Techniques for Success with Spinal Fusion Surgery - Patients' Advice

Patients share tips for success with spinal fusion surgery

In this section, patients share their insights on making spinal fusion surgery a good experience and achieving a successful outcome.

I had a cervical fusion, c5-6 3 days ago. You can't imagine the people that told me I would feel just terrible afterwards for days and even weeks on end afterwards. I listened to my doctor and I can't believe that I am unusual. I am feeling wonderful!!! I have the normal post surgical discomfort - slight pain at incision and at shoulders. I am an ER nurse and I have never seen a post op cervical fusion patient in the ED for pain control or infection. For the most part, they heal beautifully!!! Don't be scared off by people telling you horror stories about things they have "heard". Go for it!! Get better!! The worst pain is the pain you suffer before the surgery!!

From: Jane - Ohio, USA

I am Debbie a 42 year old mum of two. Almost three months ago I had a spinal fusion of L4, L5 and S1 and a laminectomy. My recovery has been fantastic, it was now 10 weeks ago and I am now walking about 14km a day. I am still wearing a back brace which I hope will be able to come off soon. I see my surgeon in one week. The first couple of weeks were hard experiencing a lot of leg pain but that has resolved now. Before my operation I had leg pain and numbness as well as lower back pain. I had problems standing or sitting for a long time also found it difficult lying in bed for longer than about 5 hours hence I was not getting much sleep. Before my operation I was a fit person. I used to run but this changed to swimming and exercise bike as this was less painful. I went into my operation in peak condition both physically and mentally which I think helped a great deal. I did not get out of bed till day 3 as I experienced problems with very low blood pressure post-operation. Once I was able to get up I found walking quite easy compared to rolling over in bed which I found very uncomfortable. Once home, I slowly increased my time out of bed and then started my walking increasing by a small amount each day and decreasing if it made my pain worse. I now feel great and hope to get a good report from the surgeon when I return on Monday. I think it is important to go into surgery in a good frame of mind and a healthy body. I am pleased with the result of my surgery, now no pain.

From: Debbie - Tasmania

I had anterior/posterior spinal fusion on the whole lumbar spine on Dec. 26, 2006, and am still in the process of recovery. I have a brace which hopefully will come off next week. I do think that my spinal fusion succeeded because I have far less pain coming from that area and I feel it is healing nicely.

A complication arose during my surgery in which my doctors (2) found that my bones had deteriorated and my nerves were exposed and jumbled and not covered as they usually are. My surgery took 11 hours because of this--doctors had to unjumble my nerves, cover them with membrane and place them in the proper order. Consequently, my legs were highly affected by this--I could barely use my left leg (the side of the anterior surgery) and had to go to rehab to learn to walk again. Pain in my legs have been substantial--to the point in which I wonder if the surgery was worth it. I would love more info on this if there is any out there.

From: Roseland – New Jersey, USA

I had a fusion of the T10- T11 disc. My disc had ruptured, and it penetrated my spinal cord. The doctors had to open my spinal
cord to remove the disc. I came out of surgery with no use of my legs. However, my doctors say that the legs will come back in time. It has been almost a year since the surgery, and the left leg is about 65% useful. The left leg is still not doing anything, but i feel it
will start showing progress. I am in a wheelchair, but confident that all will turn out good. It had to be done,as I
could have been paralyzed for life just by turning the wrong way. Not many people have ruptures in the T zone but I am one and I
plan on walking again within the next year. Keep a good attitude, and be determined.

From: Alicia – North Carolina, USA

I had a two level fusion done two years ago...it was the best thing I ever did. W/O the fusion I would be in diapers @ 29. NO THANKS! My life is better because of the fusion and I would like to ask those who do not agree, 'Do you feel any better than you did before the fusion?' Then it was worth it, right? I would like to be the way I was before but I know the way I am is good enough. I did the sports thing - rafted, biked, hiked, camped and rode roller coasters…you name it I did it - and now I'm glad not to walk with a cane.

From: Neal

I have had 7 back surgeries. My first five were not so successful. I had my last cervical fusion September 7, 2006. It was a C-4-5 cervical fusion. I had bicep, tricep, and deltoid weakness. I had the surgery and it was very successful. I feel the surgeon that I chose made a big difference. He was very positive and made me feel very comfortable. I think he had a lot to do with my successful outcome. It is important to feel comfortable with your neurosurgeon. I have regained all my strength in my arm back and no arm pain. But of course I did what I was told by the doctor...

