I have had 2 spinal fusions. The first in 75 after a few years in a brace. My curve was 64/32 with collapse of the ribs. I also had rotation of the spine and the ribs were on their way to my hips. My fusion was T4-L2. I recovered well and grew up to be a nurse. In 1992 I got of of bed and ruptured my 1st disc. As the years went by with trying everything that was being offered with no relief. I ended up taking methadone because my pain level's were so high. I became disabled. In 2015 my lower spine developed scoliosis and I ended up with a flat back like a table and I was pitched to the left. When I finally got to see an actual surgeon, he was shocked that I went so bad so fast. (as in being pitched forward and to the left only took a year.) I could no longer walk or stand. I was bed ridden. I had my second fusion in 2015 and I can now stand up straight and am no longer leaning to the left. I am now fused from T4 down. I believe that the fusion saved my life. I think to totally discount them is wrong. My second operation was done with minimal cutting and I would do it again.

I have a nerve impingment on L4/L5 (Left side) and L5/S1 (annular tear). I have pain in the left buttock, IT band and tingling in the left and right foot. Can you help?