Effect of spinal surgery

[CharlieCarewPole]

Hi, I've had four operations and many, many minimally invasive procedures on my back, the last being multi-level artificial disc replacement and fusion.
I trust my surgeon as far as the surgery goes but have learnt not to believe anything doctors say so was wondering if anyone had an experience? Is it possible to conceive after this type of surgery particularly as we don't know if it's worked yet? If it is possible were there any serious side effects? How long did you have to wait for too?
Many thanks, C

[Chaotica]

I do not have your experience, but had my two DCs after multiple prolapsed discs and one microdiscectomy (on L4/5 which was completely removed).

I had no problems conceiving and in pregnancy (although I couldn't get any decent advice). I met someone else in my situation and she was none the wiser either.

I can't see there would be any problem with conception (although you have to be in a good enough state to be off most painkillers).

Whether or not you'll be ok depends upon what your back is like now - pg does put a strain on it (I put off having DCs for 3 years after operation.)

Main point to note is that the birth might be a bit difficult. I don't want to go into details, but my first DC was born naturally and labour didn't really progress as it should. OTOH the pain is nothing like back pain - really nowhere near as bad... No-one knows whether my back problem had something to do with this, but it was a prime suspect. In any event, you need to see a consultant anaesthetist to plan pain relief at the birth as it might be different to other people.

Good luck

[meliesmummy]

Hi

I've got no experience of your type of back pain but I have got scoliosis, I had no problems conceiving dd1 but my next ones taking a bit longer, I'm sure it's not back related tho. The only thing I can advise you on is that during my first pg my midwife referred me to an anaesthetist so that he could check my back over in case I needed an epidural (which I did for a c section, again, nothing to do with my back!). So when you do get pg it might be worth mentioning to your mw.

[CharlieCarewPole]

Thank you for your messages.
I phrased it really badly what I'm worried about is not whether I can actually conceive, and I already know it will always be c section, but physically if it will ever be possible for me to be pregnant with the amount of metal work in me. In particular the fusion welding my sacroiliac joint to the base of my spine and the posterior weakness around l3/4 and l4/5.
Will these be able to take the stress of additional weight and from what I understand, joints moving naturally to accommodate the pregnancy?
All replies are great but it would be amazing if there's anyone who's had ADR and fusion or one or the other....
Many thanks, C