Informative, simplistic video. Unfortunately the surgeon used the Frazier suction as a pointer to show the spinal cord. This was a mistake because he had his finger on the suction and he was rougher than he should have been. No harm was done, but, he should have used better judgement. I know what I'm talking about because I've assisted on 100's of spinal fusions.
@Minustekno Fusion of vertebral segments will cause hypermobility (increased mobility) at the segments above and below, which will cause pain. This is a common phenomenon, and it is not your fault. The surgeon should have informed you that this could happen.
I have scoliosis, spondylolithesis, hyper mobility and other stuff! I wear a brace and now my brace man is worried about my lordosis! It's never ending! I'm 13 btw !
Look at the way he plays with the Thecal sac like its a toy. "Oh you still have some numbness in your legs after 2 years here's some more pills hope your insurance covers it."
tired of PAIN MANAGEMENT MY DR is a P***K he mentioned a nuerosurgeon after he saw he cant bleed my hmo for epidurals that made me sick i had weight gain from 4years of graves desease&hes blaming it on that but mentioned a nuerosurgeon im on transdermal patch no relief when bad i cant stand more than 20mins any one have any advice i welcome responses it looks drastic but medz r limited i want to fix it before it gets to rupture status was 6foot now im 5'8=ADVICE ANY ONE?degeneration discs=BAD
@DiVaDuVaLL Hi. I am really ill with a lot of issues with my back. My advice to you is to try to find a better PM Dr. I am self pay right now until I get my Medicare and my PM Doc is supportive and shows me respect and tries to help me in any way possible. But, on the other side, I have been treated so crappy by so many Doctors in my journey and it sucks to be made to feel like your just a crazy pill seeking nut job when your laying there so sick and in so much pain. My prayers are with you.
sorry you had such a ruff time i had l4 l5 and s1 fusion in april 2009 have had no problems no therapy and thankfully no pain i work as a mechanic I can lift and work as normal have some aching in the winter but it is managable
For those who are still having pain, it may not be from the fusion surgery, it may be nerve pain caused by an earlier surgery or epidurals. I had a fusion of L3/4/5 in 2002 and recovered from that very well. Went back to work 3 months later and a pain that was horrible came on me. After many tests and MRI's we found it is Adhesive Arachnoiditis and was probably caused by my surgery before this because of how advanced it was. Pain was unbearable and after many trials had a pain pump implanted
I am a little person aka a Dwarf. Back in 2009 I had a Spinal Fusion Lumbar Stinoses laminectomy done on my L-2 L-3 and L-4 on my lower back. Now in 2011 i am still having so much pain on my lower back that i can no longer handle it. Ive been on Hydrocodone for 2yrs now to handle my pain. I am tired of taking pain meds. Is there anything that can be done? Is there anything that was forgotten? I want my normal like back. Thank you
Fusion surgery is amazing. I had an L5-S1 fusion and it was minimally invasive (unlike that seen in this video). I feel better than 100% now. Read about my story here: insanum.com/blog/spinal-fusion.html
two of his months they operated with a lumbar fusion in Budapest. I'm okay, I do not feel a pain. I do gymnastics a lot. I am a fireman. January I go by 1 to work. Do not be afraid.
having this done 14 october, so tired of being in pain, s1 through to l4, a little anxious at the moment, but have met 3 people in my area that have had it done with same surgeon, and have had fantastic results, only thing i am worried about is i am so sick after have anesthetic...............................
I had this same surgery in October 2000. It helped for about a year. After that....I'm back to being as...if not worse...then i was before. I'm now on total disability because I'm unable to stand or sit for long periods of time. Pain meds do NOTHING for me anymore.
@jenharlow69 I had the same issues. We found out irt was not from fusion but from earlier stuff. Have a GOOD pain doctor and/or Neurologist test and do MRI's to test for nerve damage. Sometimes a SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulator helps. It didn't for me but I had a pain pump put in and it has helped a lot. I only take oral pain meds when weather changes or pain is REALLY bad. I pretty much have to lay down all day also. I am sorry for your pain, been there and doing that! Good luck, Doug
i had the same surgery on my spine it was the L4, L5, S1 and my surgery was in front and back. It was May 23, 2011. It was Doctor. Robert Rovner in San Ramon city, California and for his a great specialist on spine surgeries.
I must ask your age. I am 42. and very skeptacle of this surgery. Taking all those meds scare me because I have to drive to work. I am afraid that these meds may indanger the lives of others and mine while on the road. My boss will let me work from home, but how long can that last? Don't know... how are you coming along with your progress. Please email me romester07@charter.net ... thanks, romester07
@romester07 you won't be able to go to work for months. And if your talking about pain meds like oxy only take them when your in pain they are very addictive, I almost got hooked and the withdrawal was terrible.
123cocola.. I am glad to hear that you are doing ok. My surgery is coming up soon and very nervous just seeing this video. I am having a duel fusion to correct L4 L5 S1 (S1 with stenosis) I have been having back and mostly testical pain, the discogram confirmed that my L5 is totally corrupted. So, I suppose I will comment later if I am able to.
@romester07 Thank you for sharing, i am having the same problems at the same spots, i also feel pain in the places you stated as well as down my legs and on the tops of my feet. Im having my L5-S1 fused and a disc replacement at L4-L5. It would be a disc replacement at both levels, but you can't get that in America and i cant afford to go overseas. Not happy about the fusion, but im ready to not feel pain anymore. Im 32 and have been dealing with this since i was 21.
To me, it seems like the final stages, graft material being tossed in, is rushed. Is this the typical method to finish the side fusion process? I'll think very hard about surgery after watching this video.
I have been dealing with low back pain for just over a year I ruptured the disc at L3/L4 and L4/L5 and now have been told I have degenerative disc desease totally disabled. Doc says the only cure is TIME or fusion! From what I have been told the fusion only last 10-15 years! I have tried cut down on my pain meds and noticed pain and a cramping feeling in the both butt checks and back of both thighs and calves. Has anyone else had a feeling of something like this? I am at a loss on what to do!
@grit8207 Im having the same surgery and i have the same cramps in both butt cheeks and down my legs as well. My surgery is on Sept 15th 2011. I have a good doc that also fused my neck so hopefully all goes well!I have degenerative disc disease too and ruptured disc.
