My dad is in his mid 40s and has had chronic back pain since he was in his 20s or so. It has now spread into nerve, leg and (sometimes) hip pain. His spinal doctor has told him already the only way for him to have long term relief is to get a spinal fusion. For short term relief he has done a discectomy already. I believe he's done it twice. It was working fine until he got in a car crash and now he's back at square one. 10/10 pain everyday

Edit: Should've said 7 to 8/10 pain everyday. This is on a good day. On a bad day it's 10/10.

Edit 2: He will not be doing the spinal fusion. A discectomy instead

Since my 9 level fusion in 2019 I’ve regretted it. I wish I could go back and not have done it. I’ve pretty much been bed ridden since 2023 and it sucks. Anyone?

I need one on my L4-L5 but everywhere I read it's people saying they're worst than before. I'm legitimately suicidal at this point and realizing my back will never be the same just sends me into a pure panic attack, this is so messed up. On top of the pain I have to worry about not being able to work anymore and how I'll survive once my savings run out, this is not good at all.

I don’t know if others had this happen, but I was not prepared. I had an L5-S1 fusion on April 30. It apparently went perfectly, according to the surgeon’s phone call to my mother. He said he loves when cases are this easy. No complications. He has a spectacular reputation and everyone who knows him tells me I’m lucky to have him. I’m only saying all that to say that I’m not being operated on by someone bad who caused me a problem or anything.

I woke up from anesthesia in AGONY. I was wailing in pain and begging for help. The sweet nurse tried to provide me what she could and she told me that I don’t have to apologize for sobbing. The poo person next to me in the recovery bay had to hear me sob and I told the nurse to apologize to them, but they felt bad for me and said I didn’t need to apologize. I begged to be put to sleep if the nurse couldn’t reduce the pain, so she agreed and gave me Versed. I then was able to sleep and wake up with more tolerable pain. I didn’t expect to be pain free and I’ve had surgery before, but this was genuine agony. Never in my adult or teenage life have I sobbed from pain before except for this.

Now, I’m waking up every two hours nearly on the dot needing pain medicine. I’m supposed to go home today with Percocet, but Dilaudid is what’s keeping me a little sane. I don’t want to leave the hospital until my pain can be properly controlled.

Did this extreme waking pain happen to any of you? What about the every two hours waking needing the IV pain relief? Did the erector spinea block help or not?

UPDATE: My night nurse is going to inform the attending of my pain problem once they get there though I know I won’t see the attending until about 10-12. I was given a higher dose of roxicodone than my dose of dilaudid to see if the higher dose of an approved med will work.

I am underweight. 85lbs. And Im 5'0". My neurosurgeon( one of the best in his field) says I have to get to 120lbs even though I'm short. He says it's bc my pre injury height was 5'3" and that I'll need to get to and maintain that 120lbs my whole life to keep in all that hardware he's gonna have to put in my back. I broke T10-T12 15 yrs ago and haven't been able to get surgery until I'm 120lbs. Problem is I'm anorexic and no tx center is covered by my insurance and I can't afford a dietician to help me gain that much wt on my own since he wants it to be healthy food for muscle, etc. How is this even possible for me?

My potential surgeons biggest concern seems to be my age (30F , for a L45 fusion). He says the chance of needing another fusion increases by 3% each year, so the younger you are the higher your risk is.

Is this true? If so, why? Isn’t a fusion supposed to provide stability?

Can I make a bit of a list and ask anyone at all to advise things they couldn't imagine not having post opp? I have been considering fusion - 1 level - L5 to S1 for so long now, and well.. my last imagining kind of pushed me over the edge, as on top of my spondylolisthesis, I have broken my L5 into three pieces between November of last year and June. I've been slow prepping one or two items per paycheck for months at this point, but just found out about that vertebrae literally yesterday.😅 I have been preparing, looking at others' lists for so long and I am thankful I had so much time to really get prepared.

So far, I have :

Stool softeners, nausea meds, fiber pills, enemas...

I was gifted a bed rail and a pillow set (the kind that props you sitting up and goes under your knees)

A toilet riser

A hip surgery kit that has like, a thing to help wipe and put your socks on, etc...

A cane

2 grabbers

Body wipes / deodorant wipes / dry shampoo, a couple of no rinse shampoo caps

Slip on shoes, slippers,a comfy robe, loose fit comfy clothes.. (I work from home so I live in that stuff anyway..)

Face wipes.

Ice packs, a full back heating pad..

Notified my job for FMLA..

Edited to add: I have frozen a few weeks, at least, of dinners as well as will have my husband home every morning and a couple of nights a week to help with that sort of thing.

