revision

[jsully]

Just curious about revision surgery. I am fused from t2-l5 and am having a lot of pain and difficulty walking from what I believe is all the pressure on my bottom L5-S1 disc. If I was to have this disc "added on" to my fusion does anyone know how significant this surery would be? I knew I would have to have this done in the future I just didn't know this may be something I am looking at doing possibly so soon. Maybe it is too soon to think about. Maybe the pain will subside. I was just wondering how "serious" this surgery would be.
Janet

[jrnyc]

does that mean you would then be fused to S1 or to the pelvis...? i think it is done often for folks who had their fusion stop higher due to wanting flexibility, but then develop problems below the fusion later on...

jess

[jsully]

I am not sure. It seems from many posts that it is the same? But yes, I wanted my flexibility but I believe my trouble walking is compensation from all the pain and pressure on the lower disc perhaps? Not really sure. Maybe I have flat back or maybe I am just extremely impatient. I do not know for sure.
Janet

[Lue]

Hi, reading your post, I though I was reading mine, except I have a pinch nerve at L5 S1, and need revision surgery, I saw Dr. K. at John Hopkins in may, first I said no, but the more I think about how bad I got in 1 year, I am thinking about surgery a little different now, and yes it is a serious surgery, he said a little more then the first time( I was 59) that was 8 years ago. I can't stand up without support. But the pain does not subside (for me anyway) but since you are younger you may feel you can waite a few more years. good luck Lu

[Lue]

Hi, it's me again, I have flatback, I think that's the problem, rods stoped at L5, now L5 S1 needs all the work. Lu

[naptown78]

I am not sure. It seems from many posts that it is the same? But yes, I wanted my flexibility but I believe my trouble walking is compensation from all the pain and pressure on the lower disc perhaps? Not really sure. Maybe I have flat back or maybe I am just extremely impatient. I do not know for sure.
Janet

Hi Janet,
Just to clarify, fusion to the sacrum and pelvic fixation are not the same. People are not actually fused "to the pelvis". Pelvic fixation just means the addition of some fairly sizable screws in the pelvis to add stability to the whole construct.

[jsully]

Maybe that is what I need. It pinches so badly on my lower back when I try to stand up straight.

[jsully]

I found out today if I do need the disc (L5-S1) added on it will require pelvic fixation as well. Luckily, it does not require removal of existing rods. My Dr says I do not have flatback.
Janet