Lumbar Spine Segmental Decompression

[Patient007]

I have been told I need this procedure on two parts of my spine. I am very worried about having this operation in case it makes me worse. Has anyone had this who can tell me how it went?

[Hidden]

Hi Patient 007,

I’ve had the decompression surgery, and a fusion as well, at levels L4/5.

In my experience, if your doctor tells you that you need surgery, your spinal stenosis is most likely severe enough to warrant it.

My surgery was not performed as early as it should have been.

The health care system is broken here in the US.

In my case as a result of delaying the surgery, I developed ‘Cauda Equina Syndrome’, which in turn developed into a ‘crisis’ as a result of that delay, resulting in permanent paralysis.

So, not having the surgery when it is indicated puts you at a greater risk for more severe and lasting disability.

It is no fun to go through the surgery, as it is a surgery after all, but the alternatives can be unfortunately far worse.

It is a common procedure and the results are worth it. We do these things out of necessity and not by choice.

Today, nine years later, at age 65, Ive learned to adapt to my disability but wish I’d been treated before the permanent damage was done.

I’m here if you need anything.

Be well and all my best,

Larry

PS - one last thought… After I wrote this I saw that you deal with cardiac rhythm issues as well. I have A-fib. I’m told that surgeries are performed quite successfully on those of us with KNOWN a-fib because the surgical team is able to plan ahead to compensate for the condition.

[Patient007 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Larry. Thanks for your kind reply and useful information. I live in UK and waiting lists are horrific at the moment especially because of the Covid19 lockdowns they got so behind they are now trying to catch up. The Consultant Surgeon told me that I wouldn't be sitting in front of him if I didn't need the surgery as the stenosis etc. is very bad. I had been waiting to see him for over 12 months and it would be at least 12 months before he could operate but would try to make it earlier as it was a priority. Mine are L 2/3 and L3/4 mainly. I am 73. Take care. Dave

[Hidden in reply to Patient007]

Hi Dave,

In my case the Veterans Affairs hospital put me off because the physicians they employed at the time weren't the best. Seems that if they couldn't make it in the private sector the VA hired them.

With an improved insurance plan I was able to choose my surgeon and chose one with years of experience and a good reputation. He was very firm in his opinion that my surgery should have been performed a full 10 years earlier. The damage was done.

He decompressed and fused L4/5 in 2012. He also decompressed and fused my C5/6 and C5/7 in 2014.

The one major benefit of all this is that my spine is, at the very least, stable and my pain is significantly less.

If your condition is not emergent (I believe the surgeon would likely act immediately if it were) my thought is that the Consultant doesn't expect that one or two years would have the same effect on you that 10 years had on me.

Do look up "Cauda Equina Syndrome" [CES] and report any worsening symptoms to your Consultant. Google has a good description at the very least.

My case was rather extreme.

I wish you well.

Take care, Larry