Three- level fusion.

[Calceolaria]

Anyone out there had a fusion at three levels, lumbar spine? I understand that even surgeons advise against as it is not a successful procedure.

[louiseamos]

Hi calceolaria.. I asked why they didn't do that fuse thing on my back 5 year ago..told me I've 3 level d.d.. and I would need a few ops on my back..!! Just turneddown my 2 nand one..this worse its ever been..they told me was too young?? And would never be able to move my hips again.. and now have arthritis in hips etc..bad as is to move..I've read a lot lately with my last bad do...and don't do it for 3 level so ????

[backisbad]

Hello calceolaria, mum had it done several years ago, it was good for a few years however, as I understand it's never a long term solution. Having said that she did have a good few years after the fusions. Some work better than others I guess. Mum is back to the original pain, she took the opportunity and had relief.

In truth it took her almost two years to fully recover from the op. I would suggest you have more advice, it's a serious procedure, good luck whatever you decide.

badisback

[Calceolaria in reply to backisbad]

Thanks to all re this. I have been considering neck and back surgery for two years now, have chosen my neurosurgeon and asked all the questions. He is wanting to fix cervical vertebra for the pain but cautions against a three level fixation lumbar. I will of course be guided by that but just wondered if there were any positive stories. I don't think I'll be having the neck surgery either if possible. Bits of me are deteriorating anyway - sacroiliac, knees, wrists, shoulder, so I don't think one surgery will help overall! Wating for mind/body to do something!

[Hidden]

Personally, having worked in the NHS and seen all the failed surgeries first hand, I am very reluctant to entertain any surgery let alone surgery that surgeons themselves are not recommending.

Please, find out more about the procedure, success and fasilure rates. What the expectations are after surgery. Try and find out wehast they are doing for your condition in other countries too, it maybe they have different procedures with better sucess rates.

Then take your time to select your surgeon. Have as many appts you feel necessary pre surgery to ask all your questions. You can go out of your area for specialised surgery too.

[Kerryjess]

I had a 3level done almost 2years ago. L3/4,L4/5and L5/S1. The surgeon warned it would not cure the back pain so if that is why you are considering it, I would not advise it! He was right. I had slippage and needed stabilisation and decompression. It did fix the sciatica bit my lumbar area is stiff and I still need pain injections in that area. It is a major procedure and not something I would care to gO through again lightly. It does take up to 2years to fully recover from it. The advice you have been given so far is sound-ask about success/failure rates, what alternatives are, what to expect etc and get as much information as you can in advance before you make your mind up.

[Calceolaria]

Thanks Kerryjess. That's just the kind of info I was looking for. I'm sorry you still have pain.