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Is there such a thing as successful back surgery?

On wednesday( 12-12 ) 3 disc, L4,L5 and s1 blew out on me. I haven'tseen a nuro surgeon yet. Because on paperwork. I'm 65 and in good shape for the the shape I'm in. So are you better or worse now? I feel you will say worse or not much better after your operation
 
I had a TLIF, one level fusion at L5-S1 right at 26 months ago. I went into the surgery essentially disabled. I can now do anything and everything I want. Approximately 90-95% of my prior pain is gone. I was fanatical about doing everything in rehab they told me to do. I really couldn’t be happier with my doctor and the result.
 

Luc

"To Wiki or Not To Wiki, That's The Question".
Staff member
My father in law had 3 back surgery. He didn't stop to recover which was an issue. He's now retired and cannot stay in the same position for long. Seeing him, I can only say that if your surgeon is good, make sure that you rest properly. Best of luck!
 

never-stop-learning

Demoted To Moderator
Staff member
Fractured C6 and C7 in a motorcycle wreck 50 years ago and never had it properly repaired (file that under young and stupid).

Slipped on some ice and fell down a steep driveway 20 years ago and did a number on L4 and L5.

I elected chiropractic and massage instead of surgery.

Movement and activity are compromised to some degree but I am able to travel regularly for business.

I've had several friends who elected surgery, and I supported their decision. Most of them have had to go through additional surgeries as the vertebrate on each side of the original surgery wear out over the years.

Hope this helps.
 
I have Andrews Sports Medicine here in town. This is just a reference point. They did both my knee replacements several years ago. Hopefully the back Doctors are as good.
 

kelbro

Alfred Spatchcock
Dr. assured me that 99% of his patients had no pain or significantly reduced pain after the surgery. I was the 1%.

My pain was worse after surgery. About a one hour limit either standing or sitting and I can't carry anything heavier than a laptop or I will pay for it later. I just try to keep moving and stretch.

He told me that the next surgical option would require me to be on a cane or walker for at least 6 mos and no exercise for a year.

And they questioned me on why I hadn't paid the $8,500 co-pay!
 
Have you had a scan done? CT? MRI?

Yes there is successful surgery, but it depends on the damage. Unless it is obvious from a scan that you have an issue that will not resolve itself, the specialist recommendation would probably be to do exercise (eg walking, swimming) and come back in 3 months.
 
Yeah- had the CT,MRI. But I was out of town. He gave a script, drove 4 hours home. I can barely walk to the bathroom without stopping.The ER doctor said the injured disc was rubbing a nerve. So next week I'll see a surgeon and get the news.
 
Yeah- had the CT,MRI. But I was out of town. He gave a script, drove 4 hours home. I can barely walk to the bathroom without stopping.The ER doctor said the injured disc was rubbing a nerve. So next week I'll see a surgeon and get the news.





Dr. assured me that 99% of his patients had no pain or significantly reduced pain after the surgery. I was the 1%.

My pain was worse after surgery. About a one hour limit either standing or sitting and I can't carry anything heavier than a laptop or I will pay for it later. I just try to keep moving and stretch.

He told me that the next surgical option would require me to be on a cane or walker for at least 6 mos and no exercise for a year.

And they questioned me on why I hadn't paid the $8,500 co-pay!
Sorry to read that. Makes me nervous as hell.
 
Most people at your age will have disk hernias on MRI and yet have no symptoms. Consideration for surgery are: weakness, incontinence, or no improvement (maybe) after 6m of only pain. 75% of people w only pain will improve with time, by itself. Some analgesics and that is it.
 
I had three herniated disks and two degenerative disks in my lower back. The pain would radiate down my legs and was especially bad in the front part of my thighs. I could not walk more than a few feet, and could not sit or stand comfortably. Even laying down was difficult (could not lay flat, or on my stomach). Then one of the herniations broke off... would not wish it on my worst enemy. Cortisone shots and epidurals did nothing

I had laminectomy and the broken off pieces removed in June of 2009.it’s like I’m a new man; no regrets at all.

Now I go in for laminectomy on my neck on January 16. Hopefully the results will be the same.
 
Successful? You need to discuss your expectations with your doctor/surgeon.

I view any operation which significantly improves the situation to be a success. Whether one is hoping for reduced pain, improved mobility, or greater stability, the op is one step on the road. Post-operative therapy and care are hugely important as are long-term plans to maintain the improvements.

As others have said, any investment in therapy and effort on your part will be critical to a better outcome.

Good luck!
 
I won't know exactly how bad my back is until I see the doctor next week. The fear factor is off the charts.
 
I was very fortunate that the Chief of Neuro-Surgery at Stanford was not knife happy. After careful consultation we decided not to do surgery. He felt that the chances for improvement were minimal with the potential for a lot of risk.

He wanted to replace my C6 with a new titanium disk, but the military considered it experimental at the time and would not approve it. My only option was fusion, and I am very glad that I declined.

I have permanent nerve damage in my left arm that will never recover from a military accident. I am now a disabled veteran. I do my best with what I have.
 

never-stop-learning

Demoted To Moderator
Staff member
I was very fortunate that the Chief of Neuro-Surgery at Stanford was not knife happy. After careful consultation we decided not to do surgery. He felt that the chances for improvement were minimal with the potential for a lot of risk.

He wanted to replace my C6 with a new titanium disk, but the military considered it experimental at the time and would not approve it. My only option was fusion, and I am very glad that I declined.

I have permanent nerve damage in my left arm that will never recover from a military accident. I am now a disabled veteran. I do my best with what I have.
Thank you for your service.

My son is retired Army and also 100% service connected disabled.

Prayers sent.
 
I was very fortunate that the Chief of Neuro-Surgery at Stanford was not knife happy. After careful consultation we decided not to do surgery. He felt that the chances for improvement were minimal with the potential for a lot of risk.

He wanted to replace my C6 with a new titanium disk, but the military considered it experimental at the time and would not approve it. My only option was fusion, and I am very glad that I declined.

I have permanent nerve damage in my left arm that will never recover from a military accident. I am now a disabled veteran. I do my best with what I have.
Again, thank you for your service.
 
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