I might have to have back surgery

bigbadbill

I have a pre-existing condition called spondylolisthesis on the L4 and L5, which was diagnosed since 2004. I wear a back brace when doing heavy lifting, and I've had no real problems over the last four years. On Dec 9th, I was the way to my friend's house in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, and while driving on the 134 towards the 5, I was rear-ended while I had been stopped because of traffic getting on the 5. Not much damage to my car's bumper, but my back has been bothering me ever since. I saw my orthopedic doctor on Tuesday and he referred me to a spinal surgeon; he basically told me that the accident flared up my back, and that at my age (34) he recommends fusion surgery. I have a close friend who had that done to her and she has pain all the time, poppin' vicodins. Who here has had this experience, and what advice to you have for me.

Fifthelement

Sorry, I don't have any experience with this, but I am very sorry to hear this. I hope that whatever happens, that you will be okay. I suffer from chronic back pain from a deep tissue injury so I can understand some of the pain you suffer from. Its sucks the energy from your life. Your in my thoughts, good vibes coming your way.

Riverrunner

I would get at least a couple of other opinions from neurosurgeons. The fusion surgery at your young age doesn't sound like the best idea to me. Keep in mind that I have no medical training whatsoever, but I am an attorney and have dealt with clients' medical issues in personal injury cases. In fact, I just now saw an advertisement from a local hospital about an alternative to the fusion procedure. I think it involves a synthetic disc or something. I would do a LOT of research before I agreed to that surgery.

mickeyrat

definately get a second, third , or fourth opinion. Any back surgery can stay with you a long time.Drug dependency from this is almost garaunteed. Sucks living that kind of life.For sure ask about alternative therapies to surgery.And do your own research. Might want to check into some sort of support group to get some perspective from those who have had the same type of surgery. Good luck.

Indian Summer

I wish you the best. The few ppl I know who have had to have back surgeries, basically live in pain.

pjsteelerfan

Get 2 -3 other opinions. One of my good friends had spinal fusion, but I think it was more Thoracic than Lumbar, is fine most of the time. One of my roommate had cervical fusion and is OK too. neither of them are on any kind of pain medication. And the cervical fusion was very invasive. You may want to try therapy first and see if that helps before surgery.

alphawolf

back surgery is SOOO major seriousness!

dont take it lightly.

i know some dudes whove gone thru major back surgery.

listen to the other posts and get MANY drs opinions.

best wishes

pjfan31

That is awful to hear. My Mum has had major back operations many years ago. I was 4. Mum was a Nurse, and Mum and Dad were struggling financially to raise 4 young children and pay off our house. She hurt her back at work, and because she feared that if she complained she would lose her job. Not realising the enormity of the injury, she worked on, eventually unable to do her job, and unable to claim anything as she had not filled out the appropriate paper work.

After the surgeons fucked up, Mum was i so much pain, the medical staff thought she was putting it on to obtain more pain relief and labeled her a druggie. One nurse believed Mum, and without orders from any Dr, he gave Mum some pain killers, and he nearly lost his job. Dr's soon found out the error of their ways and in for more surgery was poor Mum.

She has always struggled to live with her bad back, but a new exercise and stretching program has saved her life she says.

Good luck mate, and sorry about the rant.

Guitarded

Every case is different... get other opinions.... make educated decision.

Heath