Seeking advice on Back Surgery.

JonK · #1 08-08-2006, 11:28 AM

I had a severely herniated disk 4 years ago, and got it surgically repaired by one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the field which was best thing I have ever done since nothing else was helping. It was mostly due to excessive athletic activities such as heavy weight-lifting, contact sports, etc plus genetics.

I've been enjoying active life doing light-lifting (no more benching 405lb) Basketball occasional snowboarding etc. I know my back problem is back with tell-tell neurological signs and I am scheduled to see my old doctor.
I am quasi-determined that I'll get a surgery if it is what I believe it is. I do not wish to live my life in diminished capacity or quality.

I spoke with a friend who is a physical therapist for un-biased opinion, she told me that my doctor is likely recommend fusion if it is the same and recurring region (rt. L5 and S1) and if he does I should ask the other orthopedic surgeon for the 2nd opinion.

Obviously she insinuated that spinal-fusion is something I wouldn't want to do. Now that got me scared. Will I be a Robocop?

I apologize to all of you knowing this is not exactly about CV Boot replacement. I was hoping to get some opinions and advice.

Jon

LeMansX5 · #2 08-08-2006, 11:32 AM

Have you looked into oriental accupuncture(sp?) therapy? Some one in family got relief by doing that for the back problems.

Derek · #3 08-08-2006, 11:54 AM

I had my third laminectory about a month ago which is the second operation performed on the same disc.... the first was on the disc below it. I asked the surgeon about having a fussion done and he refuses to do so until it is absolutely necessary. Basically he said the fussion would cause extra pressure on the neighboring discs which would then increase the risk of those discs rupturing. Of course everyone is differnt but he was def not willing to jump on the fussion. The last surgery on this particular disc was less than two years ago. My case may be a little different as I'm only 26 and already on my 3rd surgery but I guess that's what degenerative discs get you.

My mom had a fussion last summer and came out of it great. There is almost no reduction in movement but the 6 months of restritions can be a bit much depending on your life style and job. If that is the route that is ultimately suggested I wouldn't run away from it.

JonK · #4 08-08-2006, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek

I had my third laminectory about a month ago which is the second operation performed on the same disc.... the first was on the disc below it. I asked the surgeon about having a fussion done and he refuses to do so until it is absolutely necessary. Basically he said the fussion would cause extra pressure on the neighboring discs which would then increase the risk of those discs rupturing. Of course everyone is differnt but he was def not willing to jump on the fussion. The last surgery on this particular disc was less than two years ago. My case may be a little different as I'm only 26 and already on my 3rd surgery but I guess that's what degenerative discs get you.

My mom had a fussion last summer and came out of it great. There is almost no reduction in movement but the 6 months of restritions can be a bit much depending on your life style and job. If that is the route that is ultimately suggested I wouldn't run away from it.

Thanks for sharing. I am still in my mid-thrity and LOT TO LIVE FOR. I just got my 2 PM appointment, I hope to get my MRI going at least. I'll keep you posted.

GUINNESS · #5 08-08-2006, 01:55 PM

Not a fan of fussion. Like Derek said, it causes a domino affect and should only be used as an extremely last resort. I was diagnosed with Pars Defect L4/5 by one of the top neurosurgeons in Philly and he basically told me stay stretched and stay in shape. He stated the only real way to fix it is with fussion and once fused together, I'm at greater risk of ruptured/herniated discs or further issues up my spine.

That said, considering your age, if fussion is recommended, get a 2nd and 3rd opinion. True, some people may not experience limited mobility while others do. Quality of life question I guess... is it something that can be tolerated with specific stretches every day as well as a strong core or is it a must to have surgery again? Also need to factor in recovery time which I'm sure you know about. I just remember seeing my dad after his back surgery and thinking to myself I never ever want to have to go through that.

Hope everything works out for you.

Scottie · #6 08-08-2006, 02:36 PM

not me but my other half Allan. broke his back years ago fell down stairs while reporting for guard duty only thing was about 15 other lads fell on top of him.

