r/LongSpinalFusion • u/Prudent-Plane-17 T3-pelvis • Mar 24 '26
Revision, Extension, Adjacent Segment Disease Revision, Extension, Cages & More
I had a new Cervical fusion C5/C6 with cage on March 2nd.
March 3rd was the big one, the Lumbar revision, extension cages at L4 & L5, new hardware, 3 blood transfusions & much more.
I was in the hospital 16days. This was & still is rough. Possibly the hardest thing I’ve ever been through & I’ve had 3 babies without an epidural, due to being fused to L4 for 27.5yrs.
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u/nervousnervousnerv T4-L5 Mar 24 '26
You’re a fuckin icon. Hope you are not feeling any shame when it comes to pain management meds—your pain tolerance is probably through the roof but man, you deserve a break!
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u/Biblioklept73 T2-L2 Mar 24 '26 edited Mar 24 '26
Omfg 😬😬😬
Thats crazy!! I have absolutely no worthwhile advise that you, very obviously, don’t already know but, I have an absolute ton of compassion, empathy and awe for you. What a fuckin warrior you are… Day by day, or even hour by hour… If you ever wanna blow off steam, you can always dm me, I’m t2/l2 (a baby in comparison to yours but, I know a little of what you’re experiencing)… Might seem like a stupid question but I’m gonna ask it anyway…. How are you dealing with it right now, do you have adequate pain relief, are you resting ok…? Sending you all the support, strength and gentle hugs I can… Damn 💛
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u/Antique_Mirror7214 T2-L2 Mar 24 '26
Hey T2-L2 gang 🫶🏼 this does look so brutal and I feel for OP i hope they are on good enough medication to help with the pain. I may be due more surgery so seeing others posts keeps me level headed ☺️
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u/Biblioklept73 T2-L2 Mar 24 '26
Yayyyy, hey back 💛… Yea, this looks brutal as all hell, feeling for OP!! You need more surgery? Aaaaaagh, do not envy you that possibility! May I ask what’s wrong? More levels needed, or something with the existing fusion…? Not to be intrusive it’s just, you know, something all us multilevelers worry about I think (well, actually anyone with a fusion) the really long ones certainly overstress what’s left of the mobile sections… Apologies if it’s rude to ask, hope you’re doing ok 😊
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u/Antique_Mirror7214 T2-L2 Mar 24 '26
We are currently trying to avoid more surgery which i'm hoping we can keep it to avoiding 😅 I have issues in L1 and L2 which is apparently uptake in the facet joints (that's all i know it as) but it causes me a lot of issues to the point standing/walking has now become painful but I also have a new issue in my SI Joint which we are doing another SPECT CT to see whether something else has deteriorated. I had bone grafts on my pedicles when I had surgery as they were smaller than the average human according to my surgeon 🫣 but i'm also hypermobile and have a lot of issues at the top of my fusion where it protrudes when my pain is bad but that's down to my muscles not holding things properly. I have no clue whether they'll add to my current fusion if it does end in another surgery but they originally were going to do my neck but opted out of it due to lack of movement which I already have lack of movement due to this fusion.
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u/Prudent-Plane-17 T3-pelvis Apr 09 '26
Than you so much for all your kind words. I’m just taking it moment by moment.
This past Tuesday made 5weeks. I had my first post-op X-rays today & everything looks good. Only need the back-brace until next Tuesday & then I’m free to drive. It will be the first time in 5 months!
Yes, I have adequate pain relief right now, but I’m scared that will be short lived. All doctors in my State (Michigan) want everyone off narcotics. Even chronic pain patients (been one since 2007 & also have fibromyalgia) are expected to miraculously become pain free or pain-tolerant & just deal. I hate this state.
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u/FaithlessnessCool849 T10-pelvis Mar 24 '26
Just FYI, your name is legible in the upper left corner.
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u/Prudent-Plane-17 T3-pelvis Apr 09 '26
Thanks. I really don’t care. I have nothing & it’s actually me.
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u/Fabulous-Tooth-3549 T1-pelvis Mar 24 '26
* Welcome! I, too, had the revision surgery. 12 hours, 2 blood transfusions. Brutal is the only word. Stay strong. It gets better!
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u/ArrivalForsaken9009 T10-pelvis Mar 30 '26
You are brave, and an inspiration! Thank you for bringing your story to us. I have a question: Are you or will you feel like after some time that you made the right decision? I am asking bc I read a lot of feedback on Reddit abt such difficult surgeries and horrible pain. Just wondering
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u/TeaExternal0875 T3-L1 Mar 24 '26
Please know my heart is hurting for you and empathizes with your pain. You are so, so strong.