Re: ? for L5/S1 fusion post-ops

[Guest guest]

_shaynal2003@..._ (mailto:shaynal2003@...) writes: << You might

also consider just having the herniation repaired without fusion. I had

laminectomy, foraminotomy on L-5, S-1. I had a severe herniation and have had a

good result with that surgery. It is much less invasive than having a fusion

and is many times just as effective if not more. Fusion is not always

required. I would definitely seek out a second opinion before having the

fusion.>>

Sorry if I sound dumb, but could you please explain the actual procedure

that gave you good results? I admit to needing education regarding names and

descriptions of spinal issues.

I am bone-on-bone, there is no disc left. The way I understood my last

procedure was that the herniation (bulging fluid) was sucked out with the L5/S1

MetRx discectomy on 9/29. The surgeon said he found tons of bone spurs that he

filed off once he opened me up. I knew something was wrong within 2 weeks

because I felt " ok " for about 7-10 days, then instead of getting better, I

began

to feel more unstable until I tripped out of the tub. He told me that

happened because the surgery failed.

He is not willing to do any other surgery besides a fusion because he said

now that the area's already been compromised it can cause way too much scar

tissue to have to keep going in there.

The more I think about this, the more I'm (once again) swaying to delaying

the surgery and giving this new neurologist 6 months to try things " his way " . I

should know for sure by then if his methods will provide relief. Since he is

also a pain mgmt dr, he has agreed to accept me for care with or without a

fusion. Of course he prefers going without.

Thank you for replying. I appreciate your input.

Best regards,

Patty A

--------------------------

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

**************Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and

favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

(http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp & icid=aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)

[Guest guest]

I had one in 1999 after exacustive attempts at all other means. I

tried everything avaialble to date back then with no releif from the

terrbible bouts of slipping and weeks of sciatica and inflamation so

bad I couldn't move. The year leading up to the surgery gave me

little releif so it was time.

After surgery, I returned to my job of which comprised of over the

road sales. allot of driving. In order to get back sooner, I

purchased a minivan and had set it up so that I would be able to lye

down if need be. For almost six months, my pain was what I expected

as healing pain I guess so I ignored it. However, it slowley got

worse as time went on until one day I could not hanlde the burning in

my low back right at the surgical sight. This is what I live with

every day and am now a chronic pain sufferer.

In my opinion, this surgery was not a success. It just changed thing

around a bit. I am unable to hold a job and am now on SSD. The pain

is set off so easily and so quickly, there is no way for me to know

when or how bad it will be any particular day but when it is bad,

it's really bad and when it's not to bad, it's still dibilitating due

to the fear of it getting bad if you over do something. Sitting,

standing, driving, all cuse my nerves to burn like a hot knife and if

I do not lye down before it's too late, I suffer for days.

Sorry but this is true. The surgery was not a success for me.

Rich

>

> I am specifically interested in L5/S1 fusions only, especially

TLIFs. If

> you've had one, I'd like to hear from you.

> Did you exhaust all other avenues first?

> How has it changed the quality of your life?

> Would you do it again?

>

> group or private emails (_NCGorgeous1963@..._

> (mailto:NCGorgeous1963@...) ) are welcomed!

> Thanks in advance.

>

> Patty A

> --------------------------

> Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying,

transcription or

> redistribution outside this list without express written

permission is not

> permitted.

> **************Make your life easier with all your friends, email,

and

> favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

> (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-

dp & icid=aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Patty,

You might also consider just having the herniation repaired without fusion.

I had laminectomy, foraminotomy on L-5, S-1. I had a severe herniation and have

had a good result with that surgery.

It is much less invasive than having a fusion and is many times just as

effective if not more.

Fusion is not always required. I would definitely seek out a second opinion

before having the fusion.

Again, fusion may not be necessary.

 

Shayna

 

 It is better to be hated for who you are than liked for who you aren't.

From: NCGorgeous1963@... <NCGorgeous1963@...>

Subject: ? for L5/S1 fusion post-ops

NCGorgeous1963@...

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 2:53 PM

I am specifically interested in L5/S1 fusions only, especially TLIFs. If

you've had one, I'd like to hear from you.

Did you exhaust all other avenues first?

How has it changed the quality of your life?

Would you do it again?

group or private emails (_NCGorgeous1963@ aol.com_

(mailto:NCGorgeous1963@ aol.com) ) are welcomed!

Thanks in advance.

