Guest guest Posted May 25, 2005 Report Share Posted May 25, 2005 Hi , Is your question what do folks here think of the idea of decompressing the nerve through a discetomy/laminectomy and leaving the revison for later? If so, is the question then what the recovery (without full revison) is like? I recall that you were trying to get into Dr Horton or Bridwell, but I can't remember where you are at with them. It would seem to me if you are proposing for one of them to do your revision after someone has done this other procedure you should consider inviting them to the discussion right away. I am imagining if you spoke with their offices and explained the current situation regarding your bladder issues they might advise you on what the real medical consequences are with regard to future revision/bladder health/timing etc. I am sure they will see that you will need to make a decison fairly quickly on how to act if your bladder problems are stemming from your flatback. I considered doing what you are suggesting, decompression at L5, (for diffferent reasons: pain, although I think I wrote earlier that in the weeks leading up to revision I know my bladder was affected) and both Dr Boachie and Rand said it was a possibility to do one without the other, to expect to be laid up about one month and that it might last up to a year...but that in the intervening time the need for more surgery could come up very quickly as the spine is unstable after this procedure under a fusion. The way Dr Rand does the revision surgery, the first days surgery is basically the decompression (and getting some of the hardware ready for stage II). I would say by recovery day 4 I was getting around okay..by day six it was a good thing they had me scheduled for stage II the next day or I would have felt too good to submit to another " go 'round " . I think Edie recently posted about her experience of just undergoing the decompression surgery...perhaps she can share her insight. I guess my advice would be to consult with whoever you think you would like to do your revision with, even if for now it has to be by phone. You will have to be the judge of your ability to be away from work, pay for two vs. one hospitalizations/surgeries, travel, recovery issues. Best, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2005 Report Share Posted May 25, 2005 Hi Cam, From what I can tell so far, they are not sure where the compression is. There is nothing on my tests done a year and a half ago that would have caused this many problems in this short of time. From what I have found on the internet, it could be above or below my fusion. But again - I don't understand all of it but I think that is why they want to look at my entire spine. I appreciate your thoughts. I will talk to Bridwells office after the tests and before I agree to surgery. One of the drs I saw trained with Bridwell and is doing a surgery with him in August. Maybe he could help me get some answers from Bridwell as well. I have spoken to Bridwell's office and was told I needed an MRI before he would see me but that they would fit me in very soon afterwards. I'm guessing that the CT and myleogram will be enough. The way I understand it, they are suggesting that I fix this soon and proceed with the full revision within a couple of years. At this point, I am thinking by the end of this year if possible. Thanks again - just when I think I have some of this figured out, I realize I don't. I really appreciate your help. > Hi , > > Is your question what do folks here think of the idea of decompressing > the nerve through a discetomy/laminectomy and leaving the revison for > later? If so, is the question then what the recovery (without full > revison) is like? > > I recall that you were trying to get into Dr Horton or Bridwell, but I > can't remember where you are at with them. It would seem to me if you > are proposing for one of them to do your revision after someone has > done this other procedure you should consider inviting them to the > discussion right away. I am imagining if you spoke with their offices > and explained the current situation regarding your bladder issues they > might advise you on what the real medical consequences are with regard > to future revision/bladder health/timing etc. I am sure they will see > that you will need to make a decison fairly quickly on how to act if > your bladder problems are stemming from your flatback. > > I considered doing what you are suggesting, decompression at L5, (for > diffferent reasons: pain, although I think I wrote earlier that in the > weeks leading up to revision I know my bladder was affected) and both > Dr Boachie and Rand said it was a possibility to do one without the > other, to expect to be laid up about one month and that it might last > up to a year...but that in the intervening time the need for more > surgery could come up very quickly as the spine is unstable after this > procedure under a fusion. The way Dr Rand does the revision surgery, > the first days surgery is basically the decompression (and getting > some of the hardware ready for stage II). I would say by recovery day > 4 I was getting around okay..by day six it was a good thing they had > me scheduled for stage II the next day or I would have felt too good > to submit to another " go 'round " . > > I think Edie recently posted about