Former Amateur Athlete and Law Enforcement Officer -- Lumbar Spine Problems

[ouch2]

Hi John,

I understand how hard all this can be. Seeing many specialists to get a diagnosis, receiving different ideas on what may help. I spent a year doing all the conservative measures, then had a discectomy/lami last summer. Unfortunately it did not help, so I am now scheduled to have an ADR at L5/S1.

We are hear to support you through your decisions and recovery.

Karen

[John L]

A very sincere and heartfelt thanks to all, for your input, advice, and really just caring enough to sound off. I realize that there are some options, with some better than others. Really, I'm just looking to try and get back into life (by hopefully, "fixing" my back, or at least getting it as good as it can be, without making it worse). Again, I've heard success and horror stories about ADR's. I'm glad to hear about those whom it has helped, and extend my sincerest condolences (as well as prayers and BIG HUGS) to those for whom they have hindered. Admittedly, I cannot afford to pay for an ADR out of pocket (not even close), and for a fusion, my back would have to completely go out again. In the past, I've sucked up the pain only because the symptoms eased a bit within a few days, to just barely tolerable levels (but excruciating for sure, I mean really, when I played sports, I played with broken fingers, ribs, nose, separated shoulder, ripped open face, that were set, taped, or stitched on the sidelines (football) or on the bench (hockey) without aesthetics. Those isolated incidents were a walk in the park, a big, warm, wet kiss even, compared to having your lower back go out, :/.
As far as being a guinea pig for various studies, there are actually a few that I've considered. However, knowing that things can and do go wrong, I'm only willing to consider a local one, due to follow up visits/exams that are required for any of them. I don't want to have to travel long distances, especially is the procedure does not go well. I reside in the Denver, Colorado area, and would be interested in any that I may miss and others point out. Again, I trust Denver Spine and would take the leap of faith and trust my back to the skills of their board certified, spine surgeons, if the opportunity were to present itself, we'll see.
Kimberly, did you say that you had a fusion? I've heard that modern procedures, ones done from both the front (wire mesh cages) and back (supporting rods), although limiting range of movement, can be very effective?! So, I was wondering what type of fusion that you had done, and what sorts of activities that you were able to return to actively doing? I use to downhill ski quite a bit, but have pretty much written that off, until I find something that gives relief (if I tried it now, I could damage my spine to where becoming wheelchair bound is a possibility, if not probability, and no, not do to falls, I can actually count the number of times that I've fallen on one hand, over the year, but due to the bumps and sudden turns, or anything that's potentially jarring in nature). But I digress, again, THANK YOU, to all of those whom replied, I really have to start checking this forum more often, as they are definitely decent, caring, loving people who truly have a heart, as well as words of encouragement and wisdom, and most importantly, willing to use them. Take care and God Bless! - John.

[Kimberly]

Kimberly, did you say that you had a fusion? I've heard that modern procedures, ones done from both the front (wire mesh cages) and back (supporting rods), although limiting range of movement, can be very effective?! So, I was wondering what type of fusion that you had done, and what sorts of activities that you were able to return to actively doing?

Hi John,

I had a two-level ALIF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion.) The cages were placed anteriorly (from the front) and the stabilizing hardware (screws and rods) were placed through the back (posterior.) So I have three separate scars, 5 screws, 2 rods and 2 cages :-) I was never a good candidate for ADR so we decided on the fusion. I am doing really well at about 8 months now and although this was a major surgery and I am still healing, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I did NOT jump to this decision quickly or lightly. I spent years and years with conservative treatments while my abilities and function declined and only when I was having severe, constant, debilitating pain with neurological problems (legs) and found it preventing me from working well, exercising and being present for my family did I make the decision to have the fusion.

I have my ups and downs but am doing much better today than I was before the surgery. My leg pain and numbness is 99% gone and I am regaining function. I'm driving again, back to work, hauling kids around, going to their soccer/baseball games, doing most household chores (no scrubbing tubs though), doing the marketing and cooking. I am walking about 3 miles a day and just began a pilates program I have been back to the gym and on the elliptical (felt good.) I went to the movies for the first time in a long time and sat all the way through it. I tried working in the yard (weeds, picking up leaves) and although I did it, I paid for it a little....too soon I guess. I took my kids (and their friends) to our local Six Flags amusement park and had a great day (no rides for me though.) I can sneeze, cough and yell ("yay team!") without pain now. I can put on and tie my shoes again. I am not pain free, but I am living again. Life is GOOD.