Patty A

------------ --------- -----

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

************ **Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and

favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

(http://www.aol. com/?optin= new-dp & icid= aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolco

m00000010)

[Guest guest]

I too had no disk left. I think dome people can be candidates for an srtigicisl

disk. However in my case I have a twisted and curved spine that would eat ip any

new disk. My only option was the TLIF. It did correct the severe sciatica pain

but I am having delayed recovery with regards to the muscles and nerves. I saw

my doctor yesterday and he agreed that my scoliosis complicated things. The P.

T. Ecpaimef that the facia that surrounds the muscles are all connected and

effect each other. This Is why I experienced the spasms. I'm back to taking half

a perc twice a day along with Valium twice a day , ronaxum muscle relaxerd 4

times a day and Tylenol 4 times aday to stay ahead of the pain. This I'd under

the advice of my P. T. And neurosurgeon. I think I had tried to cut out the meds

too soon. My dear friend who I'd also a nurse took me to my appt yesterday and I

had the forsight to bring cusions and used a wheel chair to get around from xray

to the doctors

office. I rewarded my friend with a nice dimmer out even. Of was a bit too

much activity for me but I've had such cabin fever that itvcelt good to be out

for once. I'm abut sorer today but I'll try to take it easy today. I asked for

copies of my films yesterday and was alarmed to see how severe my spine curve

was. We will monitor it yearly with xrays to make sure it remains stable. I

can't even imagine a complete spine fusion.

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 4, 2008, at 10:51 PM, NCGorgeous1963@... wrote:

_shaynal2003@..._ (mailto:shaynal2003@...) writes: << You might

also consider just having the herniation repaired without fusion. I had

laminectomy, foraminotomy on L-5, S-1. I had a severe herniation and have had a

good result with that surgery. It is much less invasive than having a fusion

and is many times just as effective if not more. Fusion is not always

required. I would definitely seek out a second opinion before having the

fusion.>>

Sorry if I sound dumb, but could you please explain the actual procedure

that gave you good results? I admit to needing education regarding names and

descriptions of spinal issues.

I am bone-on-bone, there is no disc left. The way I understood my last

procedure was that the herniation (bulging fluid) was sucked out with the L5/S1

MetRx discectomy on 9/29. The surgeon said he found tons of bone spurs that he

filed off once he opened me up. I knew something was wrong within 2 weeks

because I felt " ok " for about 7-10 days, then instead of getting better, I began

to feel more unstable until I tripped out of the tub. He told me that

happened because the surgery failed.

He is not willing to do any other surgery besides a fusion because he said

now that the area's already been compromised it can cause way too much scar

tissue to have to keep going in there.

The more I think about this, the more I'm (once again) swaying to delaying

the surgery and giving this new neurologist 6 months to try things " his way " . I

should know for sure by then if his methods will provide relief. Since he is

also a pain mgmt dr, he has agreed to accept me for care with or without a

fusion. Of course he prefers going without.

Thank you for replying. I appreciate your input.

Best regards,

Patty A

--------------------------

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

**************Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and

favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

(http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp & icid=aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)

[Guest guest]

Patty,

I would definitely give the pain management a chance first.

Keep in mind, once the hardware is in there and you have that surgery, there is

no going back. It can not be undone.

But, you can pursue the pain management aspect and that might be a much safer

method for you.

The surgery I had sounds very similar to what you have already gone through.

It was basically a herniation removal and removal of bone spurs and some of the

facet to allow the nerve to have more room.

I am in a similar situation with my spine, in that I have little to no cushion

left throughout my spine.

I just started pain management yesterday and already I feel like I will be in

good hands and that he will take good care.

I asked him for something similar to Hydrocodone that would not give me cotton

mouth as badly and he prescribed Percocet 10/ 325 every six hours.

I was not prepared for how that would knock me on my butt.

However, the pain is much much better. So, I guess it is a trade-off.

I am dopey as all get out, but my pain is better. So, again, think long and hard

about adding hardware to your spine, once completed there is no going back.

But, you can pursue pain management and probably will have a good result at

least for a time and that will buy you some time to make a more informed

decision about the fusion.

Just my little two cents. Good luck on whatever you decide. Oh, one more thing.

Has he done any more testing since you tripped getting out of the shower?

You may have reinjured yourself. Also, just because you tripped doesn't mean it

was directly related to the surgery.

I had a similar result with my lumbar discectomy. For about two weeks I felt

pretty good and then the spasming and some of the same pain as before came back.