Was @ Aldershot hospital for a good few months couldn't walk for a few months was in body plaster then brace.

However he got back to some kid of fitness but he always had what I call a ducks bum after the accident. The in the 90's MRI scans became available and we had moved which meant our local hospital specialist was Mr Isbister a world specialist orthopedic surgeon. Allan was then operated on in 1998 on L4/L5 about which was a big postive although he lost a inch and a half in hieght.

Still has problems mainly due to scar tissue and muscle damage from around the area he was operated on.

Only recently he was told to cycle daily which really helps to keep those muscles loose.

His back muscles from a round the area can go into a spasim which will knock out both his legs fortunate not to often.

His last MRI scan about 4 years ago he was told that they could not chip away anymore bone from L4/L5

Allan was told that one day he might need to get fusion but it would only be ever be considered as a last resort something maybe in his 60's.

We don't let any of it affect our life and we very much get on with it.

JonK · #7 08-08-2006, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Have you looked into oriental accupuncture(sp?) therapy? Some one in family got relief by doing that for the back problems.

I wasted three months of life working with acupuncture doctors.
(I am not undermining all the good oriental medicine doctors, some really helps with pain relieves and they tend to see our human body holistically.)
He worked off his home in Downtown LA; I was forced to see him because he is a family friend. He asserted that any orthopedic surgeon or surgery won't help me in my case, that part I am still pissed about. He was very wrong.
During initial appointment he told me that since I have chest-hair it means I have a weak heart. My symptom is due to my passive-aggressive personality that stopped my 'yang' circulated only on upper chest. He previous patient, Chan Ho Park, former Dodgers Picture, is same case as you.
He administered acupuncture with DC current, obviously new thing, it felt quite refreshing at that moment. Worst thing was he had he had his herbs stored in transparent jars I saw flies hatched and buzzing inside.

I was forced to drink few G worth of herbs.

JonK · #8 08-10-2006, 04:32 PM

Yesterday, I was in MRI can for an hour, feeling clusterphobe, and thinking that this must be like dead laid in a coffin. It was boring dispite even though AC/DC music was sorta blasting. I am pretty certain that I will run like crazy if my doc mentions the dreaded F-word.

The reason I am up for a surgery is that I don't want to be a irritable person, rest of my life. I 'll keep you updated. Thank you for sharing.

ylwjacket · #9 08-10-2006, 04:48 PM

I just went through this, and opted for the non-surgical. Actually, I wanted surgery, and my doc opted for non-surgery. At the time, I was annoyed. After 4 months, it's much improved.

titanx5 · #10 08-10-2006, 06:58 PM

Hey, if you are really thinking about back surgery, you should probably at least see a neurosurgeon. Although both orthopods and neurosurgeons do spine surgery, trust me I would ask a neurosurgeon first.
Regarding the possiblity of fusion and you had prior surgery, it all depends on what kind of surgery you had the first time such as Diskectomy vs Microdiskectomy vs laminectomy vs foraminotomy and partial vs total.
The standard of care for disk/back problems is always conservative first with few days of rest then out of bed and mobilize plus anti-inflammatory, and it that fails then surgery. Also, you symptoms now might be due to a different level disk. It is true that if you are young and you get fusion then in time you can get level crep where the adjacent levels will be prone to more force and damage. But there are many people who had fusions in the 20's due to other reasons (trauma) and not have any problems 20 years later.

Another thing is that depending on the cause of your problem, which your MRI will show the level, and if due to disc if it's one side or not. Because now there is an artifical disk that can be placed. It's in the market now but of course only a few spine surgeons do it and very specific indications.

Reading the previous reply, just want to say that what other people have gone through will be totally different than what you are going through and it's hard to get an opinion about medical issues. Also, laminectomy is not surgery on the disk.

You being in Socal, you have access to some of the best spine surgeons in the country. I can give you a few suggestions if you want.

Wish you luck