Its called a spinal fusion. What area of the back are You getting it? This is what I am probably looking at for My back.

www.back.com

Check this site

Hey, at L 4-5 the diisc is deteriorated L5-S1 collapesd disc with bone spurs and stenosis. I have putting off for a year but it is time to fix it because I am having pain and numbness in legs and foot. I knew it was fusion just failed to mention it. What have you heard about it as far as how rough it is and recovery time? Thx for your reply.

Yes-and it was successful. To me the key was lots of physical therapy (8 months worth) and lots of walking. If you smoke you may as well not have it-it will not work.

Good luck to ya!

Thank you. I need all the advice anyone can give me. i am so scared thinking about how I will be when I get home. Dr. knows I can't handle meds except demerol and I'm afraid that will not be strong enough. What did you take after you got home?
Brenda

Hey Bama..My husband had this surgery last of March. He,too has suffered from degenerative disc disease for several years. Had 2 surgeries to shave spurs, pain shots, pills, etc, he finally gave in to have the surgery. So far, he is MUCH better. He did go to physical theraphy after surgery, walking every day. But, he can stand & walk without all the pain he previously had.

Thanks, was he in lot of pain after getting home?
Brenda

Read my profile for specifics.

I thought at one point I was never gonna feel normal but a friend who had 3 back surgeries talked to me at about 6 weeks post op and assured me all would be well and within a week things started to get back to normal. The talk did me good-I just needed to know that I was gonna make it thru it.

I found out in the hospital I was allergic to morphine. They sent me home with oxycodone and flexril. Not sure of strength but it was enough to deal with the pain. Also, I was a nervous wreck before the surgery and the doc gave me ativan for the few days before the surgery and this helped alleviate my anxiety-you may want to ask for it.

I ony had the surgery because I could no longer function and it was my only option left. My son was still in school and I HAD to work to support him-the company I was with at the time was greatly supportive of my decision and very liberal with my hours when I went back to work. If I did not have a good day I would just go home.

You are gonna do great. Your spirit has a lot to do with the outcome so keep your chin up and know that you will be better!

I had spinal fusion at l5/s1 in April of this year. I did good for a few weeks after surgery and now I am in terrible pain. The surgeon will not order physical therapy for me yet but I do alot of walking when I can. Lately it has been hard to do anything. I dont want to scare you I just want you to know that things dont always go like we expect. I never in a minute believed I would have a bad outcome so this is a big kick in the pants for me. I went into this with a very positive attitude and I have involved my friends and family in my recovery. Thank God I have them because I wouldnt want to be alone right now. I also found a ton of information about spinal procedures at www.spinehealth.com The pain mangement dr has me on Kadian and Oxycontin which is not working for me. I have been on alot of narcotics and so far no relief, but everyone is different. If you want you can look at my profile and see some other things I have tried or still do use. Good luck to you and I hope this message doesnt scare you too much I just want you to know that sometimes things arent so great. I wont stop fighting though so thats a plus. Hope to get to know you and please be well. Gentle hugs and blessings, Christine

Thank you Christine. I just hope mine goes well. Why are you still in pain?

i had a l5-s1 fusion two months ago and i am doing wonderful. i have a tiny bit of pain from healing now but it does not nearly compare to what i have been going thru for the past 6 years. this is my third back surgery and my first fusion. they two weeks after surgery were really really hard. i was in a ton of pain but within 4 weeks after surgery i was completely off of all my pain meds and only taking tylenol. i cant even remember how long i have been taking pain meds. it is such a relief. walking is a joy to do now and it actually helps the pain and stiffness now. i recommend this surgery 100%. if you have any questions or anything feel free to ask. ive had it all done. the shots a discogram a discetomy .. everything it seems and this was the only thing that helped.

i do wish you the best of luck! and prepare for things to be hard the first month. you will need a walker and cane and someone to help you do everything because you wont be allowed to bend, lift, twist, push or pull anything. and a gripper is really helpful

goodluck with everything

I had a spinal fusion of L4/5 and L5/S1 June `07. I was out of work for four months, I returned to work part time for several weeks to begin with. When I finally did go back full time I had to take breaks thoughout the day to lay down with a full size ice pack. While I was recovering at home, I walked diligently everyday, because my doctor did not recommend Physical Therpy right away. If I was to have the surgery again, I would probably research having PT earlier after surgery to hopefully reduce the amount of scar tissue. The estimated recovery time was 3-4 months, but it was more like 9 months until I really felt normal.