L-4-L-5 Fusion
- Thread starter breamo
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Hope you have gotten multiple opinions!! I had a two level(L4-S1) done in Aug 07. Felt good until Oct 08. Saw another surgeon and he filed a grievence(?) against the first surgeon because he should not have done the surgery he did, with the test results he had. If it is what you need I hope it works out for you because nothing is a guaranteed fix. You might go through the pain and recovery process and end up in the same condition or worse off. There are plenty of members who have gone through it and not had good results, myself included. Just had my second surgery (to fix the first) on March 1st it feels much better than the first one,...at this point. Hope all goes well. Not trying to scare you just wanting you to make sure it is what you need.
ZX6RArcher
PEB Forum Regular Member
Best of luck...
I had a L4-L5-S1 PLIF to correct isthmic spondylolisthesis caused by breakage of a facet joint in my back. Everything was good up to last winter. Whether it was the cold weather back home (Fargo, ND) compared to the staying in the heat of Tucson, AZ or if the surgery failed, I don't know. But I am looking at another surgery again.
It's a really tough time, especially those first few weeks getting used to having to change your lifestyle. I was at home by myself most of the time and coped, but I did have to get a few things to help. One was a robotic clasping arm so I could grab stuff from the cupboards without stretching and another was a toilet booster seat. It sounds funny, but trust me it comes in handy big time. Just remember not to do any of the BLTs (bending, lifting, twisting) and to not lift any weight or do any bending. Another thing that helped me was to get one of those large body pillows so I could sleep on my side and wouldn't move during the night.
If you have any other questions, sorry I'm in a hurry here to get ready for work, just send me a PM and I'll get back to you.
I had a L4-L5-S1 PLIF to correct isthmic spondylolisthesis caused by breakage of a facet joint in my back. Everything was good up to last winter. Whether it was the cold weather back home (Fargo, ND) compared to the staying in the heat of Tucson, AZ or if the surgery failed, I don't know. But I am looking at another surgery again.
It's a really tough time, especially those first few weeks getting used to having to change your lifestyle. I was at home by myself most of the time and coped, but I did have to get a few things to help. One was a robotic clasping arm so I could grab stuff from the cupboards without stretching and another was a toilet booster seat. It sounds funny, but trust me it comes in handy big time. Just remember not to do any of the BLTs (bending, lifting, twisting) and to not lift any weight or do any bending. Another thing that helped me was to get one of those large body pillows so I could sleep on my side and wouldn't move during the night.
If you have any other questions, sorry I'm in a hurry here to get ready for work, just send me a PM and I'll get back to you.
I did have to get a few things to help. One was a robotic clasping arm so I could grab stuff from the cupboards without stretching and another was a toilet booster seat..[/QUOTE]
Those two items are VERY wise investments. Also, if you play video games you might want to move the game console and games up higher so you will not have any problems reaching them or changing discs.
My first was L4-L5-S1 ALIF what procedure are you getting and what type of hardware. Hopefully it is not just a plate and screws. That is supposed to leave you more flexible, which it does, but it is not as strong and did not hold up to my PT standards.
Those two items are VERY wise investments. Also, if you play video games you might want to move the game console and games up higher so you will not have any problems reaching them or changing discs.
My first was L4-L5-S1 ALIF what procedure are you getting and what type of hardware. Hopefully it is not just a plate and screws. That is supposed to leave you more flexible, which it does, but it is not as strong and did not hold up to my PT standards.
Bremo,
I had a TLIF operation (L4,L5,S1) fusion w/ hardware after 1 1/2yrs of epidural injections that were unsuccessful. The surgery was my last option to correct the pain I was having. The first week I arrived home I was back in the ER due to enormous pain in my left leg. In January 2010 I had another MRI due to the pain I was having. On the MRI they found out that the graph that replaced my disc in L5,S1 area had shifted on to my nerves and never fused and that was the cause of my pain. I was on the operating table 4 days later. I've been recovering for a total of 5 months, but only 2 1/2 months from the 2nd surgery and it has been a rough road. I'm now experiencing a lot of pain in my left and right hip that radiates down my legs. I still have a lot of pain across the lower back, but the surgeon stated that it'll be a year before I see if the surgery worked. Based on what I'm going through now I sure hope he's right. My first day back at work today and it was a half day. I'm now lying on my back for the rest of the night due to the pain. I certainly would recommend to you that this be your last resort. The healing process on this is a very long road and unfortunately the military will see you as a number and this very well could be a career ending surgery. I had to understand that I possible would not be able to do what I was use to doing, especially my AirForce obligations. But, I had look at what was better, my quality of life and my family or the military. Because at the end of the day who is there for you when you take off the uniform.....your family, not the military. I wish you well and if you have any other concerns, please let me know.
