I am contemplating surgery on my back because of spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis.

I'm dealing with the same issues following injuries after an auto accident. I have already had the cervical spine surgery (2 levels with fusion), but have not had the lumbar surgery as of yet. My pain specialist has advised me to hold off as long as possible, as I live with high levels of chronic pain already. I'm not sure what you mean by "bathroom" issues, but I will tell you that at this point just sitting on a toilet is extremely painful...position of the spine perhaps? If you're looking for info as to what is entailed with the surgery, there are a lot of sites out there that can help. I will tell you that I only plan to have the surgery when I absolutely have to. I know I will have to live with the residual pain, but eventually I won't be able to walk at all without it. As I'm sure you've already been told, the surgery is meant to stabilize the spine, whether cervical or lumbar, but does not guarantee relief from pain. Feel free to email me if you'd like.

When ever I advise someone about whether or not to have surgery, I always ask the question: Are you willing to take a risk for things to get worse? With surgery, the pain could get worse, paralysis could occur, death could occur; all these situations remind us that sugery comes with a risk for major complications. With that said, in a situation that progressive nerve damage is occurring that effects bowel or bladder function, surgery maybe strongly advisable because the nerve damage is getting worse and can become permanent. Ultimately, the choice to have surgery is a very personally decision.

You may find my article about neck surgery helpful for an additional viewpoint. Surgery is not for everyone, and for some it is the last best option.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

Hi,

 I had the surgery last year in August where I had L4/L5 fused and they were supposed to as I was described fuse the S1 joint  in this operation that I had. This was my second fusion, my first one being L5-S1 in 1995. I am now back at the Pain and Spine Center having injections in the S1 joint, the facet joint, in my lower back where I constantly live in Chronic Pain. I personally feel that I am worse off now then I was prioer to last years surgery.

Again, this is only my experience, so I can only say what my experience has been.

I wish you all the best. I would suggest if you are involved with a Pain and SPine Center to possible stay there and see if there are any other procedures that can be done to help you instead of going through this surgery.

Hi,

 I had the surgery last year in August where I had L4/L5 fused and they were supposed to as I was described fuse the S1 joint  in this operation that I had. This was my second fusion, my first one being L5-S1 in 1995. I am now back at the Pain and Spine Center having injections in the S1 joint, the facet joint, in my lower back where I constantly live in Chronic Pain. I personally feel that I am worse off now then I was prioer to last years surgery.

Again, this is only my experience, so I can only say what my experience has been.

I wish you all the best. I would suggest if you are involved with a Pain and SPine Center to possible stay there and see if there are any other procedures that can be done to help you instead of going through this surgery.