I am working HARD at staying positive and living within my limitations. It's not always easy to do. Ok, sometimes it's really really hard. I do have some limitations (but frankly I think we all do, "spineys" or not.) I will most likely not return to high-impact sports like running or downhill skiing not because I can't with a two-level fusion (because I know some people do), but because for me, I feel like I shouldn't. For me, it isn't worth the risk of returning to that world I was stuck in for so long (and, because I still have a third problematic disc.) So, I'll still take care of my heart and the rest of myself, just in a little gentler way.

I know fusions get a bad rap, but mine gave me my life back.

:-)

Kimberly

[Pbchoclovr]

I know fusions get a bad rap, but mine gave me my life back.

Hi John,

I so agree with Kimberly. My experience has been similar to hers in that I had a one level MIS TLIF fusion with 2 rods and 4 screws. I wasn't a candidate for ADR. I too would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm a little over 7 months post op and am starting to experience days with little to no pain. My pain free days are all superficial at this point. One wrong move and it's two steps back for a few days. Last weekend I helped a friend put a bed frame together (simply screwing a few pieces of wood together). That simple task elevated my pain levels for several days before it calmed down again. I'm now able to go to the gym and work out, but all activities are tailored to support my lower back and not irritate it. My PT told me when I started PT post surgery that if I didn't want to be back having surgery for another level in 5 years, I needed to develop a routine that strengthened my core muscles and avoid any activity that was high impact and could place additional stress on the surrounding levels. Like Kimberly, I too have another level with early signs of degeneration. I'd prefer to keep it in its current state, so I'm trying to make sure I follow the advice of my therapist. I'm not someone who does a lot of athletic activities, but there are several I enjoy that I know I have to give up for the long term health of my back; however, everyone's situation is different. I've heard of people who return to full activities at some point, but it all depends on the condition of the rest of your spine. My overall goal is to avoid becoming my mother, who had fusion and then another and then another and now lives in permanent pain that the doctors only barely manage to control. That's what I keep reminding myself as I think about doing activities that may put additional stress on the surrounding levels of my spine. Plus the thought of falling scares the out of me. I don't even want to think about how bad that would hurt. Only you can decide how much and which activities are tolerable and which could cause you potential problems. Your healthcare team is a great place to check for their advice on level of activity post surgery.

Linda

[John L]

Kimberly and Linda,

Thank you very much for your replies, they are very much appreciated. Also, it's good to hear that you've found some relief, are healing, living within reasonable limits, and have gotten back into life. As I mentioned, I'm in limbo land right now. I've been diagnosed accurately, gone through PT, had so-so results with that. I feel good some days, but never push things at all. And then, out of the blue, my back either twinges, gets wrenched, or goes out completely, almost at random. The twinges aren't too big of a deal, wrenching it, makes me feel sick to my stomach accompanied with a pretty bad headaches, but at least that takes my mind off of my back a bit, and when it goes out completely, the pain of bone on bone, the muscle spasms and inflammation, well, you know, the pain is off the charts, unbearable and debilitating. Right now, the Docs say, "I know that the pain is bad, but, if you can hold out for 2-5 years, there will likely be better treatment options, and you'll be at the ideal age for them, etc...", however, if the numbness persists, or you know, bladder control is lost, then surgery must be done asap. Again, I'm in limbo and hope to make things better, but cringe at the thought of possibly making them any worse, in a "Should I stay or should I go now" type of situation, argh! So yes, a bit of paralysis by analysis, but again, no one is saying do this or do that, but wait and see how things pan out, limbo. But again, hearing about people who have taken the plunge, gone through the ordeal and positively have emerged on the others side, does give me hope of a better future. Again, thank you for your stories and words of encouragement. Take care. Sincerely, - John

[Justin]

Hang in there, John. You will know when the time is right to move forward. Please keep us posted.

[Katiem3987]

I just had PLIF of L4/L5 through L5/S1.

Only 3 weeks so can't help much. Leg pain on and off a better part of the last 8 years.

Discectomy in 2005 helped for a good bit. The herniated the next level up.

I had all leg leg pain. Loss of feeling in left foot.

Like above fear abusing the next level above. I will be leading a very careful life. Way down line in my recovery my neuro said I really need to work my core tummy muscles. 3 kids close together has not helped. He said that will be a huge help for me.

So far so good. Hoping I made right choice.