I am going in to have 3 fusions done tomorrow morning. They will use 2 rods and 8 screws. Dr. Dossett in Dallas is doing my surgery. Does anyone have experience with this type of surgery that you can give me your honest opinion about what to expect? I'm mainly curious how long I will be unable to do much, as I am not a sitter-arounder. I don't remember the exact identification of where the fusions will be; just lower back in the l through s range.

Good to hear. Keep is updated to your continued progress.

Can I ask what your issue that required fusion was? I have Spondylolysthesis, and I've tried meds, steroid injections, weight loss, and core exercises. Nothing has made a bit of difference. Doctor says spinal fusion is probably what I need, but that TERRIFIES me. But I also know I'm not getting any younger and if I'm going to have the surgery, better to do it sooner than later.

What was your pain like afterwards? There aren't any pain meds I can take that don't make me sick. So that's another reason I've put it off.

AJ02 said:

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Can I ask what your issue that required fusion was? I have Spondylolysthesis, and I've tried meds, steroid injections, weight loss, and core exercises. Nothing has made a bit of difference. Doctor says spinal fusion is probably what I need, but that TERRIFIES me. But I also know I'm not getting any younger and if I'm going to have the surgery, better to do it sooner than later.

What was your pain like afterwards? There aren't any pain meds I can take that don't make me sick. So that's another reason I've put it off.

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sorry i am just now seeing this.

I had severe stenosis and all that comes with it, including Spondylolysthesis. My lower back was just totally screwed from years of putting this off.

The only thing that hurt was trying to drag myself in and out of the bed or reposition my body. That was just from the incision. It burned. Once I got out of bed it did not hurt - ever. I felt better the afternoon of surgery than I had felt in 20 years. I don't regret it at all. I would do the surgery 100 out of 100 times. It was life changing for me.

Do you have any restrictions? Can you run, for example?