Spinal Decompression Surgery - Experiences?

[s3pc1989]

Hi all.

Due to symptoms of spinal stenosis, am having to come to terms with needing Decompression Surgery. Have gone down all the various mitigation routes, phsyio, regular Pilates over the last few years etc etc which has delayed getting to this point, but now surgery is looking inevitable.

Anyone undergone this surgery and prepared to share experiences?

Thanks in advance.

[Richie Slow]

I had ACDF surgery ten years ago. Cervical discectomy and fusion of the vertebrae involved.

It was a complete success with no adverse effects, save for a little less neck movement but easy to live with.

In the right hands spinal surgery can be incredibly effective, and techniques are evolving at an encouraging rate.

[s3pc1989]

thanks very much - thats encouraging.

Must admit its somewhat daunting.....

[Silvanus]

I'm recovering from my 4th L4/5, first 3 were all done within a 16 month period. I manged 3 years until I had to have this 4th one (3 weeks ago). I do have an added complication as i have hEDS (Hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome). I expect I'll need further work on other discs and a fusion in the not too distant future. The surgeries have left me with only around 30 percent strength/mobility/sensation down the left side to my foot and constant sciatica, but at least I can walk, which is a bonus. As long as I can get back hiking (12km yesterday) paddle boarding and mountain biking I'll be happy, but bouldering etc are totally out now unfortunately.