How I Decided to Have Back Surgery
This is my story about having back surgery that went very well. I think the key for me is that the surgery was done for the right reasons, I had researched my surgeon by talking to other patient’s of his who had the same spinal fusion done, and I had read up on the Internet on some good sites, including www.spine-health.com, to help with my decision to have surgery and help with my expectations.
2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis Grade 2. After many years of pain in my legs now I finally knew why. I tried just about everything to avoid the surgery. I used a natural anti-inflammatory (Wobenzyme) to keep the inflammation down, I used a rolling pin and rolled my legs everyday to help lessen my leg pain through-out the day. I also tried numerous therapies. I read some of the bad stories on message boards on the internet and didn't want anything to do with the surgery. I really felt that the message boards were discouraging, there wasn’t anything positive regarding the surgery, and everything I read was so disheartening.
I was out to dinner one night and ran into a woman who also had spondylolisthesis. She had surgery to correct the spondylolisthesis 5 years earlier and has had no complications. She had the same surgeon that I had.
In September of 2007 I finally decided to go ahead with the surgery. At this point my leg pain was so bad I could not sleep through the night; I would wake up in pain and toss 5 or 6 times per night. I could not stand for more than a minute, sometimes two. I would have to sit down, and sometimes it didn't matter where I was – my leg pain was nearly unbearable. I could not stand in a grocery line or at the movies.
The anxiety of spinal fusion surgery was another obstacle. With surgery, the “What if’s” are horrible.
- What if I end up in a wheel chair?
- What if the surgeon slips?
- What if they fix the wrong thing?
- And then there is the ultimate" what if I die"? I don't want my children left without a Mother.
Like I said "What if's are terrible!" I even talked to yet another patient (with the same surgeon) who had the same surgery for spondylolisthesis a few months earlier. She gave me the extra strength I needed to go ahead with it.
Admission into the hospital on Oct 1, 2007 at 5:30am, now the stressful “sit and wait game” started 5:30AM; the next 2 hours were the longest 2 hours of my life. Finally they took me into the operating room it was about 7:30am. I asked how many people get up, change their minds and leave. And I felt myself float off.
I was out of surgery at 9:30AM and awake at 11:00AM. By 1:00 I was drinking broth and visiting. At 1:30 I took my first walk down the hall and stood at the end of the hall. As I stood there tears filled my eyes, I turned and looked at Tom (who’s arm I held) and remarked “I'm standing and I have no pain”! I was standing there in the middle of the isle, I let go of him and stood there for a few minutes. This was the first time I stood in one place for more than a minute, possibly 2, without being in horrible pain, and sitting down. While walking or standing I was always looking for a place to sit because I knew it would not be long before I was forced into sitting down. And I was still standing! It was like a taste of freedom, being trapped in a body that can't do the things you would like to do is horrible. I HAD NO PAIN! I STILL HAVE NO PAIN!
I checked out of the hospital the following morning, once home I began walking a 1/2 mile the first day, 1 mile the second day. I'm walking 1-3 miles per day. I have no pain in my legs!! I sleep without pain!! I have truly gotten a part of my life back that I thought was gone. I hiked a mountain in Utah last week; I'm looking forward to so much now. Thanks to my surgeon.
I am not writing this to encourage surgery. It’s just that when I was thinking about spinal fusion for my spondylolisthesis I read so much negative stuff on the Internet, I wanted to write to let people know about a positive experience.
Sincerely,
Dawn
Subject: Hi Dawn. Good job . I'm so
January 8th, 2008
Subject: Hello Dawn, It is fantastic
December 24th, 2007
Subject: so refreshing to hear your
December 28th, 2007
Subject: HI DAWN, I AM DUE FOR A
December 28th, 2007
Subject: This is great. It sounds
December 28th, 2007
Subject: Dawn, I'm happy for you that
December 28th, 2007
Subject: Dawn, thank you for sharing
December 31st, 2007
Subject: Dawn, it's such an
December 31st, 2007
Subject: I've recently decided to do
January 2nd, 2008
Subject: Hi Dawn! Thank you for your
January 2nd, 2008
Subject: Dawn I am so happy your
Dawn
I am so happy your surgery whent well,it gives me hope that mine will someday get better.
