Lucky so far. MRI shows spinal stenosis worsening, but clinically doing really well. I attribute it to months I spent at gym with a trainer strengthening core and back.
I've recently turned down offer to have another epidural steroid injection, just don't need it now, but may in future.

Well, day two of the fusion surgery now. L5/S11.

Got to be to constant and life impacting.

Things are going well. Some residual nerve pain in the glutes by the back pockets but nothing unbearable. Some pressure and back soreness but more like overworked muscles. Low dose pain meds only every 6 hours.

Thanks all for the advice.

My friend is walking around like a new person!

This thread scares the hell out of me!! I'm my younger years a great chiro was able to fix me, but alas he passed away.

I've had luck with other chiros, but have moved past them.

First time I ruptured a disc, I went to a renown back doctor in our small town. only to find I needed my hips replaced!

Since my hips were replaced, I have ruptured 2 more discs, but have been able to continue on with my physical job, a plumber, in his 51st year. Thanks be to God!!

This thread scares me, that maybe it will happen to me, I pray it doesn't ever knock me down and out.

I am new to back pain and have been having bad lower back pain for the last several months. It is only getting worse, but I am not experiencing the type of pain you guys are. I am now in the initial phases of trying to do something. I had an X-ray and here is the impression:

IMPRESSION:
Five nonrib-bearing lumbar-type vertebrae are evident. Transitional lumbosacral anatomy with lumbarization of S1 noted. Endplate spurring at L1-L2 noted. Facet arthropathy at L4-5 and L5-S1 is evident. Vertebral body heights are maintained. No acute fracture or focal osseous destruction.

I have been told to do PT. Does PT actually help with things going on in the bone?

I’m not sure why anyone would “try hard to avoid” a fusion involving only L5-S1. This summer I had extensive surgery on my C-spine and I’m fused through 7 levels.

I’d like to recommend Dr. Juan Uribe at Barrow Brain and Spine in Phoenix. He’s a neurosurgeon and spinal specialist. I think he would be worth talking to.

quote:

Originally posted by Riley:
Well, day two of the fusion surgery now. L5/S11.

Got to be to constant and life impacting.

Things are going well. Some residual nerve pain in the glutes by the back pockets but nothing unbearable. Some pressure and back soreness but more like overworked muscles. Low dose pain meds only every 6 hours.

Thanks all for the advice.

My friend is walking around like a new person!

It takes time. I'm 6 months post fusion and I'm doing great. For me it has been life changing. I saw my surgeon last week and he released me. He told me no real limitations... still have a 50 pound weight limitation but he told me to let pain be my guide. If it hurts, stop doing it. My leg nerve pain slowly decreased after surgery. Six months on it's completely gone.

Edited to add, the best thing your friend can do to heal is to walk every day. You can't walk too much post surgery.

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:
I’m not sure why anyone would “try hard to avoid” a fusion involving only L5-S1. This summer I had extensive surgery on my C-spine and I’m fused through 7 levels.

I’d like to recommend Dr. Juan Uribe at Barrow Brain and Spine in Phoenix. He’s a neurosurgeon and spinal specialist. I think he would be worth talking to.

Several reasons:
It’s surgery with the associated risks
There is no guarantee it will get better
Risk Is other discs having issues later on

Of course it’s a pretty low movement section and probably the “best” ones to fuse if you had to choose.

quote:

Originally posted by Riley:

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:
I’m not sure why anyone would “try hard to avoid” a fusion involving only L5-S1. This summer I had extensive surgery on my C-spine and I’m fused through 7 levels.

I’d like to recommend Dr. Juan Uribe at Barrow Brain and Spine in Phoenix. He’s a neurosurgeon and spinal specialist. I think he would be worth talking to.

Several reasons:
It’s surgery with the associated risks
There is no guarantee it will get better
Risk Is other discs having issues later on

Of course it’s a pretty low movement section and probably the “best” ones to fuse if you had to choose.

Maybe you missed this.

quote:

After two surgeries to repair a herniated disc, the pain is back. The back is fine but the pain down the leg is horrible.

The first time was a really bad herniation and resulted in a trip to the ER and surgery shortly after to prevent drop foot and further pain. Pain such as laying on the floor, sick to the stomach and trying not to breath pain all down the leg. It herniated again 3 weeks later and involved getting into the hospital for pain management and a second surgery for unbearable pain.

Don’t think for a minute that I don’t take the risk of spinal surgery, or any surgery, very seriously. I had good reasons to undergo the surgery performed on me. Sounds like the patient in the OP may have good reasons as well. All I really suggested was that he talk to a respected surgeon.