Back Pain Support Group

I think you've been given good advice on both sides. I just want to add...have you gotten a second opinion? That's important, and don't be afraid of hurting your surgeon's feelings. It's your life, not his.

I heard the same things also from my doctor, and i got the surgery and don't regret it at all, i still have some pain, and leg problems but i didn't want to look back and say i should of, and i am ok with the results i can say i did everything possible to fix this

I went through all the PT, shots, and everything else and nothing worked it was like a year out of my life just trying to get some relief, that i will never get back.

I would get it, surgeon don't really like to do surgery unless it is the last option.
so if he thinks it is, it is
good luck

I guess in some ways, I'm lucky. From the looks of my MRI, I've had this issue in my back for some time and have been relatively functional with only a few painful flair-ups... until the last few weeks, that is. This is the first surgeon I've seen. I do plan to get a second opinion. I'm wondering if I should spare myself the agony of waiting while I go thru physical therapry, shots, etc. and just get the surgery over with.

I'm having a particularly bad (painful) day today. I believe I'd go straight to the O.R. now if given the chance.

My surgery was October 14th, and I already feel better than I did before the surgery. I had so much pain before that I couldnt believe it! I had a fusion from T1-L2 (Most of the spine) and the first couple of days were rough, but now the parts with pain and numbness feel better now, guess I was one of the lucky ones.

I can feel your anxiety, I have been through it myself. My advice
who be to get the opinion of at least two other surgeons. I would also
suggest that you not let the calendar be the deciding factor. This is
a major decision which could change your life in one way or the
other.

Keep breathing. Idajane

You must have went to the same surgeon I went to ! !
Then I went to Stanford Spinal Clinic in CA.
They looked at my x-rays, MRI's, reports.
They told me look, we cut people open for a living, but you don't need it.
I started physical therapy, went twice a week for 2 months.
She was spectacular ! She told me what was wrong with my back, she taught me how to protect it, she told me how to keep it loose.
She taught me exercises that I still do at home, plus I walk a lot.
I have had hardly any back pain in the last 3 months.

PM me if you need any more info !
Best of Luck

I've had 2 back surgeries; the last one was a fusion in my lower back. There was alot of nerve damage before the second surgery, and because of the fusion surgery, I'm still walking! I didn't have any hesitations about either surgery...I feel fortunate to have made as much of a 'comeback' (walking with a leg brace and cane) as I have made, and if it happened again, I would do the same thing. Hope whatever choice you make, you will get some relief from the pain. Take care...

Hello,I' am new member having the same experience with my back afraid to have the surgery ,been to 10 doctors.it is just a nightmare.

I had a fusion T2-L1. I heard the lower you go in the lumbar region the riskier the procedure though. I haven't regretted my surgery even though it was incredibly difficult. It was a long road of recovery for me but I am in less pain and can sit up straight. Even clothes fit better now that I'm not hunched over like before. Now, I can do everything I did before it just takes time. Good luck

You know........ Do your research, get at least 3 opinions and then make your decision. I have a good friend that has had 2 single spinal fusions, just like you need, and both of them have been HUGE successes. So don't go by what anyone tells you!
The level of success with one level fusions are higher than multi-level one's, so make your decision based on that.

I am a 3 level/360 fusion patient, and mine did not work! After 5 more surgeries after the 1st one, I am still battling with intractable pain, day in and day out. But, my experience is personal, is mine, it not necessarily means like you are going to end up the same way!

Do what is best for you and what professionals tell you that is best for you. Good luck