I just had the L3 to L4 spinal fusion on 4/26/2011. So far I have no back pain, except for the iliac crest where they took bone marrow, why the marrow, before they used bone to put in my L5 S11 fusion. in 1999. Very painful when trying to roll to left to get out of bed. I have been dealing with chronic pain since 1993. I now experience below my left knee nerve ache when lying down for bed.
still taking pain medicine, roxicodone 15mg, 3 times a day with dauldias. I start physcial therapy 7/26/2011. I have no idea what is in stored, because of three spinal fusions. Only thing is stretching my muscles. Can someone tell me what to expect in therapy?
@123cocola I had L4, L5, S1 fusion surgery April 2007. Expect two years of recovery if, IF you actively participate in an professionally supervised aggressive rehabilitation program. Walking is the best medicine for me. I started in the hospital 2 days after surgery. Continue to walk two to three miles each and every day.
Medications included Hydrocodone based pain medications. Gradually reduced the dosage over the two year period, extra strength Tylenol now. Relatively pain free now.
I had a lumbar fusion by a renowned neurosurgeon from IL Neurlogical Institute, Peoria, IL Dr. Dzung Dinh in Feb of '11 using an anterior approach. A general surgeon made a 9" cut across my pelvis lifting up my abdomen to the naval, retracting my intestines & stomach to the right, moving my vena cava & aorta to the side while Dr. Dinh & crew did their work for 4 hrs. Surgery included a fusion with titanium cage at L5/S1, much smaller screws than this video. So far so good. Rehab to start soon.
before i had my spinal fusion i tried everything to straighten my spine on my own, but my back was too curved to fix it without the surgery. after getting the spinal fusion in 2005, the hardest thing for me was not over exerting myself while wearing the back brace. it has now been 6 years i am 21 years old and do not let my spinal fusion hold me back from doing the things i enjoy. i have occasional pain but nothing i can't fix with stretching and popping my back (gently of course).
October 2010 : I had the L5/S1 completed, the Neurosurgen I had does not have a realy great personality but in the operation theatre he is bloody fantatstic!!! I will admit even though I was suffering extreme pain in back, and legs. I was realy concerned with the operation, however now in April 2011 life is returning back to normal the pain is decreasing more and more. Still suffer pain in legs and feet but nothing to what is was before the Operation......
@ColinVanderheide I'm just waiting for my date to go in for this surgery. I'm terrified, but hoping I get the kind of results you have. The pain gets me down most days now but I have learned to live with it. One doctor offered me injections but the main surgeon said they wouldn't really serve a purpose for me as it's the pain in my back that gets me down the most. I watched the video, urgh, wish I hadn't. Hopefully it will help with the leg and foot pains and numbness I've got right now.
@ColinVanderheide I had a similar sitaution. Mine was in Feb of 11, very invasive from the pelvis, ALIF, plus some laminectomies and laminotomy, foramen widened in different areas. Pain is much less, nearly 4 months later. Still have some heel, calf, and hip pain. But the lower back, sacral pain is mostly gone. About to begin rehab. Had prior failed back surgery 7/08 from an ortho m.d, later his partner claimed all was well pure b/s 2/10, Dr. Dinh, neuros found 4-6/10 & fixed 2/11.
In 2004, I under went an ALIF with stabilization in New Jersey, resulting in complication. What had happened was a pedicle screw was "miss-measured" and pierced the vertebra at L5 hitting the sciatic nerve root. They removed the screw with an additional 2 hours during this procedure. 6 days later, they did a laminectomy at L5 in-order to relive inflammation caused by the "complication."
I live in constant pain, leaving me 100% disabled and in complete distress for the rest of my life
i had t3 through l5 fused at age 16 due to scoliosis. I am now 28. I am doing well. I have alot of muscle pain and tightness but nothing that stopsme. I can lift and have a lot of mobility believe or not. I can dance and lift my kids etc.:)
i had t3 through l5 fused at age 16 due to scoliosis. I am now 28. I am doing well. I have alot of muscle pain and tightness but nothing that stopsme. I can lift and have a lot of mobility believe or not. I can dance and lift my kids etc.:)
all this freaks me out i have discs in my lower back that are almost gone....... i really dont want to go through this shit i almost feel a bullet is cheaper and easier....
I had fusion on L-4 and a Decomontomy on L-5 with a titainum cage put in at 4 never again will i do this shit. im 45 today and had surgery in 2009. im stiff in the morning and have to take a hot shower just to loosin up. i also have scolieosis and found that out after Dr Did surgery. I do have DDD also. i have pain also not real bad butt enough to no it. some days are better than other days. i feel for you guys that had cages put in.
Wow! I really enjoyed this video. I teach surgical technology was discussing a lumbar fusion today and this video went right along with my lecture. Thank you so much for sharing, my students loved it!
I had L4 L5 fused in 06 and I am still in horrible pain and on chronic pain meds, I guess what I'm saying is please make sure you have a good doc and research that doctor before you agree to anything, cuz once their done and you still have horrible pain two years later they ( medical community) will blame it on you. So please be very careful.
@Minustekno what do u mean they will blame it on u?? I had to have 3 back surgeries. I had first received level one fusion, didn't work. Then had L3-S-1 fused which is working for me now even though I had a rough road. Now as far as pain goes my nerves were being crushed for years. My legs feels a bit better but I still deal with chronic pain in my feet. My legs are still sensitive but not as sensitive as they were. U couldn't dare touch them before the surgery. now its like that with my feet.
@Minustekno omg! im sorry! thats crazy!! i got my back surgery 6 months ago, and im a gymnast and got back into it, tumbling and all at first 3 months post op. i had a quick recovery.. im back to normal, even better than before! :) im sorry to hear that though, that ur still in pain after 2 years...
@Minustekno I am in the same boat, I have had 3 fusion surgery's in the last 5 years and they had to remove the original hardware because one of the screws broke and now I have 4 screws and 2 rods on the back side of my spine and then they went through the belly and put in 4 screws a plate and replaced the disk and I am still in non-stop pain even with all the pain medication and medical marijuana my doctor has me on
Has anyone had 3 discs fused ? I am scheduled to have L3-S1 fused in a month, and haven't seen ANYONE that has had that many levels fused. ANYONE have any input ?!
