Calling all Spinal Fusion TW members

It's funny how many of us TW members have all suffered from Spinal fusion in one form or another. So I thought I'd post a new thread here for all of us to use as support group. Want to vent while having a bad day, need advice on upcoming surgery, or just wanting to find out how many of us suffer from this horrible condition. I've already talked to a couple of members who have the same problems I do. So lets get this kicked off, anyone is welcome to join in. You can post pics of your xrays, so we can all compare notes. Just click on my avatar and you'll get a good idea of what my spine looks like, until I can scan my newest picture to post here. I wanted to edit this post an state that any TW member with health issues that wants to join in this conversations is welcome. We all need an encouraging word from time to time in our lives. Just someone to vent to when we're having a bad day. So Everyone is welcome to chime in with any health concerns their having.

 

I'm in!!

Have had back issues since age 14. First back surgery at 18 and now, at almost 51, I am fused from L4-S1 and C5 to C7. Have had a total of seven spine surgeries with four of the being fusions. Nursing L3-4 after two decompression surgeries in '17 & '18.

Always happy to compare notes and offer any help or advice that I can!

 

No fusion here, just a microdiscectomy. That was bad enough and took almost 2 years to only partial recovery.
My mom and brother had fusions done in the neck region and that was no fun to watch

 

@CrippledOldMan Good idea for a thread David!
I like the idea of a "support group". I know more than a couple of Folks around here that have issues with their spines, me included. I will chime in with my experience when I am able.

 

May I ask what happened to your mother and brother that caused them needing fusions in their neck and how are they doing now after the surgery?

I'm asking because I am having radiculopathy causing numbness/pain in one finger and down my left arm and just had an MRI.

 

My brother is doing ok with his neck area for the most part.
My mom was a cluster f. She ended up with 9 surgeries on the neck. The first fusion didn't take with her hip bone they cut out. They then had to get a donor bone from a cadaver and reinforce with screws and plate. During physical therapy a screw popped/dislodged and messed up 2 more vertebra and discs. That lead to 7 more surgeries to try and fix. It was never going to be good again. They ended up putting a med pump into her that delivered pain meds directly and needed to be refilled every 3 months by injection. She passed away from congestive heart failure.

 

JAY, SO SO SORRY to hear what your mother went through, that was very difficult to read and can't imagine what she went through , but good to hear about your brother's outcome.

I'm hoping to not have surgery and have non-invasive as possible in my treatment.

I hope you are doing well now too and are feeling good!

 

For what it's worth if you do have to have surgery, traditionally necks are much easier and faster to recover. While my back surgeries to me out of work for 6-12 weeks, I was back to work in 10 days after both neck fusions.

 

Jim, sorry to hear about all you have been through, my brother had back surgery so I have some understanding what you went through.

Thanks for sharing your experience on the neck surgery you have had, as it gives me some hope.

 

It's all good. You learn to get used to it. I know I'm gonna be in some pain for the most part all the time. I only consider a day to be really bad if the pain stops me from doing something I love which is rare.

You'll be good. Hopefully you're in touch with a good and conservative Dr who will offer non-surgical options first. Let us know how it goes and how you're doing!

 

My best answer is to find a really good chiropractor.
Pending on the situation and how many mm disc is bulging. Also try laying on the floor and put a wine bottle under/behind the neck for 15 to 20 minutes s dat. A pilates log/roll (looks like a big pool noodle) may help as well.

 

Thanks Jim, my PCP mentioned having a steroid injection for the radiculopathy.

These 2 videos have helped me in coping with the pain:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pxenGYuCgs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7e-NElA2G8

 

Injections work really well in most cases. Make sure it is done as an x-ray guided procedure. Don't let ANYONE tell you they can inject without it.

 

Thanks Jay, these videos has helped with treating the radiculopathy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_qJeme_H_s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfZv9kvg5ww

 

Thanks for the links!

 

Wow Jay. I am sorry to hear about your Mother.

 

You are welcome Jim, the least I can do for everyone's help here.

 

Great idea for a thread. Back issues never really seem to go away.

 

@Hobbs @Markcal
Thanks. It was a tough road. Their philosophy they used, it's easier to cure a drug addict than it is to cure pain.

 

I'm sure it was tough.
Yep. Opiates used to flow like crazy. The government is at least finally trying to slow it down.
My Father got on them for Interstitial Systytis and could never get off of them. Bad news.