Not a multi level only 1 but it has helped greatly with the pain. I won't say I'm anywhere near pain free but I'm a lot closer than I was. Hope you have a great result soon.

I've had success with both of my fusions. No hardware problems (yet).

First fusion was done (L2-L4) due to severe DDD. You could actually hear the bones scraping each other. Fusion stabilized the area.

Then a few pain-free years, even had another child.
Went back to my old ways (bad idea), plus all of the lifting of baby #2 for a few years and pain came back.

This time discs below fusion were shot, and I was totally out of alignment (spondylosthesis) and having awful back spasms.

Fusion #2 (L4-S1) took care of that. Now I am older and (hopefully) smarter and will forever treat my body more kindly.

I've yet to have any hardware problems and between the 2 fusions I have rods, screws, a plate and PEEK cages.

Hope I was helpful. Take care, Lisa

It has been said many times, but is worth repeating, those that are pleased with their surgical results are not continuing on the boards. I've been on the board one year and ten weeks. When I think back on the number of people who had surgery and no longer post at all, it is a large number. I assume these people are out enjoying their lives, busy with their day to day routines, getting caught up on those things they could not do prior to their surgeries.

We also know that the rate of success goes down as the number of levels that are fused go up. In the US, insurance companies are not covering surgery for more than two levels unless there is instability or several other very specific reasons. They will not cover it for degenerative disc disease or pain control.

We also know that many people that have scoliosis requiring surgery end up often with multi-level surgeries and most seem to do much better than if they had not had surgery.

Spine AZ recently had a 3 level fusion but she is probably too early to give you any results.

Regarding the removal of instrumentation (hardware), it is done rarely...something like 2 to 8% I think are the statistics. It is done due to hardware failure (a screw breaks or comes loose), or when a patient has a reaction to the materials used in the actually screws, rods, cages, etc. Sometimes surgeons remove it for "exploratory" reasons...the patient continues to have pain post-surgically.

I think there are a lot of people out there who have had multi-level fusions that are currently leading productive lives. Are they good as new? No, but their pain is reduced to the point that they can lead a functional life.

We'll see if your topic brings out those that have had multi-level fusion....

Gwennie

I had c4 thru c7 fused and part of c6 removed due to pressure on spinal cord. Before surgery I could not walk a straight line. Afterwords my balance was much better. I was in a collar for 6 weeks, pain was bearable with painkillers. Now I am not wearing the collar and trying not to take pain meds and pain is a lot worse. That seems to be a common thread though, you feel good at first then you get worse for a while and hopefully come back to good. Hope that helps.

I had a 3 level fusion 2 years ago. I still have some bad days with pain but It helped with the pain and numbness in my arms. It is not a cure for sure but I think it depends on the person whether they need the surgery. Mine had to be done to keep from spinal cord damage. My problem now is that level c7 did not fuse. they cant tell me why or if it is going to be a problem later. My primary Dr. wants me to see a nero surgeon now, to see what he can do to help me. The Dr. that did my surgery was a spine surgeon. I dont know what they will do.
You should get more opinions and study everything you can about fusion. Then it is ultimately going to be up to you. I hope what every you do will help you in the future. Good Luck!

i feel that i don't have a real choice .as my life is 20 hours a day in a recliner and maybe 4 hours sleep if i am lucky ..as i am 44 and could live another 30/40 years i feel that i must trust and take this offer to correct the two previous failed surgeries .i don't want to go on like i am .its no life ..just an existence ..and if i do do something {loaded with pain killers} like wash the car or go for a swim.e i suffer for the next 3 weeks ..if i could just get back to walking the dog /swimming and doing the weekly shop with kath ..and a good night sleep that would do for me ...i am not one that want to climb Everest !! just live a normal life ,,i have been in pain for a long time now and enough is enough ,so bring it on
tony

I had a multi-level fusion In Oct of 09, though it was just 2 levels, and am actually doing great! I have my 6 mo check up on Tuesday the 16th Am excited to see my next set of x-rays as everything thus far has gone fabulously. I have been off all meds since 4 weeks post-op and have no pain. I get a tad bit of stiffness now and then but it's usually my own fault....i.e. too much time sitting etc. But a little stretching or a hot bath makes it all better! I'm also now able to do a total of 125 crunches/leg lifts along with my regular PT type routine.

I've made various posts talking about my success since as gwennie mentioned, most of those who have had successful surgeries may not be very active on SH any more.

Best of luck, and if you have any questions feel free!

I think you just need to find the best surgeon you can, and if he feels you are a candidate, go for it. I really think the roll of the dice will be worth it, and you will end up better off than you are now.

Of course, none of us have a crystal ball, including the spinal specialists. But I think statistics are in your favor that you will be better off than now.

Do they know what happened with the fusions that were not successful? You will be going to a different surgeon, right?

Take good care,
Gwennie

I had a 2 level fusion L4-S1 2 1/2 years ago. As far as my back goes, I am stable. I have minimal back pain, mostly in my SI Joints. I had my hardware removed 1 year after my surgery because it was catching on the muscles in my back not because of hardware failure or a reaction to the materials.

Am I all better now? No, I developed Adhesive Arachnoiditis as a result of procrastinating about getting my lower back problems corrected. It's not a common complication but it does happen. If I had to do it all over again, I would have sought treatment much earlier. Hindsight is 20/20.

Dave

You know mine was a success! Hang in there.

Faith M