It been my observation that those people who gets fusions just have even more pain and problems later. Cant say I know what the solution is, but I would never have a fusion.

Well, I don't know when courage crosses the line into desperation. I think I would have let them cut my head off if they promised me pain relief. Then I could, as my grandmother would say, "run around like a chicken with my head cut off!" I think we're all brave every day when we get up and do our best.

I had a lumbar fusion in 1998 at L4-5. I have this vivid memory of asking the surgeon if he would do it if the situation were reversed. He said, "if you were my brother I'd tell you to do it." I feel bad for his brother. I remember the morning after the surgery they got me out of the bed and into a chair and even then I thought "what have I done?" I have been in pain all day every day since. I tell people not to do it, but I don't think I should give advice here - I can only share what my own experience has been. I know that more discs are bulging and crumbling but I will not have another fusion - ever. I hope. I wish you the best.

Rene, I think I agree with this. My Surgeon has told me there is a slight chance he could improve he bottom of my spine but so many people are worse afterwards and some even paralysed. Although I am in almost continuous pain I really don't know whether to change it. Some days I think I will, then read so many stories where people have been worse afterwards. The problem I have at the moment is the pelvic joint keeps slipping out and although I am doing stretching exercises and pilates' ball every day my chiropractor tells me that there is no muscle around this joint so will not help this pain. Wishing everyone on this site all the very best. Sending hugs. Ann xx

I am so sorry to hear this but thank you for sharing. I have a double curvature of the spine and although they have said for years I am too old to operate on the Surgeon did a few years ago say perhaps he could just do the lumbar curvature but I know it could leave me paralysed so have stayed clear, which he quite understands. It was just a thought that he might be able to try it but I would want a higher percentage of success than he can give me. I am in horrid pain nearly all the time but do get a few hours here and there when things ease so think I will stay with my chiropractor who can seem to help me. Please take care and I really do feel for you. I don't know how old you are but now I am 72 I think it would be impossible to do as I have had it all my life and no one found out util I was 56 and they it was too late to operate then. Sending lots of hugs. x