Hi all :wave: I am going to have to have a fusion at l5/s1 in Sept. I'm a little well alot scared at this point. I'm 44 years old have been very active and physical up to the last 2 years (barring the recurrent episodes of blowing my back out for the last 20+ years). In the last year i have have 2 surgeries first a discectomy and 29 days later a recurrent discectomy with chips again i am recurrent and have opted to go with fusion as i have been told that i will have to have this eventually anyway . At this point there is very little disc left at l5/s1 and water has begun to build up already. I guess i just need to hear I am doing the right thing....

I know how you must be feeling. I too am in my 40's and I feel as if I am in my 60's. I was at the grocery store this morning and came out with my 1 item,because that is as much as I can carry, and saw a man who looked to be in his 60's, out for a brisk walk. He was doing better than me:) Anyway, as for your surgery, I am no expert but it sounds like you have tried the less invasive ways and this is the next option. I don't think your making a wrong decision, if you have researched your options and tried the more conservitive options already. I will keep you in my prayers.

Good luck and God bless,

Lorie :angel:

Thank you Lorie :) It does get kinda frustrating to see someone obviously older and doing much better.... I'm still able to carry things i just pay for it later I also take care of my 3 grandchildren ( 1- 3years 1- 1year and one 5 months) and im concerned about who will watch them :( Have you been able to have something done with your back? I wish people would post more on the good things and how much better they are than to just post on the bad... i keep trying not to think of what if this doesnt work but after the last year its kinda tuff.... Ewww im starting to sound whiney.. hehe I'll keep you in my prayers also Lorie Thank you again Shawn :wave:

I will be 40 soon and just had L5 S1 fusion----June 8th....I still have some pain in my rigth toes but the leg pain is totally gone at this point. I hope the toe pain goes away as the nerve repairs itself.....Im a PE Teacher and father of two little ones....I cant wait to be able to play with them like a NORMAL person.......I wonder when the BLT restrictions get lifted??? God Bless

well youve suffered this long,and maybe thisll fix it,i did mine because of 14yrs of suffing on an off then last yr it was a pain 24/7,so i figure what do i have to loose?,i hope this works for u im 2weeks post op ill try to keep u posted:)))

Hi Brekka,

I had a Anterior Lumbar Fusion L4-L5 with titanium cages for a collapsed disc. My surgery was June 30, ONLY 2 1/2 weeks ago.

Before my surgery I could hardly stand up straight for any peroid of time. My hips hurt constantly, I had numbness and tingling in my legs and they always ached.

I am 33 years old with four boys ages 6 1/2 and under (and a great husband!). My surgery went great and I feel 100% better. It was my only option since my disc was collapsed and would not have healed in the shape it was in. I am a little achey in my back and a muscle spasm on occasion, but other than that I am back to normal; but better than ever!

I'd do it again in a minute. I am taking daily walks of a mile or more and can now keep up with my boys the way I need to be! I feel like I got a second chance at life.

I am a total success story... so far! And I wish you the very best!

God bless,
Elaine

Trust me your body will tell your mind if you are doing the right thing! I am almost 1 month post op of L5-S1 fusion. I feel pretty good as long as I don't over do it. Read my three week post op update Thread from last week. It will ease the worry!

Take care,

TAZ :cool: