I consulted with an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in back surgery. He never introduced himself and started the conversation off with, “three levels and eight screws”. It was like a comedy routine that wasn’t funny.
He told me that he wouldn’t recommend the surgery because it probably wouldn’t give me the pain relief I was hoping for, and I’d probably need another surgery 7-10 years down the road. Unfortunately, his office notes didn’t reflect those sentiments. Instead, the notes just indicated that once the pain was bad enough we could schedule another consultation.
I wish I could be more encouraging, but even my pain management specialist said I’d probably require additional surgeries after ten years and there are no guarantees regarding pain relief.

I went for surgery but when they opened me up they closed me back up again. They said my back's such a mess that they didn't dare operate.

One of my vertebrae is the thickness of a matchstick so I have to be very, very careful. .When I have a lower pain day I have to use an electric wheelchair with a back that's specially moulded to my spine. It also reclines to stop my Pots making me pass out.

I could feel the improvement in the recovery room. I’m glad I did it..

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member. Some people are better after surgery and some end up with failed surgeries and more pain. That’s why I posted the surgical tutorial website for people to see more type if surgical options than what may be available in their area. Some people choose to go out of state for surgery if there is a better place to have it done or an improved method over another. I’m not promoting this site per se. The surgeons that attend these seminars are from all over the United States and the world. The videos show the actual surgeries being performed on a cadaver human. It’s not for the faint of heart. But definitely informative. I hope your surgery benefited you. Sometimes it’s impossible to know and some have to just carry on. Peace, healing, and good wishes to you.

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A MySpond...

No one mentioned stem cell therapy in lieu of surgery. That is now an option covered by most insurers and has a higher pain relief success rate. Its not permanent, and you do need to have a healthy pool of bone marrow cells to draw from, but a worthy option to consider while waiting for better surgery methods to come along. They're on the way sooner than most people are aware.