Hi everyone,
I have been struggling with back and left leg pain for over 2 years. I saw three surgeons 2 years ago and it was felt that I could get by with a L4-L5 fusion extension (I was previously fused L5-S1 when I was a teenager for high-grade spondylolisthesis). I had some improvement with PT and decided to try and hold off. I went back for a follow-up and new x-rays last week because PT is no longer helping, and my symptoms are progressively worse. Dr Hart at OHSU called today to say he had studied my films and MRI in detail, and he now recommends fusion T10-S1 with bilat. pelvic fixation. I have a ~40 degree lumbar curve with lots of degenerative changes as well as spondylolisthesis at L4 and lateral slippage at L3 and L2. I knew this was a possibility, but I am just staggering here at the thought of this.
This news also comes at a horrible time, since my daughter is having VBS in less than a month.
I would love to hear from anyone with a similar fusion, any encouragement you can offer, as well as info about recovery time. Also, I was told I would be on a vent overnight the first night, and I am just terrified about this, since I am a nurse and have cared for many vent patients. Does anyone have any memory of being on the vent post-op?
I have been struggling with back and left leg pain for over 2 years. I saw three surgeons 2 years ago and it was felt that I could get by with a L4-L5 fusion extension (I was previously fused L5-S1 when I was a teenager for high-grade spondylolisthesis). I had some improvement with PT and decided to try and hold off. I went back for a follow-up and new x-rays last week because PT is no longer helping, and my symptoms are progressively worse. Dr Hart at OHSU called today to say he had studied my films and MRI in detail, and he now recommends fusion T10-S1 with bilat. pelvic fixation. I have a ~40 degree lumbar curve with lots of degenerative changes as well as spondylolisthesis at L4 and lateral slippage at L3 and L2. I knew this was a possibility, but I am just staggering here at the thought of this.
This news also comes at a horrible time, since my daughter is having VBS in less than a month.
I would love to hear from anyone with a similar fusion, any encouragement you can offer, as well as info about recovery time. Also, I was told I would be on a vent overnight the first night, and I am just terrified about this, since I am a nurse and have cared for many vent patients. Does anyone have any memory of being on the vent post-op?
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