February 25th, 2008
Subject: spinal fusion
Thank you for your story Dawn. I am 49 years old and have had back problems since I was 19. I have DDD and Scoliosis. Dr. Davis from BGHC said I am a candidate for a flexable fusion. I think about this everyday I have more bad days then good but I am still getting but throughout the years it will act up and I am in pain for a long time. I did physical therapy,pain management which turned out to be a nightmare I lost a year of my life. I fear the surgery but I also fear fear waking up not being able to feel my leg and having to go to emergency. any advice wiill help.
February 26th, 2008
Subject: Lori's DDD & Scoliosis
Lori, Is the scoliosis & DDD in the same area? If not, you could be looking @ 2 surgeries. I also have done about everything for the pain. The best thing I ever did for disc problems was the VAX-D. I had 3 bulging disc several years ago. Physical therapy didn't help because different discs hit different nerves & cause different pains & symptoms. I am currently numb between my 1st 2 toes on the right. The neuroforaminal opening is way smaller on the left than the right. The nerves are about to be completely mashed. I don't have pain very often on the left, which doesn't make sense. The numbness is something to be concerned about. The nerve needs to be free from compression, before the numbness becomes permanent. I've lost more than a year of my life with this. I fell in my mid 20's & have known I have a broken bone in my back. Now it is broken in more than one place. I think my 2nd pregnancy finished L5 off. She was about 10 months old when my leg went completely numb. I thought I was going to fall. She was 7 in November. I've made the decision for me, it's time to stop suffering & start living. Waiting doesn't fix anything. I've only suffered since the first Gulf War, you've suffered longer.
Deb
March 6th, 2008
Subject: Dawn's back surgery.
Dawn, much like you, I have had pain for years. I've known for numerous years I would eventually be having back surgery. However, I don't want it. But, I did schedule it today for 3-24-08 @ 11:30am. I'm dreading it. I have always heard people talk about what a mistake they made having the surgery. I'm not really sure what my biggest fear is. I'll be 42 on the 27th & I'm now a single parent to 2 wonderful little girls age 7 & 10. I have no family in town & I don't have short term disability (due to a major to do with HR) Here's the best part, I am a surgical nurse. I've been getting epidurals for over 6 years now. My last one was 2-4-08. I had to have help getting on the OR table. I've had many a doctor throw a major fit & me stand my ground. Never have I had one put me in tears, by being sweet. He told me I was out of time, that I had to have surgery soon. I've tried to mentally prepare for the post op pain, I know all about the recovery room & what back patients go through in there. The majority of patients don't remember the initial pain when they wake up. Which is wonderful for them. I have never had a surgery go without problems. My last surgery went ok, but my husband was filing for divorce while I was in the operating room. If something goes wrong & I end up paralyzed, my ex will go after the kids, even though he didn't want them in the first place. I don't know what I would do without them. I realize accidents happen. And my back is worse than it was a few years ago. L5 is now displaced 12 mm. The disc is now history. My newest diagnosis, as of last week-scoliosis, but only a 6 degree "turn". What happened to life begins at 40? I have hand picked my surgery team & my Anesthesiologist. Why am I so afraid? Does everybody turn in to a "nervous Nellie"? I've had 3 different spine surgeon consultations. They have all said the same thing, for the most part over the last 6-7 years. I know I have to do this. I guess maybe I just feel like I'm doing it alone.
Deb
March 6th, 2008
Subject: Dawn's back surgery
Dawn, I am also an RN - so I know how much we resist advice and what bad patients we can be! It is important, as I am sure you know, to go into surgery with a positive attitude. It's very unlikely something will go wrong - you know the stats. I'm just glad there are others out there who understand how this pain eats away at you. I feel like no one understands, because I don't know anyone else who has had this problem personally.I would say, don't wait too long on L5S1 - you could get permanent foot drop. I still have no DTR after 20 years from a total foot drop before I had surgery. It has taken a long time for me to need it again ... hoefully this [fusion] will do the trick! Meanwhile, I would suggest trying some fairly high-dose diazepam with a pilates stretcher machine to release your back. It has worked for me in the past just to get the spasm to stop dislocating all the vertabrae. Good luck!