But, if you give it some time it may improve. My lumbar has improved some, since

the immediate issues after surgery. So, it might take some time. I had my Lumbar

on 04.18.08 and then my cervical on 05.28.08.

The cervical gave me no relief at all. I am the same as before surgery and my

neuro refuses to call if failed back surgery.

Anyway, enough of my venting.

 

Shayna

 It is better to be hated for who you are than liked for who you aren't.

From: NCGorgeous1963@... <NCGorgeous1963@...>

Subject: Re: ? for L5/S1 fusion post-ops

spinal problems

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 9:51 PM

_shaynal2003_ (mailto:shaynal2003) writes: << You might

also consider just having the herniation repaired without fusion. I had

laminectomy, foraminotomy on L-5, S-1. I had a severe herniation and have had a

good result with that surgery. It is much less invasive than having a fusion

and is many times just as effective if not more. Fusion is not always

required. I would definitely seek out a second opinion before having the

fusion.>>

Sorry if I sound dumb, but could you please explain the actual procedure

that gave you good results? I admit to needing education regarding names and

descriptions of spinal issues.

I am bone-on-bone, there is no disc left. The way I understood my last

procedure was that the herniation (bulging fluid) was sucked out with the L5/S1

MetRx discectomy on 9/29. The surgeon said he found tons of bone spurs that he

filed off once he opened me up. I knew something was wrong within 2 weeks

because I felt " ok " for about 7-10 days, then instead of getting better, I began

to feel more unstable until I tripped out of the tub. He told me that

happened because the surgery failed.

He is not willing to do any other surgery besides a fusion because he said

now that the area's already been compromised it can cause way too much scar

tissue to have to keep going in there.

The more I think about this, the more I'm (once again) swaying to delaying

the surgery and giving this new neurologist 6 months to try things " his way " . I

should know for sure by then if his methods will provide relief. Since he is

also a pain mgmt dr, he has agreed to accept me for care with or without a

fusion. Of course he prefers going without.

Thank you for replying. I appreciate your input.

Best regards,

Patty A

------------ --------- -----

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

************ **Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and

favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

(http://www.aol. com/?optin= new-dp & icid= aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolco

m00000010)

[Guest guest]

Hi Shayna

if those percocets are too strong, try breaking them in half.

I found the 7/325 mgs too strong for me and even the half was too much (dopey,

out of it.)

so Im back to the 5/515 mg and I break them in half for most days, and take 1/2

in am and maybe another 1/2 4 hours later.

When its really bad I take the whole thing and it seems to work and maybe

another one around 4, 5pm.

So dont be afraid to tell your Doc its too strong and knocking you out because

the lower doses can work well too.

thats just my 2 cents.

RN

Re: ? for L5/S1 fusion post-ops

spinal problems

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 9:51 PM

_shaynal2003_ (mailto:shaynal2003) writes: << You might

also consider just having the herniation repaired without fusion. I had

laminectomy, foraminotomy on L-5, S-1. I had a severe herniation and have had a

good result with that surgery. It is much less invasive than having a fusion

and is many times just as effective if not more. Fusion is not always

required. I would definitely seek out a second opinion before having the

fusion.>>

Sorry if I sound dumb, but could you please explain the actual procedure

that gave you good results? I admit to needing education regarding names and

descriptions of spinal issues.

I am bone-on-bone, there is no disc left. The way I understood my last

procedure was that the herniation (bulging fluid) was sucked out with the L5/S1

MetRx discectomy on 9/29. The surgeon said he found tons of bone spurs that he

filed off once he opened me up. I knew something was wrong within 2 weeks

because I felt " ok " for about 7-10 days, then instead of getting better, I began

to feel more unstable until I tripped out of the tub. He told me that

happened because the surgery failed.

He is not willing to do any other surgery besides a fusion because he said

now that the area's already been compromised it can cause way too much scar

tissue to have to keep going in there.

The more I think about this, the more I'm (once again) swaying to delaying

the surgery and giving this new neurologist 6 months to try things " his way " . I

should know for sure by then if his methods will provide relief. Since he is

also a pain mgmt dr, he has agreed to accept me for care with or without a

fusion. Of course he prefers going without.

Thank you for replying. I appreciate your input.

Best regards,

Patty A

------------ --------- -----

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

************ **Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and

favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

(http://www.aol. com/?optin= new-dp & icid= aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolco

m00000010)

[Guest guest]

Thanks ,

I think I will try breaking them in half. A whole one is just too much. It is

knocking me on my butt. 

