[Spinal Fusion / Lumbar] Fusion with Instrumentation L4-L5 2008

[Patti]

Hello folks....

Looking forward to sharing the struggles and triumphs that I'm sure we've all experienced in dealing with chronic low back problems. I had my first surgery at the ripe young age of 24 in 1980 (laminectomy L4-5) and did really well for the better part of 25 years. (result of an injury). Of course, at the ripe old age of 53 ( which isn't really old..but I feel old it got progressively worse and I opted for a fusion at the same level, after exhausing all conservative treatments and living in constant pain for the previous nine months before surgery.

As I sit here, the jury is out. The level below has just a sliver left, and I wonder why the surgeon didn't take care of that while he was in there..so I'm stuck with the idea that I need more surgery to get relief. I live just outside of Washington, DC, where there are excellent surgeons and options with Georgetown, George Washington, Fairfax, VA etc. The doctor that treated me was highly recommended, so who knows. All I know is that I can't live this way and there has to be a better solution.I look forward to sharing and listening to others.

[lbanis]

Welcome Patti -

I am sorry for your pain and what sounds like progression in the negative direction. You have come to a great spot for support. Everyone on thei site is really helpful and I feel I am getting real information. Itr has helped me better understand what to expect as I recover from my fusion.

Welcome!

[KBear]

glad you found us; but sorry you have to be here. We are here to help you in anyway we can. Everyone here is really great, very helpful and supportive. It really is a wonderful thing to have people who truly understand what it is like to be in pain day in and day out. I was in an accident at 25 with an 18 wheeler and have been in constant pain ever since, 3 1/2 years. It's definitely not a fun place to be, but this is the place to be if you find yourself in that place.

[Justin]

Hi Patti,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I am sorry that you are currently struggling with spine issues. There are many supportive and understanding members here that have lived through chronic pain and can lend a helping hand. Luckily, you are in a great area for spine care. Plus, you are very young in my book. If you need anything , please don't hesitate to contact me--I am available by private message, email and phone.

BTW: stay tuned for the entire Spine Patient Society website that will be stocked full with resources for Spine Patients.

[KBear]

Plus, you are very young in my book.

I have decided there is not such thing as old age. I remember thinking 30 was ancient and now it's breathing down my throat! When I met my hubby, I was 20 and in my 'rules' for dating, I had one that I would not date anyone older than 25, because that was old! He was 29 and we have made a great pair. My parents are both 53 and I don't think that is old at all. I used to think 50's and 60's were old; but now when I hear about someone that age dying, my first thought is "I wonder what happened to them that they died so young?". I then had it in my mind that 75+ was old. Well, my father in law blew that one, he is 77 and I hear him talk about 'old people'! LOL. It's like, hmmm, he obviously doesn't include himself in this group, and I bet the 'old people' he is referring to probably still talk about other 'old people'.... so I've decided it's irrelevant. Your only as old as you feel, and I feel 90. Seriously, I know 70 & 80 year olds who are more active and able bodied than I am! Yay for them, not so much for me.

[ajj1001]

fron another person recovering from a fusion!

alison x

[Cindylou]

Welcome Patti. Sorry you are here as well, but here you are and there is no greater place to be than among folks who get what road you've been down and who can support you with "what's next?" You and I are very close in age. And I have a sister-in-law who lives in Alexandria. She works for the FBI. (so watch out......he he he!) (we have a sense of humor too!)

[Patti]

Hey guys...

Thanks to all for responding! There's nothing like a good sense of humor. Sometimes I laugh at all of this..it beats the alternative. Up until 18 months ago, I was cycling between 60-100 miles per week. I had the fusion done in April '08, and over the next 12 months, had my ailing shoulder surgically repaired (Jan. '09, shredded labrum) gall bladder removed (June '09) and am recovering from August 12th knee surgery (torn meniscus). They call me the bionic woman and I'm on a a first name basis with everyone at Fair Oaks Hospital! But here's the catch, all the other surgeries resolved the issue, the pain went away, I live in physical therapy, always work hard in rehab and do all the exercises..I'm just so frustrated that the back still hurts. I need two percocet per day to get through the day. Thank God there are doctors who understand that and don't treat you like an addict. However, I hope that the meds aren't a permanent solution to what I hope is not a permanent problem.

I do believe that healing is different for everyone, and choose to believe today that we will all feel better and that there are other solutions, even if more surgery is required. I'm going to a chiropractor tomorrow who does ART, dealing with soft tissue issues and myofascial release..anyone tried that?

Justin, I am from Jersey originally and went to college up close to Philly..back in the glory days of the 1970's..we'll have to chat offline..I pray that all of you have a pain free day..

[Justin]

Patti, you truly are the bionic woman! You're practically on staff at Fair Oaks Hospital.

I'm going to a chiropractor tomorrow who does ART, dealing with soft tissue issues and myofascial release..anyone tried that?

I've had techniques similar to active release techniques (ART) performed by an Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) that was a specialist in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. These techniques were very helpful in correcting minor dysfunctions.

Good luck and we'll talk soon.

[Katie]

Hey Patti, we're almost the same age too, and if I didn't feel so darn old with this pain, I'd be leaping and crashing more than my daughters! I'm hoping that when (not if) it goes away soon, that I'll be able to resume some of that quality of life, working with my horses, bicycling, etc.

An artist friend did a sketch of me when we spent some time together lately, and he said he found it hard to do because there was so much pain in my face. And that was on one of my good days.

I'm impressed with all the new parts you have too! I've put the painful shoulder on the back burner for now as I have a hard enough job getting anyone to even deal with my back, but maybe I should push harder to make it better, so I will be relatively pain free after back surgery. You've given me something to think about!

Thanks for bringing your upbeat character here