her experience of just undergoing > the decompression surgery...perhaps she can share her insight. > > I guess my advice would be to consult with whoever you think you would > like to do your revision with, even if for now it has to be by phone. > You will have to be the judge of your ability to be away from work, > pay for two vs. one hospitalizations/surgeries, travel, recovery > issues. > > Best, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2005 Report Share Posted May 26, 2005 For L. Hodges ~ I'd already had Harrington Rod surgery when my "neurogenic" bladder reared its ugly head! I had pills, pads, tubes, self catheterizing, etc. Next I had a "continent revision" or "Indiana Pouch". It was just as neurogenic as my bladder had been and I was wet all the time. I attempted to live with the Indiana Pouch, but life became absolutely unbearable. I'd catheterize it and a few minutes later I'd be soaked. After some time living that way, and before I had to have hand surgery, an indwelling catheter was put in and life got a little better - only a little. Eventually, I had a real "take down" procedure and had a urostomy installed. Although there are times when I still struggle a bit with it, it WAS the answer for me! It has been 7 years now, and I am SO glad I had it done. And, I NEVER have to get up in the night to go to the bathroom! Never! Just thought you needed to knowl Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2005 Report Share Posted May 26, 2005 Dear , You put out your request and I'm sorry I'm so late responding, eight grade graduation going on and end of school stuff. I had decompression surgery before my two revisions, and I did get an element of pain relief from it but not enough that full on revision wasn't necessary a year later. If I had it to do again I have the full on revision from the get go. It's almost like it was an "extra" surgery in my mind. My doc is very conservative, and wanted me to keep motion at my L-5 S-1 area so I could bend and be less disabled. I didn't get enough pain relief from the decompression, and since pain relief is what I was looking for, we moved onto fusion to the sacrum. I found the decompression surgery to be the most painful of my three surgeries, but I add that it was first, and maybe having three in two years I got used to how I would feel after surgery. I think too that doc Kumar tweeked with my med's better as we went along. I'm a " Bounce back girl" and I'm up doing things fast, driving three weeks after surgery, and by six weeks feeling fairly good. I had to wear a tlso brace for three months with the decompression. I may also say that my surgery wasn't just a decompression but I also had my Harrington Rod removed.My results are my own and not intended to discourage you from decompression, If it had worked for me I would be sitting here pleased as pie, but it didn't for me.I really felt more disabled by the pain pre revision than I do now fused T-1 to the sacrum. Walking and getting around pain free is a wonderful thing despite the fact that I can't bend or twist my torso. Just my two cents. Colorado Springs disc surgery Hi All, I don't think it's a good sign when you doctor looks at test results and tells you he's puzzled. So, next week I'll have another myleogram and CT scan. They are thinking that the neurogenic bladder is caused by pressure on my spinal cord. If so, he wants to correct this first (and pretty soon) and then I should go ahead with revision. My first question is: Agree or disagree as far as doing these separatly?My second is: How bad/easy is the surgery. On a side note - they will be testing for MS when I have the myleogram though they don't really think it is. As always - thanks for your help.Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any advertised products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2005 Report Share Posted May 27, 2005 Posted for Edie... ================================ Hi Cam and , Saw myself mentioned and wanted to reply... , I did undergo a laminotomy/discectomy exactly one month ago today. I also had a puncture due to the myelogram which made my stay and recovery in the hospital longer than expected. However, I am still recovering, as I had extensive nerve pain in my left leg for 2 months before surgery. Even though I am doing aqua therapy daily (Right, Cam?!?) I am still experiencing discomfort in my left leg. All my doctors assure me that this is normal recovery pain. I don't have any new pain in my back, only the ache I always had from the flatback condition. Here is my 2 cents, take it or leave it: I am still in line to get the complete revision surgery in the future, most likely in about a year. If I had been able to function and wait for that surgery only, I would have done so. Even though some may consider what I just had " microsurgery " it is still a deal to recover from, and I was in very healthy shape, with the exception of my leg before surgery. As my roommate in the hospital said: " Microsurgery is what happens to other people " and I couldn't agree with her more! I am in no means trying to discourage you, but if you plan on having revision surgery, you may want to consider that it's much easier to recover once and not twice. I am still hopeful that this surgery might patch me together for a little while longer. I know that I certainly