ADAF - Aug 91-present
1st MEB - initiated Sep 08 (Returned to Duty)
1st TLIF surgery 23 OCT 09/ 2nd Surgery 13 Jan 10 (Con leave from 23 Oct 09 - 31 Mar 10)
2nd MEB due to surgery initiated Mar 2010 (Awaiting outcome)
I had a TLIF operation (L4,L5,S1) fusion w/ hardware after 1 1/2yrs of epidural injections that were unsuccessful. The surgery was my last option to correct the pain I was having. The first week I arrived home I was back in the ER due to enormous pain in my left leg. In January 2010 I had another MRI due to the pain I was having. On the MRI they found out that the graph that replaced my disc in L5,S1 area had shifted on to my nerves and never fused and that was the cause of my pain. I was on the operating table 4 days later. I've been recovering for a total of 5 months, but only 2 1/2 months from the 2nd surgery and it has been a rough road. I'm now experiencing a lot of pain in my left and right hip that radiates down my legs. I still have a lot of pain across the lower back, but the surgeon stated that it'll be a year before I see if the surgery worked. Based on what I'm going through now I sure hope he's right. My first day back at work today and it was a half day. I'm now lying on my back for the rest of the night due to the pain. I certainly would recommend to you that this be your last resort. The healing process on this is a very long road and unfortunately the military will see you as a number and this very well could be a career ending surgery. I had to understand that I possible would not be able to do what I was use to doing, especially my AirForce obligations. But, I had look at what was better, my quality of life and my family or the military. Because at the end of the day who is there for you when you take off the uniform.....your family, not the military. I wish you well and if you have any other concerns, please let me know.
ADAF - Aug 91-present
1st MEB - initiated Sep 08 (Returned to Duty)
1st TLIF surgery 23 OCT 09/ 2nd Surgery 13 Jan 10 (Con leave from 23 Oct 09 - 31 Mar 10)
2nd MEB due to surgery initiated Mar 2010 (Awaiting outcome)
hey bro,
i had an l5-s1 fusion in may 2007. i want to be honest w/you in regards to my back issues. i had 1 faiiled surgery (micro-dicsectomy) so the fusion was my only option. i woke up from surgery in excrusiating pain and to top it off they had put a cath in (downstairs). i was in pain and that just added to it. i told the nurse if she didnt take it out, i would. if youve never had 1, it's miserable. the hospital i was @ sucked. that's just petty stuff... everyone who chimed in had good info. the recovery time is long. here's an awsome site w/alot of info. on this stuff:
http://www.spine-health.com/
in my opinion...just my point of view...i think all back surgeries are a 50-50 crap-shoot. mine made me worse. just make sure you do your research. get a 2'nd or 3'rd opinion. it's up to you. i just want to give you that worse case secenario, me
if you have ANY questions, just shoot me a message here or @ my e-mail.
i had an l5-s1 fusion in may 2007. i want to be honest w/you in regards to my back issues. i had 1 faiiled surgery (micro-dicsectomy) so the fusion was my only option. i woke up from surgery in excrusiating pain and to top it off they had put a cath in (downstairs). i was in pain and that just added to it. i told the nurse if she didnt take it out, i would. if youve never had 1, it's miserable. the hospital i was @ sucked. that's just petty stuff... everyone who chimed in had good info. the recovery time is long. here's an awsome site w/alot of info. on this stuff:
http://www.spine-health.com/
in my opinion...just my point of view...i think all back surgeries are a 50-50 crap-shoot. mine made me worse. just make sure you do your research. get a 2'nd or 3'rd opinion. it's up to you. i just want to give you that worse case secenario, me
if you have ANY questions, just shoot me a message here or @ my e-mail.Oh yeah, I forgot about that damn catheter. That was horrible. Also, my hospital staff was the worst I've ever experienced, zero!!!!bed side manners. As Rob said, get a 2nd and 3rd opinion prior to surgery because unfortunately, I'm getting my 2nd opinion post surgery.
Unfortunately this is my 2nd surgery as well from a failed diskectomy also. 
The neurologist that is doing it is highly regarded and is supposed to be the best around the area. I ssure hope so lol. I am definately not looking forward to it either way though.