March 16th, 2008
Subject: Surgery
well you can call me Nicky my surgery is scheduled for tomorrow and i am so scared ive heard like you Dawn mostly bad things my parents pastors wife has had several back surgeries and nothing so far has seemed to help her ive head some good and some bad but mostly bad and i am scared out of my mind i am young im 26 and a single mother my daughter jus turned 5 last month and i currently live with my parents i was told that i would be in the hospital 3-4 days i am so scared i dont know what to do and what makes it so bad the time for my surgery isnt scheduled i have to call the hospital tonight to see what time i have to be in tomorrow im glad to hear that someone has had surgery that went well i just hope mine will be also
March 10th, 2008
Subject: Back surgery
Hi. It is so good to read all you have written, all of you. I am a nurse, and herniated L5S1 lifting a pt. Been off work 8 months, going crazy at home. Back and leg pain is unreal. I have a new respect for my patients with back pain!!!! Tried PT, and injections. Injections for me made my pain much worse, I only had 2, refused the 3rd. I am having surgery tomorrow morning.......nervous wreck tonight. But all of you encourage me. Dawn, you have a wonderful story.....I can only hope to have such a great outcome.
March 11th, 2008
Subject: How was the surgery?
Nancy,
Your symptoms and treatments sound EXACTLY what I am going through now. I am really considering the surgery. How was it? I mainly want to know if it worked, and how long after the surgery were you on your feet, walking? Did the pain go away completely? Can you exercise and move around now?
I hope to hear from you. As you know, this is ruling my life!
Thanks
Greg
March 22nd, 2008
Subject: Contemplating surgery
I have no disk at L5 S1. L4 L5 has bulging and a tear on the outer annulus plus some slippage. I've done ALL PT, meds, chiro, epidurals, ice, heat, now going to try accupunture, you name it. I've had 2 other surgeries on L5 S1 to remove herniations. That helped wonderful but now that disk is gone due to DDD. I saw an orthopedic surgeon and his suggestion was, fusion at L5 S1, and use the Dynamic Stabilization Device at L4 L5. I'm soooo scared of post pain and if I'm ready or not for all this. My pain management doc is going to take me off hydrocodone which is the only thing that will keep me moving. I cant shop anymore and barely do my own housework. Any adivice is appreciated!
March 13th, 2008
Subject: contemplating surgery
To anonymous - I have almost the same problems - no disc left at L5-S1 and a tear with intermittent herniation at L4/5. Lots of pain! I had a previous laminaectomy 20 years ago at L5/S1, bu have had chronic pain since.My spine is now so unstable and the pain so debilitating that I do not lead a normal life - reduced hours at work, less social life,etc. This is despite Fentanyl patches and other pain pills as well as PT, exercise, and all the rest. This is the appropriate time, IMHO, to seek surgery - so I am having a fusion on 3/31 [yay]. If your quality of life is as bad as you say, go for it! The post -op pain will probably not be that much worse than what you have now - and, most important - it will go away! Do your research and have someone as an advocate for you in hospital so you get enough pain meds [you probly have high tolerance]. Life can get better - I am betting on it!!
Please reply....
March 16th, 2008
Subject: Upcoming back surgery
Hey there, I just read your post. I'm having a difficult time navigating with this forum. I'm not very savvy when it comes time to these things. So excuse me.
Anyway, I decided to go for the surgery. Its scheduled April 23rd. I've had the pre op and what the surgeon is going to do is a full fusion at L5 S1. With that a solid rod. Then he has to re-align L4 L5 and he will insert a new device called the Dynamic Stabilization Rod. It will allow some movement at that level. My disk at that level is fairly good. I found out this surgeon was the inventor of this new device. It has been used now for about 5 years with good results. So I'm happy, I'm scared about the recovery. I do have a question for you. I will be returning to work in 6 weeks, still wearing the solid back brace. What does a person wear over this thing to try conceal it?
