I have been treated for severe pain in the lower back since an industrial accident about 3 years ago. L2-5 are completely destroyed with L-5 being the worst. Apparently I have had spondylosis of the spine but wasn't aware of it until it became aggrivated due to the accident. My question is whether or not to have surgery. I definitely want to have the pain relieved and be able to lead some kind of a normal life again. However the surgery is done in two parts, 1) opening of the front and 2) opening of the back. This frightens me somewhat. My question is: have any of you had this surgery and how successful was it? The doctor says that it will be "tight" and that usually the healing process is successful, and that one problem with people my age (60) is disturbing the vessels when moving all of the organs to the side when doing the front side which may cause a piece of plaque to break lose and have to be retrieved during the surgery. Any comments will help me immensely--both pro and con. Thanks!

1nitewriter: Having any kind of surgery has to be a personal choice. I have had hte kind of surgery that you are talking about,only they did the back first and then a week later they did the front. I think going through the front has risk because there are some main artaries that run through your stomach so I had a vascular surgeon and ortho in on that one.The disk that you mentioned are the big ones at the bottom and are usually the ones that take thier share of wear and tear. I hope this made sense.

Sounds like a anterior/posterior fusion you are talking about, is that what is being recommended? How many levels are the docs recommending? Which levels?



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Auto Accident Aug 1988
L3-4 disectomy 1989
L3-4 now re-herniated
L4-5 DDD
L5-S1 herniated
5/14--trial stimulator implant(went well enough for full implant)
6/11/03--full implant(medtronic)
Hopefully to hold on for ADR

Thank you Patty55 and wbaker68 for your messages. Patty, I was told that a vascular surgeon will be present for the surgery along with the orthopedic surgeon due to the two part surgery. Both the front and back in that order will be done during the same surgery. wbaker: the surgery will include lamination and fusion with metal screws, etc. I cannot remember the exact names of the surgery that the doc gave me. I have had the nerve damage test which showed damage, and I was given the "excruciating" discogram. Surgery has been recommended by both a nuerologist and an orpthopedic surgeon. L5-S1 is in the worst shape, but bulges are present from 2mm to 4mm on L4-5, L3-4, L2-3 and L1-2. L5-S1 and L4-5 are mod severe stenosis and bilateral foraminal stenosis while the others are mild to moderate, not severe. Apparently all of the repair work will be done on the lower 4 vertebrae. I am experiencing pain in the lower back, mostly left butt cheek, leg and the toes of both feet. I am taking a muscle relaxor and vicadin for pain. The doctor has asked me to write down any questions I have concedrning the surgery on my next visit. Any suggestions? Thank you again for your reply. I am new to this, and very impressed with the help and information available from those of you have undergone the experience(s)of back surgery.
-nitewriter

Sounds like a anterior/posterior fusion you are talking about, is that what is being recommended? How many levels are the docs recommending? Which levels?


i am interrested in knowing more about medtronic stimulater. i have been asked to do a trial by my doc. do they really work. i just joind the board today
------------------
Auto Accident Aug 1988
L3-4 disectomy 1989
L3-4 now re-herniated
L4-5 DDD
L5-S1 herniated
5/14--trial stimulator implant(went well enough for full implant)
6/11/03--full implant(medtronic)
Hopefully to hold on for ADR