PreOp Freak Out -- Spinal Fusion

**wraspondy** · 12-17-2010, 12:22 AM

I have spondylothesis and will be having one of the first fusions of 2011. My doc first told me he was going to do a posterior at l5/s1. That is why I chose him since the other two docs I spoke to wanted to do anterior/posterior. Now I found out last week the doc wants to do the same - anterior posterior - since I am done having kids. His PA told me it was better for younger active people. I am 40 and would love to get back to an active life. The other thing I found strange is that my last MRI was almost a year ago and the doc does not want to do a new one. Anyone's doc rely on an old MRI before doing the surgery - like 6 months or a year old? Please chime in. And for all of those who had a fusion for spondy and came out pretty much pain free, let me know so I go into this with a good attitude. Finally, I am going to Cedars in LA - anyone have any experiences there? WRA Spondy

**KBear** · 12-17-2010, 09:05 AM

Welcome to the forum. I haven't had a fusion, but did have ADR and they went in through my stomach. Just curious, is there a reason why you don't want them to do anterior? Or is it that you just don't want anterior and posterior? It's my understanding that the L5/S1 is very hard to access, thus why they may need to do it both ways, to ensure proper fusion.
When I had surgery my MRI was right at 6 months old. They did not repeat it either. I was in a study, so had it been much older than that, I would have had to do another to meet the guidelines.

**wraspondy** · 12-17-2010, 01:51 PM

I was surprised that the doc told me he would do it posterior and then switched to a 360 after I spoke to him. I want it done right, but that took me by surprise because I agreed to have it done by him based on his initial suggestion that it only be posterior.

**mmarsh** · 12-19-2010, 04:56 PM

Sometimes as your surgery nears the doc reassesses the problem and goes with something more comprehensive. I wouldn't be too concerned about the old MRI. It's not that dated. If the doc were concerned he'd order a new one. Get your home prepared. Read some of the ideas for post-surgery preparedness. Have lots of books to read and videos to watch. You're not going to feel too good immediately following surgery, so try to get ready! Make sure you have a grabber and a toilet seat riser. To me, those are essential! Keep us posted and best of luck.

Missy

**Justin** · 01-29-2011, 09:40 PM

WRA Spondy,

How did your surgery go? Check in with us when you get a chance!

**Katie** · 02-01-2011, 06:07 AM

wraspondy, I had a similar surgery and came out great on the other side

While it has been a long recovery (I had it last March), I was up and moving well the day after surgery and am about 80% back to normal now. Still a bit of pain, but nothing like before.

I had an XLIF at L4/5 and ALIF at L5/S1. The Spondy was a surprise for the surgeon. It didn't show up on any of my MRIs, CT scans, etc. and I had a number of surgeons look at them. All's well that end's well, is all I'm concerned about now ;-)

Personally I'm surprised that the doctor didn't want an up to date MRI. Every surgeon I dealt with pre-op wanted one no older than six months.

Yes, please check in and let us know how you are doing.

**Cindylou** · 02-01-2011, 01:25 PM

Yes, by all means, Spondy....when you are up to it, please give us an update on your recovery process. We care and would love to hear how you are fairing.

Cindylou