good to meet you...there are plenty of members here who have had fusions...they have passed on a lot of information in their posts. if you have any specific concerns why not post your questions now. many of the members will be happy to provide input to your concerns. in the mean time i will be looking forward to talking with you...oh by the way this site has many articles on fusion. to get going on your reading take a peak at FAQ INFO ABOVE...TAKE CARE...PETE

Hi Undecided,

Welcome to this site. You will find the members very caring and helpful. There is also a ton of information to read up on the various surgeries, treatments, etc.
If you would like, ask more specific questions of us so maybe we can help you. There are many on this site who have gone through fusions, myself included, and if we can help answer questions/or support, so much the better.

Hi welcome to the site, I am fairly new myself, about a month. I had a spinal Fusion at age 50, L4-5.It was Dec. 05. The surgery was the absolute last resort for me. I tried everything else I could to prevent having back surgery. I was a school bus driver for many years and knew I probably would have to give up my work, which I loved, After a long search for a good neurosurgeon I had no choice but to have it done. The disc was crushed and pressing on S-1 nerve, which is permantly damaged. It was successful enough for me to recover in nine months enough to return to work after passing a strenuous physical.

What I can tell you is that the fusion worked well, I can still exercise (carefully) walk without a cane on a good day. My quality of life is not the best, I am in pain all the time, but it is better than before the fusion. I think being in good physical shape before the operation helped me heal faster. And I do not do anything that would damage my back in any way.

Good Luck to you and take the time to search out the best surgeon for you. I am lucky enough to live in the N.Y.C. area. Take care....Donna

Hi welcome to the site, I am fairly new myself, about a month. I had a spinal Fusion at age 50, L4-5.It was Dec. 05. The surgery was the absolute last resort for me. I tried everything else I could to prevent having back surgery. I was a school bus driver for many years and knew I probably would have to give up my work, which I loved, After a long search for a good neurosurgeon I had no choice but to have it done. The disc was crushed and pressing on S-1 nerve, which is permantly damaged. It was successful enough for me to recover in nine months enough to return to work after passing a strenuous physical.

What I can tell you is that the fusion worked well, I can still exercise (carefully) walk without a cane on a good day. My quality of life is not the best, I am in pain all the time, but it is better than before the fusion. I think being in good physical shape before the operation helped me heal faster. And I do not do anything that would damage my back in any way.

Good Luck to you and take the time to search out the best surgeon for you. I am lucky enough to live in the N.Y.C. area. Take care....Donna

hi and welcome! we are happy you are here! good luck as you seek pain relief! Jenny

Will your fusion be in your back or in your neck. I had one on my neck in June09. Oh and by the way welcome and good luck. I know it is a hard decision but you will be fine. ACDF @ C5 and C6

Good luck making your decision and please do keep us posted.