I've had back problems for 5 years and tried everything . I had a discectomy in 2017 on L5 but had complications and 2 more surgeries for a csf leak and spinal sepsis.
I'm still in a lot pain and at first they said I need a 2 level fusion but the surgeon changed his mind saying it wouldn't help my pain as it had been there too long.
I was referred to to get a spinal cord stimulator that was a year and half ago and the wait time is so long and they still don't think I'll get a trial this year .
In the mean time I got a 2nd opinion from the orthopedic hospital stanmore London thinking they would know what they are doing.
At first I was impressed they took it seriously had a lot of scans and a nerve block in dec 2018 which helped my leg pain.
Unfortunately my consultant has left for a year and there was a big gap before i saw his replacement in April this year.
He wasnt positive surgery could help as 3 levels are damaged , he mentioned a possible L45 fusion but gave lots of reasons it might not help or not help for long and possiblly the adjacent segments will get worse . He also gave the statement you don't want a spinal cord stimulator in his opinion they don't work, but then said he knows nothing much about them! He took my case to their MDT meeting and the letter I received yesterday said an L45 anterior fusion would be the suitable option and could relieve the leg pain but back pain not so much.
Now I don't know what to do, I will try and get a phone call London to find out more after they first thought surgery wouldn't help but now do.
Do I stick with the long process of the stimulator which I've no idea if it will work or go with London who have been inconsistent and with a new surgeon who I've only seen once and wasnt positive at my consultation .
Has anyone has a L45 anterior fusion and has it helped ? Did it affect other levels after a couple of years?
I just don't know 🙁
