Arthur P

Been living with it too long myself, Charlie. They told me I needed a 4-level lumbar fusion in '91, but it would be such a long operation that I didn't have a good chance of surviving it. Less than 50-50 they said. And even if I did survive, about every three years I'd have to have the level above that one done, then the next and the next and so on... And I'd never be able to work again, no matter if the surgery was successful or not. So I said NO THANKS!

I am able to walk but not much more than a mile before I have to rest and let the pain subside. And I keep finding new numb spots. Like the other day I was scratching an itch on my belly and found out the left side right at the level of my navel was numb. What ticks me off is it's only the spots that don't hurt that are going numb. [:@][8D]

Charlie P

I'm thinking about starting a career as a carney geek,have people pay to throw darts in my leg.

Seriously. I'm freaking about going through this again.

Horizontal Hunter

Charlie,

Sorry to hear about that I have a L4-L5-S1 fusion. In my case it stabilized my back but it didn't help with the pain. I ended up with a neurostimulator implant last August. It turned out to be very helpful to manage the pain. Not perfect but a huge help.

Good luck with the fusion. I hope you get some relief.

Bob

Charlie P

Thanks for the kind words.

bigcountry

Goodness Charlie, hate to hear it. Hope it all works out.

Carpmaster

Sorry to hear that! News like that is always a bummer, hope all goes well!

archer58

I wish you a speedy recovery. Surgery is never a walk in the park. I hope the repair will make life easier for you.

deerslayer223

my prayers are with you. I had a complete spinal fusion back in 2002 due to scolosis and it was a extremly long painful drawn out process. But I was given the option let it go and death was almost certain or get the surgery done and risk paralysis. Luckily everything worked out. I still have frequent pain but atleast i'm still here. I'm sure everything will work out. I will deffinately be praying for you.