Anyone had spinal fusion ?

[kingrollo]

I have had problems with my facet joints for around 30 years now. The most lasting solution was steriod injections - but the last one only gave relief for a few months - like wise the preferred treatment on the NHS is nerve abalation - this worked great - but again lasted only a few months.

The next - very drastic option would be spinal fusion - Google doesn't help - because you get clinics tell you its marvelous - then the other extreme saying they ended up in a wheelchair.

like I say I have had this problem for 30 years - I still do yoga and pilates - have seen numerous physios, chiros, etc ..

So has anyone had spinal fusion ?

 

[ColinJ]

I just searched the forum and found several members talking about having had it done.

 

[numbnuts]

Yes me in 1989, firstly I will say things have improved since that date and you don't have to spend so much time in hospital as I did.
I had L4 L5 fused due to accident, before surgery I had no feeling in my legs and was incontinent, after operation feeling started coming back, but not to all areas and was still incontinent, it took nearly 10 years before I regained my bladder control, so ask loads of questions before you say yes to the operation. The only other thing that the physio told me that having it done, it does but more strain on the joins above and below as they have to work harder as you have a straight bit in your spine, hasn't given me any trouble.
Lastly who will do the operation if it is not a neurosurgeon think twice.

 

[vickster]

@roadrash @DCBassman perhaps

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/more-real-steel.255330/

 

[ColinJ]

Did @fossyant have it done too after being knocked off his bike?

 

[roadrash]

Thanks @vickster , as already mentioned , ask lots of questions , give it a lot of thought and do your homework , before deciding whether or not to go ahead with surgery, no matter how good the surgeon, there are no guarantees one way or the other.

here is the thread regarding my l4/l5 fusion , discectomy and facetectomy , all done during a single op (approx 6.5 hours)

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/there-is-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel.164232/


surgeon says the fusion needs extending now but i have declined, for my own reasons.

whatever you do , dont be tempted to watch the op on youtube first ,

it is brutal surgery and a descision should not be rushed

 

[roadrash]

@roadrash @DCBassman perhaps

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/more-real-steel.255330/

and not forgetting @SatNavSaysStraightOn who has been through a hell of a lot, I have messaged her several times but got no reply

 

[fossyant]

Did @fossyant have it done too after being knocked off his bike?

No, it was an option (i.e bolt about 4 vertebrae together with scaffolding). I opted not to. 6.5 weeks on my back as bones healed. I'm left with half my L1 missing - cheese wedge shape, rather than square, but all's relatively OK now. General back condition is tip top for my age (discs), other than the damage around the injury. Still get a bit of bother, but I manage OK with it - not too much pain now.

Spinal surgery is not something you should take lightly. I was told 'we can operate tomorrow, but you can move now, you might not tomorrow'. I opted to 'suck and see' - if surgery was needed then go for it, but wait for nature to do it's stuff. Does mean I still have flexbility, and no metal work, which is permanent.

Bit different than if you've got knackered discs and are suffering. Back pain is horrible.

 

[fossyant]

I have had problems with my facet joints for around 30 years now. The most lasting solution was steriod injections - but the last one only gave relief for a few months - like wise the preferred treatment on the NHS is nerve abalation - this worked great - but again lasted only a few months.

The next - very drastic option would be spinal fusion - Google doesn't help - because you get clinics tell you its marvelous - then the other extreme saying they ended up in a wheelchair.

like I say I have had this problem for 30 years - I still do yoga and pilates - have seen numerous physios, chiros, etc ..

So has anyone had spinal fusion ?

It's worth contacting this chap below - what he doesn't know about the spine can't fill a postage stamp. I work with him - he can at least give you an opinion before surgery. Chris heads our 'Movement Unit'. He saw me walking a bit stiff the other week, stopped and said 'how's your back ?, I can see you not walking properly" (I thought I was OK). I said, '4 hours on the Mountain Bike yesterday'. Thumbs up from him...