wished that I could have gotten the whole procedure done this time, however, I really needed to wait for a time in my life where I was completely prepared for it: physically, emotionally, and financially. Please feel free to email me with any questions, and best of luck with your decision. Edie > Hi , > > Is your question what do folks here think of the idea of decompressing > the nerve through a discetomy/laminectomy and leaving the revison for > later? If so, is the question then what the recovery (without full > revison) is like? > > I recall that you were trying to get into Dr Horton or Bridwell, but I > can't remember where you are at with them. It would seem to me if you > are proposing for one of them to do your revision after someone has > done this other procedure you should consider inviting them to the > discussion right away. I am imagining if you spoke with their offices > and explained the current situation regarding your bladder issues they > might advise you on what the real medical consequences are with regard > to future revision/bladder health/timing etc. I am sure they will see > that you will need to make a decison fairly quickly on how to act if > your bladder problems are stemming from your flatback. > > I considered doing what you are suggesting, decompression at L5, (for > diffferent reasons: pain, although I think I wrote earlier that in the > weeks leading up to revision I know my bladder was affected) and both > Dr Boachie and Rand said it was a possibility to do one without the > other, to expect to be laid up about one month and that it might last > up to a year...but that in the intervening time the need for more > surgery could come up very quickly as the spine is unstable after this > procedure under a fusion. The way Dr Rand does the revision surgery, > the first days surgery is basically the decompression (and getting > some of the hardware ready for stage II). I would say by recovery day > 4 I was getting around okay..by day six it was a good thing they had > me scheduled for stage II the next day or I would have felt too good > to submit to another " go 'round " . > > I think Edie recently posted about her experience of just undergoing > the decompression surgery...perhaps she can share her insight. > > I guess my advice would be to consult with whoever you think you would > like to do your revision with, even if for now it has to be by phone. > You will have to be the judge of your ability to be away from work, > pay for two vs. one hospitalizations/surgeries, travel, recovery > issues. > > Best, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2005 Report Share Posted May 27, 2005 Edie, How much of your spine is fused and at what level was the laminotomy/discectomy? Do you work full-time and if so, how long were you off work? How long did they make you stay out of the water after your surgery? Quite curious, kam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2005 Report Share Posted May 27, 2005 Hi Kam, I am fused from T4-L4. My laminotomy/discectomy was L4/L5. I was working full-time until March 7, and have been on disability since them. Mind you, it took a ridiculous amount of time for me to get the surgery (April 28th) due to some major incompetency on the part of my primary care physician (I am on an HMO), and the fact that they wanted to try an epidural first, and my surgeon of choice was booked. I am still rebuilding my body due to the loss of the use of my leg for 2 months from nerve pain, and am in no rush to return to work until I am feeling closer to 100%. Please note, this is in NO WAY a normal situation, as I was pretty much crippled for 2 months before surgery. Had I been more mobile, I would have anticipated a return to work date closer to about 6 weeks post surgery for myself. Right now, I still have no concrete idea about the return to work, simply because I am rebuilding the muscles in my left leg again, which were severely cramped after surgery due to lack of use. I sure hope this is nowhere near the case for you. I was told that I could not go into the pool for 2 weeks after surgery, but that was only so that the 3 " incision could heal. Given the opportunity, I would have tried to get back as soon as possible to start increasing my flexibility without impact. Hope this helps, Edie > Edie, > > How much of your spine is fused and at what level was the > laminotomy/discectomy? > > Do you work full-time and if so, how long were you off work? > > How long did they make you stay out of the water after your surgery? > > Quite curious, > kam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2005 Report Share Posted June 2, 2005 Note: forwarded message attached. Home on semi-bedrest and just catching up on my email. Sorry I am a week late in seeing and forwarding this. (Maybe it got posted anyway.) Hope you are all hanging in there. I had a bad day in the hospital and felt like that old USO ad again, " Does anybody know I'm here? " Whereupon someone brought in a heartwarming new bunch of emails! Thanks, guys! This will be no news to a few people whose individual emails I have randomly gotten around to answering, but: I tried to write a summary of my last sojourn in the hospital, which was uniquely frustrating and bizarre. But maybe I am getting used to the general absurdity of these spine and neuro units and the various