Re: surgen recommends surgery...

[Guest guest]

davncar wrote:

> I have a herniated disk at L2-L3....leg is numb and hurts to walk (been

dealing with this 6 months now)..... Dr. recommends a minimally evasive type

surgery.......should i do it????

>

Davncar:

Get a second opinion. I got one opinion from an orthopedic surgeon and one from

a neurosurgeon who was trained in spinal surgery.

Surgery might help the numbness and help you be more functional and if it is at

a minimally invasive point, it might be worth it to get ride of the numbness and

relieve the problem of walking. I had a three level spinal fusion and it helped

me to be more functional and I did not have numbness all the time but have not

had it since then.

Only you can make that decision but with a second and even third opinion, you

will have a more informed decision. Good Luck and let us know what you find

out.

Bennie

[Guest guest]

> I have a hernaiated disk at L2-L3....leg is numb and hurts to

walk (been dealing with this 6 months now)..... dr. recommends a

minimally evasive type surgery.......should i do it????

Sorry you are in so much pain. Have you asked the surgeon if

there are any alternatives you could try first, like physical

therapy?

Be sure to ask him all the risks, then make a pro and con list

then make your choice.

I don't know if neurosurgeons do this kind of thing or not

that might be something to look into.

Let us know what happens, we care about you.

PS Does ice or heat help?

[Guest guest]

> Kaylene wrote:

> I don't know if neurosurgeons do this kind of thing or not

> that might be something to look into.

Kaylene,

My neurosurgeon actually is trained in spinal surgeries and also does the

nuerostimulators. He had additional schooling in Spinal Surgeries so I picked

him over a orthopedic surgeon although both are good. I just wanted to share

that nuerosurgeons do spinal surgeries and that is part of their training.

I did have courses of physical therapy and water therapy (swimming in the

water), heat packs and ultrasound, way before I decided on spinal surgery so I

agree with trying these courses of treatment before surgery. Bennie

[Guest guest]

> Davncar wrote:

> I have a herniated disk at L2-L3 - leg is numb and hurts to walk (been dealing

with this 6 months now). Dr. recommends a minimally evasive type surgery. Should

i do it????

----------

I had the same surgey in 4/95, cause of the same systems your having. My

daughter had to help me into the tub and dress me. That was embarressing for

both of us.

The Dr. said he couldn't do all he wanted to, it wasn't 'O.K.'d' by my

insurance. He didn't say what he wanted to do and like a dummie I didn't ask. I

soon found out, 4 other disc's were breaking down, allowing my 'Vertabrae to

fuse by themselves. One disc was as thin as paper, I'm sure by now that one is

gone also.

In June/95, my appendix burst, my back was in so much pain, I walked the halls

day and night. They thought I was feeling so much better, I was sent home in 4

days. I couldn't do any stretching, or excerices to help my back pain, being in

my own bed helped me. Then 'Friends' came to visit, I almost fell asleep on a

few of them, I really wanted to left alone.

The back surgey was a breeze, it was when I was just starting to feel better,

that my Appenedix burst. After that it was months before I felt better, but the

systems didn't come back. Unless I over did it, then it was only for a few days,

see 'I do it all here', fixing the car, plumbling, working part time, having the

'Kool-Aid' house, staying up to 2-3a.m. cleaning the house.

Ask your doctor or look at the X-rays, MRI'S to see how much disc is left, if he

removes the area that's bothering you, it doesn't grow back. If it gets

'thinner' it might cause you the problems I have and just wear away. Keep asking

everyone you know, read up on it, get a second opion. Every doctor has their own

opion, so you'll be more confused then ever.

I know the pain you're in, but you don't want to end up like me, in pain 24/7.

Yes I take more medication then I should, they only calm it down some, I'm

probly older then you. But I'm not 'living' or enjoying life. A lot to think

about, keep asking others what they think. Write me anytime, maybe we can talk,

My Back says Computer time is over, keep us posted. Love ya, Pegi XXOO

[Guest guest]

its kinda weird it seems like im slowly getting better...im not in as much pain

as i was 6 months ago....although i still hurt alot when i walk...i do it

anyway. im up to 45 minutes at the park...the surgeon says im a good candidate

for a successful surgery...decisions are tough

> Pegi wrote:

> I know the pain you're in, but you don't want to end up like me, in pain 24/7.

Yes I take more medication then I should, they only calm it down some, I'm

probly older then you. But I'm not 'living' or enjoying life. A lot to think

about, keep asking others what they think.