NEED for SURGERY

[Bennijax]

presently on daily 12mg preds for PMR; osteoporosis; severe lumbar scoliosis and bone on bone diagnosis that cannot be treated with facet joint injections. Has anyone with similar on this forum had spine surgery to fuse spinal bones and dealt with PMR and preds OK? what Do I need to know and how to prepare for surgery and healing?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I think  singingloud has had back surgery.. not sure what exactly, but as I have tagged her hopefully she will reply. There may be others as well who had similar, but they don’t spring to mind at the moment… and plenty who have had different surgeries.

Your surgeon and anaesthetist both need to be aware you are on steroids - and if you have a regular Rheumy suggest you discuss with them regarding the possible need to temporarily increasing Pred after surgery.

[powerwalk]

I had two back surgeries, one last June and one in November. Both lumbar discectamies in same place. You will be given cover during surgery of hydrocortisone. I increased my pred for few days after surgery just to help me. Nobody at any stage suggested i should but it was struggling enough and i felt i needed some support. I have ME and fibro so it didn't help, as they kicked in big time after surgery. I just took my pred as usual the day of surgery. The surgeon now feels i need a fusion in same place but im trying to do without though in a fair lot of pain. Good luck with it if you go ahead, i hope its a success for you. Do let us know how you get on.

[Bennijax in reply to powerwalk]

Thank you Powerwalk. I'm in severe pain every day now and the recent nuclear CT scan shows double scoliosis, the new bend is at the base of the spinal column at joint 2 - 3, bone on bone, due to degeneration and arthritis I think. . Consultant surgeon asked me about my other health issues and I reminded him I'm on 12mg preds a day and have been unsuccessful in tapering. He's mentioning fusion and insertion of a disc, but I've got any details as yet. The op is one thing, it's the healing from the op, and the journey back considering the preds, adrenal function, exhaustion, what kind of time it might take, what support will be needed, for up to how long....

[powerwalk in reply to Bennijax]

Yes, not to be rushed. When you're in constant pain its very wearing. Another talk with the consultant might be needed. Either way back surgergy is something you are going to need to give several months to. You will need support at home. Best wishes.

[Bennijax in reply to powerwalk]

are you feeling better now?

[powerwalk in reply to Bennijax]

Its taken a long time, but i think the ME and fibro was a lot to blame. My leg is not good as there was a lot of nerve damage before surgery. But as i say i may well have to face a fusion as i have very bad pain, bit like yourself maybe, he said scoliosis is setting in as the bones are pulling (l3/l4).. or something, no padding there, i was kind of zoning out to be honest, i just didnt want to face it!!! Too soon!! Today now, i feel like just do it im sick if it!!! Injections arent doing anything, maybe a week or two at most relief. Bit of a minefield. I get why you're so worried but a lot of people do get great relief from surgery, its just i think im always a stubborn sod!!!!

[Bennijax in reply to powerwalk]

Sounds like very similar - I wish you well, let me know if you go for surgery, ditto -