@moocher419 i had t3 through l5 fused at age 16 due to scoliosis. I am now 28. I am doing well. I have alot of muscle pain and tightness but nothing that stopsme. I can lift and have a lot of mobility believe or not. I can dance and lift my kids etc.:) So with almost my whole spine fused I can do pretty much anything I want(except play limbo or yoga) and besides some muscle tightness have no pain.
I had 2 laminectomy's last year, I was worse than before, the leg pain was unbearable. This year I went to a different surgeon, he did a spinal fusion on L5 S1 and now I feel great, a week after surgery i felt great, i was walking in a few days, aftyer a week i was going around the block. The difference is the DOCTOR SURGEON.
I had L2, L3, and L4 fused almost ten years ago, after being 2 centimeters away from being paralized from a broken back. My surgeon, Dr. Bent Felix, was a miracle worker. I don't have pain now and walk over a mile every day.
I've had L4-5 & L5-S1 DASCOR disc nucleus replacements but am still having periods of sever muscle spasm when that area gets aggravated, the last time this happened my whole torso pretty much locked up, it was like having the mains put through me! I had a flex extension x-ray and it showed that the artificial discs are not moving so I'm looking at fusion to try and stabilise the spine. Posterior first with bolts and rods leaving the DASCOR's in and if that fails the anterior removing them. Joy..
I had spinal fusion of L4-5 with pretty good sucess. It s been 2 years now. I still have difficulty moving, lifting my hips/butt off a flat surface. Too scared to attempt dating(sex) for fear that I will be hurt. I'm very protective of my back. The sciatic pain was gone imediately after surgery. Being on my feet 12 hour shifts, though, it's trying to creep back on me. I realize everyday that my body and my life will NEVER be the same. But, I could'nt go on the way I was.
I had my L-3 L-4 L-5 L-5S1 fused on May 10th 2010 . I woke up with severe pain in my right leg. One of my lumbar is still herniated and the nerve is still pinched. I told them the day after surgery that I needed a nerve block shot .They made me wait 3 weeks in agony .They refused to treat me in the emergency room 2 weeks after surgery they said I was a cronic patient and they could do nothing. I suffer every day with leg and back pain. 60 pills a month. 1 every 12 hours. THATS A JOKE? RIGHT
@pepgrl601 I had a L3,L4 L5 fusion and on 8-8-10 it will be 7 years and I'm still in more pain than I care to admit!!The doctor tells you to walk,or lay down,or stretch or whatever but is does nothing for the pain.I still have to take vicodon for pain and soma for back and leg spasms and another pill for nueropathy.And when I go see my doctor they make it seem like I'm wasting THEIR time.Seriously?I hope you do better than me down the road and the pain wears off like it's SUPPOSED too.
i also have 3 fused incl L1 and aftyer 6-7yrs only worsening because they weren't completely fused. also have rls because of that but finally got something for that. but i guess there's really further you (or anyone) can do to ease the pain. i only go see a doctor if it would worsen drastically from one day to the next.
when there's nothing you can do its just best to accept that for a while. If ur focusing to much on it u'll just feel it even more (true) ;-)
i just had this surgery and the dr screwed up put wrong size screw and had to go back in 4 days later and replace with smaller one but damage was done i suggest if u are getting this surgery really think about it and check out the surgeon really good on success rate and exp...
I got rid of my Scoliosis at 38 without surgery using a Theraflex Machine.
Search mjYU_fWhjU4 in the You Tube search box to see me having a treatment session. My back used to disappear behind my shoulder blade and a few sessions on this and now it’s visible along the whole back. Before and after photos on my Facebook Group : Scoliosis Cures and Pain Relief. Have a look, get your Doctor to have a look and get them to get one
hey pbernickas had a L-4-L5-L5-S-1 on may 3rd. the first 3-4 weeks were hard but feeling better coming up on 5 weeks. I feel like I can do more but still need to be carefull. the pain killers are bad, I use the ice packs they do work great, I put one in my back brace so I can walk around. When I sit I put one in front of a pillow. Good luck everyone that had this
@FOXACHECK I had a fusion when I was 24, now I'm 37....did wonders for me. I remember learning how to walk all over again. Now, people don't even think I have anything wrong me my back. Good luck.
@cyril32a hi, I was wondering why u had this surgery as i have a dried out disc that is causing me alot of pain, if i aggravate it i can have pain server alot of the time, then after days it goes away again till next time, i was wondering if u had a simliar thing im 26.
I had L3-L5 surgery exactly 4 weeks ago. Had donor bone inserted from the anterior side, then flipped over and had the rods and screws inserted on my back. Surgery took 6 full hours. In hospital 3 days--could not take pain meds--got through it with only Tylenol and ice packs. Doing fantastic now. Walking two miles/day (in 2 sessions) Worst part is hematoma on front side-that incision hurts the worst. No pain down my leg anymore! Yeah!
I had surgery in July of 2009. I had 3 fusions, 3 ro 4 disectomies and a laminectomy. They also placed rods from L-5 to T-3. Spent 1 1/2 weeks in the hospital and 1 1/2 weeks at hoenm before returning to half days at work. I wouldn't describe what I felt as pain so much as just discomfort. Will be going back in soon to have the rods readjusted.
Im taking Vicodin right now before my fusion and it really don't help. How will it help me after something like this? It seems like they would give me something stronger.
I had 3 herniate disk in 1995 and had surgery for that but always lived in pain till 2004. I had this surery done in 2004 and it was the best thing i did i was pain free and i mean pain free till now and its 2010. i don't know whats next for me but it was worth it.
My doc gave me Soma (muscle relaxer) which helped with the spasms and Vicodin for the pain. There really isn't any reason to take the Vicodin after a month. It becomes habit forming and you build a tollerence to it and the time relieved doesn't justify the time you're supposed to wait until your next dose.
When I was experiencing excruciating pain, I forced myself to get up and walk around. Some nights I walked laps around the house for an hour. Helped me sleep some though.
