Hi all -
I had spinal fusion T-4 to L-4 in 2000 at the age of 57. This site was very helpful at the time with advice and suggestions. I have not been pain-free since then, mostly muscle spasms and low back pain. But until now it has been tolerable with exercise and stretching. A few months ago I started having unmistakable nerve pain in the buttocks and legs. After many tests, cortisone injections, oral steroids, and many pain meds, none of which helped very much, this morning I saw the surgeon who did my original fusion. The X-rays show that I have virtually no disc left between L-4 and L-5. I'm scheduled for myelogram and CT scan next week, but my doctor has already said I will need an additional fusion.
Research I've done about artificial discs calls it still experimental and not appropriate for someone with leg pain. Does anyone know of any other alternatives to surgery?
If anyone has had similar surgery I would appreciate some feedback, specifically in terms of the relative severity of the surgery, recuperation time off work, additional limitations in movement, etc.
Thanks very much.
Trulyaries
I had spinal fusion T-4 to L-4 in 2000 at the age of 57. This site was very helpful at the time with advice and suggestions. I have not been pain-free since then, mostly muscle spasms and low back pain. But until now it has been tolerable with exercise and stretching. A few months ago I started having unmistakable nerve pain in the buttocks and legs. After many tests, cortisone injections, oral steroids, and many pain meds, none of which helped very much, this morning I saw the surgeon who did my original fusion. The X-rays show that I have virtually no disc left between L-4 and L-5. I'm scheduled for myelogram and CT scan next week, but my doctor has already said I will need an additional fusion.
Research I've done about artificial discs calls it still experimental and not appropriate for someone with leg pain. Does anyone know of any other alternatives to surgery?
If anyone has had similar surgery I would appreciate some feedback, specifically in terms of the relative severity of the surgery, recuperation time off work, additional limitations in movement, etc.
Thanks very much.
Trulyaries
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