Back pain

[Strangward1936]

Hi im new to the site and wondered if anyone has had a interbody fusion as I'm having one soon after a long time living on pain killers and Gabapentine and Zormorph tablets to which give me little relief any ideas on what to expect from this as not looking forward to it

[Garvary]

Bone

[Garvary]

I had bone graft with screws in my lower back.it worked very well for 15 years or more.when you first get it it pings going through airport security.I was given an explanatory card to Cary.good luck.I would say go for it

[Strangward1936 in reply to Garvary]

Hi glad you said about airport as I try to go to get away from the normal cycle of pain and my partner is very supportive and helpsee me a lot so he doesn't have much rest and he likes our time away don't suppose you remember how long it took you fly after your operation and do you need physiotherapy before you can get a round on your own

[Jtal19305]

Hello,

I got an interbody fusion at T12-L1, which I regret going through. It is a major surgery, and the outcomes are quite varied. Some people do well, but many get no relief or it makes matter worse (as in my case). Each case is unique, so it is hard to tell you what to do. Just do not expect this to be a cure, and understand that it is a major invasive operation that effects your back muscles and nerves (this is the back issue). All surgeries like this result in scar tissue, which is something the surgeon doctors do not really tell you about prior to the surgery. The scar tissue can interfere with the delicate nerves causing nerve pain. In my case, I have nerve pain in my left foot (sometimes my right foot) and my left thigh nerve pain was not relieved by the surgery. Also, the level at which the fusion is done tends to weaken the adjacent levels, so this is also a concern. If you have no other choice, and you tried losing weight, strengthing your core muscles, etc., and you have bad back pain (I did not and do not have back pain!, my issues are in the leg/feet), then this surgery is considered a last resort to try to help you. Just keep all that in mind, plus the recovery will take a long time. I am 3 years out from my surgery (T12-L1 fusion, L2-3 hemilaminectomy) and I am still "recovering". I hear some say it could take 5 years to feel "normal" again. Also, despite the surgery for me, I am now taking meds for pain and depression, which is something I was not taking prior to my surgery. Good luck, JT