AMK34
04-24-2003, 03:30 PM
Two Cervical Fusions, One Partial lumbar Discectomy in one year. Have now been told I need another lumbar surgery (Anterior/Posterior Fusion L4/L5 & L5/S1).I have been Thourgh MRI's, three mylagrams and a discogram. I Have been Housebound since Feb.2002. Please, Need to Talk with someone who can relate.
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wbaker68
04-24-2003, 03:39 PM
You have found the right place. Been through some surgery myself and will be having more in the future. Pretty much been holed up since January here(misread your date, I only have been since 2003)
One question I would have for you is whether the same doctor did both surgery's? If so, its time for a second opinion I would think. Two surgies in a year and now suggestion of another already which seems to be of a shock to you would lead me to see another specialist to make sure I am getting the correct treatment and have had the proper procedures done to date.
Good luck and you will find alot of help on this board to pick you up on your down days. Yesterday was a horrible day for me and it was great to be able to sign on and get some support. We all feel your pain and wish you the best.
------------------
Auto Accident Aug 1988
L3-4 disectomy 1989
L3-4 now re-herniated
L4-5 DDD
L5-S1 herniated
5/14--scheduled for trial stimulator implant
Hopefully to hold on for Prodisc for all 3 discs
[This message has been edited by wbaker68 (edited 04-24-2003).]
One question I would have for you is whether the same doctor did both surgery's? If so, its time for a second opinion I would think. Two surgies in a year and now suggestion of another already which seems to be of a shock to you would lead me to see another specialist to make sure I am getting the correct treatment and have had the proper procedures done to date.
Good luck and you will find alot of help on this board to pick you up on your down days. Yesterday was a horrible day for me and it was great to be able to sign on and get some support. We all feel your pain and wish you the best.
------------------
Auto Accident Aug 1988
L3-4 disectomy 1989
L3-4 now re-herniated
L4-5 DDD
L5-S1 herniated
5/14--scheduled for trial stimulator implant
Hopefully to hold on for Prodisc for all 3 discs
[This message has been edited by wbaker68 (edited 04-24-2003).]
wbaker68
04-24-2003, 03:41 PM
another question, what level of lumbar did you previously have your surgery on?
------------------
Auto Accident Aug 1988
L3-4 disectomy 1989
L3-4 now re-herniated
L4-5 DDD
L5-S1 herniated
5/14--scheduled for trial stimulator implant
Hopefully to hold on for Prodisc for all 3 discs
------------------
Auto Accident Aug 1988
L3-4 disectomy 1989
L3-4 now re-herniated
L4-5 DDD
L5-S1 herniated
5/14--scheduled for trial stimulator implant
Hopefully to hold on for Prodisc for all 3 discs
AMK34
04-24-2003, 03:44 PM
Thanks for the quick replies. L4/L5.
AMK34
04-24-2003, 03:47 PM
The Same Doctor has done all Three Sugeries...And I have had second and third consults with Ortho's and a Nero Doc.
wbaker68
04-24-2003, 03:53 PM
Are your 2nd and 3rd opinions local? Or have you branched out enough to know that they are not just agreeing with doctors in same area so as not to step on toes. As that is generally case in most places.
------------------
Auto Accident Aug 1988
L3-4 disectomy 1989
L3-4 now re-herniated
L4-5 DDD
L5-S1 herniated
5/14--scheduled for trial stimulator implant
Hopefully to hold on for Prodisc for all 3 discs
------------------
Auto Accident Aug 1988
L3-4 disectomy 1989
L3-4 now re-herniated
L4-5 DDD
L5-S1 herniated
5/14--scheduled for trial stimulator implant
Hopefully to hold on for Prodisc for all 3 discs
AMK34
04-24-2003, 04:08 PM
they are spread out over three counties... all of the mri's, mylagram's, emg's have confirmed these issues because that was my first concern too. I just seemed to be lost in this spiral of bad luck.
ReneeRAF
04-24-2003, 04:18 PM
Hello AMK34 :)
I know exactly how you feel!!! I bet we all do! You have come to the right place for compassion and understanding!
I am going on my second back surgery in one year and know how you feel? What level was your laminectomy done? Did the doctor give you any other options?? ie, waiting for total disc replacement, etc.?
What was the reason for 2 cervical fusions? Two different locations or different levels?
Keep your head up!
Renee
[This message has been edited by ReneeRAF (edited 04-24-2003).]
I know exactly how you feel!!! I bet we all do! You have come to the right place for compassion and understanding!
I am going on my second back surgery in one year and know how you feel? What level was your laminectomy done? Did the doctor give you any other options?? ie, waiting for total disc replacement, etc.?
What was the reason for 2 cervical fusions? Two different locations or different levels?
Keep your head up!
Renee
[This message has been edited by ReneeRAF (edited 04-24-2003).]
wbaker68
04-24-2003, 04:19 PM
Was fusion first discussed and decided againt in favor of laminectomy to see if pain was reduced?
Or is this first discussion of fusion?
Or is this first discussion of fusion?
