Has anyone on here had a fusion in your spine? Updated Pg 2

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Spine Fusion

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sounds painful

you're going to need someone to service your wife for a few months. The OT is here to help.

Cervical, thoracic, or lumbar ? 2-level or 3-level ? Who is your surgeon ? Are you retired or plan to continue working after surgery ? Normal protocol is you will likely achieve maximum medical improvement at one year post operation and medically approved to perform light duty work.

Lumbar spinal fusion....does that surgery help much?

I’ve had 2 cervical fusions. 4 discs total. Both fixed the problems in my shoulders and arms but my neck will never not hurt again.

I had C3-C5 in my neck fused. Happened in Dec. 2002. Watched LSU beat OU with a neck brace on. Literally ZERO issues since it healed.

I know folks who have had lumbar fusions. Those are the ones that seem to cause issues. Post-surgical therapy is crucial.

DO WHAT YOUR SURGEON/THERAPISTS TELL YOU TO DO.

Good luck.

I had my L3,4,5 fused at the same time due to deteriorating disc disease. Had the XLIF procedure done in January of 2018. First of all, I’m 60 and not 40. My recovery took roughly a year with PT. I no longer have thigh numbness and I can do lots of things but have limitations. I am on disability now because my company only allows me back if I’m 100% healthy. I will never be able to do what I once did especially when it comes to lifting heavy things and I don’t lift things off the ground if I can avoid it. I do still have back pain but not to the extent I had. I was always looking for a bench on vacations and could not walk across the mall without taking 2 breaks. I have arthritis and stenosis as well. I always say that I have a new normal. I work out daily including walking 3 miles, swim 80 laps and work out using low weights but high reps. I’m glad I had it done. My flexibility is limited as expected. Hope this answers some questions. I’ll try to monitor this post to see if any more info I can contribute from my personal experience.

Replacement wasn’t an option for me. Too much arthritis.

I had my C4 and 5 done. It was miserable trying to sleep at first, but got better after I was able to remove the hard brace. I was out of work for 3 months. Couldn't drive most of that time.

Been about 5 years now and I get occasional pain in my neck. Go to therapy for dry needling as needed. At times the pain is brutal so I'm on the fence if it was worth it. Im also told that patients usually have to get the same procedure redone years later.

I've never had it done, but I do know the technology/procedure has gotten a good bit better in the last 5-10 and more notably the post-surgical care is really improving. I work in healthcare consulting and did a project for a big spine surgery place in Florida last year and learned a good bit about it.

Do a lot of research on the surgeon and the rehab.