Pain and nothing releives it-nothing!You really need to do your research for something like this as it will rule your life for months,years or forever.Now my pain specialist says the only thing that will help me is another precedure(surgery)to install a dorsal spine stimulator next to my spinal cord-I'm not doing it.Also thanks to Cory Haim and Michael Jackson they are less likely to let you stay on pain meds and let you suffer so they don't get a malpractice suit.Anyone have questions just ask
i've had 4 surgeries on my back 2 fusions L4 L5 S1 from the front and the back. if you dont have to have this done dont do it. the pain is very bad. I had my last one in Jan 08 and i still have a lot of pain, Talk to at least 2 diff Dr. before you have this surgery.
For what it's worth, the revision rate for this type of open surgery is quite high. It's far worse when using bone harvested from the patient's pelvis, screwed to the vertebrae.
One reason for post-op difficulties is the very nature of this procedure. Dissecting the muscle and other structures to gain access means your muscles need time to heal.
Worse, I think, is the potential for post-op infection.
And do you want a surgeon messing about when your spinal cord is exposed?
I had 2 back surgerys ,the second one the EEG should a loss of mobility for a few min...If I stress out or addrenelon surge and it is the most disturbing feeling both legs tingle and you feel like you are falling in a hole like tunnel vision almost orgasmitic but painful at least 10 times in 1 2 miles...and every time I go to the VA they give me to another doctor ,3 sofar I now have to shower sitting down ,bathroom sitting and I cant sleep on my back or my side I'm screwed awating another EEG.
I had this done from L4, L5 & S1 in August 2007. I have 6 rods & screws. I stayed several days longer than most due to a reaction to a medication. The cold weather is the worst.
I had a spinal fusion done on the L5-S1 on 11/24/09. 6 weeks later I am now having to go back under the knife and get fixed. My spondylosisthesis was very severe so the 1 level fusion i received did not hold my spine in place. I'm very scared to go back considering the doc told me it will be hard to see the nerves against scar tissue because there the same color. Any advice?
As far as any spinal surgery goes there is no sure outcome. I had a spinal fusion at L5-S1 on 10/21/09 and am doing great. I did not use any pain medicine while in the hospital (intraveinous/oral), I left the next day and went grocery shopping with my wife (it did take a while to get around the store). For a little less than a week I took one norco a night to sleep and since then I have been off any pain medicine and not having any symptoms.
i had my srgry last may and the pain is better but i still suffer the stiffness especially after waking up from sleep, does any one knows how long it will take to get full recovery.
hi i had the surgery in 2005 it was a very tough descion but well worth it my standard of life has grately improved and i can even play sports now not all the time mind as the pain does still come back but mainly in the cold weather recovery is slow and hard i would recomend taking the risk if you need any advice of support il be glad to help take care and good luck in the future
@MrDyson79 i find out in the morning what day next week i will have the surgery. how bad was the pain in the hospital. i am having l4l5 and l5s1 and just wondering how bad it will hurt. i was put in the hospital when i hurt my back, i herniaed 3 disk almost 8 and ahalf months ago and have been on pain meds and in bed a lot.
Im having the surgery have two bad disks and a broken vertebrate on the L4 and L5 they are going to put cages and the screws and the rod to stableize it does anyone who has had this surgery have any good thing to say about this surgery having mine on the 19 of october have a week to wait i have the sciatica on the left leg and the right is starting to do the same thing but not has bad as the left. The doctor that is doing it has been doing it for 14 years. Has been in 2 med journals.
I had a 2 level fusion done, and still, I have the same leg pain(Sciatica) as before. The surgery was not a good benefit. Some have good results, but I didn't! It's still a craps-shoot! R. Shane Dudley
Informative, simplistic video. Unfortunately the surgeon used the Frazier suction as a pointer to show the spinal cord. This was a mistake because he had his finger on the suction and he was rougher than he should have been. No harm was done, but, he should have used better judgement. I know what I'm talking about because I've assisted on 100's of spinal fusions.
autosmia 22 hours ago
@Minustekno Fusion of vertebral segments will cause hypermobility (increased mobility) at the segments above and below, which will cause pain. This is a common phenomenon, and it is not your fault. The surgeon should have informed you that this could happen.
ADDHD17 1 month ago
I have scoliosis, spondylolithesis, hyper mobility and other stuff! I wear a brace and now my brace man is worried about my lordosis! It's never ending! I'm 13 btw !
sophiehasscoliosis 2 months ago
@sophiehasscoliosis lol nice user name
poopmcscoopface 2 months ago
Look at the way he plays with the Thecal sac like its a toy. "Oh you still have some numbness in your legs after 2 years here's some more pills hope your insurance covers it."
nekokonachan 2 months ago
tired of PAIN MANAGEMENT MY DR is a P***K he mentioned a nuerosurgeon after he saw he cant bleed my hmo for epidurals that made me sick i had weight gain from 4years of graves desease&hes blaming it on that but mentioned a nuerosurgeon im on transdermal patch no relief when bad i cant stand more than 20mins any one have any advice i welcome responses it looks drastic but medz r limited i want to fix it before it gets to rupture status was 6foot now im 5'8=ADVICE ANY ONE?degeneration discs=BAD
DiVaDuVaLL 3 months ago
@DiVaDuVaLL Hi. I am really ill with a lot of issues with my back. My advice to you is to try to find a better PM Dr. I am self pay right now until I get my Medicare and my PM Doc is supportive and shows me respect and tries to help me in any way possible. But, on the other side, I have been treated so crappy by so many Doctors in my journey and it sucks to be made to feel like your just a crazy pill seeking nut job when your laying there so sick and in so much pain. My prayers are with you.
kimberlhill1555 1 month ago
L1 fusion in 2004.......Holy Shit. Took me 7+ yrs to even look at something like this.
