Back Pain Support Group

ive had 3 back operations so far and i was in the same boat as you but the pain got so bad that i could no longer stand it. the problem with any back opperation is that it creates scar tisue and thet in turn causes more problems. but having said that and haveing my time again i think i still would have gone ahead with the operations. some people i know have gone throught the same thing i have and are now 99% pain free and liveing a normal life. unfortunatly in my case every operation has caused more pain in diferent areas and the only thing that keeps it in check is my pain medication.
i wish you luck in what ever you decide hun

If you need a great neurosurgeon, one you can trust. One who has "it" I have one in Los Angeles who will tell you the truth.

He saved my life.

Well Im going through the same thing and I finally decided not to do surgery... I was told that its a 50/50 chance either way...You could get releaf or get worse... Personally I choice not to take that chance.. I do the injections at the moment and am getting releaf.. I know so many people that have had surgery and are worse today and its never just one surgery... They always have to do more... Thats just my choice... Really think about it...

Dont be discouraged if you hear negative stories here cause the ones with positive results are out living a full life. Only you will know if surgery is the right option based on how you feel. I asked my surgeon about the 50/50 thing and he said its not true for a fusion it is like 90/10. And it really is based on how you follow their instructions on the weight limits and things. I wish you luck on whatever you decide.

I recently had the same decision to make and I feel for you. It is a hard decision to make with the pressure of insurance as well, and I still may do the surgery in the future, just not right now. My pics are almost the same, but in 2 discs so a 2 level fusion. Neurosurgeon said the same to me. I researched and prayed alot. I also asked several people here at DS for their personal stories. The factors that helped me decide not to do the surgery at this point were first of all, most people I know that had the surgery, lead to more and more and knowing I was losing insurance I would be in the same boat without a paddle so I didn't let insurance cloud my decision. The statistics for successful fusion are not great, and those numbers are based on only if the bone fuses and hardware stays put, not if the patient feels better! In your case single level has better chance than 2 level. Once the surgery is done there is no turning back(no pun intended, it does limit your mobility and you can't twist your back like you used to!) I am not certain I made the right decision, but it is elective right now. I am working with pain management and doing my best to keep active and healthy. There is the possibility I could develope nerve damage and have no choice. I suggest you get a second opinion and research and learn as much as you can. We are all different, our lifestyles, the way we heal, how much pain we can tollerate, no matter how similar our diagnosis. I don't know if this helps you much. I know this is a very hard thing to go thru, and a tuff decision to make. I am ok with my decision and feel less crazy now that I made it. I am still in alot of pain and limited to what I can do, but for now it is manageable. I hope you are able to make the right choice for yourself. Just get as informed as you can! Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. :) Julie

I highly recommend back surgery. I have had 2 and after my 2nd one, I feel 75% better. I do still have pain, but only when I over do it. I think that if you feel safe and comfortable with your neuro. and you are tired of the pain, DO the surgery. Just remember that every surgery does have risks, but technology today is wonderful. If you have any questions, let me know.

I had surgery on September 18th. I had L3,4,5 fusion. At first I could tell a big difference. My right leg was pain free and I had some pain in my left leg. My back was hurting from the surgery. Now, I do have some pain in my right leg again. I have not gone back to my surgeon yet. I go next week. I am hoping he will have some words of wisdom. I was hoping not to be having any more leg pain. I am glad I had the surgery, but I am worried about the pain in my right leg returning and staying. Hopefully, he will enlighten me about something I am doing wrong and that my surgery has been successful.

After being told there was no surgery that would help me and five years of living hell, when a surgery was offered to me I jumped at it.

It was the easiest and best decision I could have made. 3 years later my life is so much better as far as back and nerve pain are concerned.

great advive you have recived from people in the same boat rennoc
i wish you the best of luck with your desision and hope you get pain releif wich ever way you go.

Yes yes yes like Julie said research as much as you can. I was rushed into my first surgery after a car wreck and it was so soon i did not research or anything and i just had my second.