Mari
April 7th, 2008
Subject: i am having back surgery may 5th i hope it does some good
if this sugery doesn't help i don't what else to do i am in so much pain i don't know if i want to live with this much pain
April 14th, 2008
Subject: Need empathy
I am searching for others out there in the blogoshere who have struggled with chronic pain and are having or contemplatings fusion. I have had moderate pain for over 20 years and severe pain for almost a year despite fentanyl and other meds, p.t., epidurals, etc, etc. I don't know anyone else who has this issue and my husband "can't imagine and doesn't care to try".
My 2-level lumbar fusion surgery is sceduled for 3/31/08 and I am excited at the prospect of getting a life! Meanwhile, I can't work, can't sit or stand for long, can't walk far, and so I am going CRAZY! I could use some moral support and some ideas, too.
Thanks, Cathi
March 18th, 2008
Subject: Spine fusion
I had my spine fused in 2000. All the way down and pretty far to the top, I never got numbers from anyone. Ask away, I am willing to talk. But, I think they do things a little different now, but still...ask away.
I do have some advice, silky gowns, so you can slide around and in & out of bed. I had to wear the turtle shell afterwards and so buy some mens T-shorts the kind they call "wife beaters" you know what I mean? I wore them underneath the shell and my tops fit over the shell.
How big of a surgery are you having?
I saw you post about your hubby not understanding. I suffered in silence for years, I was over wieght and if I complained about my back or leg, I had lots of leg pain, then I would get, well you need to diet and exercise. Well I was at the point of coming home from work and going straight to bed, hubby said later, I thought you were just getting lazy. I never was before but you know...I would not talk to the doc about it cause I figured he would say loose wieght. I suffered years...
It was discovered accidently during a routine exam. I had scoliosis with a 46` bend in NOv 1999, By surgery time Feb 2002 it was a 52, so it was moving quickly. So what else can I tell you?
Tara
March 22nd, 2008
Subject: Fusion
Feel free to email me at
taralynn7@madisontelco.com
March 22nd, 2008
Subject: pain level
How has your back been since the fusion? Are you pain free and how is your range of motion?
My doc is recommending a fusion but I am scared to death....
June
July 25th, 2008
Subject: Hi Cathi: I'm glad to hear
Hi Cathi:
I'm glad to hear that your long journey of pain may be coming to an end. While I have no answers, I can emphathize. I have had severe sciatica for 9 weeks. I had it off and on for a few years prior. It had never been debilitating--just annoying. But now it is debilitation. I also cannot work, sit, or stand. My chiro says I do not need surgery. She's very optimistic. But I don't think she gets how life limiting this can be. I try to be positive, pray, read my Bible, talk to my friends, but I'm often very down. I'm awaiting an MRI on Tuesday.
I pray that you get wonderful results with your surgery.
March 23rd, 2008
Subject: to tamara - my opinion
Tamara, I really can empathize with your pain - I also had so much pain for so many years it became a routine. I feel bad now that my kids had to grow up hearing "Mommy's not feeling good" so much of their lives - but on the other hand, they saw me still go to school and work, etc, and can sympathize with people in pain. I am so glad to find that I am NOT having nrearly as much pain post -op as I was pre - op! There really is hope in some cases; especially with collapsed discs and DDD. It sounds to me like you may have a bad herniation, which now can be repaired with a very minimally invasive method and almost no recovery time ... I would see a neurosurgeon for an opinion, because a chiropracter will almost never reccommend surgery they can't do, and tend to be anti - surgery. I hope your MRI is clear and shows the problem - don't wait until you get numbness in your legs or feet - that doesn't always go away!Good luck - feel free to email me at cathicollingsrncmsn@gmail.com
anytime.
April 12th, 2008
Subject: years of pain
Cathi
I had a spinal fusion on 3-24, and discharged from the hospital on 3-27 (happy birthday to me). I really felt like I was going home too soon. The pain was unimaginable post op. Luckily, with a little help from my friends, they did their best to keep me snowed for a few hours. Working in surgery pays off sometimes. My surgeon was heard saying, "I don't know how she was able to wait so long." It was easy to wait, I'm a single parent. The worst part for me has been the pain that shoots from my butt to my feet. Medications were started for this and then readjusted because of other issues. My family doctor told me to be sure I told EVERYONE who was helping me get up that I am a "fainter." Which is part of why meds. were changed. Low Potassium and Hgb were a big issue.
