Guest guest Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 Find a good acupuncturist, you'll be fine. Take glucosamine if you want. I've reversed " degenerative discs " before. Start practicing tai chi or qigong. Degenerative Disk > I've been told by physical therapists and chiropractors that there is no > cure for a " Degenerative Disk " and that it's just something people go > thru after 50.....the good news is that I'm not a candidate for back > surgery according to my doctor, so she is referring me to another > doctor who will give me an epidermal shot in my spine....my question is > this: is there any danger in me taking that shot....anyone here on this > list know or heard about those kinds of shots? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 Hi, I am not a doctor but before getting a shot, please read Healing Back Pain by Sarno, MD. About 90% of all back pain is not caused by what is seen on a MRI scan. Most of what looks abnormal on those scans is normal aging of the spine which causes no pain. It is like gray hair- just what our bodies go through. Most of our pain is due to our emotions. I had horrible back pain for over 15 years and was told many reasons for it but it wasn't until I could connect my back pain to my anger and fear that the pain stopped. The book is not at all expensive and was the best investment I ever made. The shot is not going to cure your pain. It is a placebo. If you can get at the root of the pain, it will stop. Mine did. I was told I had degenerative disks, bulging disks, scoleosis, etc. I have been free of back pain for over 10 years. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Michele From: starwoman_777 <starwoman_777@...> Subject: Degenerative Disk Dr Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009, 3:42 PM I've been told by physical therapists and chiropractors that there is no cure for a " Degenerative Disk " and that it's just something people go thru after 50.....the good news is that I'm not a candidate for back surgery according to my doctor, so she is referring me to another doctor who will give me an epidermal shot in my spine....my question is this: is there any danger in me taking that shot....anyone here on this list know or heard about those kinds of shots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 One more thing - epidural shots are meant to surround the dura covering the spinal cord with the drug used. Sometimes they put the needle too deep, pierce the cord and paralyze people by mistake. Blessings! Arthur www.BestZapper.com www.ForgetDrugs.com P. S. Are you as healthy as you would like? Degenerative Disk Dr Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009, 3:42 PM I've been told by physical therapists and chiropractors that there is no cure for a " Degenerative Disk " and that it's just something people go thru after 50.....the good news is that I'm not a candidate for back surgery according to my doctor, so she is referring me to another doctor who will give me an epidermal shot in my spine....my question is this: is there any danger in me taking that shot....anyone here on this list know or heard about those kinds of shots? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 Hi, I'm in my 40's and get back pain if I eat foods high in oxalates (eg nuts, spinach). Have found great solace by using gold coin grass a couple of times per day. Amazing change. Have also had back scans done, yes, has showed disc issues, and I do have to handle a wheelchair bound 14yr old son daily so could blame all the pain on lifting issues. BUT the relief has come from understanding what I eat and if I choose foods that don't suit my kidneys making sure that I support them more than normal. Point being made here is that back pain is often referred from other organs stressing in the body. My emotions are WAY better now that I have the real truth on why I was a cripple and had to roll myself out of bed on many a day, then shower hot, stretch before I could even face the day. Life is much better now. **Grey hair responds well to zinc supports and consider chinese herbals here too. na > > From: starwoman_777 <starwoman_777@...> > Subject: Degenerative Disk > Dr > Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009, 3:42 PM > > > > I've been told by physical therapists and chiropractors that there is no > cure for a " Degenerative Disk " and that it's just something people go > thru after 50.....the good news is that I'm not a candidate for back > surgery according to my doctor, so she is referring me to another > doctor who will give me an epidermal shot in my spine....my question is > this: is there any danger in me taking that shot....anyone here on this > list know or heard about those kinds of shots? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 Tim, Many people on here have had surgery of some sort and some are contemplating surgery. If you have a fracture why are you letting a chiropractor work on you? Just curious because I would think with a fracture they may could do more harm than good. What kind of surgery are they suggesting for a fracture? Barb > > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any feedback would be great. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 I'm responding... not sure how much help I can offer, but I can relate! My spinal issues are mainly in my neck, but I've had one surgery and epidural injections twice. It's true that the statistics for surgery seem pretty bleak, especially regarding the lower back. Injection stats are confusing to me but I've heard a lot of folks say that can't live without them and others that they'll never do it again (same with surgery). After the two rounds of injections I've had I think I'm going to back off of the whole idea. (Personal opinion only--not advice, which I'm not qualified to give.) I sort of feel like the were just pumping me through, charging HUGE amounts of money for the relatively small and short-lived benefit I got, and isn't something I'd want to have to do for pain relief for the rest of my life. The surgery was different. I had thought " well, this is just my neck getting worse " for a long time because that's what my rheumatologist kept telling me. Long story shorter, a disc had extruded and completely pinched off a nerve. I tried PT, guided imagery, strong oral steroids, and way too much time before deciding to see a neurosurgeon. In my opinion, it's really a matter of what exactly is going on with your spinal condition(s) whether you have options to consider before going through with surgery. My case didn't require hardware or fusion (though looking back 3 years later, that might have been wiser), but after months of this extra-excruciating pain it wasn't