Thanks for all the replies, they are always very very nice to see and hear from other people!
The neurologist that is doing it is highly regarded and is supposed to be the best around the area. I ssure hope so lol. I am definately not looking forward to it either way though.
Thanks for all the replies, they are always very very nice to see and hear from other people!
L-4-L-5 FusionD ar
Once again you folks rock!
Btw Jason, I sent this website link to my TAPS class instructor on base to try to get out to all MEB folks at my base. I have been blessed to have stumbled on the site a long time ago and felt compelled to share it. What made me think of it were a few people asking where they can get a good meb lawyer ! I Had a revolution, and hopefully they look into you.
Right now at 3 in the morning, I am laying in the hospital bed after getting my fusion done this morning. The premier neuroseurgeon of this area performed it an I am confident it will work. If you just mention this guys name around here people praise him for his work. I have heard 2 dozen first hand testimonies from people that he has worked on either them or their families and were a complete success (crosses fingers).
Now for the unchipper part, some of you know my story, I had a failed diskectomy that was done by hat seems to be the shadiest surgeon in the area. A buddy of mine had shoulder work done by him, well I wish I wouldn't have listened to him. This doctor is a quack.... And what's funny is if you mention his ne to any dr, nurse, specialist etc. Thy all but say how terrible he is( they must keep their professionalism) bu some do not they just spout it out that he is a horrible surgeon that hacks away for the money. I ask myself why does base doctors send people to him if even they have stated how bad he is.
So back to the surgery I came in this morning nervous but with high hopes, but those quickly changed whn I woke up from surgery in the recovery room!
Absolute worse pain of my life....she asked from 1-10 what pain I was in..I said 45, so that is seriously the number we started at. Now this dr I had been seeing has hade on 60mg oxycontina day,6-8perc 10s lyrica cymbalta,and a few other Meds. I have tried to stay away from them but he tell me I needed to keep them until after this surgery to see if it works....so I respected that. The big problem is that I have such. High tolerance to pain meds they had a hard time lowering my pain levels.
It took roughly 2 hours, Valium, morphine ( which I told them wouldn't work), but then they finally gave me some heavy hitting dillated ( bad spelling) that finall starts making the pain go away. Thank goodness!! So once I had my sanity back I then realized they had done the deed to me. They put that tube in a hole in a place where a Tube is not meant to be placed. Yea that cath really sucks BAD!! But thanks for the heads up on that fellas do I was expecting it lol.
So as of right now I am laying in hospital bed bored out of mind and hurting to bad to sleep : ( I do however have a dilated pump so every 10 minutes I can push it for a bit o relief.
I will keep you all posted I ya want me too , sorry for the long, probably horribly written post but I'm very loopy, very tired and full of pain. And have noone to share my great story with except my pals on here whom I know understand what I'm dealing with here.
With that being said,
goodnight guys and gals,
bream
Once again you folks rock!
Btw Jason, I sent this website link to my TAPS class instructor on base to try to get out to all MEB folks at my base. I have been blessed to have stumbled on the site a long time ago and felt compelled to share it. What made me think of it were a few people asking where they can get a good meb lawyer ! I Had a revolution, and hopefully they look into you.
Right now at 3 in the morning, I am laying in the hospital bed after getting my fusion done this morning. The premier neuroseurgeon of this area performed it an I am confident it will work. If you just mention this guys name around here people praise him for his work. I have heard 2 dozen first hand testimonies from people that he has worked on either them or their families and were a complete success (crosses fingers).
Now for the unchipper part, some of you know my story, I had a failed diskectomy that was done by hat seems to be the shadiest surgeon in the area. A buddy of mine had shoulder work done by him, well I wish I wouldn't have listened to him. This doctor is a quack.... And what's funny is if you mention his ne to any dr, nurse, specialist etc. Thy all but say how terrible he is( they must keep their professionalism) bu some do not they just spout it out that he is a horrible surgeon that hacks away for the money. I ask myself why does base doctors send people to him if even they have stated how bad he is.
So back to the surgery I came in this morning nervous but with high hopes, but those quickly changed whn I woke up from surgery in the recovery room!
Absolute worse pain of my life....she asked from 1-10 what pain I was in..I said 45, so that is seriously the number we started at. Now this dr I had been seeing has hade on 60mg oxycontina day,6-8perc 10s lyrica cymbalta,and a few other Meds. I have tried to stay away from them but he tell me I needed to keep them until after this surgery to see if it works....so I respected that. The big problem is that I have such. High tolerance to pain meds they had a hard time lowering my pain levels.