Ended up getting a horrible migraine, like I had a hangover. Took them yesterday

like clockwork, which is what he said to do. Just too much!!

Will try cutting them in half.

Thanks again,

Shayna

 It is better to be hated for who you are than liked for who you aren't.

From: NCGorgeous1963@ aol.com <NCGorgeous1963@ aol.com>

Subject: Re: ? for L5/S1 fusion post-ops

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 9:51 PM

_shaynal2003_ (mailto:shaynal2003 ) writes: << You might

also consider just having the herniation repaired without fusion. I had

laminectomy, foraminotomy on L-5, S-1. I had a severe herniation and have had a

good result with that surgery. It is much less invasive than having a fusion

and is many times just as effective if not more. Fusion is not always

required. I would definitely seek out a second opinion before having the

fusion.>>

Sorry if I sound dumb, but could you please explain the actual procedure

that gave you good results? I admit to needing education regarding names and

descriptions of spinal issues.

I am bone-on-bone, there is no disc left. The way I understood my last

procedure was that the herniation (bulging fluid) was sucked out with the L5/S1

MetRx discectomy on 9/29. The surgeon said he found tons of bone spurs that he

filed off once he opened me up. I knew something was wrong within 2 weeks

because I felt " ok " for about 7-10 days, then instead of getting better, I began

to feel more unstable until I tripped out of the tub. He told me that

happened because the surgery failed.

He is not willing to do any other surgery besides a fusion because he said

now that the area's already been compromised it can cause way too much scar

tissue to have to keep going in there.

The more I think about this, the more I'm (once again) swaying to delaying

the surgery and giving this new neurologist 6 months to try things " his way " . I

should know for sure by then if his methods will provide relief. Since he is

also a pain mgmt dr, he has agreed to accept me for care with or without a

fusion. Of course he prefers going without.

Thank you for replying. I appreciate your input.

Best regards,

Patty A

------------ --------- -----

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

************ **Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and

favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

(http://www.aol. com/?optin= new-dp & icid= aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolco

m00000010)

[Guest guest]

At the advice of my P. T. I started taking half a perk 2-3 times a day and it's

made a huge difference without making me feel all drugged up.

Thanks!

Rhonda

On Dec 5, 2008, at 5:50 PM, Shayna <shaynal2003@...> wrote:

Thanks ,

I think I will try breaking them in half. A whole one is just too much. It is

knocking me on my butt.

Ended up getting a horrible migraine, like I had a hangover. Took them yesterday

like clockwork, which is what he said to do. Just too much!!

Will try cutting them in half.

Thanks again,

Shayna

It is better to be hated for who you are than liked for who you aren't.

From: NCGorgeous1963@ aol.com <NCGorgeous1963@ aol.com>

Subject: Re: ? for L5/S1 fusion post-ops

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 9:51 PM

_shaynal2003_ (mailto:shaynal2003 ) writes: << You might

also consider just having the herniation repaired without fusion. I had

laminectomy, foraminotomy on L-5, S-1. I had a severe herniation and have had a

good result with that surgery. It is much less invasive than having a fusion

and is many times just as effective if not more. Fusion is not always

required. I would definitely seek out a second opinion before having the

fusion.>>

Sorry if I sound dumb, but could you please explain the actual procedure

that gave you good results? I admit to needing education regarding names and

descriptions of spinal issues.

I am bone-on-bone, there is no disc left. The way I understood my last

procedure was that the herniation (bulging fluid) was sucked out with the L5/S1

MetRx discectomy on 9/29. The surgeon said he found tons of bone spurs that he

filed off once he opened me up. I knew something was wrong within 2 weeks

because I felt " ok " for about 7-10 days, then instead of getting better, I began

to feel more unstable until I tripped out of the tub. He told me that

happened because the surgery failed.

He is not willing to do any other surgery besides a fusion because he said

now that the area's already been compromised it can cause way too much scar

tissue to have to keep going in there.

The more I think about this, the more I'm (once again) swaying to delaying

the surgery and giving this new neurologist 6 months to try things " his way " . I

should know for sure by then if his methods will provide relief. Since he is

also a pain mgmt dr, he has agreed to accept me for care with or without a

fusion. Of course he prefers going without.

Thank you for replying. I appreciate your input.

Best regards,

Patty A

------------ --------- -----

Above text © 2008 PEA. . Any copying, transcription or

redistribution outside this list without express written permission is not

permitted.

************ **Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and

favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

(http://www.aol. com/?optin= new-dp & icid= aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolco

m00000010)