Hi,
I am having a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion on L4/5. I have scoliosis- 3 curves all structural, cervical, thoracic 55+ (My big one) and lumbar 35. I rejected suggested surgery 25 years ago and I don't regret my decision but I struggle to get answers to my questions now . My consultant says that although the curve has started progressing after almost 25 years, he says it will only progress slowly and for the moment the loss of function and the magnitude of the surgery would be too great to have a full fusion. It seems that it is his decision as to when the trade-off is right, rather than mine. I am already past surgical levels for size of curve but my head sits nicely on top of my pelvis. It's just the crap going on in between- pain and inability to move comfortably. I have a desk job and for the last 5 years have been struggling with pain and depression from dealing with it.
He has proposed the PLIF to help with the pain.
My understanding is that anyone with disk degeneration could have this procedure - it just so happens that my degeneration is likely from my scoliosis. I am very confused though and am concerned that the procedure may limit my options later. I am 56 now. My consultant in UK is clearly very very highly recommended and says that he could do the full fusion if needed when I am 80 or more. Clearly this is not true, by then I expect all other aging factors will have to be considered and no hospital would touch me. I have trouble communicating with him. Sometimes I think he thinks my case is not severe but then he gives the reasons for not having a full correction as being because the length of the curve is too severe.
Has anyone else had a PLIF and did you have any complications afterwards with the curves progressing?
I am having a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion on L4/5. I have scoliosis- 3 curves all structural, cervical, thoracic 55+ (My big one) and lumbar 35. I rejected suggested surgery 25 years ago and I don't regret my decision but I struggle to get answers to my questions now . My consultant says that although the curve has started progressing after almost 25 years, he says it will only progress slowly and for the moment the loss of function and the magnitude of the surgery would be too great to have a full fusion. It seems that it is his decision as to when the trade-off is right, rather than mine. I am already past surgical levels for size of curve but my head sits nicely on top of my pelvis. It's just the crap going on in between- pain and inability to move comfortably. I have a desk job and for the last 5 years have been struggling with pain and depression from dealing with it.
He has proposed the PLIF to help with the pain.
My understanding is that anyone with disk degeneration could have this procedure - it just so happens that my degeneration is likely from my scoliosis. I am very confused though and am concerned that the procedure may limit my options later. I am 56 now. My consultant in UK is clearly very very highly recommended and says that he could do the full fusion if needed when I am 80 or more. Clearly this is not true, by then I expect all other aging factors will have to be considered and no hospital would touch me. I have trouble communicating with him. Sometimes I think he thinks my case is not severe but then he gives the reasons for not having a full correction as being because the length of the curve is too severe.
Has anyone else had a PLIF and did you have any complications afterwards with the curves progressing?
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