going to suddenly fix itself. The surgery didn't make my " usual " neck pain better at all; it only addressed the nerve issue. But I was lucky with my surgeon, who told me the truth about the surgery, what it would potentially do for me, etc. without acting cut-happy. Keep talking about it. Eventually others will jump in... it just takes time sometimes. I guarantee you that most everyone here can relate to the pain, frustration, being unheard or ignored by doctors, too little support from family/friends, and can othewise commiserate with you and at least let you know you're not alone. Oh. And find some good websites to do research on. My personal favorites are eMedicine and spineuniverse. Others might guide you to other helpful sites. Best to you! > > I read different things and none of them sound great. > > About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back > find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. > > They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people > who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... > > To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. > > It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way > that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. > > I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each > other until someone else speaks up! > > From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@...> > > > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've > > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other > > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I > > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have > > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than > > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have > > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes > > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or > > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any > > feedback would be great. > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 Hi , I have wrote another message abit earlier, have a quick read of that then come back to me, it`s the one just above, which I replied to barb. Barry. Re: Degenerative Disk I'm responding... not sure how much help I can offer, but I can relate! My spinal issues are mainly in my neck, but I've had one surgery and epidural injections twice. It's true that the statistics for surgery seem pretty bleak, especially regarding the lower back. Injection stats are confusing to me but I've heard a lot of folks say that can't live without them and others that they'll never do it again (same with surgery). After the two rounds of injections I've had I think I'm going to back off of the whole idea. (Personal opinion only--not advice, which I'm not qualified to give.) I sort of feel like the were just pumping me through, charging HUGE amounts of money for the relatively small and short-lived benefit I got, and isn't something I'd want to have to do for pain relief for the rest of my life. The surgery was different. I had thought " well, this is just my neck getting worse " for a long time because that's what my rheumatologist kept telling me. Long story shorter, a disc had extruded and completely pinched off a nerve. I tried PT, guided imagery, strong oral steroids, and way too much time before deciding to see a neurosurgeon. In my opinion, it's really a matter of what exactly is going on with your spinal condition(s) whether you have options to consider before going through with surgery. My case didn't require hardware or fusion (though looking back 3 years later, that might have been wiser), but after months of this extra-excruciating pain it wasn't going to suddenly fix itself. The surgery didn't make my " usual " neck pain better at all; it only addressed the nerve issue. But I was lucky with my surgeon, who told me the truth about the surgery, what it would potentially do for me, etc. without acting cut-happy. Keep talking about it. Eventually others will jump in... it just takes time sometimes. I guarantee you that most everyone here can relate to the pain, frustration, being unheard or ignored by doctors, too little support from family/friends, and can othewise commiserate with you and at least let you know you're not alone. Oh. And find some good websites to do research on. My personal favorites are eMedicine and spineuniverse. Others might guide you to other helpful sites. Best to you! > > I read different things and none of them sound great. > > About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back > find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. > > They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people > who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... > > To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. > > It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way > that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. > > I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each > other until someone else speaks up! > > From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@...> > > > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've > > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other > > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I > > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have > > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than > > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have > > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes > > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or > > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any > > feedback would be great. > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 Re: back surgery. It is so rare to hear that someone had a good outcome after back surgery. I wonder if the ones that do just don't write about it as this is a support for those in pain. I did not have good luck and it will be eleven years Feb. 3. And if I knew then what I know now I would not have done it. Even though I could not do too much it was a lot more than I can do now. Only with failed back surgery I later added severe neuropathy. I would get at least three opinions and research until you can find those that must have had good luck. I wish you good luck as we all keep hoping we will find relief somehow. Lois On 12/31/09, mamawolf33 <vendetta33@...