To Fuse or not to Fuse that is the question

[DeniseK]

Just got back from hubbys doctors appt. and did not go as i expected at all. I assumed his disk was bulging again and he would have another lamenectomy. Not the case at all, he says the disk is degenerated and he has 2 options. A) live with it and find a job he can do or B) Fusion.

He has exhausted all his options, he has had steroid injections, surgery, physical therapy, pain management, nothing has helped.

I know absolutely nothing about fusion, so any input here would be greatly appreciated, please.

[ksgirl]

I'm not sure this will be any help, but my step dad had an L4-L5 fusion about five years ago and his went really well. He hasn't had any problems. He says he is very thankful. I'm not sure they all work out that well, but he was really lucky.
I wish you and your husband the best!

[Guest]

Im not the back person of the group so Im not of any help to you in the matter. I did want to say good luck and prayers are being sent your way.

[jayne]

had fusion c5-6 and c6-7 with hardware....would NOT do it again in fact refused to do it again

[Dallas307]

Typically fusions at that level are very successful. as sweet tooth said it would depend on what besides the disc are involved.

[tweety00]

question so if fluid has been leaking does that mean nerve damage is already done or will it reverse back to normal .

[jayne]

once it is fused it will not move you will lose movement in that joint it will never be normal again

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

DeniseK, what part and level of the spine are you addressing?

(he says the disk is degenerated) Sure it is, they been scrapping pieces of it away. Which makes sense if you think of what they have done so far. By what the Doctor's have done was take out a portion of the Bone, to relief the pressure on the nerve. Only bringing and allowing the 2 vertebre's to become closer together.

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/surg/...umb04.html

But I have heard people that had this performed, always or mostly end up on the table again. Fusion, well you and Hubby, need to talk with a Neurosurgeon, and find out what is in his best interest for now, and his future.

[red1030]

Hi Denise ... I don't know a lot about back surgeries either. My husband refused to have one about 20 years ago and he is ok. He still has pain in the area very badly sometimes and it has changed the way he works or can work, but he says it was what was best for him. I believe this is something you and your husband will have to talk about and decide what is best for him. What kind of work does he do? Is there another line of work that he can do with a bad back? Those are the things that you may ask yourself. Also, can he live with the pain, or would the risk of surgery be better than the pain he is living with now. Only he can decide that question. Best of luck and I will keep you in my prayers.

[chrischris]

I think quality of life would be the biggest issue. Is your husband in pain all the time and his back is preventing him from functioning in his normal daily activites? Everyone has to answer that for themselves. No two people are alike. I wish you the best while you ponder this decision.