personality issues and hearing problems of certain staff members, etc., etc. -- 'cause three days after resolving to commit this opus to paper, here is what I had written: " I yelled at a nurse. It could have been worse. " Love you, Hi Cam and , Saw myself mentioned and wanted to reply... , I did undergo a laminotomy/discectomy exactly one month ago today. I also had a puncture due to the myelogram which made my stay and recovery in the hospital longer than expected. However, I am still recovering, as I had extensive nerve pain in my left leg for 2 months before surgery. Even though I am doing aqua therapy daily (Right, Cam?!?) I am still experiencing discomfort in my left leg. All my doctors assure me that this is normal recovery pain. I don't have any new pain in my back, only the ache I always had from the flatback condition. Here is my 2 cents, take it or leave it: I am still in line to get the complete revision surgery in the future, most likely in about a year. If I had been able to function and wait for that surgery only, I would have done so. Even though some may consider what I just had " microsurgery " it is still a deal to recover from, and I was in very healthy shape, with the exception of my leg before surgery. As my roommate in the hospital said: " Microsurgery is what happens to other people " and I couldn't agree with her more! I am in no means trying to discourage you, but if you plan on having revision surgery, you may want to consider that it's much easier to recover once and not twice. I am still hopeful that this surgery might patch me together for a little while longer. I know that I certainly wished that I could have gotten the whole procedure done this time, however, I really needed to wait for a time in my life where I was completely prepared for it: physically, emotionally, and financially. Please feel free to email me with any questions, and best of luck with your decision. Edie > Hi , > > Is your question what do folks here think of the idea of decompressing > the nerve through a discetomy/laminectomy and leaving the revison for > later? If so, is the question then what the recovery (without full > revison) is like? > > I recall that you were trying to get into Dr Horton or Bridwell, but I > can't remember where you are at with them. It would seem to me if you > are proposing for one of them to do your revision after someone has > done this other procedure you should consider inviting them to the > discussion right away. I am imagining if you spoke with their offices > and explained the current situation regarding your bladder issues they > might advise you on what the real medical consequences are with regard > to future revision/bladder health/timing etc. I am sure they will see > that you will need to make a decison fairly quickly on how to act if > your bladder problems are stemming from your flatback. > > I considered doing what you are suggesting, decompression at L5, (for > diffferent reasons: pain, although I think I wrote earlier that in the > weeks leading up to revision I know my bladder was affected) and both > Dr Boachie and Rand said it was a possibility to do one without the > other, to expect to be laid up about one month and that it might last > up to a year...but that in the intervening time the need for more > surgery could come up very quickly as the spine is unstable after this > procedure under a fusion. The way Dr Rand does the revision surgery, > the first days surgery is basically the decompression (and getting > some of the hardware ready for stage II). I would say by recovery day > 4 I was getting around okay..by day six it was a good thing they had > me scheduled for stage II the next day or I would have felt too good > to submit to another " go 'round " . > > I think Edie recently posted about her experience of just undergoing > the decompression surgery...perhaps she can share her insight. > > I guess my advice would be to consult with whoever you think you would > like to do your revision with, even if for now it has to be by phone. > You will have to be the judge of your ability to be away from work, > pay for two vs. one hospitalizations/surgeries, travel, recovery > issues. > > Best, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2005 Report Share Posted June 2, 2005 that's beautiful! thank you for the belly laugh! > " I yelled at a nurse. > > It could have been worse. " > > Love you, > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Anyone here have a portion of a herniated disc removed with the remainder of disc left intact? If so, has this worked well for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 All Laminectomies, Discectomies remove only the portion of disk that is protruding . The only way to remove the entire disk is to do a fusion. There is no way to remove the entire disk with a lami or diskectomy. --- --- " L. " <boom77boom@...