Spinal Surgery 50 years old

[SkylarkKitten]

I have spondylolisthesis and scoliosis, and the two in combination have caused severe nerve root blockage, for which I'm in constant pain and on morphine and other drugs just to function.

I've been offered spinal fusion surgery for L4 L5, and I'm concerned for a number of reasons.

1. I was previously told by two different consultants that, due to the scoliosis, if they only fixed a small section, then "like a game of jenga" the rest of the spine would become unstable and the pain would simply move further up. Now they're saying something different. Whilst I'm happy surgery is a small section, I'm worried about their previous analogy and their turnaround on their decision.

1. I am a single Mum with an 11 year old and 17 year old and I do 90% of things in the household - not just housework, but the admin side too - most without stating them to anyone. I know everyone says they'll manage, but the reality of that is very different, and previously when unwell, I've forced myself to recover quicker. In this case, recovery has to be slow to be successful. I'm worried that my internal OCD will kick in and I'll do something stupid that will severely effect me

1. I'm afraid of surgery msking things worse or causing a new type of pain. It's taken me drugs, counselling and willpower to deal with my current pain. I'm afraid swapping a known pain for an unknown one will be the undoing of me. This will be awful for everyone around me, as it's not easy to watch someone struggling.

I'm not sure what I want from this post. I guess a place to state my fears and maybe get some advice on this type of surgery/recovery.

Also, not have my fears dismissed by consultants who act as if mentioning my children as a factor in my surgery decision means I must want to live with pain. Maybe male consultants just don't have to think of themselves in combination with their kids. However, I do!

Xx

Hey @SkylarkKitten Sounds a big decision I don't have any real advice but wanted to bump for you.

Can you get a second opinion or go back and talk to the surgeons /medical team to get the full picture of the pros and cons.

Any surgery/medical procedure will carry risks but can they give you success rates.
Do you have any additional risks /medical conditions that might complicate things?

Have you explored all other options as it sounds very debilitating so you do want something done. Make sure you have the full range of options explained and the benefits and risks of each option.

Good luck and hope someone else can share their knowledge/ experiences with you. But I'd go back to the medical team for more info.

If you do for the surgery ask if you can have anything to help optimise the surgery - prehabilitation service helps you get fit for surgery (not running marathons etc but diet exercise interventions etc to help you recover more quickly).

Thank you @BSky for your kind words and advice

I'm slowly writing my list of concerns so I can either email my consultant or ask the questions at my pre op without brain fog

As the days are getting colder, I'm having more trouble walking, sleeping and moving around. It's given me a physical reminder of why this surgery is required. I'd hate to leave it and then cause paralysis due to a crushed nerve - which is a concern of mine as the spine has slipped so much

The consultant was adamant cold weather doesn't make any metal in the body ache but this is in conflict to everyone I know that has had pins inserted in their body.

It's those kinds of dismissive remarks that put me off. Is everyone lying about pain or do consultants really not follow up on post surgery pain

Thanks again for your reply though. It made me feel less alone xx

It sounds a bit like the attitude of the Consultant isn't helping and you feel a bit dismissed.

I think it's brilliant you're making a list of questions - ask him/her about post surgery follow up and consequences/side effects. They are good and important questions - it's getting the right info to make an important decision. Be bold it's your body and you have every right to ask questions and share your worries and things you've heard from others.

Sounds like you need and want the surgery but naturally need some more info and reassurance. Carry on asking the questions. You can always ask for a second opinion.

Good luck and take care!

I really feel for you.
I think it comes down to when having the surgery - with all of those unknowns - is a better option than your current state or prognosis.
i wish I had advice but I am sending my best wishes.

I’m in my early 50s with pretty severe scoliosis, and disc damage and pain due to that.
I would need a full spinal fusion (s-shaped curve) and though I don’t need to make the decision right now, I go back and forth on it in my head.

I don’t have dependent DC so my situation is different to yours.
All the best and I’m sorry that you’re in pain.