4 level posterior fusion - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

purpletrail · 01-30-2008, 07:02 AM

I finally had my consult with my neuro yesterday and he is suggesting a 4 level posterior fusion with a foraminotomy at those levels. He indicated that it is not an emergency situation, so I should think long and hard about it. He plans to use the screw and rod fixation with hopes of giving me back my spinal curvature.

When I asked about getting back to normal, he said that he would be honest with me. He feels that I will not feel "better" for 3-6 months and will in fact be worse. I recovered pretty quickly from my two level ACDF, so this is really scarey. I have read that the pain from surgery through the back is incredible. My surgeon said that it is tough to predict who will have muscle spasms that delay their recovery.

The situation feels like an emergency to me!! The pain, numbness and spasms have continued to get worse over the past 5 months, to the point were I can no longer work full-time. I have a lot of trouble driving and sitting. If I push it, I get a huge migraine. My disability insurer has yet to pay a dime, so I don't know if I can count on that income.

It looks like my choices are to totally modify my life to not working fulltime and taking alot of medication or go with the risk of a huge surgery. I know that some of you have had posterior fusion. What was your recovery like? How long before you could get back to work, be physically active...?

Please, please, please give me some insight!!!
Holly

Backinthesaddle · 01-30-2008, 07:47 AM

I had a posterior laminectomy but it is the posterior surgery in general that is the same. I will tell you it is painful. I was only out of work for 6 weeks but the first 2 were bad. I mean bad. When they go posteriorly they have to move all the muscles over to get to the spine and they take awhile to stop smasming. I did recover just fine after that. I only had one level done and my right arm was in so much pain and weak and I was unable to raise it and right after the surgery my arm was back to normal. Good luck..do expect pain and you will need help for a few weeks and take it easy.

julie10 · 01-30-2008, 06:50 PM

Holly - I feel for your situation, and how difficult the decision is that lays ahead of you. My biggest fear with my DDD is that I will eventually need another surgery.

I am curious, though, about where in Wisconsin you are seeking treatment. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I was referred to a neurosurgeon in Green Bay for my 2 level ACDF last January.

Do take care,
Julie

purpletrail · 01-31-2008, 06:19 AM

Julie,

I live in Whitewater. My first ACDF was in Madison, at UW. I went that direction because of the artificial disc studies. I was not a candidate due to DDD, but the surgeon doing the studies performed my surgery. I wanted to go with 3 levels, but he persisted with only doing the two. He thought that I may eventually get an artificial disc at the other levels, which was a pretty optimistic thought.

I am now at Froedtert in Miilwaukee. I have always seen a physiatrist there, who I really like. He referred me to their top Neurosurgeon who works with difficult neck surgeries and is willing to do revisions.

Holly

purpletrail · 01-31-2008, 06:30 AM

So how much worse or better is a laminectomy vs a posterior fusion with instrumentation and forminotomy?

My surgeon said it is difficult to predict who will have the big muscle spasm problems, though everyone will have it to some degree. He usually sees better results with someone who is small, like myself.

On another note, I finally, after 5 & 1/2 months, received approval of my disability from my DI carrier. They agreed to at least pay the partial benefit and will look at the total, based on recent Dr statements. YEAH!!

At least this gives me some breather room while I make my decision.

Holly