Swimme9 3 months ago
ouch this is hard to watch, its been 5 years since i had my surgery and i actually have the courage to watch this. makes my spine hurt horribly D:
iluvbevisandbutthea1 3 months ago
Retracting the thecal sac with sucker is not advisable. the surgeon did it while showing the nerve roots.
kjrind 3 months ago
sorry you had such a ruff time i had l4 l5 and s1 fusion in april 2009 have had no problems no therapy and thankfully no pain i work as a mechanic I can lift and work as normal have some aching in the winter but it is managable
64BINDER 4 months ago
For those who are still having pain, it may not be from the fusion surgery, it may be nerve pain caused by an earlier surgery or epidurals. I had a fusion of L3/4/5 in 2002 and recovered from that very well. Went back to work 3 months later and a pain that was horrible came on me. After many tests and MRI's we found it is Adhesive Arachnoiditis and was probably caused by my surgery before this because of how advanced it was. Pain was unbearable and after many trials had a pain pump implanted
krnndug 4 months ago
I am a little person aka a Dwarf. Back in 2009 I had a Spinal Fusion Lumbar Stinoses laminectomy done on my L-2 L-3 and L-4 on my lower back. Now in 2011 i am still having so much pain on my lower back that i can no longer handle it. Ive been on Hydrocodone for 2yrs now to handle my pain. I am tired of taking pain meds. Is there anything that can be done? Is there anything that was forgotten? I want my normal like back. Thank you
questx14 4 months ago
Fusion surgery is amazing. I had an L5-S1 fusion and it was minimally invasive (unlike that seen in this video). I feel better than 100% now. Read about my story here: insanum.com/blog/spinal-fusion.html
tallzoid 4 months ago
two of his months they operated with a lumbar fusion in Budapest. I'm okay, I do not feel a pain. I do gymnastics a lot. I am a fireman. January I go by 1 to work. Do not be afraid.
hozentroger1 5 months ago
having this done 14 october, so tired of being in pain, s1 through to l4, a little anxious at the moment, but have met 3 people in my area that have had it done with same surgeon, and have had fantastic results, only thing i am worried about is i am so sick after have anesthetic...............................
kaiwakagirl22 5 months ago
My mri say's I have a signifacantly tapered, what is that stenosis? I would appreciate some input!
racrx32 6 months ago
I had this same surgery in October 2000. It helped for about a year. After that....I'm back to being as...if not worse...then i was before. I'm now on total disability because I'm unable to stand or sit for long periods of time. Pain meds do NOTHING for me anymore.
jenharlow69 6 months ago
@jenharlow69 I had the same issues. We found out irt was not from fusion but from earlier stuff. Have a GOOD pain doctor and/or Neurologist test and do MRI's to test for nerve damage. Sometimes a SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulator helps. It didn't for me but I had a pain pump put in and it has helped a lot. I only take oral pain meds when weather changes or pain is REALLY bad. I pretty much have to lay down all day also. I am sorry for your pain, been there and doing that! Good luck, Doug
krnndug 4 months ago
i had the same surgery on my spine it was the L4, L5, S1 and my surgery was in front and back. It was May 23, 2011. It was Doctor. Robert Rovner in San Ramon city, California and for his a great specialist on spine surgeries.
MsKofera 6 months ago
I must ask your age. I am 42. and very skeptacle of this surgery. Taking all those meds scare me because I have to drive to work. I am afraid that these meds may indanger the lives of others and mine while on the road. My boss will let me work from home, but how long can that last? Don't know... how are you coming along with your progress. Please email me romester07@charter.net ... thanks, romester07
romester07 7 months ago
@romester07 you won't be able to go to work for months. And if your talking about pain meds like oxy only take them when your in pain they are very addictive, I almost got hooked and the withdrawal was terrible.
fatprick44 4 months ago
123cocola.. I am glad to hear that you are doing ok. My surgery is coming up soon and very nervous just seeing this video. I am having a duel fusion to correct L4 L5 S1 (S1 with stenosis) I have been having back and mostly testical pain, the discogram confirmed that my L5 is totally corrupted. So, I suppose I will comment later if I am able to.
romester07 7 months ago
@romester07 Thank you for sharing, i am having the same problems at the same spots, i also feel pain in the places you stated as well as down my legs and on the tops of my feet. Im having my L5-S1 fused and a disc replacement at L4-L5. It would be a disc replacement at both levels, but you can't get that in America and i cant afford to go overseas. Not happy about the fusion, but im ready to not feel pain anymore. Im 32 and have been dealing with this since i was 21.
SonofLiberty79 2 weeks ago
To me, it seems like the final stages, graft material being tossed in, is rushed. Is this the typical method to finish the side fusion process? I'll think very hard about surgery after watching this video.
hoosemec 7 months ago
I have been dealing with low back pain for just over a year I ruptured the disc at L3/L4 and L4/L5 and now have been told I have degenerative disc desease totally disabled. Doc says the only cure is TIME or fusion! From what I have been told the fusion only last 10-15 years! I have tried cut down on my pain meds and noticed pain and a cramping feeling in the both butt checks and back of both thighs and calves. Has anyone else had a feeling of something like this? I am at a loss on what to do!
grit8207 7 months ago
@grit8207 Im having the same surgery and i have the same cramps in both butt cheeks and down my legs as well. My surgery is on Sept 15th 2011. I have a good doc that also fused my neck so hopefully all goes well!I have degenerative disc disease too and ruptured disc.
trentinw 6 months ago
@trentinw how interesting, we are having our surgery on the same day! I wish you well
kathydrogers 5 months ago
STOP !! Don't let these butchers get ahold of you !! I had this done and now I'm 10 times worse than I was befire the surgery.
nerblebun 8 months ago
Excellent coverage.
ArizonaPete13 8 months ago
I just had the L3 to L4 spinal fusion on 4/26/2011. So far I have no back pain, except for the iliac crest where they took bone marrow, why the marrow, before they used bone to put in my L5 S11 fusion. in 1999. Very painful when trying to roll to left to get out of bed. I have been dealing with chronic pain since 1993. I now experience below my left knee nerve ache when lying down for bed.
123cocola 8 months ago
still taking pain medicine, roxicodone 15mg, 3 times a day with dauldias. I start physcial therapy 7/26/2011. I have no idea what is in stored, because of three spinal fusions. Only thing is stretching my muscles. Can someone tell me what to expect in therapy?
123cocola 8 months ago
@123cocola I had L4, L5, S1 fusion surgery April 2007. Expect two years of recovery if, IF you actively participate in an professionally supervised aggressive rehabilitation program. Walking is the best medicine for me. I started in the hospital 2 days after surgery. Continue to walk two to three miles each and every day.
