DrugBuyers.Com: BACK SURGURY- good or bad idea?

I too have had spinal fusion surgeries...both an anterior spinal fusion at L5S1 and then I had to have a posterior fusion at the same level with pedicle screws to hold the bone together. I've also had about 7 other surgeries to have a spinal cord stimulator put in, revised and batteries replaced, but that's a whole other story! THe problem with surgery is, depending on your problem, it may not relieve the pain but you still have to have it to avoid paralysis or loss of bladder control. That's the situation I was in, I actually lost feeling and control over my left foot, and due to the nerve root damage becuase I waited too long to have surgery, my left calf muscle is about 1 1/2 inches smaller in circumference than my right calf. If I hadn't had the surgery, my doc tells me I would definaltely be in a wheelchair today and at least my left leg would be 100% paralyzed. But, because they waited so long to do the surgery, I had permanent nerve damage and hence I'm stil on 80 mgs OC twice a day and take percocet 10/325 for break through pain. So, you don't mention exactly what is the root cause of your pain, have you had an MRI and a an EMG? if your disc has herniated and it's pressing on the nerve root, you may not have a choice in the matter. You may have to have surgery to avoid more serious physical problems, and it may or may not help with the pain at all. For me the surgery did nothing to help with the pain, but physically, I can walk and as long as I'm treated adequately for the pain, I can live a pretty normal life, i.e. clean house, garden, work full time, etc. I suggest you get the necessary diagnostic tests first to find out exactly what is causing the pain then talk to a good orthopaedic or neurosurgeon about your options. Just don't expect any back surgery to render you pain free, I don't know that I've EVER heard of that happening.

Edited by IMSUSCOT1 (10/25/04 05:58 PM)