Back Pain Forum - spinal surgery l4 l5

Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > spinal surgery l4 l5

What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....

Q: spinal surgery l4 l5

asked by: jem*81 on April 2nd, 2008

New User

Hello, my name is Jemma and I am 26 yrs old.For the past two and a half years I have suffered from absolutly the worst back pain in the world- (haven't we all ! lol) I had an xray & mri back in 2006 and this showed I had an annular tear to one of my discs, disc degeneration and a few other things. I was given painkillers, started pilate classes as suggested etc.etc. and this seemed to make no differance. The guy I was seeing about my back did a discogram on me this feb and I have now just been told the results. He has offered me surgery to help correct the damage to my back. I am still not sure of the correct terms for what he has suggested as to be honest I was in such shock (but also felt so releived) that alot of what he said just went in one ear and out the other.
He has said that my l5 has completely gone and he suggests putting two rods either side if my spine to hold it secure. Also he said that where my l4 is - I need a sort of shock absorber putting in!!!
Does anyone have the same as me going on with their back? I am so confused - I would really apreciate it if anyone would like to get in touch to offer advice. I so badly want to get on and finally enjoy my life instead of feeling as if I was 90 - however I really could not bear to be in much more pain than I have been in and I am so worried about things going wrong during surgery. I am 26 and have so much still to do in life = Any advice, explantions to help me understand would be such a help. Can anyone help me???

Replies(7)

legend

replied on April 17th, 2008

New User

hi jenna im sorry to hear about that i have ddd L5S1 and other problems just like you. im 32 and had it for ten years konw and im having surgery fusion im waiting for the date sooner the better. Ive had enough now friends of mine really dont understand whats going on they think im a joke sometimes and i really get upset sometimes. Really tryed everything and time to go for this people may not think im doing the right thing but enough now its time to go for it. you not alone and people can relate to what you are going through physically and mentally i hope this helps you.

Fusionl4l5

replied on April 29th, 2008

New User

I am 24 and had my l4-l5 fused and some other bone taken out. It was 5 days in the hospital and 3 month before I was back to work. I have been in pain 24/7 for about 5-6 years. The surgery didn't help what so ever. Thats not to say it wont work for you, but be prepared to go through hell and possibly get no better. All it did for me was put me in a rut that is very hard to get out of. I would try all other options before surgery. Good luck!

eeyore46

replied on April 29th, 2008

Experienced User

I had a discetomy on my L4 after 1 1/2 years of pain and suffering. I should have done it sooner. Get a second, third, fourth opinion if it makes you feel better about the surgery. Every one has different conditions when it comes to back pain. My MRI showed I had a herniated disc on a nerve. Don't suffer any longer! Immediately after my surgery, my pain subsided.

lbamm

replied on January 23rd, 2009

New User

spinal surgery l4 l5

Jemma,

I am 56 year old male who had l4-l5 fusion in 2003. Every 2 years I have to take off work due to back pain. I have therapy, pain meds and heat treatment for 2 to 3 weeks and that gets the pain to manageable level. I would call this a success compared to the pain I was in before surgery.

tatumblasshutton

replied on February 10th, 2009

New User

back injury from hit and run

I have suffered severe back pain for over 8 years now from a hit and run which left me essentially penniless. after this very long and painful wait, i am finally back on health insurance, and am scheduled to have a l345 fusion with the rods and the cage etc. in 8 days. my best advice to anyone going through back pain or back injury is don't give up and learn learn learn as much as u can about your problem and mostly u must really really check out the surgeons in your area. interview as many as it takes (i lost count) until u find one that makes u feel secure,hopeful, and will listen to any and all of your questions until u r clear and does so in a way that makes u feel empowered verses stupid and lost. whenever a doctor/surgeon doesn't meet those requirements, do yourself a favor and walk out and furthermore, do your community a favor and post your experience on every single survey of physicians site u can find with their name on it so that u can prevent others from enduring your same experience, and likewise, when u do find a fantastic doctor, do them (and the community) a favor and take the time to write a thorough and detailed feedback response as to help others on their way. this accident has taken more than 1/3 of my life from me but i am getting it all back .. finally! it will be a long hall of surgeries.. but i'm not looking back at all... i'm looking forward.. as should u. please pray for my safe recovery.

expertazhar

replied on August 13th, 2009

New User

L4-L5 Disk Slip

I have a severe back pain. pain is going in my right leg also. my L4-L5 disk slip. All Doctors are advised me surgery. can any one have any solution for me without surgery or i have to go for surgery.

chandan66

replied on September 4th, 2009

New User

Low Back Pain

Hello expertazhar I hope I can help you. I was suffering from Low Back pain on my right leg since 1998. On February'2000 I had to under go Laminectomy for disc prolapse at L4-L5. I again felt severe low back pain to my left leg. This time I choose a doctor of pain management. The doctor uses Ozon gas. He inject ozone gas and I am feeling better. So please search for a pain management doctor and seek his advice.

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