Overall, I feel a lot better than I did a week ago. I hope to NEVER have to go through it again. I didn't want to do it this time. But, I didn't want to be in a wheelchair either.
It's hard for anyone who doesn't have pain to imagine the amount of pain we are in. My ex-husband didn't care-plain & simple! He was all about him.
Be sure to walk when they tell you to. It helps to stretch the tendons & muscles, as well as the nerves. Unfortunately, the weather here has been crap. But, I did get a massage from the butt down this morning. Getting another one on Sunday. My surgeon called me yesterday to have me increase the Neurontin. When I asked, he saw no reason I couldn't get a massage.
Hope all goes well for you.
Deb
April 2nd, 2008
Subject: post-op update
Debbie and all, thanks so much for your support! I am now 1 week post op and feel much better than I did a week before surgery!I had some problems with pain in hospital, although the doctor had written for plenty of pain meds there were still so,e old-fashioned nurses and aides who would say "just relax and breathe through it". Right! I had one nurse tell me straight up that unless I had someone with me all night she would not take out my urinary catheter [even tho it was causing a 104 fever] because she "didin't have time" to attend to my toileting needs. The saddest thing is, I am a nurse in that hosptal and I was still treated like a burden. When I developed a fever and persisitent low B/P of 60/40, couldn't get the systolic up to 90, they cut the MS in half without considering any other options. That was a bad night! If my daughter hadn't been there to advocate for my I don't know when they would have thought that maybe I needed blood ... which I did and after 2 units I was fine. I was ready to go home as soon as they would let me, though - and my hubby has been great! He stayed home the first 4 days and still calls to check on me and does the cooking, etc.
At this point I have mostly incisional pain but I get tired easily. I am determined to follow all the rules for a strong fusion - the original pain is already gone and only some leg pain from the areas they manipulated is occasionally a problem. I hope everyone's journey works out as well as mine has so far ...
Cathi
April 9th, 2008
Subject: i too have this problem
hi i was wondering how you are doing since your surgery 3-31-08? i hope you are better. or at least getting better with each passing day. i have had back surgery 2 times and are contemplating a fusion. it sounds like your husband is not as much of a support system as you would like. i pray that you have help after your surgery. i know i did too much after both of mine. please let me know how you are doing. good luck and god bless.
angie
April 9th, 2008
Subject: i need some pain pills
i have so much pain i think sometime i dont want to liveH
April 14th, 2008
Subject: pain pills
i need some pain medication
April 14th, 2008
Subject: back pain
i have so much pain i wonder if i want to live like this
April 14th, 2008
Subject: surgery
Cathi,
How did your fusion go? I hope it has eased your pain and you can have some sense of normalcy back. My surgeon is recommending a laminectomy and a lumbar fusion, and I am seriously considering it, but of course have reservations.
How is your pain level now and how are you?
June
July 25th, 2008
Subject: Whoa
I've resisted surgery, I have a herniated disk but I could see on the MRI (and surgeon confirmed) that there are other "weaknesses", and pain occurs in other spots. I imagine that even if surgery might help on that one, it's just a matter of time until something else gives. So my reasoning is that since I can live on MSContin and Tiger Balm patches, and my doctor thinks MS is OK, I'll leave it at that. The occasional epidural steroid seemed to help no more than the patches, so I'm avoiding these injections too now. Highly recommend those big Tiger Balm patches, have no idea why but they help. Would be interested to hear actual outcomes of the people talking about "tomorrow they cut". Best wishes and hugs to everyone here.
March 18th, 2008
Subject: Whoa
Hey, I totally agree - as long as you can manage your pain and live a decent life, avoid the knife! It's when you can no longer work or play, even with pain meds and PT, injections and whatever else you try, that it is time to go for surgery. Stick with the MS - and whatever else works.
I haven't used Tiger Balm patches, but love, love, love lidocaine patches - and I don't know why they would help either.Thanks for the support and good luck !