Might even be worth a chat over the phone - It might be that he says surgery might be the option. If you say "Anthony" has said to give you a call because of your back knowledge - if you mention cycling he will know.

https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/hpsc/our-staff/search/profile/?id=2971

I had looked at nerve ablation for another issue I have - was on the waiting list until I broke my back - well if that doesn't work, then I'll stick with it, as been thinking about the procedure - I'll stick with the pain - nothing to do with the back/joints).

 

[kingrollo]

Reading around - I don't think my back is bad enough for spinal fusion. I don't have weakness in my leg and no tingling.....

Having tried everything up to including nerve ablation - I just wonder what the next options are.

 

[vickster]

Reading around - I don't think my back is bad enough for spinal fusion. I don't have weakness in my leg and no tingling.....

Having tried everything up to including nerve ablation - I just wonder what the next options are.

Perhaps have a consult with a neurosurgeon with spinal expertise?

 

[Proto]

Yes, Me.

I managed to smash T12 (compression ‘burst’ fracture). Repair was internal fixation to stabilise with some great big wood screws, bone graft from my hip and fusion of T11, T12 and L1. In surgical terms nothing too dramatic but my misfortune was compounded by collecting a bone infection during the operation (Staphylococcus Aureus), which gave me years of hell until it was detected and sorted (second op, metal out, long term intravenous antibiotics).

My answer is not really helpful to you, my fusion was a matter of necessity, but I would advise, unless absolutely necessary, keep out of hospitals, avoid any surgery, and keep doing what you are doing.

People poking around inside your body, drilling holes and whatnot, what could possibly go wrong?

PS I bet some tingling in my left leg, had it since the first op, hasn’t got any worse, hasn’t gone away. I can live with it.

 

[roadrash]

but I would advise, unless absolutely necessary, keep out of hospitals, avoid any surgery, and keep doing what you are doing.

People poking around inside your body, drilling holes and whatnot, what could possibly go wrong?

couldn't put it better myself

 

[kingrollo]

Yes, Me.

I managed to smash T12 (compression ‘burst’ fracture). Repair was internal fixation to stabilise with some great big wood screws, bone graft from my hip and fusion of T11, T12 and L1. In surgical terms nothing too dramatic but my misfortune was compounded by collecting a bone infection during the operation (Staphylococcus Aureus), which gave me years of hell until it was detected and sorted (second op, metal out, long term intravenous antibiotics).

My answer is not really helpful to you, my fusion was a matter of necessity, but I would advise, unless absolutely necessary, keep out of hospitals, avoid any surgery, and keep doing what you are doing.

People poking around inside your body, drilling holes and whatnot, what could possibly go wrong?

PS I bet some tingling in my left leg, had it since the first op, hasn’t got any worse, hasn’t gone away. I can live with it.

Don't get me wrong - I don't want surgery.

But non surgical options have failed. I already do Pilates and Yoga - and daily stretching. I just got my fitness to where I want to be - and now I sit here typing this with a hot water bottle attached my back !

With meds today my pain is little more than a niggle - should I take the general advice and begin some core exercises or should I just to stick to hot water bottles and meds.

It goes against everything I read - but I cant help thing cycling / gym has led to my back problems (suppose a cycling forum isn't the best place to air those thoughts !)

 

[vickster]

Don't get me wrong - I don't want surgery.

But non surgical options have failed. I already do Pilates and Yoga - and daily stretching. I just got my fitness to where I want to be - and now I sit here typing this with a hot water bottle attached my back !

With meds today my pain is little more than a niggle - should I take the general advice and begin some core exercises or should I just to stick to hot water bottles and meds.

It goes against everything I read - but I cant help thing cycling / gym has led to my back problems (suppose a cycling forum isn't the best place to air those thoughts !)

Surely you're already working on your core if you do yoga and Pilates practice (daily?) Does the stretching also work your hamstrings, glutes, hip flexors etc which can cause lower back issues if tight or imbalanced? If you have an office job, make sure your set up and chair are right

Have you had a full MRI on your neck and back recently to check the overall structure?