It took roughly 2 hours, Valium, morphine ( which I told them wouldn't work), but then they finally gave me some heavy hitting dillated ( bad spelling) that finall starts making the pain go away. Thank goodness!! So once I had my sanity back I then realized they had done the deed to me. They put that tube in a hole in a place where a Tube is not meant to be placed. Yea that cath really sucks BAD!! But thanks for the heads up on that fellas do I was expecting it lol.
So as of right now I am laying in hospital bed bored out of mind and hurting to bad to sleep : ( I do however have a dilated pump so every 10 minutes I can push it for a bit o relief.
I will keep you all posted I ya want me too , sorry for the long, probably horribly written post but I'm very loopy, very tired and full of pain. And have noone to share my great story with except my pals on here whom I know understand what I'm dealing with here.
With that being said,
goodnight guys and gals,
bream
L-4-L-5 FusionD ar
hang in there bro! i feel your pain...literally i just shot you a PM too. where (what state) did you get your surgery done? well bro keep us posted and if you need anything on this end, don't hesistate to reach out. are they going to give you a back brace after you go home? it was a life-saver for me. also, as soon as you can see if you can get into aqua-therapy...100x's better then land PT.
hang in there bro! i feel your pain...literally
i just shot you a PM too. where (what state) did you get your surgery done? well bro keep us posted and if you need anything on this end, don't hesistate to reach out. are they going to give you a back brace after you go home? it was a life-saver for me. also, as soon as you can see if you can get into aqua-therapy...100x's better then land PT.
Jason Perry
Founder and Leader
Site Founder
Staff Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Lifetime Supporter
Registered Member
L-4-L-5 FusionD ar
breamo,
I hope the pain gets knocked down and that your recovery goes well. Hang in there!
breamo,
I hope the pain gets knocked down and that your recovery goes well. Hang in there!
Like everyone else has said, I hope the pain goes away soon. Those hospital beds are not as comfortable as you would think they would be. I had that freakin pump, too. I hope yours works better. I might be a little weird, but I kind of liked the feeling when they pulled the cath out. Good luck and take it easy.
Jason Perry
Founder and Leader
Site Founder
Staff Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Lifetime Supporter
Registered Member
No further comment from me beyond that this made me chuckle.
how r u making out my brother? hope all is well. these next few days are about the worst of it. it get easier w/time. focus on getting better...that's it! don't stress the BS that may come up @ the unit level. i'm sure as time goes on they will try to push/interprite your limitations/restrictions. i wish i would have focus more on myself rather then trying to be a "nice guy" and help my unit in any way i could. @ the end of the day we r just a #, filling the void for petty s#!t that they are to lazy to do themselves. after my 2'nd surgery i just had to say no, when they started to ask me to do sumb stuff. these people arn't medical professionals and they cannot nor should they try and interprite what your restrictions/limitations are. like i said earlier..just get better and focus on you. hang in there bro! talk to ya soon and if you need anything just reach out. i try and check in here once/day, if not just e-mail me.
Hey all, thank you to everyone for the great words of encouragement.. They truely do help!
I seem to be doing pretty good on recovery, yesterday I slept pretty much all day an caught up on rest. They said I might leave on Monday or Tuesday but I'm in no big hurry to be honest.
Other than that I can about get ou of the bed by myself an take very short walks, plus I do a small number of excersises in bed tht they said should help.
As far as my unit, I am very unconcerned with them. I am hoping I get my results back on con leave and never have to deal with them again. While I have been in the hospital since last Thursday some of my friends have stopped by or called. Not onmember of management has said a thing to me lol, seems they care alot. I just found that funny
.
Well I am going to take a nap I will write again this afternoon!
I seem to be doing pretty good on recovery, yesterday I slept pretty much all day an caught up on rest. They said I might leave on Monday or Tuesday but I'm in no big hurry to be honest.
Other than that I can about get ou of the bed by myself an take very short walks, plus I do a small number of excersises in bed tht they said should help.
As far as my unit, I am very unconcerned with them. I am hoping I get my results back on con leave and never have to deal with them again. While I have been in the hospital since last Thursday some of my friends have stopped by or called. Not onmember of management has said a thing to me lol, seems they care alot. I just found that funny
.
Well I am going to take a nap I will write again this afternoon!