Medications included Hydrocodone based pain medications. Gradually reduced the dosage over the two year period, extra strength Tylenol now. Relatively pain free now.
ArizonaPete13 8 months ago 3
My doctor says its a good idea to get this done, all im saying is HE CAN KISS MY ASS after watching this.
kotyw3lch 8 months ago
My doctor says its a good idea to get this done, all im saying is HE CAN KISS MY ASS after watching this.
kotyw3lch 8 months ago
Such a bad choice to watch this before going into surgery, somethings are just best left unknown!
mikedudley17 9 months ago
@mikedudley17 ohh i so agree i have to have it in oct
reeceozz 7 months ago
I had a lumbar fusion by a renowned neurosurgeon from IL Neurlogical Institute, Peoria, IL Dr. Dzung Dinh in Feb of '11 using an anterior approach. A general surgeon made a 9" cut across my pelvis lifting up my abdomen to the naval, retracting my intestines & stomach to the right, moving my vena cava & aorta to the side while Dr. Dinh & crew did their work for 4 hrs. Surgery included a fusion with titanium cage at L5/S1, much smaller screws than this video. So far so good. Rehab to start soon.
craiglewismusic 9 months ago
before i had my spinal fusion i tried everything to straighten my spine on my own, but my back was too curved to fix it without the surgery. after getting the spinal fusion in 2005, the hardest thing for me was not over exerting myself while wearing the back brace. it has now been 6 years i am 21 years old and do not let my spinal fusion hold me back from doing the things i enjoy. i have occasional pain but nothing i can't fix with stretching and popping my back (gently of course).
catgoddess89 10 months ago
October 2010 : I had the L5/S1 completed, the Neurosurgen I had does not have a realy great personality but in the operation theatre he is bloody fantatstic!!! I will admit even though I was suffering extreme pain in back, and legs. I was realy concerned with the operation, however now in April 2011 life is returning back to normal the pain is decreasing more and more. Still suffer pain in legs and feet but nothing to what is was before the Operation......
ColinVanderheide 10 months ago
@ColinVanderheide I'm just waiting for my date to go in for this surgery. I'm terrified, but hoping I get the kind of results you have. The pain gets me down most days now but I have learned to live with it. One doctor offered me injections but the main surgeon said they wouldn't really serve a purpose for me as it's the pain in my back that gets me down the most. I watched the video, urgh, wish I hadn't. Hopefully it will help with the leg and foot pains and numbness I've got right now.
MsJanielee 9 months ago
@ColinVanderheide I had a similar sitaution. Mine was in Feb of 11, very invasive from the pelvis, ALIF, plus some laminectomies and laminotomy, foramen widened in different areas. Pain is much less, nearly 4 months later. Still have some heel, calf, and hip pain. But the lower back, sacral pain is mostly gone. About to begin rehab. Had prior failed back surgery 7/08 from an ortho m.d, later his partner claimed all was well pure b/s 2/10, Dr. Dinh, neuros found 4-6/10 & fixed 2/11.
craiglewismusic 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
In 2004, I under went an ALIF with stabilization in New Jersey, resulting in complication. What had happened was a pedicle screw was "miss-measured" and pierced the vertebra at L5 hitting the sciatic nerve root. They removed the screw with an additional 2 hours during this procedure. 6 days later, they did a laminectomy at L5 in-order to relive inflammation caused by the "complication."
I live in constant pain, leaving me 100% disabled and in complete distress for the rest of my life
SCMalone 11 months ago
i had t3 through l5 fused at age 16 due to scoliosis. I am now 28. I am doing well. I have alot of muscle pain and tightness but nothing that stopsme. I can lift and have a lot of mobility believe or not. I can dance and lift my kids etc.:)
nursevaviva 11 months ago
i had t3 through l5 fused at age 16 due to scoliosis. I am now 28. I am doing well. I have alot of muscle pain and tightness but nothing that stopsme. I can lift and have a lot of mobility believe or not. I can dance and lift my kids etc.:)
nursevaviva 11 months ago
all this freaks me out i have discs in my lower back that are almost gone....... i really dont want to go through this shit i almost feel a bullet is cheaper and easier....
bigboydaclown 11 months ago
I'm having this surgery in a week and it's a multi level, not looking forward to it but don't want to feel like i have for the last 6 months.
bjwebber 1 year ago
I had fusion on L-4 and a Decomontomy on L-5 with a titainum cage put in at 4 never again will i do this shit. im 45 today and had surgery in 2009. im stiff in the morning and have to take a hot shower just to loosin up. i also have scolieosis and found that out after Dr Did surgery. I do have DDD also. i have pain also not real bad butt enough to no it. some days are better than other days. i feel for you guys that had cages put in.
1965nathaniel 1 year ago
Wow! I really enjoyed this video. I teach surgical technology was discussing a lumbar fusion today and this video went right along with my lecture. Thank you so much for sharing, my students loved it!
kgpc77 1 year ago
Comment removed
mapaga01 1 year ago
I had L4 L5 fused in 06 and I am still in horrible pain and on chronic pain meds, I guess what I'm saying is please make sure you have a good doc and research that doctor before you agree to anything, cuz once their done and you still have horrible pain two years later they ( medical community) will blame it on you. So please be very careful.
Minustekno 1 year ago 11
@Minustekno what do u mean they will blame it on u?? I had to have 3 back surgeries. I had first received level one fusion, didn't work. Then had L3-S-1 fused which is working for me now even though I had a rough road. Now as far as pain goes my nerves were being crushed for years. My legs feels a bit better but I still deal with chronic pain in my feet. My legs are still sensitive but not as sensitive as they were. U couldn't dare touch them before the surgery. now its like that with my feet.
