Just asking for some prayers/positive thoughts......

My sister is having a 2-level lumbar fusion tomorrow and I'm a little worried about her. When she first told me she was going to have it done, I tried to talk her out of it - only because I don't feel that enough was tried non-surgically first. I mean she's been living with horrible pain for 7/8 years and until a month ago hadn't even taken any medication for it. The doctors she has seen while living in Oregon and now Washington simply do not like to prescribe anything for pain - not even strong anti-inflammatories, for some reason! It's strange. Also, she has never done any p/t - just the yoga that she has always done. No TENS unit, topical treatments - nothing. She did have an SCS trial last year that was a disaster, but other than that, she hasn't had any treatment for her back pain - and now a 2-level fusion, with hardware. Am I wrong in thinking that other things should have been tried first? I worry so much about it failing, but she is just in so much pain - she feels like she has to do this. She is 62 - but other than her bad back, she looks and feels like she's in her early 40's (seriously! I am so jealous.). The doctors, surgeon, and the hospital where the surgery is being done, are all very reputable and they have been thorough in explaining everything to her. She had to go to a 'class' and they gave her a big binder with tons of information in it (do's/don'ts, surgery explanation, instructions, resources, Q and A's, etc.). But still, I worry. She goes in at 5:30am and she got the first surgery slot at 7:30. They told her the surgery will last about 3 hours and that she'll be in the hospital about 4 days. Does that sound about right?

Everyone in my immediate family (my sister, me, my dad (r.i.p.), and my mom) all have/had spinal issues - early onset DDD, spinal stenosis, etc. My lumbar spine has become so painful within the past 2 years, that now I can't do the simplest of household chores without having to stop what I'm doing, bend over to try and relieve some of the pain for a moment, press my lower back against a wall, things like that. And since last year I've noticed that if I bend chin to chest, the front of my thighs feel 'tingly' (I also have stenosis in my cervical spine, although I haven't had it checked in a few years.).

Ok, I veered off my own topic for a minute there! Lol! Please include my sis in your prayers - shoot her some positive thoughts - whatever it takes to get her through this and make it a complete success! Thanks everyone!

Have a peaceful day.

Hi Splashdancer,

Sending thoughts and prayers your way.

I hope that everything works out for you sister.

UA

Splash

Yes, I can understand your concern too. It is strange they would go straight to surgery without even trying strong ant inflamatories or nerve meds. Usually it starts with mild meds followed by stronger ones, physiotherapy, injections etc.

However, I would imagine she has had an MRI, and assume it has shown real damage otherwise no reputable surgeon would contemplate such major surgery. Sounds like a good hospital, with all the pre op preparation. Remember what you see here tend to be surgery failures or problems, many many people have had very successful outcomes from surgery. After all surgery wouldn't be done if it constantly fails. I am a fusion success story, my problem is that the surgery caused other problems, again not very common.

I know there is no point in saying don't worry, because you will. That just shows your close family bond. But she has made her decision, now we just have to pray for success. Remember it is normal for her to have some pretty severe pain to begin with, first couple of days. But they will have her up after twenty four hours and four days in hospital seems reasonable to me. I was in for five days but I am in the UK, that is the average stay here. All people are different too, we all heal at different rates. The main thing is that she follows her surgeons post op instructions to the detail. That can be the different between success and failure.

I will be thinking of you both. Let us know how she is when you can.

Take care Splash

(((hugs)))

Jane

.....will pray for your sister, hope she will be better soon.............

Hi Splash I'm glad to hear that your sister got thru the surgery without any problems. I will pray that she heals well.

love and hugs
Loretta

Glad to hear she is doing well...

My first fusion they did within a week of seeing the MRI so it can be done pretty quickly with some people once tests are done.

Sounds like she has great Drs. as well as preparing he well for the surgery and recovery.

I haven't had a lumbar fusion so others can chime in on the specifics but for my first fusion...I had post surgical pain for at least a month afterwards but the worst part is the first week. And then it may take a turn again once someone starts PT but that is normal.

The main thing is that she follows all the instructions, make sure she takes all her meds on time to keep ahead of the pain instead of waiting for it. And then getting up and walking in small increments through the day when allowed. Definitely no bending, twisting, or turning. And then rest when her body wants to rest..

You can tell her about HW and if she wants to come and share her journey we would be happy to welcome her...

I hope she continues to do well...

Thank you SB and Char! I have talked to her about HW and I plan to mention it again when she's feeling better. I talked to her today - she said that she had a really rough night (couldn't sleep and lots of pain), but she is eating and is walking to and from the bathroom. We had to hang up because the Occupational Therapist came in. But it was so good to hear her voice! Her hubby is a wonderful guy and I know he'll take great care of her. My sis is super stubborn and head-strong (runs in the family!), so he's got his work cut out for him - but she knows that she has to do exactly what the doctors/nurses/therapists say to do, and WHEN they say to do it! She tends to want to rush things - she is very active!

Again - thank you everyone! Have a peaceful day.