@A MySpondylitisTeam Member. Im so sorry Lisa. I dont mean to be negative. And i didnt mention a book, not sure where you got that other than my mention of another forum member's story on their wall. But i can tell you that out of every single person I've come across on this forum and in person, probably about 50 people, absolutely none of them are in less pain and they are absolutely not more mobile from joint fusion surgeries. From screws coming undone, to post-op paralysis to best case scenario of no further decline, and that only in one person who does not have autoimmune disease, they all still have pain and definitely less mobility. Even this forum has a section on spine fusion i was reading earlier today saying the only time it's a good idea is to preserve basic bodily functions that are already being lost. The drs, despite their credentials, are not being honest with you if they are not telling you that fusion for autoimmune disease spondylitis will almost certainly lead to more because the vertebral joints above and below the fusion take on the flexion load which causes them to degrade faster, as well as because the surgery trauma leads to more inflammation flare for an extended period. Im sorry if youre only now hearing this for the first time. I suspect that if forum member Elizabeth Tree would have been told this she wouldnt be in the horrific nightmare shes currently in. Spine surgery rarely, if ever, results in pain free life like it was before the illness that necessitates it. There is no easy recovery.

If you do go through with it and it goes well, many, myself included, will benefit from hearing that. Hope around spine surgery is definitely needed. 😌🙏

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See if the doctor recommends physical therapy after.

If so, do as they recommend.

In order to heal. Plenty of rest and little activity.

Of course proper diet will be advantageous.

Some food will help, while other may not help.

Stay away from unhealthy foods too.

Thank you for the response. I'm 4 days away and prepping my home for easy access and limited mobility. I know PT will follow just not sure when. I'm still doing some stretches I did before surgery was decided but I was reaching a max that I will need post surgery until Jan 1 when I can get more.

I will look into the book but I have done over 8 months of physical therapy, 6 months with a chiropractor and have worked for almost a year with a spine pain management specialist. I have exhausted all options including various injections and an ablation. I have been in a great deal of increasing pain since May and I am tired. I did not rush into surgery and until my last MRI last month was never going to pursue this alternative. But after meeting with 2 surgeons both with excellent credentials one being from one of our country's top teaching hospitals, I am ready to get back to living without as much or any pain. I am happy that you have successfully been able to avoid surgery. But I am so grateful that I can soon be moving better. I will be following Drs orders to recover and then more physical therapy when ready.
And other than recommending the book I'm afraid you didn't address my original question at all about recovery which is unfortunate. I'm trying to be positive about this decision and didn't make it without a lot of discussion and research. I have a great support system and faith that I'm doing the right thing.

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member. Read Elizabeth Tree's story before having spine surgery. I have 3 herniated lumbar discs and 2 cysts along with sacroilitis. Have you tried physical therapy 4 days a week for 6 months? Ive stayed out of the OR for over 12 years and mostly low back pain free most of the time with consistent physical therapy core strengthening and stretching. Did the surgeon tell you that it will lead to more back problems and more surgeries due to vertebra above and below the fusion taking on the extra flexion load? Hopefully you're having a neuro surgeon as opposed to an orthopedic surgeon do it. I had a friend who had those ones you mention fused by an orthopedic surgeon and when she woke up she could no longer feel one leg. That was 12 years ago and she's still disabled from it, no feeling at all. Have you gotten 2 more opinions from other surgeons not in the same practice as this one?

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