Batgirl806 11 months ago
@Minustekno omg! im sorry! thats crazy!! i got my back surgery 6 months ago, and im a gymnast and got back into it, tumbling and all at first 3 months post op. i had a quick recovery.. im back to normal, even better than before! :) im sorry to hear that though, that ur still in pain after 2 years...
bulletsbaby95 9 months ago
@Minustekno did you follow up with physical therapy after your recovery?
lindseyprick 3 months ago
@Minustekno I am in the same boat, I have had 3 fusion surgery's in the last 5 years and they had to remove the original hardware because one of the screws broke and now I have 4 screws and 2 rods on the back side of my spine and then they went through the belly and put in 4 screws a plate and replaced the disk and I am still in non-stop pain even with all the pain medication and medical marijuana my doctor has me on
1966omc 3 weeks ago
Has anyone had 3 discs fused ? I am scheduled to have L3-S1 fused in a month, and haven't seen ANYONE that has had that many levels fused. ANYONE have any input ?!
moocher419 1 year ago
@moocher419
melissabrito1 1 year ago
@moocher419 don't do it i had l3-s1 fused and it is horrible
mommy1002 1 year ago
@moocher419 i had t3 through l5 fused at age 16 due to scoliosis. I am now 28. I am doing well. I have alot of muscle pain and tightness but nothing that stopsme. I can lift and have a lot of mobility believe or not. I can dance and lift my kids etc.:) So with almost my whole spine fused I can do pretty much anything I want(except play limbo or yoga) and besides some muscle tightness have no pain.
nursevaviva 11 months ago
I had 2 laminectomy's last year, I was worse than before, the leg pain was unbearable. This year I went to a different surgeon, he did a spinal fusion on L5 S1 and now I feel great, a week after surgery i felt great, i was walking in a few days, aftyer a week i was going around the block. The difference is the DOCTOR SURGEON.
TheDCT2010music 1 year ago
I had L2, L3, and L4 fused almost ten years ago, after being 2 centimeters away from being paralized from a broken back. My surgeon, Dr. Bent Felix, was a miracle worker. I don't have pain now and walk over a mile every day.
BigGunsBates 1 year ago
I've had L4-5 & L5-S1 DASCOR disc nucleus replacements but am still having periods of sever muscle spasm when that area gets aggravated, the last time this happened my whole torso pretty much locked up, it was like having the mains put through me! I had a flex extension x-ray and it showed that the artificial discs are not moving so I'm looking at fusion to try and stabilise the spine. Posterior first with bolts and rods leaving the DASCOR's in and if that fails the anterior removing them. Joy..
MrStickMonkey 1 year ago
I had spinal fusion of L4-5 with pretty good sucess. It s been 2 years now. I still have difficulty moving, lifting my hips/butt off a flat surface. Too scared to attempt dating(sex) for fear that I will be hurt. I'm very protective of my back. The sciatic pain was gone imediately after surgery. Being on my feet 12 hour shifts, though, it's trying to creep back on me. I realize everyday that my body and my life will NEVER be the same. But, I could'nt go on the way I was.
whodatis2 1 year ago
I had my L-3 L-4 L-5 L-5S1 fused on May 10th 2010 . I woke up with severe pain in my right leg. One of my lumbar is still herniated and the nerve is still pinched. I told them the day after surgery that I needed a nerve block shot .They made me wait 3 weeks in agony .They refused to treat me in the emergency room 2 weeks after surgery they said I was a cronic patient and they could do nothing. I suffer every day with leg and back pain. 60 pills a month. 1 every 12 hours. THATS A JOKE? RIGHT
pepgrl601 1 year ago
@pepgrl601 I had a L3,L4 L5 fusion and on 8-8-10 it will be 7 years and I'm still in more pain than I care to admit!!The doctor tells you to walk,or lay down,or stretch or whatever but is does nothing for the pain.I still have to take vicodon for pain and soma for back and leg spasms and another pill for nueropathy.And when I go see my doctor they make it seem like I'm wasting THEIR time.Seriously?I hope you do better than me down the road and the pain wears off like it's SUPPOSED too.
38decembers 1 year ago
@38decembers
i also have 3 fused incl L1 and aftyer 6-7yrs only worsening because they weren't completely fused. also have rls because of that but finally got something for that. but i guess there's really further you (or anyone) can do to ease the pain. i only go see a doctor if it would worsen drastically from one day to the next.
when there's nothing you can do its just best to accept that for a while. If ur focusing to much on it u'll just feel it even more (true) ;-)
try afain in few yr:p
kvlonder 1 year ago
i just had this surgery and the dr screwed up put wrong size screw and had to go back in 4 days later and replace with smaller one but damage was done i suggest if u are getting this surgery really think about it and check out the surgeon really good on success rate and exp...
travscrapman 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I got rid of my Scoliosis at 38 without surgery using a Theraflex Machine.
Search mjYU_fWhjU4 in the You Tube search box to see me having a treatment session. My back used to disappear behind my shoulder blade and a few sessions on this and now it’s visible along the whole back. Before and after photos on my Facebook Group : Scoliosis Cures and Pain Relief. Have a look, get your Doctor to have a look and get them to get one
DamienMearns01 1 year ago
hey pbernickas had a L-4-L5-L5-S-1 on may 3rd. the first 3-4 weeks were hard but feeling better coming up on 5 weeks. I feel like I can do more but still need to be carefull. the pain killers are bad, I use the ice packs they do work great, I put one in my back brace so I can walk around. When I sit I put one in front of a pillow. Good luck everyone that had this
FOXACHECK 1 year ago
@FOXACHECK I had a fusion when I was 24, now I'm 37....did wonders for me. I remember learning how to walk all over again. Now, people don't even think I have anything wrong me my back. Good luck.
cyril32a 1 year ago
@cyril32a hi, I was wondering why u had this surgery as i have a dried out disc that is causing me alot of pain, if i aggravate it i can have pain server alot of the time, then after days it goes away again till next time, i was wondering if u had a simliar thing im 26.
emnemz8 1 year ago
I had L3-L5 surgery exactly 4 weeks ago. Had donor bone inserted from the anterior side, then flipped over and had the rods and screws inserted on my back. Surgery took 6 full hours. In hospital 3 days--could not take pain meds--got through it with only Tylenol and ice packs. Doing fantastic now. Walking two miles/day (in 2 sessions) Worst part is hematoma on front side-that incision hurts the worst. No pain down my leg anymore! Yeah!
pbernickas 1 year ago
I had surgery in July of 2009. I had 3 fusions, 3 ro 4 disectomies and a laminectomy. They also placed rods from L-5 to T-3. Spent 1 1/2 weeks in the hospital and 1 1/2 weeks at hoenm before returning to half days at work. I wouldn't describe what I felt as pain so much as just discomfort. Will be going back in soon to have the rods readjusted.
uvenata 1 year ago
Im taking Vicodin right now before my fusion and it really don't help. How will it help me after something like this? It seems like they would give me something stronger.