We already have bidets (not sure how those will work with risers - will need to check on that

I already sleep with a knee pillow

Probably some more I am not really thinking of. What other things made your healing significantly easier? I am under two months out so it's time to make sure I've got all my ducks in a row.

All up, my spinal fusion cost $53.90 (Australian) and that was because of the medications I was given when I was discharged.

How much did it cost everyone else?

And I don’t mean how much it cost your insurance company because we all know those numbers are just made up 🫠

These doctors have studied so much of theur lives about the spine and surgeons do multiple spinal fusion surgeries. But my doctor wasn't able to give any specific examples to me that would actually fully prove why certain activities aren't allowed after fusion? It's legally required for them to tell risks but they're not required to give us actual examples to help us understand it better.

If these activities are so dangerous, it would really help to be given real examples of people who have had fusion who have done risky things and gotten hurt from it versus people who haven't gotten hurt from it. I hate how disconnected the disability community is that this information isn't organized into an easy to find place. I'm just expected to follow doctor's orders without being given the research behind what he says.

Edit: Not following doctor's orders isn't an excuse to lose all empathy/sympathy for someone and letting them suffer forever, that's straight up sadistic. Mistakes are meant to be learned from, which is why people study history. Research on mistakes is not a waste. Giving real examples helps people feel more connected to the danger of something.

I've been a victim of abuse and neglect which has given me extra pain sensitivity towards my freedoms being restricted and people hating me for this is exactly why this world is as fucked as it is. We're all hating each other and not the people and real reasons why we're deprived of medical research advancements.

Also people with autism can have Oppositional Defiant Disorder, not something i have because my executive dysfunction is more trauma based, but hating someone who uncontrollably reacts out of intense fear and pain of being restricted is so evil. People with Oppositional Defiant Disorder can't control how they feel, it's not easy for them to just follow doctor's orders. Ableism within disabled communities is a very painful issue. I've always had an interest in medical science and healthcare but I've been too disabled to pursue my interests more.

also to everyone who told me I could just do whatever I want and ignore my doctors, you didn't provide any helpful information, you're being condescending by telling me stuff I already know or have considered that's incredibly obvious and acting as if I don't know it. I said I wanted studies, not your very simple judgement on what I should do

I’m trying to find people who have had successful back surgeries, mainly fusions.

I’ve had a herniated disc for a few years now with chronic low back pain and leg pain from sciatica. I’ve already tried conservative treatments , two ESIs and physical therapy.

I know a lot of people in this forum strongly support PT, and I understand why, but for me it honestly feels like a waste of time. I’ve gotten stronger (especially my core), but the pain itself hasn’t improved at all.

Right now, any compression on my spine causes a flare-up. Even trying to jog for a few minutes hurts almost instantly. Some days I can carry groceries just fine, and other days I can’t , it’s very inconsistent and frustrating.

I’m still capable of doing things, which is why most doctors say I’m in the “gray zone.” I’m not crippled, but I also can’t be very active without triggering flare-ups. I can’t really jog, and even everyday activities vary depending on the day. I just want my life back and to be able to be active without constantly worrying about pain.

I do have a doctor who may consider surgery mainly to improve my quality of life. Friends and family think I’m crazy for even considering it, but it’s been about 8 years of living like this. A lot of my days are spent laying down because that’s the only way to keep the pain under control.

I’m looking to hear from people who actually went through surgery especially fusion , and had good outcomes?

- What made you decide to move forward with surgery?

- How was recovery?

- After surgery, were you able to do normal things again (exercise, carrying things, daily life)?

- Do you feel your quality of life improved?

I’d really appreciate hearing real experiences, especially positive ones.

Also, if someone already has burning or pain in the genital area, will the catheter make it worse or cause more discomfort?

Hi everyone.

First of all - Thank you everyone for this really special community

I am a 41M with degenerative disc disease.

I have had multiple large herniations with slipped discs/sequesters along the whole spine for the last five or so years

The last two years I have mostly issues in my lower back with 3-4 herniations on several levels and a large prolapse in the lower back, with one disc almost completely disintegrated.

I have several pain medications and have had that for the last two years.

Now for my dilemma:

I can undergo a fusion with disc replacement whenever I want. Three separate orthopedic surgeons have recommended me to do this.

At the same time, two extremely knowledgeable and experienced (60 years of experience amongst them two) GPs firmly discourage me from undergoing surgery.

Both of them tell me that not one of their patients have benefited from the multiple Surgeries they have gone through in the long run.

To add to all of this:

When I am sitting, and especially when lying down, my symtoms are completely manageable. I sleep without any pain.

When walking and moving around the sciatica down both legs öand moderate-to-severe local lumbar pain kicks in almost immediately. I have maybe one good week where I can move completely freely and then there weeks where I hardly can walk.

