RA and Having a spinal fusion
Has anyone had a spinal fusion surgery for repair of 2herniated discs that pinched nerves, and attempt to treat spinal stenosis of the spine. The discs collapsed on top of each other which can happen. Anyone?
betharooski I had a laminectomy with spinal fusion a year ago on my T10-T11 disc. Very painful surgery (sorry). About a month later I woke up in extreme pain in my lower back and hips. Thought something had gone wrong. Took 6 months for docs to figure out it was poly myalgia rheumatica. Been a long year! I have been on prednisone for about 6 months but am weaning off slowly. Down to 5 mg from 40 daily. Just been prescribed Humira to help me finish steroids. Take methotrexate as well.
@RA Sam Whole thing turned out wrong! Finally went to Mayo and after 40 years of misdiagnoses found out its nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis. On Humira and doing well.
Stickgal316 What a mess! I am glad you finally got an accurate diagnosis. I Hope Humira and methotrexate help slow any further progression. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
betharooski Hi there, while you wait for responses you might find the experiences shared by (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/author/ckienast) helpful; as she had two separate spinal fusion surgeries and may have insight that can be helpful! - Reggie, team member
Hi betharooski . On top of the excellent information from RHall , I want to share with you that our contributor Kat did a series of videos on surgery tips. She had neck fusion surgery (you will notice the neck brace in the videos), so it is different than your particular issue, but thinking the information may be useful. You can find the videos at:
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/surgery-tips-part-1
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/how-to-prepare-for-surgery-like-a-boy-scout
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/surgery-tips-part-3-how-to-handle-surgery-like-a-champ
https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/surgery-tips-part-4-how-to-recover-from-surgery-well
Hope this information is helpful and please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
I have spinal compression fractures from years of RA plus a copious amount of weight gained very quickly due to prednisone use. It basically distended my stomach so much that it pulled everything out of alignment. So now I have to look into some of the things you mentioned. Please let us know how it turns out and remember - you can always come here to chat, vent, or just be with others who really get it! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
