I had my discogram follow up visit today with the neurosurgeon. As I feared, he wants to do a two-level (L4/L5 and L5/S) fusion. What I was not expecting was he wants to do the 360 degree surgery, using cages, BMP, rods and screws.
There will be two neurosurgeons doing the surgery, and it will all be done in one very long day. He thinks he can get it scheduled in the next 2-3 weeks.
I'm totally scared, but am so ready to get this done. I'm convinced this will help me. Keep me in your prayers!
O'Girl
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20 years intermittent back pain - no treatment sought
Nov 2001 - herniated disk - Right leg radiculopathy
Jan 2002 - Chiropractic care
Mar 2002 - MRI, X-Rays, Oral steroids
Apr 2002 - L4/L5 Microdiskectomy
Sept 2002 - PT, Oral steroids
Oct 2002 - MRI, Xrays - Failed Back Syndrome
Apr 2003 - TFESI, EMG, MRI
Diagnosis - DDD - foraminal narrowing, disk bulges, osteophytes, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, active marrow edema, levoscoliosis, retrolisthesis, scar tissue encompassing L5 nerve root, disk height diminished, abnormal EMG results for left leg
Sept 2003 - Discogram with Xrays, CT Scan.
Oct 2003 - 2 level 360 degree fusion to be scheduled
standingman
09-25-2003, 12:21 AM
O'Girl--Thinking about you and wishing you the most peaceful possible next few days and a terrific result. You've been a big support and help to a newbie like me. It has been greatly appreciated, and I hope the good vibes will flow right back to your back!
Best,
Standingman
blue2000
09-25-2003, 09:37 AM
Oakley girl
don't be afraid of the surgery. I had 360 with rods screws, the whole deal on April 2nd and I am glad to say that as of Sept. I am 100 percent fused and no longer in pain. I too waited many many years (20). The only problem left is numbness in my right heel. I can live with that.
You are defiantly in my prayers. It is good to hear that you will have to neuro surgeon's. Have they told you anything about blood donation? If they are going to schedule your surgery within the next few weeks and he requires blood donation, then it would be best to get your donation started. Not all surgeon's require this but I was just asking.
I also had the BMP, but yours will be done correctly because you will be having cages and that is what they insert the collagen sponge into. Also you won't have to deal with the pain from the bone graphing.
What terrific news about your fusion. I think that it is amazing that you are completely fused at just 5 months. I had though that it would take at least the whole year for the fusion to become all the way fused.
I also waited to many years to find out what was wrong with my back and have the surgery. (23 years)
I have a question for you if you don't mind sharing. I have pain in my left heel but it is related to a nerve. This has only recently begun. In your post you stated that you were left with numbness in your right heel.
Did you have pain in your heel before the numbness began?
Congratulations on your successful fusion surgery.
Take Care.
oakleygirl
09-25-2003, 12:30 PM
Standingman - thanks for your support. We all need each other on this board!
Blue - I, too, think it's great you're fused and doing so well. Hope I can follow in your footsteps.
Tomorrow - I specifically asked about blood donation. He said the integrity of the blood supply is excellent, I would have give a pint, wait a week, give a pint, and wait two more weeks before he would do the surgery. He said, not to scare me, but if I had a problem and bled, two pints wouldn't be enough anyway!
All - Started the long-term disability process at work today. Will call my insurance and make sure they don't need a second opinion. Need to Xmas shop. What else? Jeesh!
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20 years intermittent back pain - no treatment sought
Nov 2001 - herniated disk - Right leg radiculopathy
Jan 2002 - Chiropractic care
Mar 2002 - MRI, X-Rays, Oral steroids
Apr 2002 - L4/L5 Microdiskectomy
Sept 2002 - PT, Oral steroids
Oct 2002 - MRI, Xrays - Failed Back Syndrome
Apr 2003 - TFESI, EMG, MRI
Diagnosis - DDD - foraminal narrowing, disk bulges, osteophytes, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, active marrow edema, levoscoliosis, retrolisthesis, scar tissue encompassing L5 nerve root, disk height diminished, abnormal EMG results for left leg
Sept 2003 - Discogram with Xrays, CT Scan.
Oct 2003 - 2 level 360 degree fusion to be scheduled
shg
09-25-2003, 01:24 PM
Oakley,
Please come by, "good fusion outcomes wanted" There are 6 pages action packed with information on this. Just so you know, I had this exact surgery minus the Bmph - my surgeon says it's not as good as your own bodies bone. Anyway, I had this 23 days ago today and I was working from home at day 14 and even went to the office today for 4 hours (again, day 23). My entire operation day went for 15 hours; from entering the O/R. to leaving recovery and going to the ICU. Please come by, say hello, read all that's there and you'll see everything you need as well as be welcomed by caring, positive, inspirational people who want to help all of us.