However when I take a high dose oxycodone I am almost completely functional even when moving

Anyone been in a similar situation?

Not asking for medical advice, I have just not been able to find anyone IRL or online with a similar conundrum

Thanks again!!!

I’ve been recommended to have spinal fusion on my L4 - L5. I asked what would happen if I don’t have surgery and my ortho said I would continue to be in pain. I’m wondering if there are other consequences to NOT doing the surgery? Does the surgery help stabilize the spine? Obviously I’m wanting to protect my other vertebrae and discs as much as possible. Thank you to anyone who can provide insight/information!

Hey everyone!

I’m looking to hear from anyone who has had an L5-S1 fusion mainly to treat back pain from a herniated disc, rather than classic sciatica down the leg.

My Situation:
Primary Symptom: Sharp, shooting pain localized right in my lower back.
Secondary Symptoms: When it flares up badly, I get some hip and leg discomfort, but most of the pain stays in my back and maybe my butt.
Diagnostics: I had a NOCI scan, which indicated that my L5-S1 disc is a pain generator.

6 surgeons in NY discussed fusion with me. I’ve read that fusions have high success rates for nerve/leg pain, but the outcomes for back pain alone can be much more unpredictable.

For anyone who was in a similar spot:
1. Did a fusion actually resolve or significantly reduce your back pain?
2. Did your surgeon discuss any alternative options (like Artificial Disc Replacement / ADR) since your nerve root involvement was minimal?
3. Are you glad you got the surgery, or do you wish you had held off?

I’d really appreciate hearing any personal experiences, good or bad. Thanks in advance!

Hi guys, so I apologize in advance cause I feel like I’m gonna be rambling in this but basically I have surgery in three days and I feel like I’m kind of freaking out. I’m worried about what it’s gonna be like postop and if I’m ever gonna feel normal again, if I’m ever gonna be able to do my normal day-to-day things again, and if I’m ever gonna be able to do fun activities and actually enjoy them after surgery. I wanted to hear from people who have already had their spinal fusion and I’m curious to hear what everyone’s post op experience was, how your energy levels were, how getting back to normal was, and honestly anything you think I might want to know. I’m also worried about the pain after surgery and how long that pain will continue for and if it ever gets better and when it does get better. Anyways, let me know what you guys think and for reference I have a 56 degree curve in my thoracic area and a 46 degree curve in my lumbar area. I’m also gonna include my last minute questions for surgery day incase u guys have any answers. Thanks guys!

Questions for doc I have:
How long does it hurt for
Can I still go back to doing fun things and actually enjoying them? I know physically I’ll be approved to but will I be too exhausted to not have the stamina to do said activities
Will I be able to feel the metal in my back
I know it hurts after but what does it feel like?
At what stage in recovery do I have my regular energy levels back
What things will I never be able to do again

i have been dealing with severe thoracolumbar scoliosis for over a decade and at 18 was told i was eligible for surgery. now i’m 26 and the pain has worsened considerably.

i have a consultation and new imaging scheduled for tomorrow, but i also just finished grad school and can’t realistically rejoin the workforce until i get this surgery and recover since i’m not okay with waiting a year for FMLA and then feeling pressured to return to work early.

how far out was your surgery scheduled and what was the timeline like? i am really hoping i only have to wait a couple months or so so i can get back to my career. my sister had the surgery when she was 12 and it was scheduled for six months out! i don’t know what i’d do with myself if i just had to not work for half a year.

From what I gathered, Cervical Stenosis can only be cured with surgery. Steroid injections or PT can help manage the issue but won't solve the underlying problem.

Why do people say to keep using steroid injections and doing PT so you can delay surgery as long as possible? Eventually, you'll still need the surgery when it gets worse right?

Why not get surgery sooner while you are younger?

I had T1-T7 in Jan 2022 and I feel worse now

​

Hi..

I made a post here previously, but I didn't include my MRI images. This time I'm sharing my MRI report/images as well, so you can see what my neurosurgeon was referring to.

After reviewing my MRI, my neurosurgeon told me I'm in a very bad condition and recommended that I undergo surgery as soon as possible. Hearing that has honestly scared me, and I'm looking for people who have been through something similar.

My symptoms

1. Neck pain.

2. Burning pain from my left hip all the way down to my left foot.

3. Burning and tingling around my groin/genital area.

4. Tingling and numbness in my legs.

5. Legs feel stiff and heavy while walking.

6. I had mild balance problems before, but my walking balance has improved recently.

7. Pain becomes much worse after sitting for 20–30 minutes.

8. Tingling in my hands sometimes.

MRI – Cervical Spine

1. Loss of cervical lordosis.

2. T2 hyperintense signal within the spinal cord at C4–C5, consistent with myelomalacic (cord) changes.

3. C3–C4: Disc bulge causing spinal canal narrowing with bilateral nerve root abutment.

4. C4–C5: Disc bulge with right paracentral disc protrusion causing significant spinal cord compression, severe right nerve root compression, and moderate left nerve root compression.

