Question 1

what are the long term effects of spinal fusion surgery?

Accepted Answer

It depends on : Several factors: the diagnosis, age and health of the patient, the extent and type of surgery, if the patient is a smoker, if obese, presence of osteoporosis/diabetes/thyroid disease and the nutritional status and conditioning of the patient as well as ongoing conditioning of the patient.  With all these variables, you really need to discuss potential outcomes with your surgeon.

Question 2

i'm having a hard time deciding on spinal fusion and a laminectomy. what is the long term prognosis if i don't? g1 spondylolisthesis, r&l foraminal sten

Accepted Answer

Gradual worsening: Gradual worsening with foot drops if you have significant neurologic symptoms peotecting the nervesc with reconstruction has a better long term out com if you have only axial backache surgical outcome is less obviously beneficial wiltze urged us to wait for the leg pain then intervene if you dont have leg pain then your nerves are ok.

Question 3

i just had a spinal fusion and i was born with only one kidney, so i'm worried about the effects on my kidney?

Accepted Answer

FUSION: If you can urinate to completion and you were born with one kidney it is likely doing the work of 1.5 kidneys. A healthy balanced diet and proper fluid intake can ensure it's health and function. Diabetes and hypertension can effect it's health.

Question 4

i'm on forteo for insuffiecncy fx after spinal fusion. what side effects should i bring to physicians attn?

Accepted Answer

Forteo: Any side effects you notice after your bone density test and on Forteo you must bring to the attention of your doctor.

You might want to stop Forteo for a few days till you see your doctor. There will no bone loss off Forteo for a few days.

Question 5

i experience regular bouts of nausea and uncontrollable shaking as side effects from taking 1x lyrica 25mg mornings and 1x lyrica 75mg nights plus tramazac 37,5 2tabs 3x daily post spinal fusion surgery since 30 november. how can i ween off & treat?

Accepted Answer

Talk to your DR.: Any time a patient is considering weaning off a medication, it is the best course of action to talk to the prescribing Dr to determine the safe way to do this. They can also offer alternative treatment suggestions or prescriptions.

Question 6

how long for a spinal fusion will heal?

Accepted Answer

Healing spinal fusio: We need a lot more info to answer this question, they are many variables that determine when fusion will heal such as:location of the fusion, levels fused, type of fixation used, materialch used weather is  autograft or allograft  and surgical technique, use of graft material, plus general condition and health of the pt.Usually one level uncomplicated fusion will take between 6 to 8 months.

Question 7

will you tell me about spinal fusion recovery experiences?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Fusion recovery experiences are variable, dependent upon the individual patient, each surgeon, type of spinal fusion (open vs. Minimal invasive), prior pain/pathology, and history of pre-operative pain medication usage. Best advice is to speak with your surgeon for expectations after the surgery.

Question 8

can you tell me how to know if my spinal fusion has failed?

Accepted Answer

Fusion failure: There are a number of ways a spinal fusion may fail.  If the hardware breaks and the vertebrae can move - this can be detected by a special Xray called a flexion-extension Xray, failure of bony fusion is best detected with a CAT scan to look for bone formation.  Sometimes pain persists, but all studies show bone has formed and hardware is in good position, in which case the fusion has not failed.

Question 9

should i get the hardware out of my back after spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: Occasionally, spinal instrumentation may be prominent in someone very thin and may cause pain only due to direct pressure.  Otherwise, unless necessary to control a postoperatve infection , it can be left ib place with no issues retaining it.

Question 10

what are the options if a spinal fusion doesn't take and worse symtoms appear?

Accepted Answer

Talk to your doc: Too complicated a question which requires a lot of info specific to your case.  Sometimes additional surgery is indicated.

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Doctor answers about:

What are the long term effects of a spinal fusion

A member asked:

What are the long term effects of spinal fusion surgery?

A member asked:

I'm having a hard time deciding on spinal fusion and a laminectomy. what is the long term prognosis if i don't? g1 spondylolisthesis, r&l foraminal sten

A member asked:

I just had a spinal fusion and i was born with only one kidney, so i'm worried about the effects on my kidney?

A member asked:

I'm on forteo for insuffiecncy fx after spinal fusion. what side effects should i bring to physicians attn?

A member asked:

I experience regular bouts of nausea and uncontrollable shaking as side effects from taking 1x lyrica 25mg mornings and 1x lyrica 75mg nights plus tramazac 37,5 2tabs 3x daily post spinal fusion surgery since 30 november. how can i ween off & treat?

A member asked:

How long for a spinal fusion will heal?

A member asked:

Will you tell me about spinal fusion recovery experiences?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how to know if my spinal fusion has failed?

A member asked:

Should i get the hardware out of my back after spinal fusion?

A member asked:

What are the options if a spinal fusion doesn't take and worse symtoms appear?

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