Spinal Fusion Surgery

[kathyrg23]

I am a 78 year old female with fractures of T-12 L1,2,3,4. I also have severe Osteoporosis, degenerative disc. Fracture was 2 years ago with no healing. Surgery is recommended. What are your suggestions. I really don't want to do this, but am open to other observations.

[Boozybird]

Hi Kath, I'm really sorry for your situation. It must leave you feeling very low. Can I ask how much pain you experience and how mobile are you? These would be things important for me to consider in your position. I have already been told that fusion would be a mistake on my back due to multi level degeneration but if you have instabilities compromising the nerves then maybe your surgery is essential for that reason? Are they going to use the cement developed for osteoporotic fractures? What kind of fusion surgery will be performed. Have they told you the kind of outcome they expect for you? Do you have a close, helpful family around you? Hopefully, by having a discussion here with others in similar circumstances you can arrive at a decision you are comfortable with... Best wishes x

[kathyrg23 in reply to Boozybird]

Rods and screws. I am very mobile, no pain in my legs. Strong reflexes. I am able to walk with a cane ( because I need something to lean on to ease the pain. Family close. I think the cons far outweigh the pros on this surgery. And I am surprised that the doctor is asking me to do this. Thank you for your input.

[Boozybird in reply to kathyrg23]

A 3 month window seems odd and arbitrary? Bit of a gun to your head.... What do the family think you should do? What happens to the unhealing fractures if you stay as you are? Best wishes x

[Hidden]

I have to say that recommending spinal fusion when you have osteoporosis is unusual, as the screws,cage ect need a firm footing in order for the fusion to be stable. I presume that the osteoporosis isn't in your spine? Spinal fusion is no small operation, it's incredibly painful and the recovery can be long and problematic,and you look like you would be having lots of levels done. If this is being considered for stability I think you just have to go for it, but it doesn't always rid you of the pain and I'm sure the surgeon will advise you of this. I had a three level fusion done 8 months ago, and although my back is now stable I have had no relief from the pain and I'm having ongoing treatment for scar tissue and nerve tethering. This was, for me, the last resort and I had 5 years of all sorts of other treatments which were of no benefit. In this climate of cutbacks and cost effectiveness I don't think you would be considered for surgery unless it was absolutely necessary.Don't be discouraged though, I know plenty of people who have had fusions done and they have been delighted with the result both from a stability and pain angle. There are as many result as there are backs, everyone is different. I wish you luck and relief from your problems.

[kathyrg23 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much for your comments. I am reconsidering NOT having this surgery as the don't far outweigh the do's. The osteoporosis is in my spine and the doctor told me that I just have about 3 months before surgery would not be advisable. And my age 77, is not a good thing either. What benefit would I get with the surgery but lots of pain, and less than a 50-50 chance of the surgery even taking.

[Hidden in reply to kathyrg23]

That is very true, I have to say that if had not been for the stabilisation of my spine, I would not have it done again. Hind sight is a wonderful thing.

[Hidden]

Hello,

If it were me, I would do as much research as I can. I would also speak to people who have undergone such a treatment.

On a personal note, I have osteoarthritis in both hips and was told that I would need a double hip replacement before the age 50. I found it very difficult to get an orthopaedic surgeon to answer my questions, for example "how much less pain would I experience?" No one gave me a straight answer until I met a very well qualified Physio (called an extended scope practitioner). He gave me the answers that I wanted in a language that I could understand.

For me, you know you better than anybody else. Trust your instincts. If in doubt, you know what your answer is going to be.

Best wishes.

Dave

[kathyrg23 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Dave, I really appreciate your response. I will not have this surgery unless it is a matter of walking or not. Considering my age and flexibility , and the pain, which would be much worse for months. I don't want to have this surgery. My Mother had the same problem, also osteoarthritis in her spine. She never had surgery, but was in pain all the time.

So, are you going to have your hips replaced. What do you do for the pain?

Best wishes,

Kathy

[Hidden]

Hello Kathy,

I am going to play the waiting game with my hips. I have lots of pain in other areas that will not go away if I have the operation. Saying that, if they start to interrupt my sleep then I may have to think again.

I do various things to deal with the pain. I have a TENS machine which I find really helpful. I use hot and cold pads on my back. I have only just started using the cold ones and they really work. A pack of frozen veg wrapped in a towel is just as good, just make sure that you don't put anything directly against the skin.

I also visit an osteopath and a sports massage therapist regularly. I find that they both really help with getting my joints loosened up.

For me, the main thing is having an option to fight the pain. I can live with it if I know I can do something about it.

I hope that you have found or will find a way to manage your pain. It is really debilitating to live with on a daily basis.

Best wishes.

Dave