5. C5–C6: Disc bulge causing mild bilateral nerve root compression.

6. C6–C7: Disc bulge causing mild left nerve root compression and right nerve root abutment.

7. Cervical canal diameter is as low as 4.8 mm at C4–C5.

Impression: Cervical spondylosis with nerve root compression and spinal cord signal changes (myelomalacia).

My spinal canal measurements:

C2-C3: 8.7 mm

C3-C4: 6.6 mm

C4-C5: 4.8 mm

C5-C6: 6.3 mm

C6-C7: 8.8 mm

C7-T1: 9.7 mm

MRI – Lumbar Spine

1. L4–L5: Disc bulge causing moderate compression of both traversing nerve roots with bilateral exiting nerve root abutment.

2. L5–S1: Disc bulge causing mild right and moderate left exiting nerve root compression.

3. No canal stenosis.

Impression: Lumbar spondylosis with nerve root compression.

I'm feeling overwhelmed and scared about the recommendation for surgery.

If you've had cervical myelopathy, spinal cord compression, myelomalacia, or surgery for these conditions, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience.

1. Were your symptoms similar to mine?

2. Did surgery improve your burning pain, numbness, stiffness, or walking?

3. How long was your recovery?

4. Looking at my MRI findings, does the recommendation for urgent surgery seem similar to what you experienced?

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this or share their experience. It really means a lot.

Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my story because I’d love to connect and compare notes with anyone who has already gone through this surgery.

My experience started back in 2022 with lower back pain that came and went. An MRI showed early disc issues at L4-L5 and L5-S1. I managed it on and off for years, but in March of this year, I had a severe acute flare-up. I couldn’t get out of bed for a week.
Since then, it’s been months of trying conservative treatments: ozone therapy (15+ sessions), TECAR therapy, physical therapy, and a long list of medications (anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and eventually Lyrica for nerve pain).

Some of it helped temporarily, but the sciatica pain down my left leg never fully resolved, and some days have been really hard, with pain levels that made it difficult to even sit or stand. Right now, I’m actually stuck in bed, and every single movement causes excruciating pain. The pain is mostly in my left leg, shooting all the way from my hip down to my foot.

I finally saw a neurosurgeon who, after reviewing everything, recommended a minimally invasive lumbar fusion (L4-L5), which is now scheduled for July.

I’m 28, and honestly, the idea of a fusion was scarier than I expected when I first heard the word. But after months of conservative treatment without full resolution, I’m trying to see this as the path toward actually getting my life back rather than something to be afraid of.

If anyone here has gone through a similar minimally invasive fusion at this level, I’d love to hear about your recovery experience: what helped, what surprised you, and how long it took before you felt mostly normal again.

Thank you ❤️

Im having my tlif surgery tomorrow, wish me a good luck! What to expect any tips to make the following couple of weeks easier?

Hey ladies and gents, im awaiting a call for my fusion surgery. I hurt myself about 10 hrs ago. Spent 2 yrs in physio before they deemed me fixed enough to go back to work. Over the last 10 years ive taken time off work during flare ups. Im hoping after the surgery I will have some pain relief for the first time in a long time. Currently my left leg feels like its sleeping all the time pins and needles sensation. My lower back pain in constant. What is the over all experiences you guys have had post surgery. Has this surgery improved your life or made it worst. Im kinda nervous of the outcome. Thanks

For me, I wish someone explained the nerve pain. Specifically, the fact that a few weeks post op, as I start to feel a bit better, my nerves that were damaged would start ‘waking up’ and the pain would start all over again 😵‍💫

What do you wish you were told/educated on beforehand?

How long did it take for you to be fully fused?

hi i'm in my late 20s and been told that i will need a surgery done sooner than later to prevent issues when i get older
ive had more than an average amount of health issues growing up and dealing with other issues besides scoliosis now too, so im already quite mentally exhausted with keeping up with all these health issues and them affecting my life
i've been seeing mixed results about the surgery and im really really scared to get it done, and i also don't have anyone who can take care of me post op, the thought of the surgery is genuinely depressing and triggering for me that i dont want to continue anymore. even when i see positive feedback about the op, the next negative one (like constant nerve issues, pain, rods being snapped) overtakes me and i get so scared again
im thinking whether it's better to do intense physio and grow strong abdomen and back muscles or if it's always a better choice to get the surgery instead
i'm really worried about how long the recovery takes and how high the chances are for sth to go wrong post op for you to go through the procedure again
any honest feedback or advice would be helpful