From: Deon – Iowa, USA

I was very fortunate to find the best doctor. He was referred by my primary doctor who interned under him. I liked him immediately; he shot from the hip. He told me his best hope was that he could get me 50% of the feeling back in my arms and if I didn't have the surgery, I would become paralyzed. Although I liked him and trusted him, I did get a second opinion from a group of surgeons, both ortho and neuro. They were all in agreement that it had to be done so I went forward. I have no more pain or numbness in my arms. I had a neuro and ortho do my surgery and it was a complete success. 5 discs and fusion and I consider myself very lucky. I had very little pain, went to rehab for 2 weeks, therapy for 2 months and am going back to work as soon as I find a job. I quit smoking before the surgery with the patch. My postop pain was controlled with medication. The key is "the Surgeon."

From: Carmelcastle – Connecticut, USA

I am a 38 year old woman sculptor. 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with degenerated discs L4-L5-S1 and herniation on L5-S1. I spent a year in severe pain w/cramping etc. Had lots of physical therapy, and pain treatments including facet blocks and epidurals, but the herniation got worse. Mental therapy was another layer of treatment for me as I had a hard time reconciling the pain being real. Finally, I opted for surgery and had a successful bi-lateral discectomy in 2003.

Then pain began again - it sort of snuck up on me, and before I knew it, the pain was almost constant. More PT, doctors, tests, MRIs, acupuncture, pain-relief treatments... but with only more pain to look forward to, and the likelihood that pregnancy would further injure my spine, I looked again to surgery.

A discogram tests which disc might be the source of pain. Ok- this is a terrible test- geared to diagnose pain by bringing it on - as it turned out, both discs, or what was left of them, were bad.

On Nov. 14 2006, at Mercy Medical Center, I had a fusion of L4-L5-S1 with instrumentation. My doctor estimated 3 hour surgery and 3-6 months recovery. There are 2 rods, 6 screws, bone growth hormone, and 2 donut plugs made of cadaver bone in between the vertebrae. The surgery took 4.5 hours due to arthritis and spurs, but I walked the next day. My 2nd opinion (at Johns Hopkins!!) stated that I would have an 8 hour surgery and 6 mos-1 yr recovery time. It’s 2 months out, and thankfully I’ve had a lot of help from loved ones to get me this far. The x-rays show new bone growth, but there is still pain and swelling. I want to make sure fusion takes place so I am cautious wearing my lumbar corset when I leave the house -and keeping out of smoky bars.

From: Stewart – Maryland, USA

Preparing for a fusion: if you can, stay in good shape. Especially your core muscles. You will need them in recovery. Pain management starts in the hospital. I had to call my nurses about 15 minutes before I was due for my next dose. Just to decrease the chances of breakthrough pain. Otherwise you may wait too long to get your meds. Once I was home I made sure I took my meds on time, when I got more comfortable, about week 2 I started to space out my doses more. After 3 weeks I was off the pain meds. I did however have to periodically have to go back to taking them. Usually at night is when they are needed. I am currently fighting the nerve pain, for which I have been prescribed a different medicine. Therapy is very important and you can get more relief from that. But you have to keep up with it at home or it is a waste of time. Work with your surgeon as a team. Together you will find what works best for you. Open communication is key. Remember he or she is there to help you. They have operated on you and want to see you get better too!

From: Anonymous – Illinois, USA

I underwent a lumbar fusion L4-5-S1 in July of 2006. I had tried 6 months of various optional treatments before I actually met with a spine surgeon; physiatrist, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, steroids and general exercise...I had run for years so I consider myself in very good health. I knew that surgery was my last option so chose it with reluctance but also knowing I had tried everything else. I exercised and worked (I am an emergency room nurse) as best I could until surgery. I researched the subject also with reluctance since I knew it wasn't going to be fun and would absolutely change almost every aspect of my life....my career most importantly. My surgeon is a highly regarded spine surgeon that was recommended to me by a close friend that had undergone the surgery years before and was thrilled with her results. My surgery was done in a city known for excellent medical facilities and although this hospital is smaller in size, they specialize in this type of care. I spent 4 days in the hospital and came home with a mission; to get better fast. I walked from my first day home and haven't stopped since. I walk about 20 miles a week and plan to start back at the gym soon. I find that sitting and lying down make me stiffer so I have a very active day and only sit for short periods of time. I truly feel exercise is an absolute essential to healing and making progress in rehab after surgery. Pain has never been an obstacle for me since I have used acetaminophen almost exclusively since coming home from the hospital when it was needed. I continue to read up on fusion surgery through this web site-after I walk.

From: Donna Kelley – Massachusetts, USA

Communicate with others about your spinal fusion experience

* Note: This page expresses the experiences and opinions of patients, not doctors. The Back-to-Back forum is provided because we think people often have very practical advice and insights to share that can benefit other patients who have similar back problems. This section has not been peer reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board, and is provided for your informational purposes only.

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