> wrote: > I'm responding... not sure how much help I can offer, but I can relate! > > My spinal issues are mainly in my neck, but I've had one surgery and > epidural injections twice. It's true that the statistics for surgery seem > pretty bleak, especially regarding the lower back. Injection stats are > confusing to me but I've heard a lot of folks say that can't live without > them and others that they'll never do it again (same with surgery). > > After the two rounds of injections I've had I think I'm going to back off of > the whole idea. (Personal opinion only--not advice, which I'm not qualified > to give.) I sort of feel like the were just pumping me through, charging > HUGE amounts of money for the relatively small and short-lived benefit I > got, and isn't something I'd want to have to do for pain relief for the rest > of my life. > > The surgery was different. I had thought " well, this is just my neck getting > worse " for a long time because that's what my rheumatologist kept telling > me. Long story shorter, a disc had extruded and completely pinched off a > nerve. I tried PT, guided imagery, strong oral steroids, and way too much > time before deciding to see a neurosurgeon. > > In my opinion, it's really a matter of what exactly is going on with your > spinal condition(s) whether you have options to consider before going > through with surgery. My case didn't require hardware or fusion (though > looking back 3 years later, that might have been wiser), but after months of > this extra-excruciating pain it wasn't going to suddenly fix itself. The > surgery didn't make my " usual " neck pain better at all; it only addressed > the nerve issue. But I was lucky with my surgeon, who told me the truth > about the surgery, what it would potentially do for me, etc. without acting > cut-happy. > > Keep talking about it. Eventually others will jump in... it just takes time > sometimes. I guarantee you that most everyone here can relate to the pain, > frustration, being unheard or ignored by doctors, too little support from > family/friends, and can othewise commiserate with you and at least let you > know you're not alone. > > Oh. And find some good websites to do research on. My personal favorites are > eMedicine and spineuniverse. Others might guide you to other helpful sites. > > Best to you! > > > >> >> I read different things and none of them sound great. >> >> About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back >> find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. >> >> They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people >> who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... >> >> To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. >> >> It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way >> that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. >> >> I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each >> other until someone else speaks up! >> >> From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@...> >> >> > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've >> > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other >> > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I >> > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have >> > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than >> > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have >> > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes >> > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or >> > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any >> > feedback would be great. >> > >> > >> > >> > ------------------------------------ >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 I hate to make suggestions that I truly don't know much about, but I'm going to anyway. Others with experience can jump in or tell me to zip it, and I'll listen: Are you a candidate for a pain pump, Barry? Like I said, I don't know much about them (or how they decide who is a good candidate), but reading more about your poor back that's what popped into my mind. > > > > I read different things and none of them sound great. > > > > About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back > > find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. > > > > They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people > > who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... > > > > To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. > > > > It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way > > that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. > > > > I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each > > other until someone else speaks up! > > > > From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@> > > > > > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've > > > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other > > > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I > > > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have > > > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than > > > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have > > > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes > > > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or > > > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any > > > feedback would be great. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Hi there I am new to the group and would like to suggest maybe TEN or nerve blocker before jumping into surgery. I have 8 years and 5 surgeries that were goinng to fix the problem and relieve the pain. I have S1 to L3 fusion and compress neve at C6 once they start cutting on you it seem like a never ending battle. All my surgeries have be sucessfull and I am not in a lot of pain. Thank GOD for good pain killers. I had no feeling in lower extemidities and numbness above my navel. Pain can make your life real misserible. One opinon was to get injections in my back for blugging disk, another wanted to go through my side just below the rib cage. The finial one that I went with was the doctor that said I have had tooo many surgeries and that he would be my last. It has been 6 months I feel great! I still have good and bad days but, they are getting further apart. Pain meds are less.  Not to write a book on it but get as many opinons from the experts as you can. My last one was from Spinal reconstruction I found on the web.......Good Luck Ken ________________________________ From: mamawolf33 <vendetta33@...