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I am in week four of a L-4, L-5 S-1 fusion and I am off of my pain meds and i am still pain free. I dont know where you are but I went to the university of Kansas Hospital where they have an extensive neurological department. All of the staff there are committed to trying to resolve your pain issues. I can only share with you that having this surgery for me was the best decision that I have made for myself in a long time. I suffered with chronic pain for about two years and finally decided that surgery was the only option left for an attempt at correcting my situation... A spondylolisthesis at l-5, S-1 here is the link to the Dr that helped me and cured me from my chronic pain - http://www.kumc.edu/kcvamc/research/nbrl/paularnold.htmlView Thread

I am in the fourth week of healing and its a real adjustment because I want it to heal quicker than my body will allow it to occur. I am experiencing good positive results. The largest hurdle for me is the aches and pains of healing. Since this was my first body (torso) surgery it is a completely different recovery than anticipated, but i am dealing with it.... I was a very active person and I am anxious to get back to life but Ive concluded that if I don't listen to the doctor I may end up in a worse predicament than before.
In response to degenerative disc disease when I viewed my MRI all of the discs appeared to be plump and thick..... although there were some bone spurs ill just have to live with cause I had the spondylolisthesis for 27 years, it was explained to me that my body was adding additional bone to compensate for the misalignment of my spine... figure that one out ?
When I get back to KC I hope to get a real spinal fusion support group for all of us. We all have a different twist on our experiences and it would benefit all of us great to combine our efforts and techniques so future treatments will be more beneficial to others, in our state of fusion.View Thread

I am FL right now but when I get back to KC I am going to try and work with the hospital and get a fusion support group started cause every case is different and I believe that if you are lazy and do not follow your neurologists instructions you could have adverse effects from the surgery. But I am grateful that the physicians and caregivers that performed the surgery and my post operative care did an exceptional job.If you or any others read this post THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER HAVE A GREAT NEUROLOGICAL TEAM AND SPINE CENTER. I was diagnosed with a spondylolisthesis twenty five years ago and honestly believe that today's technology and treatment are the best options available. I exercised and worked in construction with my condition for twenty five years ....... so far I am proof that my fusion is successful !!!!!!View Thread


I have seen and have had at least 6 opinions... please research "spondylolisthesis"... then you can understand what I am talking about.
thanks for your concern but I have known about and have occasionally researched my condition over the past 20 years and am using my last option.View Thread


I have tried radio frequency burns, epidural injections chiropractic spinal decompression ( cox technique ), physical therapy, and exercise. I have had this condition all of my life and it was discovered when I was 20. Today I am 46 years old and I am unable to perform any physical activity. If I do any activity the pain experienced is acute. Currently I am taking pain meds to help alleviate some pain, but they barely take the edge off. I am choosing surgery as a last resort. Along with the fusions i will have titanium rods for addiotional support. Thanks for your concerns earlyretirement.I will make a comment post surgury.View Thread
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