Anyone had a lumbar fusion?

[FXRScotty]

To make a long story short my back's been fd up for a while and starting this fall I started going numb from my ass to my toes (mostly when bow hunting& fighting a fish stand up) so I have a MRI and that's where the shit hit's the fan! My whole back is trashed and the doc tells me it's surgery or start wearing depends & no more happy time. I say OK and go hunting so he calls a family meeting with the boss and shows her my pictures and now I'm scheduled for a full fusion with a bunch of titainium hardwear in Feb. Anyone gone through this? Will I still be able to fish? Pull back a bow? Talking 3-6 months out of work (that ain't gonna happen!) with a year for full recovery. WTF!

[saltwaterbucks]

My uncle Rick has two rods in his back like you speak of....... Been there ten years..........he was one of the early pioneers...... totally disabled but he functions okay......... Social Security and disability from a coal mine.......... He can hunt ....... but life had to slow down or else........ He can't go at life for 8 hours straight.......he has to have his rest..... little naps and such......... btw, he is 60

[HeadHunt]

Make sure you get a second opinion from a good spine center. I've had two disk operations... 10 years ago. My back has been fine since. I know two guys that had fusion and neither are happy.

That is not a decision to be made based on one opinion... or maybe even two.

Good Luck,
HH

[netman9]

Got MRI two years back for my 41st birthday, 2 herniated disc and arthritis. Doc said I was to young for arthritis and the surgeon told me to hire a couple of mexicans. I was pretty pissed at statement from surgeon. He had a real attitude and told me after a year there would be no difference between surgery or no surgery. Pretty scary stuff with numb foot, sharp pains down leg, didn't get off the hardwood floor for 3 days staight. Ended up doing therapy for 12 weeks along with loosing 40lbs. After 2 years I know what not to do and if I do what to do to get better. Still enjoy the boat, fishing and bow hunting even able to take bike rides with family. Good luck with the process of getting better.
A TENS device was introduced to me by therapist for pain control. I could take the ******** or *******, ended up using TENS and up to 3200mg tylenol a day as told by doc. Now only use 400-600 if needed.

[nautiduck]

Im going through some back issues myself right now, luckily mine are muscular in origin and just need a little therapy to fix. I would definately get more than two opinions on whats going on. Make sure they are from several completely unrelated Dr.s. I know a couple of people that had fusion surgery and none are happy. One later found out that he had other options that would have been better for his situation. I dont know what causes the need for fusion or what your options may be if any but from what Ive seen in my friends I would do everything possible to find another fix if possible

[Big Fish Billy]

Make sure you get a second opinion from a good spine center. I've had two disk operations... 10 years ago. My back has been fine since. I know two guys that had fusion and neither are happy.

That is not a decision to be made based on one opinion... or maybe even two.

Good Luck,
HH

Im going through some back issues myself right now, luckily mine are muscular in origin and just need a little therapy to fix. I would definately get more than two opinions on whats going on. Make sure they are from several completely unrelated Dr.s. I know a couple of people that had fusion surgery and none are happy. One later found out that he had other options that would have been better for his situation. I dont know what causes the need for fusion or what your options may be if any but from what Ive seen in my friends I would do everything possible to find another fix if possible

Since you're in MA, you have Mass General for these second opinions, advise you to get in there to see someone, if they should advise an operation, then I'd feel better. I've had problems for 40 years and only lately have found what works best for me. (don't know if you tried it NautiDuck) After chiros and acupunture, exercise, etc., what works for me when I'm having the numbing pain is 800mg Ibuprophen, 3 times a day for at least three days, and the pain is gone. You can stay on it for good if you have to with no ill effects. ******** and the other pain killers never did a thing for me. Call your doctor and he'll prescribe 30 days worth to play with, don't bother with the over the counter 200mg, ask for the 800's, there is a difference. My 1967 GTO fell on my back, back in the day, I loved the car, and everytime I do the wrong thing, the memories come back. Do try these 800s and report back, you'll be surprised, and it may be enough to keep you out from under the knife. Once you are out of pain and/if able, sit ups are the single best exercise for your back.

Billy

[FLATLINER]

LOOK INTO SPINAL DECOMPRESSION!!!!!! I DID IT. THEY DO IT FOR LUMBAR AND CERVICAL. MINE WAS CERVICAL AS I BLEW OUT MY C2 AND C3. IT IS NON SURGICAL AND IT SUCKS THE FLUIDS BACK INTO THE DISK BY STRETCHING THE SPINE, KINDA LIKE AN ACORDIAN. NO KNIFE AND NO MORE PAIN OR ELECTRICITY IN MY FINGERS ALSO!!!

[fish4stripers]

get an opinion from this guy. He's doing new stuff. He rebuilt this lady's back from cadaver parts and she's fine now

http://www.jamesyue.com/

[AK_angler]

Look up micro spine. If they can't fix you I don't think anyone can. They specialize in unfusing backs and making them right again. They use procedures 90% of the doctors have never heard of. I broke a fuse in my back and when it broke it pushed the facet out of joint so when I moved instead of the joint moving it was bone on bone and it also created some junk in there ( bone spurs etc) and was looking for solutions. I couldn't even open the cupboard and grab a glass, it was absolutely horrible and a friend who had 3 fuses taken out (by this company) told me about these guys. The problem was is that out of all the insurance companies in the world...mine was one of the only ones that concidered what they do experimental. Your other option is going to Germany. They are way further advanced in back surgery than we are. I wish you luck, but do yourself a favor and look at microspine and what they do in Germany before you just get fused!

[aloop]

I wrenched my back about 3 years ago lifting a 30lb object, a subluxation, twisting of the spine. Felt like grinding gears without using the clutch. I been going to a chiropractor since and reinjured a year later. This sucks, everyday by 5pm I am wiped out, fatigue in my back, now I have a baby boy that's over 20lbs, some days are great trying to pick him up.
Anyone have a subluxation?