Do I risk spinal fusion or better manage my symptoms and pain?

[Trying-To-Juggle]

I’ve had lower back pain for 10 years and this has become far worse in the last year. Pain all the time doing any movement or even lying down. Broken sleep and nerve pain down my legs and feet

An MRI shows I have pretty much no disc left at L5 to S1 and then L4 to L5 is almost like that.

A surgeon has told me I will need fusion and have to go on a waiting list of at least a year. The idea of waiting a year is unbearable but the more I read about the surgery the more I am unsure whether to even have it as there dont seem to be many success stories.

if I don’t go ahead then I need a plan as to how to better manage my pain as its affecting my sleep, work and my relationship as well as wider health and weight dour to lack of exercise. Any suggestions please?

[Crystallmatters]

I had l5 s1 metal work and fusion , then it came loose , so had it out, bone craft fusion held, lots of scaring tissue , the years later L4 fusion, Loads of pain , necular spec scan showed pinnacle screws in the wrong place , had surgery to remove them .

Seen loads of specialists , I know now I wish more was tried with manipulation, more with like yoga exercises, daily have to keep them up. Every thing possible should be done to try and avoid surgery. However if it is the only sure path , make sure you know who the surgeon is , that it is keyhole.

I hope you get a good pain clinic and study alternatives if possible, loads of luck , sorry you are suffering, David

[Clc4299]

Not everyone has the difficulties that @crystalmatters has, I had a l5s1 fusion 13 years ago and it changed my life, altho I still get pain when I'm trying to bend whT doesn't bend and have muscular pain and spasm in my hips and lower back if I do too much after 20 years of chiropractor and osteopaths the difference it made was life changing I take meds and muscle relaxants for the spams but compared to before when it took 40 mins to walk 1/2 a mile and spasming while making sandwiches I don't regret it one bit

[Crystallmatters in reply to Clc4299]

Yes that is correct , I think the more perspective’s you can get the better. I know many people that have had success, I lost the use of my legs before my first surgery, so it is still successful.

I was not able to except my circumstances, until I was lucky enough to go on an optimise course.

[Clc4299 in reply to Crystallmatters]

I see you are also diagnosed with fnd, such a miserable disorder, I was too after developing a movement disorder connected to taking prochlorperazine for labrythitis, luckily its not as bad as it once was but is a stress reaction. I think that anything they can't understand its chucked under the fnd label.

[Crystallmatters in reply to Clc4299]

Yes , FND is a massive label , we have managed , I have now recognised my FND is bad when , I don’t pace and push myself thinking I can beat it. It’s amazing my brain has even shut me down to the point of intensive care if I don’t take Gabapentin and keep pushing the pain to silly limits. I don’t do that anymore, although it is a fine line . The amazing team at Oxford are really working with me and helping me a lot . You’re right anxiety, stress , being concerned makes the FND worse and the pain hence the my bodies reaction. I think the positive is progress is being made with pain and FND . Like you say it not always a bundle of fun . Learning new strategies and understanding better what is going on with my body and brain has helped life improve. I am very lucky to have an amazing loving wife and girls. This site helps open my eyes , and know we , I am not alone on a journey, amazing people , inspiring, brave loving , good night all

[Clc4299 in reply to Crystallmatters]

Goodnight lovely, I'm so pleased you have such a good support network and yes oxford are way ahead in the understanding and treatment of fnd.

[deejames]

I was told 25 years ago I needed a lumber spine fusion at L5 and L6 or I would be in a wheelchair by the time I was 60. I am 74 now. I went through a hell of major pain medication and doing and moving less and less. I did not take the surgery. Got off the strong pain medication ( oxycontin, fentanyl etc) and started tried pilates and yoga and gradually over the years my spine is very much improved. The main problems I have now are the side effects from a sacroiliac joint fusion operation which has left the leg on that side with pain and stiffness. I am convinced that building strength and muscle around the spine and gently guiding the whole body into flexibility is the route to try before any surgery which can have so many knock on side effects,

But this is my journey. I still take two c0-codamol tablets every day ( a quarter of what I am allowed) and certainly modify my lifestyle. Yoga nearly every day. Walking even for 3o mins every day. Everyone is different but I still thank the friend who persuaded me not to have the spinal surgery.

[Urmston]

I suffered with chronic back pain for years and became so desperate that I opted for spinal fusion. The surgery was a nightmare, it felt like I had an axe in my back. That was in 2018. I still have chronic back pain, take opiods, cannot stand for more than a few minutes and wish that I hadn't had the operation. Perhaps I would be worse now without the fusion, but I'll never know.

Have you tried a Pain Clinic?

[Urmston]

I suffered with chronic back pain for years and became so desperate that I opted for spinal fusion. The surgery was a nightmare, it felt like I had an axe in my back. That was in 2018. I still have chronic back pain, take opiods, cannot stand for more than a few minutes and wish that I hadn't had the operation. Perhaps I would be worse now without the fusion, but I'll never know.

Have you tried a Pain Clinic?

[strongmouse]

A friend of mine had a spinal fusion done years ago and it made such a difference to her - she even went hiking in the Himalayas. She was in her twenties when she had it done. You could always agree to be put on the waiting list now and see how you are in a year's time. You can cancel at any time. I'd ask as many questions of the surgeon as possible, such as how many has he / she done, what is their success rate and what type of complications you might experience. Plus take into account any other health conditions you have.

It is never an easy decision and you are wise to weigh up the pros and cons. In the meantime is there any medication your GP can prescribe to help you get better sleep at night?