7

 

Good luck I have lumbar issues. But you should ask if theres any exercises you could or should do to help with recovery before surgery. It helped with the wifes knee which is a totally different surgery.
And yes being scared is normal.

 

Thanks
Ill check

 

Dr. called and said he sees nothing in MRI that would structurally need surgery,but ordered an epidural. That was scheduled today for July 3rd that solves my current issues.

 

Just wanted to say good luck on the 2nd. Keep us updated on how your doing and how it went.
I get my 3rd epidural overall on the 3rd.

 

Thank you
Nerves are kicking in a bit.
Ill check in

ive never had an epidural but i hope it goes well for you.

 

I'm usually awake for 2 days afterwards. You'll do fine, my wife had your surgery done a few years ago.

 

Oof that sounds rough!!
Good luck!!
I know I will be.
just 1st ever surgery besides a cataract