> spinal problems Sent: Fri, January 1, 2010 7:47:23 AM Subject: Re: Degenerative Disk  I hate to make suggestions that I truly don't know much about, but I'm going to anyway. Others with experience can jump in or tell me to zip it, and I'll listen: Are you a candidate for a pain pump, Barry? Like I said, I don't know much about them (or how they decide who is a good candidate), but reading more about your poor back that's what popped into my mind. > > > > I read different things and none of them sound great. > > > > About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back > > find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. > > > > They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people > > who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... > > > > To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. > > > > It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way > > that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. > > > > I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each > > other until someone else speaks up! > > > > From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@ > > > > > > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've > > > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other > > > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I > > > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have > > > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than > > > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have > > > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes > > > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or > > > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any > > > feedback would be great. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Ken, I too have had many spinal fusions, everything between L2-S1 and C1-C7. I now have fully herniated discs at L1-2 and C7-T1 which I really do need to get taken care of. Who is the doc. you most recently used and what did he do for you? I'd really appreciate knowing. Thanks much. Kate Re: Degenerative Disk I hate to make suggestions that I truly don't know much about, but I'm going to anyway. Others with experience can jump in or tell me to zip it, and I'll listen: Are you a candidate for a pain pump, Barry? Like I said, I don't know much about them (or how they decide who is a good candidate), but reading more about your poor back that's what popped into my mind. > > > > I read different things and none of them sound great. > > > > About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back > > find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. > > > > They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people > > who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... > > > > To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. > > > > It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way > > that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. > > > > I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each > > other until someone else speaks up! > > > > From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@ > > > > > > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've > > > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other > > > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I > > > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have > > > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than > > > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have > > > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes > > > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or > > > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any > > > feedback would be great. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 www.permanente.net/doctor/hansbueff Kate Dr. Bueff is in Sacramento, California he relieve the presure on L-1 ________________________________ From: Kate Carroll <katecarr@...> spinal problems Sent: Fri, January 1, 2010 7:53:49 PM Subject: Re: Re: Degenerative Disk  Ken, I too have had many spinal fusions, everything between L2-S1 and C1-C7. I now have fully herniated discs at L1-2 and C7-T1 which I really do need to get taken care of. Who is the doc. you most recently used and what did he do for you? I'd really appreciate knowing. Thanks much. Kate Re: Degenerative Disk I hate to make suggestions that I truly don't know much about, but I'm going to anyway. Others with experience can jump in or tell me to zip it, and I'll listen: Are you a candidate for a pain pump, Barry? Like I said, I don't know much about them (or how they decide who is a good candidate), but reading more about your poor back that's what popped into my mind. > > > > I read different things and none of them sound great. > > > > About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back > > find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. > > > > They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people > > who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... > > > > To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. > > > > It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way > > that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. > > > > I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each > > other until someone else speaks up! > > > > From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@ > > > > > > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've > > > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other > > > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I > > > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have > > > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than > > > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have > > > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes > > > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or > > > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any > > > feedback would be great. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2010 Report Share Posted January 5, 2010 But how? On 1 Jan 2010 at 21:13, Lawrence wrote: > Kate Dr. Bueff is in Sacramento, California he relieve the presure > on L-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2010 Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 Hi all - sorry this is so delayed in responding to this thread . I have been diagnosed a while ago with DDD and had a posterior cervical fusion of C4-7 almost 2 years ago and I am so glad I did. No more pain radiating down my arm, no more constant twisting of my neck to find a less painful position., no more loss of strength in my arm, nor tingling or shooting pain down my arm, or aches...I have a little bit of loss of sensation to a couple of finger tips on my left hand, but otherwise a completely successful surgery. That being said I have read so many here that did not have such results. I am now having lower back problems and severe sciatica and loss of sensation in several toes and along parts of my leg and ankle. . I can lie in bed and twist my spine when lying flat and feel a vertebrate sort of shift and move..not sure which one it is but lower Thoracic or upper Lumbar region for sure. That scares me...it sort of feels like pulling apart a watchband and how it realigns each time...no real pain yet when doing that as long as I am lying prone and legs up... I am really worried about the possibility of lower back surgery because I have not heard too many successful lumbar surgeries on this site either but am going to get an MRI and then we will see...I know there are issues with my lower back , because my orthopedic surgeon (not the one that did my neck) who re-did a THR after 13 years saw probelms on a hip x-ray a few years ago..now my back it is causing weakness and limitation in leg movement and the sever sciatica - even with pain meds I cannot sit or stand for long without it reaching a " 7 " pain level and sometimes worse..