FOXACHECK 1 year ago
I had 3 herniate disk in 1995 and had surgery for that but always lived in pain till 2004. I had this surery done in 2004 and it was the best thing i did i was pain free and i mean pain free till now and its 2010. i don't know whats next for me but it was worth it.
NALVAREZ1971 1 year ago
Im getting a 2 level fusion L-4 L-5 L-5-S-1. What kind of pain meds do they give you when you go home?
FOXACHECK 1 year ago
@FOXACHECK
My doc gave me Soma (muscle relaxer) which helped with the spasms and Vicodin for the pain. There really isn't any reason to take the Vicodin after a month. It becomes habit forming and you build a tollerence to it and the time relieved doesn't justify the time you're supposed to wait until your next dose.
When I was experiencing excruciating pain, I forced myself to get up and walk around. Some nights I walked laps around the house for an hour. Helped me sleep some though.
feotapple 1 year ago
Pain and nothing releives it-nothing!You really need to do your research for something like this as it will rule your life for months,years or forever.Now my pain specialist says the only thing that will help me is another precedure(surgery)to install a dorsal spine stimulator next to my spinal cord-I'm not doing it.Also thanks to Cory Haim and Michael Jackson they are less likely to let you stay on pain meds and let you suffer so they don't get a malpractice suit.Anyone have questions just ask
38decembers 1 year ago
i've had 4 surgeries on my back 2 fusions L4 L5 S1 from the front and the back. if you dont have to have this done dont do it. the pain is very bad. I had my last one in Jan 08 and i still have a lot of pain, Talk to at least 2 diff Dr. before you have this surgery.
jmyers004 2 years ago
@jmyers004 wow i had this same surgery in 2004 through the back and was doing excellent till now.
NALVAREZ1971 1 year ago
uhhh, man... this is what I have to get done to my back soo. it looks so painful. how long is the recovery time take on average?
newforce3 2 years ago
@newforce3
For what it's worth, the revision rate for this type of open surgery is quite high. It's far worse when using bone harvested from the patient's pelvis, screwed to the vertebrae.
One reason for post-op difficulties is the very nature of this procedure. Dissecting the muscle and other structures to gain access means your muscles need time to heal.
Worse, I think, is the potential for post-op infection.
And do you want a surgeon messing about when your spinal cord is exposed?
Limpandtotheleft 2 years ago
I had 2 back surgerys ,the second one the EEG should a loss of mobility for a few min...If I stress out or addrenelon surge and it is the most disturbing feeling both legs tingle and you feel like you are falling in a hole like tunnel vision almost orgasmitic but painful at least 10 times in 1 2 miles...and every time I go to the VA they give me to another doctor ,3 sofar I now have to shower sitting down ,bathroom sitting and I cant sleep on my back or my side I'm screwed awating another EEG.
joshuaAgross 2 years ago
My dad is having this done as we speak..
killjoyuik 2 years ago
if my back doesnt get better this may be my outcome. sheesh!!
lud77 2 years ago
I had this done from L4, L5 & S1 in August 2007. I have 6 rods & screws. I stayed several days longer than most due to a reaction to a medication. The cold weather is the worst.
jameymande 2 years ago
I had a spinal fusion done on the L5-S1 on 11/24/09. 6 weeks later I am now having to go back under the knife and get fixed. My spondylosisthesis was very severe so the 1 level fusion i received did not hold my spine in place. I'm very scared to go back considering the doc told me it will be hard to see the nerves against scar tissue because there the same color. Any advice?
Batgirl806 2 years ago
@Batgirl806 It's been 2 months, how are you? I havent had fusion yet but and really thinking about it
jeremyderosa 1 year ago
As far as any spinal surgery goes there is no sure outcome. I had a spinal fusion at L5-S1 on 10/21/09 and am doing great. I did not use any pain medicine while in the hospital (intraveinous/oral), I left the next day and went grocery shopping with my wife (it did take a while to get around the store). For a little less than a week I took one norco a night to sleep and since then I have been off any pain medicine and not having any symptoms.
surferguy099a 2 years ago
i had my srgry last may and the pain is better but i still suffer the stiffness especially after waking up from sleep, does any one knows how long it will take to get full recovery.
ahwini1st 2 years ago
hi i had the surgery in 2005 it was a very tough descion but well worth it my standard of life has grately improved and i can even play sports now not all the time mind as the pain does still come back but mainly in the cold weather recovery is slow and hard i would recomend taking the risk if you need any advice of support il be glad to help take care and good luck in the future
MrDyson79 2 years ago
@MrDyson79 i am having this surgery in a month and was wondering if u could explain a little more about ur recovery process
mb91591 1 year ago
@MrDyson79 i find out in the morning what day next week i will have the surgery. how bad was the pain in the hospital. i am having l4l5 and l5s1 and just wondering how bad it will hurt. i was put in the hospital when i hurt my back, i herniaed 3 disk almost 8 and ahalf months ago and have been on pain meds and in bed a lot.
jlshields78 1 year ago
LOL The "Cold Case" theme!
Marmalade000000 2 years ago
Im having the surgery have two bad disks and a broken vertebrate on the L4 and L5 they are going to put cages and the screws and the rod to stableize it does anyone who has had this surgery have any good thing to say about this surgery having mine on the 19 of october have a week to wait i have the sciatica on the left leg and the right is starting to do the same thing but not has bad as the left. The doctor that is doing it has been doing it for 14 years. Has been in 2 med journals.
asal1964 2 years ago
I had a 2 level fusion done, and still, I have the same leg pain(Sciatica) as before. The surgery was not a good benefit. Some have good results, but I didn't! It's still a craps-shoot! R. Shane Dudley
ki4cpe 2 years ago
i had the same opp fuk it hurt
shanemowah 2 years ago
Very informative, thanks
ASSEMblerEX 2 years ago