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getting back surgery

I had L4, L5, S1 but didn’t get them fused. I had a discectomy. At the time I was a full time firefighter and my surgeon told me that a fusion would restrict my movements which would possibly not allow me to return to work. I’ve had no problems other than the normal back pain from working or doing strenuous activities, which is to be expected. Good Luck!
 
enkriss said:
I say kick that can down the road as far as possible.

Have you tried the shots and all that?
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I second this, I've seen a few guys with back surgeries go bad, but the worst part was the opioids for the pain that just got them strung out. Depending on where you are painwise, opioids may already be staring you in the face. If waiting isn't an option then make sure there isn't a better option for a surgeon available. Good luck and keep us posted

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My work counterpart had chronic issued kicked the can but researched docs during that time. Ended up in new york city for surgery. Happy now.
 
My wife has had 3 surgeries for back problems and is pain free and mobile now. Robotic surgery was awesome at Peoria Illinois spine clinic.
 

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I’ve had those same ones fused 20 years ago I will say I wish I waited and got a 2nd even a 3rd opinion. I would find out if they have an option to use the flexible rods. The other thing I will say is I know it is painful but if you can get by with non narcotic pain meds do it the back pain is nothing compared to withdraws. Withdrawal will make you hurt more on top of being dope sick. Does not matter if you only take 1 or a couple per day your body will become dependent on them. There is nothing you can do about it it just happens one day. Then your taken them to feel human and make it through the day. Those pain pills ruined 15 years of my life my doctor had me on 240 Lora tab 10/500 a month 2 pills 4X a day on top of 180 percent 10s a month. I was a straight up pill junkie and was taking them way more often then prescribed so would always run out a week or more early. Then be sick for a week or more waiting for the refills. Thank God my wife stayed by my side and helped me get help now I’m off been about 7 years now. I moved to a saddle over my back always hurting carrying my climber in the woods and the saddle is more comfortable to me and better on my back. I can sit longer with way less pain. The surgery didn’t do much for me back still hurts and I can’t touch my toes from lack of mobility or flexibility rather. I’ also had the robotic surgery one of the first in my area. If you have the surgery just take your time and heal correctly. Good luck.


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I have degenerative disk disease at L5-S1 and large herniations at L4-L5. My issues started in 2013. Religiously stretching and getting the steroid injections as flareups occur has helped me get this far without surgery. Doctors started recommending a microdisectomy immediately and that soon became a fusion/2level fusion recommendation.
 
enkriss said:
I have degenerative disk disease at L5-S1 and large herniations at L4-L5. My issues started in 2013. Religiously stretching and getting the steroid injections as flareups occur has helped me get this far without surgery. Doctors started recommending a microdisectomy immediately and that soon became a fusion/2level fusion recommendation.
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Sounds like exactly what I'm going threw now. First injection starts next week. Hopeful to avoid surgery
 
Shed84 said:
Sounds like exactly what I'm going threw now. First injection starts next week. Hopeful to avoid surgery
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For me I have needed a second round of injections for relief. So don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t help after the first round.
 
I have L1,2,3,4 fusion. It sucked had to go on disability. My back is a mess, doc said it looked like a 95 year old when he did surgery. That was 18 years ago, I'm 74 years old next month, first 2 years were bad, but I can not only walk now I've been climbing srt last two years. I don't know how long it will last but can't wait for next fall. Also have both hips replaced,shoulder surgery and knee surgery. I would wait as long as you can but at some point needs to be done. Best of luck to you.
 
Im supposed to go in for a lumbar discectomy week after next. Im ok with the pain, some loss of mobility and issues sleeping. The only thing that worries me is the loss of feeling in my foot. The shots did nothing for the pain but cleared up the foot thing for a week or two. Im worried about permanent or worsening nerve damage. Still trying to decide if im doing it or not honestly.
 
TFNC said:
Im supposed to go in for a lumbar discectomy week after next. Im ok with the pain, some loss of mobility and issues sleeping. The only thing that worries me is the loss of feeling in my foot. The shots did nothing for the pain but cleared up the foot thing for a week or two. Im worried about permanent or worsening nerve damage. Still trying to decide if im doing it or not honestly.
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I put off the discectomy. Sucked up a lot of pain for quite a while. But MRIs taken a year later show that herniation shrunk to 1/2 it’s size.
 
enkriss said:
For me I have needed a second round of injections for relief. So don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t help after the first round.
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Thanks for the info. The doc told me my only options are injections or surgery. If the injection doesn't work I don't know how long I can take it before I throw the towel in with surgery. Hope it doesn't come to that.
 
Shed84 said:
Thanks for the info. The doc told me my only options are injections or surgery. If the injection doesn't work I don't know how long I can take it before I throw the towel in with surgery. Hope it doesn't come to that.
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My wife has scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis and her injections gave her pain relief from 3 days to 3 months. She had dozens of injections and her first two surgeries were no picnic and did not help her pain level much. We researched a lot and went to the Peoria Spine and Neurological Institute in Peoria, Illinois for the third surgery and she has had zero pain and much improved mobility. Do a lot of research before surgery is my recommendation.
 
TFNC said:
Im supposed to go in for a lumbar discectomy week after next. Im ok with the pain, some loss of mobility and issues sleeping. The only thing that worries me is the loss of feeling in my foot. The shots did nothing for the pain but cleared up the foot thing for a week or two. Im worried about permanent or worsening nerve damage. Still trying to decide if im doing it or not honestly.
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I had trouble with my Ulnar nerve in my left arm. Docs said I need surgery or nerve damage might occur. Well I had the surgery which caused nerve damage. Go figure. Should have been patient and explored other options. I also have impingement in my c5-c6. I passed on surgery for an epidural . I was good for 2 years then needed another. Pain free again. Number one cause of back surgery is previous surgery. Make sure you have a good doctor that you trust then get a second or third opinion.
 
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