> wrote: > I had the Perk Nuc surgery done in 1989. That's been > a long time ago so > I don't know how it compares to what they do now. I > got relief for > about 6 weeks. I stood up one day and turned and > reherniated the disk. > The ensuing pain was beyond belief and it was > another surgery for me. > > Like I said, that was almost 20 years ago so I don't > know that I am the > best person to ask the question. > > > > > > Anyone here have a portion of a herniated disc > removed with the > > remainder of disc left intact? If so, has this > worked well for you? > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2008 Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 , This does not make sense to me at all.. You cannot remove a disk without putting something else in there. I'd be interested in seeing an xray or something if you have one online. Do you have a copy of your operative notes? This is where they describe in detail (medical terms) what the procedure entailed, exactly what they did. Or maybe have a copy of a postop radiology report? If they truly did this to you, that would indeed explain the pain you are in.--- --- " L. " <boom77boom@...> wrote: > Hey , > > I must be the exception to the rule. They completely > removed my L4-L5 > disk in 1990 and did not do a fusion. My Xrays and > MRI's are the > proof. It shows bone on bone in that area with no > fusion. Could be > part of the reason that my pain is so severe. All I > know for sure is > that the whole thing is GONE! > > > > > > All Laminectomies, Discectomies remove only the > > portion of disk that is protruding . The only way > to > > remove the entire disk is to do a fusion. There is > no > > way to remove the entire disk with a lami or > > diskectomy. --- > > --- " L. " <boom77boom@...> wrote: > > > > > I had the Perk Nuc surgery done in 1989. That's > been > > > a long time ago so > > > I don't know how it compares to what they do > now. I > > > got relief for > > > about 6 weeks. I stood up one day and turned and > > > reherniated the disk. > > > The ensuing pain was beyond belief and it was > > > another surgery for me. > > > > > > Like I said, that was almost 20 years ago so I > don't > > > know that I am the > > > best person to ask the question. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Anyone here have a portion of a herniated disc > > > removed with the > > > > remainder of disc left intact? If so, has > this > > > worked well for you? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2008 Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 I do not have my Xrays on line, but will see if I can get them on disk so that I can email it to you. Don't have the post-op notes from the surgery. Every time I asked for them I was sidetracked. The Dr. committed suicide less than 2 years after my surgery. I have seen the Xrays and it clearly shows that there is NOTHING there but bone on bone with nothing inbetween! I'll see if I can get something so that I can send it to you for verification! > > , > > This does not make sense to me at all.. You cannot > remove a disk without putting something else in there. > I'd be interested in seeing an xray or something if > you have one online. Do you have a copy of your > operative notes? This is where they describe in detail > (medical terms) what the procedure entailed, exactly > what they did. Or maybe have a copy of a postop > radiology report? If they truly did this to you, that > would indeed explain the pain you are in.--- > --- " L. " <boom77boom@...> wrote: > > > Hey , > > > > I must be the exception to the rule. They completely > > removed my L4-L5 > > disk in 1990 and did not do a fusion. My Xrays and > > MRI's are the > > proof. It shows bone on bone in that area with no > > fusion. Could be > > part of the reason that my pain is so severe. All I > > know for sure is > > that the whole thing is GONE! > > > > > > > > > > All Laminectomies, Discectomies remove only the > > > portion of disk that is protruding . The only way > > to > > > remove the entire disk is to do a fusion. There is > > no > > > way to remove the entire disk with a lami or > > > diskectomy. --- > > > --- " L. " <boom77boom@> wrote: > > > > > > > I had the Perk Nuc surgery done in 1989. That's > > been > > > > a long time ago so > > > > I don't know how it compares to what they do > > now. I > > > > got relief for > > > > about 6 weeks. I stood up one day and turned and > > > > reherniated the disk. > > > > The ensuing pain was beyond belief and it was > > > > another surgery for me. > > > > > > > > Like I said, that was almost 20 years ago so I > > don't > > > > know that I am the > > > > best person to ask the question. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Anyone here have a portion of a herniated disc > > > > removed with the > > > > > remainder of disc left intact? If so, has > > this > > > > worked well for you? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 I had small portions of 2 discs in my neck removed. This isn't a very common practice in the cervical area, and the neurosurgeons around me think I was crazy to do it (I traveled across country to CA to have it done). I guess they were right because it wasn't successful for me at all. It sounded better than a fusion, but I wish I hadn't done it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 What kind of problems did you have with the procedure? > > I had small portions of 2 discs in my neck removed. This isn't a very > common practice in the cervical area, and the neurosurgeons around me > think I was crazy to do it (I traveled across country to CA to have it > done). I guess they were right because it wasn't successful for me at > all. It sounded better than a fusion, but I wish I hadn't done it. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.