If you have had a fusion is it a given that you will have another one?

[redstatebluegirl]

I had a fairly good outcome from my fusion of L5 S1 about 4 years ago. Yes I still have some pain, but I manage it with PT and meds. Going in I needed two canes to walk, now I don't need a cane most of the time, I know I am blessed.

Lately, I have been having more pain above the fusion, I was warned that this was possible at some point. I have spondilolithesis (sp) so I know the drill. But I am terrified of another fusion, even with the good outcome it did me in, forced me to quit a job I really liked and I don't want to go through it again.

Have any of you, had a second fusion? How long after the first one did you have the second? My husband flips out anytime I have a bad day saying "here we go, another fusion"....

Any experience you could share would be appreciated.

[UglyGreed]

1. after having my neck fused

a three level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. I would now consider having my lower back fused if the approach is through the stomach and not cutting into muscle tissue. I have had two laminectomies down there and the recovery was not fun. My neck was much easier to recover from. I need to fix my shunt before I do anything for my lower back though. I'm sure you know that when you have any type spinal surgery it may put pressure on other parts of you spine and cause your discs to herniate. I have two new herniations above and below the fusion in my neck but my spine is shot so I don't know if the fusion caused these new ones.

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/acdf-anterior-cervical-discectomy-and-fusion

[redstatebluegirl]

4. I agree about going thru the muscle

That is what they did to me, recovery was a bear! I stll have muscle spasms from time to time. Thanks for the info and the link.

[UglyGreed]

5. No problem at all

I wish you the best of luck!!!

[mopinko]

2. only had one but

6 years later, and i have a bulge above the fusion. not bothering me a lot.
i wouldnt want to have another mostly because of the loss of flexibility. turning my head while driving is tough.
had one shot so far, and will have as many as i need to stave off a second one.

that surgery was one of the scariest things ever. but i had a really good outcome, and would do it again if i ended up in that kind of pain. the only lasting damage was from waiting too long, and ending up with permanent damage in my arm.

good luck.

[UglyGreed]

3. Yes I agree about driving.

My fusion did make driving harder. I have to use my lower lumbar area to twist to see side to side.