Update -Back pain 3 years later....

Update -Back pain 3 years later....

I feel like I've been stuck since 2019. For me, it's like the world stopped when I hurt my back, which is very silly because, during that time, I have done great things. I completed my master's degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition. That's something I always wanted to do. I started my own business counseling women on nutrition, eating behaviors and personal training. During that time, I started over and over again working out. I tried different ways to remain active. The pain has always stopped me. I have good and bad days, but I always have pain. I've decreased the intensity of how I trained drastically in the past 3 years. I am at the point where I stroll on the treadmill and for no more than 30 min. This has been hard on me. I have always been that person to push it! Do more! Go harder! Go heavier! I have never competed with anyone but myself- my worst critic. This has taken an enormous toll on me mentally!

For the past 3 years I have done what my neurosurgeon said to do for my back pain. I went to physical therapy, I've had numerous – painful injections from pain management, I go to my chiropractor to stay aligned, and at this point, I feel worse than I did right after my surgery in 2019. I cannot stand for too long, sit for too long, or even lay down for too long. I'm only 48, but I'm feeling like 84. This has stopped me from doing the things I love and living my life. I even had to rethink a trip to Disney because of the walking.

I recently decided to go back to my doctor and see what he suggests to do next. And from my newest MRI, my back is worse, and I kind of figured since the back pain has increased. He told me that I would need a fusion of L5 S1. I wanted to cry. 3 years ago, he didn't want to do a fusion because of my age. He thought I'd be fine if I did the injections and physical therapy. 3 years later, I am worse. I now have Spondylolisthesis.

Here's some info on Sponylolisthesis:

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that causes lower back pain. It occurs when one of your vertebrae, the bones of your spine, slips out of place onto the vertebra below it. Most of the time, nonsurgical treatment can relieve your symptoms. If you have severe Spondylolisthesis, surgery is successful in most cases.

What causes Spondylolisthesis?

Overextending the spine is one of the main causes of Spondylolisthesis in young athletes. Genetics may play a role, too. Some people are born with thinner vertebral bones. In older adults, wear and tear on the spine and discs (the cushions between vertebrae) can cause this condition.

What is a lumbar spine fusion?

Spinal fusion is surgery to relieve the pain caused by unstable vertebrae in the human spine (Spondylolisthesis). In these patients, the vertebrate bodies start to slip, causing chronic back pain and symptoms of nerve compression.

Does spinal fusion fix Spondylolisthesis?

Surgeons almost always perform spinal fusion for Spondylolisthesis. Spinal fusion stabilizes the spine by permanently joining two vertebrae, eliminating movement between them. Typically, bone grafts are placed between vertebrae to help them fuse together. In time, new bone grows over the graft.

How successful is spinal fusion for Spondylolisthesis?

Spinal fusion surgery for a degenerative spondylolisthesis is generally quite successful, with upwards of 90% of patients improving their function and enjoying a substantial decrease in their pain.

So here I am. I finally have an answer, but I'm not gonna lie; I'm scared.

The full name of my procedure is Anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior instrumented fusion. The surgery would involve 2 incisions, one in the back and one in the abdomen.

It's a few days in the hospital, and recovery is 3-6 months.

Ha!..... This is interesting…..

Do you lose height after spinal fusion?

You will not grow any taller in the fused areas; however, that growth would have been crooked growth. The surgery often adds to the patient's over-all height. Growth will continue normally in the unfused portions of the spine as well as in the legs, arms, and other parts of the body.

This means I may break 5 ft.!!! Woohoo!!!!

I'm almost positive that I will go through with the surgery. I'm not 100% sure when I will be having the surgery, but I'm thinking mid-summer. I just need to do more tests, and I have some plans with the kids that I need to do. It would be fantastic if I could teach again because I miss it so much. My Dr. said that I would never squat again after my surgery, and I'm ok with that. 3 years ago, I cried when he said that, and now I just want to walk without pain.

Please keep me in your prayers. I will keep you all posted!

Here's a video that explains it. https://youtu.be/5SaHkaTz2mE Tiger Wood's had the same surgery, and he's doing terrific!