March 21st, 2008
Subject: need some pain pills for severe back and neck pain
please give me some relieve from this painf
April 14th, 2008
Subject: pain pills
need pain medication badC
April 14th, 2008
Subject: Spondy
It is good to hear some positive outcomes of back surgery. It seems I always hear once you have one you'll end up with many. I have a grade I anterolisthesis L4 over L5 with bilateral pars defects and an annular disc tear. I always had back pain off and on over the past 20+ years, but was diagnosed about 18 months ago after I started having hip and leg pain. I have had 3 epidural steroid injections with about 2 months of relief each, having my 4th this week. My symptoms switched legs and become unbearable the past 6 weeks. I have taken time off of my job as a nurse without improvement. I am doing water PT, which seems to relax the spasms a little. My back creeks and cracks with any little movement I make. I have tried 2 chiropractors (multiple visits each) without any success. In fact they both gave up before I did. I will see a surgeon in 2 weeks for the second time. The first time he of course wanted me to loose 60 pounds and then consider anterior fusion. Dawn I am curious what type of fusion you had? anterior, posterior, minimally invasion, or? Anterior seems like an over invasive old technique to me. I can't stand the thought of having my great vessels moved out of the way to get to my spine. I can be fairly comfortable sitting or lying, but never standing. I limp with every step and feel like my left leg is suddenly shorter than my right. This problem is impairing my ability to do my job as a nurse and thus support my kids, I am a single mom as well. Any suggestions?
March 24th, 2008
Subject: back surgery
i am having back surgey may 6th and i only hope it helps if it does not i have so much pain i think i would be better off dead;
April 14th, 2008
Subject: Me Maybe
I went to the neuro Dr today and then hubby went to his heart Dr and I told him about my surgery and he said that fusion was really drastic for leg pain now he want's me to get a second opinion - -
More confused than ever
April 16th, 2008
Subject: slightly crushed disk
hey, i was in a car accident roughly a year ago and unfortunatly slighty crushed one of my upper back disks.(4th one i believe the DR. said it was) All in all it hadent bothered me too much until i started work(Electrician) again and doin some activities like sports, hikes e.t.c. Iam an outdoors and very outgoing person so with my back bothering me I find it hard sometimes to do work and after work activities. Ive been taking some over the counter back pain pills that seem to work quite well. Any other suggestions on my condition?
April 14th, 2008
Subject: Surgery
I am thinking about surgery and as I said before I was at the Dr.'s office today and mine started in Dec of last year and I have had Sciatia off and on for a few years and the last episode was 5 yrs ago - - did the Chiro thing for 6 weeks and NO RELIEF at all and on Feb 7 th went to my primary dr and he gave me the Neuroton sp and the Hydxro stuff and said to come back in 2 weeks well 2 weeks later we had a ice storm so went the following week - - still HORRIBLE leg pain nothing in the back - - did the MRI that showed a buldging disk at L4, L5 and S1 - - went to the pain dr for the shots aprox 10% relief - - did the myelogram last week and went to the Dr today and he wants to do the spinal fusion - - Ok that looks like 3 month or more to recoup - - I sell jewelry at office buildings and shows and I have 3 days of shows booked till May 8 - - I also work as a Server/ Manager at a restaurant 2 days a week - - just started that - - after listening to my hubby's heart dr I think that I will get another opinion since there is no back pain a little in the butt and the leg from the knee to the ankle and it feels like I am walking on pins from time to time - - the pain had been managable with pain pills muscle relaxors etc but today has really been BAD - - Ok off the computer and back to the heating pad and hope that tomorrow is better - - since I have to work on Thursday - - there have been times that I just said cut the leg off - - I know that is horrible but how much longer - - If anyone has had the micro thing LMK.
COnfused In Illinois - -
Deb
debbi80@charter.net
April 16th, 2008
Subject: Back pain Surgery
HI,
I have undergone back pain surgery(discectomy L3-L4 region).
It has been almost a year now and after the surgery to some
extent I got the relief and it was good for few months and
now again I have started getting the same kind of problem
again i.e. pain in the back while bending down and when ever
I walk too much pain radiation starts to the knee and from
knee to the foot.
Even I do regular exercises and swimming even but even
after that I am unable to get the relief ,
so would my pain be relieved? would I be able to lead a
happy married life?
I am in worry , so please help me out by giving proper
guidelines
June 2nd, 2008