Anyone have a good prognosis for a failing back? I am 47, had fusion C 5-6-7 plates and bone graft in March. In 1999 had L5 disc removed, large herniation. L3-s1 are all herniated and degenerative. I have tingling and numbness on my left side, leg and arm. Pain low in my back and worse in am. I have so much trouble sitting. I have lived with pain for over 20 yrs. I was very active all my life, now I am so limited. I walk but that hurts for too long. I have a motorcyle that I love. I afraid my only passion left will be gone. Even if I can tolerate short trips I am afraid the disability ins I am on will spy and take my benefits, even though I am out in pain I still must live! It is so hard to concentrate with pain. Any suggestions? I don't want more surgery, I had another MRI yesterday and waiting to hear.... cj

Hi CJ, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with all of this, I don't have any advice though http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif because I'm not even close to being a success story http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

All I want is to have my old life back, so I can fully relate with you.

I hope the recent MRI will shed some light on things, and I pray that you will be able to find an end to your back pain http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Please keep us posted.

Be Well,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

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Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
I regret the day that I agreed to have this surgery.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.