(in response to that thread 10 is I go to the emergency room...) I guess I needed to vent and I was wondering if anyone has had a good result from a Lumbar fusion that is willing to share to us considering it! Thanks and prayers for a pain free day!! mark ________________________________ From: Lois Churchill <mickyk13@...> spinal problems Sent: Thu, December 31, 2009 11:04:04 PM Subject: Re: Degenerative Disk Re: back surgery. It is so rare to hear that someone had a good outcome after back surgery. I wonder if the ones that do just don't write about it as this is a support for those in pain. I did not have good luck and it will be eleven years Feb. 3. And if I knew then what I know now I would not have done it. Even though I could not do too much it was a lot more than I can do now. Only with failed back surgery I later added severe neuropathy. I would get at least three opinions and research until you can find those that must have had good luck. I wish you good luck as we all keep hoping we will find relief somehow. Lois On 12/31/09, mamawolf33 <vendetta33comcast (DOT) net> wrote: > I'm responding.. . not sure how much help I can offer, but I can relate! > > My spinal issues are mainly in my neck, but I've had one surgery and > epidural injections twice. It's true that the statistics for surgery seem > pretty bleak, especially regarding the lower back. Injection stats are > confusing to me but I've heard a lot of folks say that can't live without > them and others that they'll never do it again (same with surgery). > > After the two rounds of injections I've had I think I'm going to back off of > the whole idea. (Personal opinion only--not advice, which I'm not qualified > to give.) I sort of feel like the were just pumping me through, charging > HUGE amounts of money for the relatively small and short-lived benefit I > got, and isn't something I'd want to have to do for pain relief for the rest > of my life. > > The surgery was different. I had thought " well, this is just my neck getting > worse " for a long time because that's what my rheumatologist kept telling > me. Long story shorter, a disc had extruded and completely pinched off a > nerve. I tried PT, guided imagery, strong oral steroids, and way too much > time before deciding to see a neurosurgeon. > > In my opinion, it's really a matter of what exactly is going on with your > spinal condition(s) whether you have options to consider before going > through with surgery. My case didn't require hardware or fusion (though > looking back 3 years later, that might have been wiser), but after months of > this extra-excruciating pain it wasn't going to suddenly fix itself. The > surgery didn't make my " usual " neck pain better at all; it only addressed > the nerve issue. But I was lucky with my surgeon, who told me the truth > about the surgery, what it would potentially do for me, etc. without acting > cut-happy. > > Keep talking about it. Eventually others will jump in... it just takes time > sometimes. I guarantee you that most everyone here can relate to the pain, > frustration, being unheard or ignored by doctors, too little support from > family/friends, and can othewise commiserate with you and at least let you > know you're not alone. > > Oh. And find some good websites to do research on. My personal favorites are > eMedicine and spineuniverse. Others might guide you to other helpful sites. > > Best to you! > > > >> >> I read different things and none of them sound great. >> >> About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back >> find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. >> >> They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people >> who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... >> >> To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. >> >> It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way >> that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. >> >> I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each >> other until someone else speaks up! >> >> From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@ ...> >> >> > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've >> > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other >> > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I >> > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have >> > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than >> > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have >> > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes >> > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or >> > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any >> > feedback would be great. >> > >> > >> > >> > ------------ --------- --------- ------ >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2010 Report Share Posted January 12, 2010 I too, have read and heard about the many unsuccessful stories regarding fusions. I do not believe everybody is being truly accurate, and think that there are many whom have had the surgery, that view it positively. As my pain results from the cervical and lumbar areas, it is the later which garners all the attention. Although I am only 5 months out from my lumbar fusion, I believe the procedure was successful in that it ridded myself of the most intense pains. This is what I wanted to have happen, and it did. For my remaining pain, I have been sent to a pain clinic (once again) where I have just had a double injection performed and where I receive narcotic medications. Right now I am happy with how everything is being handled. Pain medications and lying down have been the only things that help. Well, drinking does the trick also, but what are you gonna do?! If for the rest of my life, the back pain, radiculopathy, and all other issues which arise from my conditions, were to remain how it has been post-operation, I would be so grateful and could not ask for anything more! dave ________________________________ From: Mark R Hardin <gilachub@...