Has anyone had spinal fusion op?

[Alskarinna]

HI, I have degenerative disc and have been told by my specialist i need spinal fusion,my back pain is very severe,has anyone had this op,what was it like and was is successful?i would really appreciate to hear from anyone who has had this op, as im really worried!thank you very much,yours, Tink[&:]

 

[Ilbryhrt]

Hi there

my daughter has had spinal fusion from T2 to pelvis - for scoliosis. Major op obviously, but worth it for the end result.

She has titanium rods, and her own bone from her ribs was harvested for the fusion - they also use south sea coral for this.

Recovery was good - she had pain killers for a week or so,, but I have to say that as she is mentally and physically disbaled, it is difficlut to judge the recovery as a 'norm'!!

Any questins re the op, just ask!!

Karen x

 

[dressterz]

Hi Tink

My husband had a spinal fusion about 18 years ago (so I am sure they do it differently now) T4-T5 + S1. They harvested bone from his hip to put in and it fused very well. Was in a plastic jacket for 3 months after for support and protection. He said it cut the pain by about 75 percent. It is still ok but the discs above have started to collapse and they have offered him another one but he says he is to old to go through all that as they would have to go in from the front because of previous opps. But says he is glad he had it done as it made his quality of life much better and enabled him to go back to work.

If you have any questions please ask

Light and blessings
Anjil[sm=FIFangel.gif]

 

[Ke13]

Hi to boyh of you,thanks for answering my questions,very helpful,thank you again,Tink

 

[Adianna g]

I had a spinal fusion when I was 9. I got the Harrington Rod in to stop curviture of the spine. Recovery lasted up to 3 months or maybe more, I can't quiet remember. Exactly the same procedure as Anjills husband, they took bone from my hip too. Normally this surgery is not done on anyone over the age of 16 or something like that. Its a very successful procedure.

 

[gaiagurl]

Hi Tink & all

I am a newbie here.

I have had a fusion @ L4/5, S1 (2003)

What level do you have DDD at? How severe are your symptoms and what other conservative studies and therapies have you tried?

Is this your 1st back surgery?

My fusion was succesfull 'per se...in that I had a few really good months afterwards - sadly my fusion has failed and I am (almost) at the end stage of pre surgical planning for the revision. [&:]

glad I found you guys
Bionic

 

[Jim The Baptist]

hey tink,
i had a spinal fusion when i was 14 for scoliosis and it worked really well. unfortunately it was really painfull so i had to have another op to remove the metal rods they put in.

 

[Pompal 09.]

My thoughts are with you, and am\sending some love and lght to help ease your worries...

P.S. Its great you're seeking support, as this will help you through your journeyxx
Eve

 

[Chris69er]

Ditto Eve, please try not to worry xxx

 

[mogzsfqa]

Hi Tink

Just found the website and read your message.

I have a single level degenerated disc L5/S1 and was offered Dynesys (a form of fusion). I went away and did some research and to be frank didn't like what I read.

I found out about artificial disc replacement that is now being done more and more in this country (they have been doing it for 30 years in Eurpoe)

The clinical trials have just finished which is why it is not offered as a rule by the NHS. I asked about it and am seeing a new surgeon on Wednesday to discuss.

The advantage with ADR is that you retain the mobility that you would lose with fusion and there is less strain on the surrounding discs. Admittedly it is a more intrusive operation, but the success rates are alot preferable to fusion. There are lots of websites that give alot of information about ADR (NICE is a good place to start.

I wish you all the best as back pain is pants! Please be aware of what is out there and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Good luck

Philippa

 

[Granidiarne]

Hi there,
My name is Pippa and i am 15 years old. I've just had two operations for scoliosis, the first on the 9th of november, where the surgeons took my 7th rib (i think) and fused that into my vertebrae and the 2nd on the 23rd of november, where they removed bone from the left side of my pelvis and fused that with titanium rods. i think i have two rods and about 9 screws in my back now, but im not entirely sure. i have photographs of my xrays (before and after) so if anyone is interested in seeing them just ask!
I was discharged from the hospital on the 7th of December after 29 days with a back brace to support my spine which gained me two inches after being straightened. I had an 80 degree curve before surgery which was corrected to between 25 and 30 degrees, so as you can see, the surgery was a big success. I was on morphine for the first five days after the first operation and for six days after the second.
Even though i had a few complications (my gut shut down twice and i got a chest infection because i had to have my lung collapsed) i would still say that it was been worth it.
Not sure how useful this will be to you, but this was my experience of spinal fusion.
Good luck with your operation and i hope all goes well for you,
Pippa

 

[thomassverdwexxx17]

I would be very interested to see the images they took before & after your op. Sorry I didn't spot your Post ealier to respond & hope you're still around. [&:]

I'm an osteopath, so this sort of problem is one that I encounter on occasions and whilst I can help some avoid such surgery, with some of the more severe cases, like yours -I suspect, thensurgery can be the best way forward.

That said - seening an osteopath, especially one that practices cranial osteopathy may still be able to help reduce the need for further surgery by improving &/or maintaing mobility of the thorax (upper back & rib cage)and reducethe pain.

Andrew.

 

[Technical Support Cat]

Sure you can see my x-ray photographs, um... how to do this?... probably the easiest way would be to email me and i'll send them to you: [email protected]
Hope to hear from you soon!
Pippa