Anyone else had similar issues?
Outcome in the future - 0.0% - 0 votes
what to do next - 0.0% - 0 votes
Dcowan64
New Member
Joined : Jan 2020
Posts : 1
Posted 1/15/2020 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
I have now had 5 back surgeries. The 1st was a fusion of S1 and L5 along with laminectomy and decompression of l2 through l4. 2 years later had to have laminectomy of l2 through l4 again. Unfortunately the surgery did not go well and left me in worse shape with additional symptoms. 2 months later another surgery by a different doctor to fix that. 2 years later another surgery with a fusion of l4 through l2 that was connected to existing fusion. This December because of severe degeneration above these fusions I have had to undergo another surgery with fusion of L1 through T9. For some unknown reason the fusion was not connected to the lower fusions and as result have suffered a fractured vertebrae between them. Outcome is yet to be determined. Was told by surgeon they could go back in and connect these which of course means another surgery or let the fracture heal in its own. This will take much longer and creates excruciating pain. I am also in a special clam shell brace for an indefinite period. Had I know back then what I know now would definitely have explored other options. I'm 55 years old and feel 75. Uncertain what the future holds but am certainly done with the surgery thing. Wondering if anyone else has had similar problems and how their outcome has been. Thank you
BlackTara
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2019
Posts : 95
Posted 1/15/2020 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Wow Dcowan64, You've been through a lot with all of these surgeries. I apologize if my answer isn't what you're seeking because I've had only 1 spinal surgery- had herniation's of c-5 & c-6 & was seeing a chiropractor who really helped me BUT I had to go twice, a month at least to control the pain. So went to a specialist & was told I had the choice of living the rest of my life in ever-increasing-pain & on heavy pain meds OR have a simple surgical procedure that would 'fix it, permanently'. So he removed the disks & fused the spine with my own hip bone. I'd had the pain in 1 shoulder only. Now? The pain was in neck,upper back, head & radiated down the back of 1 arm. The surgeon became angry & upset when I explained this to him. A neurosurgeon I went to for a 2nd opinion said there was non union of fusion.& offered more surgery to fix it but insisted upon a spinal tap, first. That spinal tap? Injured me even further causing severe pain in lower spine/back & severe headaches. Enough was enough. Now I meditate, do yoga, am learning pranic healing & use gentle herbs,systemic enzymes, etc and eat an organic vegetarian diet. Invasive procedures always seem to harm me. I'm your age & also feel/look much older especially after Lyme hit in 2017. I avoid allopathy as much as possible which isn't easy....BUT no more drugs/surgeries/invasive testing or nuke testing no matter how the allopath tries to convince me that it's 'perfectly safe'. I've spoken with so many people in these situations & have only found ONE who says spinal surgery helped her....Then I learned patients were suing for heavy metal poisoning from the procedure, she'd had. So we deal with the damage done. What other option do we have? There are better ways of living and healing. It's difficult when insurance only pays for the harsh 'treatments' when massage, sauna, yoga, herbs/super foods, etc can help so much. Eat well, stay hydrated, fight back against depression & despair. I use systemic enzymes (ProOneZyme) which removes scar tissue buildup. It must be taken on completely empty stomach to work. Hope you have a strong support system- loving family, friends, pets. Take good care of yourself.
straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 19850
Posted 1/15/2020 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hello & welcome to Healing Well. It's been some time since we've had a member with extensive surgery like this. Multiple surgeries has many risks, I can certainly understand you being hesitant about more surgery, that's perfectly reasonable.
So many things involved with surgery, the expertise of the surgeon, how severe was the damage, what kind of post op care for the patient & the list goes on & on. Every person responds to surgery differently, it's a very individual thing. I've seen people have multiples & do well, then seen others not do well. As a patient the main goal is to improve things.
Are you under the care of a pain mgt dr? What kind of input are you getting from him/her if you are seeing one?
Take care.
BForsyth
New Member
Joined : Nov 2019
Posts : 1
Posted 1/19/2020 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I'm a little confused with your with your comment of "decompression of l2 through l4" I'm not sure I understand those terms. Can you help me with that. I've had quite a few back surgeries and non of them have helped.