> spinal problems Sent: Tue, January 12, 2010 9:30:19 AM Subject: Re: Degenerative Disk  Hi all - sorry this is so delayed in responding to this thread . I have been diagnosed a while ago with DDD and had a posterior cervical fusion of C4-7 almost 2 years ago and I am so glad I did. No more pain radiating down my arm, no more constant twisting of my neck to find a less painful position., no more loss of strength in my arm, nor tingling or shooting pain down my arm, or aches...I have a little bit of loss of sensation to a couple of finger tips on my left hand, but otherwise a completely successful surgery. That being said I have read so many here that did not have such results. I am now having lower back problems and severe sciatica and loss of sensation in several toes and along parts of my leg and ankle. . I can lie in bed and twist my spine when lying flat and feel a vertebrate sort of shift and move..not sure which one it is but lower Thoracic or upper Lumbar region for sure. That scares me...it sort of feels like pulling apart a watchband and how it realigns each time...no real pain yet when doing that as long as I am lying prone and legs up... I am really worried about the possibility of lower back surgery because I have not heard too many successful lumbar surgeries on this site either but am going to get an MRI and then we will see...I know there are issues with my lower back , because my orthopedic surgeon (not the one that did my neck) who re-did a THR after 13 years saw probelms on a hip x-ray a few years ago..now my back it is causing weakness and limitation in leg movement and the sever sciatica - even with pain meds I cannot sit or stand for long without it reaching a " 7 " pain level and sometimes worse..(in response to that thread 10 is I go to the emergency room...) I guess I needed to vent and I was wondering if anyone has had a good result from a Lumbar fusion that is willing to share to us considering it! Thanks and prayers for a pain free day!! mark ____________ _________ _________ __ From: Lois Churchill <mickyk13gmail (DOT) com> spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com Sent: Thu, December 31, 2009 11:04:04 PM Subject: Re: Degenerative Disk Re: back surgery. It is so rare to hear that someone had a good outcome after back surgery. I wonder if the ones that do just don't write about it as this is a support for those in pain. I did not have good luck and it will be eleven years Feb. 3. And if I knew then what I know now I would not have done it. Even though I could not do too much it was a lot more than I can do now. Only with failed back surgery I later added severe neuropathy. I would get at least three opinions and research until you can find those that must have had good luck. I wish you good luck as we all keep hoping we will find relief somehow. Lois On 12/31/09, mamawolf33 <vendetta33@ comcast. net> wrote: > I'm responding.. . not sure how much help I can offer, but I can relate! > > My spinal issues are mainly in my neck, but I've had one surgery and > epidural injections twice. It's true that the statistics for surgery seem > pretty bleak, especially regarding the lower back. Injection stats are > confusing to me but I've heard a lot of folks say that can't live without > them and others that they'll never do it again (same with surgery). > > After the two rounds of injections I've had I think I'm going to back off of > the whole idea. (Personal opinion only--not advice, which I'm not qualified > to give.) I sort of feel like the were just pumping me through, charging > HUGE amounts of money for the relatively small and short-lived benefit I > got, and isn't something I'd want to have to do for pain relief for the rest > of my life. > > The surgery was different. I had thought " well, this is just my neck getting > worse " for a long time because that's what my rheumatologist kept telling > me. Long story shorter, a disc had extruded and completely pinched off a > nerve. I tried PT, guided imagery, strong oral steroids, and way too much > time before deciding to see a neurosurgeon. > > In my opinion, it's really a matter of what exactly is going on with your > spinal condition(s) whether you have options to consider before going > through with surgery. My case didn't require hardware or fusion (though > looking back 3 years later, that might have been wiser), but after months of > this extra-excruciating pain it wasn't going to suddenly fix itself. The > surgery didn't make my " usual " neck pain better at all; it only addressed > the nerve issue. But I was lucky with my surgeon, who told me the truth > about the surgery, what it would potentially do for me, etc. without acting > cut-happy. > > Keep talking about it. Eventually others will jump in... it just takes time > sometimes. I guarantee you that most everyone here can relate to the pain, > frustration, being unheard or ignored by doctors, too little support from > family/friends, and can othewise commiserate with you and at least let you > know you're not alone. > > Oh. And find some good websites to do research on. My personal favorites are > eMedicine and spineuniverse. Others might guide you to other helpful sites. > > Best to you! > > > >> >> I read different things and none of them sound great. >> >> About 50% of the people I talk to who have surgery on their back >> find that it helps. That si not very good in my opinion. >> >> They say that 30 to 70% (whatever THAT means) of the people >> who have the epidural cortisone injections find that helps.... >> >> To me the odds aren't very good. I've tried a lot of other things. >> >> It's very hard to do all of the stretches and exercises the way >> that the " experts " tell you to do them when it hurts so much. >> >> I am still at a bit of a loss, Tim but at least we can console each >> other until someone else speaks up! >> >> From: " Tim " <tmmediainc@ ...> >> >> > Im 37 and I have a degenerative disk with a hair line fracture. I've >> > tried a chiropractor, physical therapy, decompression and some other >> > things and now I'm thinking I'm going to have to look at surgery. I >> > have heard some nightmares from people telling me not to have >> > surgery and just live with it, but I can not sit down for more than >> > 15 minutes with out aggravating my back. I live in Dallas and have >> > been looking at doctors and these back hospitals and back institutes >> > and I don't know what is the better option a individual doctor or >> > one of these institutes that do a large volume of surgeries. Any >> > feedback would be great. >> > >> > >> > >> > ------------ --------- --------- ------ >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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