cherir
11-24-2006, 12:45 PM
Well, finally got my diagnosis from the neuro. My L5-S1 PLIF with bone media/no hardware in March DID fail. I only fused to the top, not the bottom, so I still have rotation at that level. On top of that, I AM in fact missing the majority of the my left facet joint at that level, probably removed in the first fusion surgery, but since I didn't fuse, I am in a world of hurt because I don't have it for support/stability.
My option is this: He suggests a 360 PLIF with hardware, but he can do it all through my back, won't have to do a stomach incision. He is also going to implant a bone growth stimulator, because although I am only 40, I already proved I don't fuse properly. The testing shows tissue around my nerve, and not sure if it is re-herniation or scar tissue. Tests don't show why I have so much numbness, but do show why I have horrible pain down my left side and live my life in a chair. When he gets in there, he will know more and clean me out. Surgery could take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2. to 3 hours depending on the train wreck he finds from my 2 surgeries in the last 11 months (2 different doctors, both orthos).
He told me it would go something like this:
When I wake up from surgery, I will be 100% sure I just did the wrong thing. I will be in the hospital 4 or 5 days, depending on how I do.
Around week 2, I will start to consider that my doctor is not a torture specialist. Back spasms are supposed to be indescribable pain, and last one month minimum.
Around week 4, I will start to regain some energy and may start to feel human. This is when he would see me first post surgery.
I was told I will be on around the clock pain meds and muscle relaxers for one month at least, don't skip any no matter how I feel or I will "pay" as we play "catch up" to my pain.
If this procedure didn't work, my next option would be implanted spinal pain relief (sorry having a brain freeze).
Timetable for this surgery is: I can do it whenever I decide I am done living in constant pain, living in a chair, etc. I have major instability with the loss of the left facet joint, and that won't repair itself.
He said he won't guarantee me 90% success but the odds are way better than 50%. He said once he stabilizes my spine with the hardware, I should have immediate relief from that.
Does that sound about right from those who have had it done?
My option is this: He suggests a 360 PLIF with hardware, but he can do it all through my back, won't have to do a stomach incision. He is also going to implant a bone growth stimulator, because although I am only 40, I already proved I don't fuse properly. The testing shows tissue around my nerve, and not sure if it is re-herniation or scar tissue. Tests don't show why I have so much numbness, but do show why I have horrible pain down my left side and live my life in a chair. When he gets in there, he will know more and clean me out. Surgery could take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2. to 3 hours depending on the train wreck he finds from my 2 surgeries in the last 11 months (2 different doctors, both orthos).
He told me it would go something like this:
When I wake up from surgery, I will be 100% sure I just did the wrong thing. I will be in the hospital 4 or 5 days, depending on how I do.
Around week 2, I will start to consider that my doctor is not a torture specialist. Back spasms are supposed to be indescribable pain, and last one month minimum.
Around week 4, I will start to regain some energy and may start to feel human. This is when he would see me first post surgery.
I was told I will be on around the clock pain meds and muscle relaxers for one month at least, don't skip any no matter how I feel or I will "pay" as we play "catch up" to my pain.
If this procedure didn't work, my next option would be implanted spinal pain relief (sorry having a brain freeze).
Timetable for this surgery is: I can do it whenever I decide I am done living in constant pain, living in a chair, etc. I have major instability with the loss of the left facet joint, and that won't repair itself.
He said he won't guarantee me 90% success but the odds are way better than 50%. He said once he stabilizes my spine with the hardware, I should have immediate relief from that.
Does that sound about right from those who have had it done?