AMK34
04-24-2003, 04:28 PM
All of this happened in October 2001. They treated the cervical Fusions first because they presented the worst symptoms and pain but they knew about the ruptured L4/L5 disc. Over this past year it contiuned to get worst. pain in back, Down right leg, Numbness and a foot drop to right leg. I went with the partial Discectomy to try to avoid another fusion in such a short period of time. But it didn't hold and the discogram showed not only L4/L5 damage but also L5/S1Damage and Pain. Thus both Doctors are saying Fusion is now the best option to stablize my spine.'
AMK34
04-24-2003, 04:37 PM
Hi Renee,
the two cervical disc on top of one another.... the first one was ruptured and caused symptoms down my right arm... the second one at that time was only buldging. the first fusion happened march 2003 by July 2003 the buldging disc ruptured badly and i had to undergo emergency surgery to fuse that one.
the two cervical disc on top of one another.... the first one was ruptured and caused symptoms down my right arm... the second one at that time was only buldging. the first fusion happened march 2003 by July 2003 the buldging disc ruptured badly and i had to undergo emergency surgery to fuse that one.
mmglobal
04-24-2003, 04:37 PM
AMK, look at my signature file, our ordeals are similar. I had 2 microdiscectomies on 2 massive ruptured discs. Both surgeries addressed leg symptoms associated with disc ruptures, but left the underlying low back pain that made me a shut-in for years.
1/2 of my doctors said to do a L4-S1 360 fusion and I'd be fine in a year. The other half cautioned... don't do it, your chances are 50-50 at best. Fortunately I continued to do research and didn't submit to the fusion.
Last September, I went to Munich to have a 2-level disc replacement done at the AlphaKlinik, with the most experienced ADR surgeon in the world. The results have been fantastic. After 3 years on opiates, Neurontin, antidepressants, etc... I am pain free and med free and am happy and active again.
Do your homework. Your problems may be different than mine. I consider myself lucky to have had such a great recovery.
Good luck.... take care...
Mark
------------------
*** L4-5 and L5-S1 Disc Replacement (SB Charite III) 9/20/02 by Dr. Zeegers, AlphaKlinik, Munich, Germany ***
2/25/00 Microdiscectomy/laminotomy L4-5, 10x15x7 mm left paracentral protrusion
9/23/00 CANCELED L4-S1 360 fusion CANCELED
9/15/01 emergency microdiscectomy L5-S1, 14x13x10 mm left paracentral protrusion
Both discectomies helped with hip/leg/foot symptoms, but left the underlying back pain. Residual left foot pain and numbness. Lost axial reflex (left ankle).
*** The AlphaKlinik was wonderful. My expectations were high, but the clinic, it's staff, and Dr. Zeegers far exceeded them!!!
*** L4-5 and L5-S1 Disc Replacement (SB Charite III) 9/20/02 by Dr. Zeegers, AlphaKlinik, Munich, Germany ***
1/2 of my doctors said to do a L4-S1 360 fusion and I'd be fine in a year. The other half cautioned... don't do it, your chances are 50-50 at best. Fortunately I continued to do research and didn't submit to the fusion.
Last September, I went to Munich to have a 2-level disc replacement done at the AlphaKlinik, with the most experienced ADR surgeon in the world. The results have been fantastic. After 3 years on opiates, Neurontin, antidepressants, etc... I am pain free and med free and am happy and active again.
Do your homework. Your problems may be different than mine. I consider myself lucky to have had such a great recovery.
Good luck.... take care...
Mark
------------------
*** L4-5 and L5-S1 Disc Replacement (SB Charite III) 9/20/02 by Dr. Zeegers, AlphaKlinik, Munich, Germany ***
2/25/00 Microdiscectomy/laminotomy L4-5, 10x15x7 mm left paracentral protrusion
9/23/00 CANCELED L4-S1 360 fusion CANCELED
9/15/01 emergency microdiscectomy L5-S1, 14x13x10 mm left paracentral protrusion
Both discectomies helped with hip/leg/foot symptoms, but left the underlying back pain. Residual left foot pain and numbness. Lost axial reflex (left ankle).
*** The AlphaKlinik was wonderful. My expectations were high, but the clinic, it's staff, and Dr. Zeegers far exceeded them!!!
*** L4-5 and L5-S1 Disc Replacement (SB Charite III) 9/20/02 by Dr. Zeegers, AlphaKlinik, Munich, Germany ***
wbaker68
04-24-2003, 04:38 PM
well, it sounds like your in the right spot and sounds like your doing the right things. There are a few other people here who have had the anterior posterior. I beleive LSpine and Bionic Surfer are the two that had that procedure. I would suggest checking their comments out on how to prepare for such a procedur in the lumbar area.
This is a good place to be for conversation with others in our condition. I wish you the best and keep following everything up with research and 2nd opinions to be sure every move you make is correct. The surgies we go through are not able to be taken back once done, so the right decision each time is necessary.
Good Luck and keep the conversations going to keep your spirits up.
This is a good place to be for conversation with others in our condition. I wish you the best and keep following everything up with research and 2nd opinions to be sure every move you make is correct. The surgies we go through are not able to be taken back once done, so the right decision each time is necessary.
Good Luck and keep the conversations going to keep your spirits up.
AMK34
04-24-2003, 04:47 PM
Thanks Baker,
I really appreicate the ear .... And I will.
It's good to talk with someone who can relate.
I really appreicate the ear .... And I will.
It's good to talk with someone who can relate.