My boyfriend is now 4 months postop revision lumbar fusion and he is still in alot of pain. We have spoken about going to see a doctor for a second opinion and were thinking about seeing a neurosurgeon. The dr that performed his surgeries is an orthopedic spine surgeon. First can someone please tell me what the difference is between the 2 types of surgeons and second, can someone recommend a neurosurgeon in the New York City area? He is at his wits end and I don't know where to turn. I just want him to feel better. He has been through way too much already. He has a pain mgmt dr that is great but we all know that pain medicine isn't the answer. I know healing takes a long time but when he tells me something isn't right, I know he isn't lying so any suggestions here would be appreciated very much.

Thanks,
Lynne

Hi there,

I can relate to your boyfriend. I also had a fusion done in July 05 and I still have a lot of pain and even more pain. In addition to my leg and back pain I now have numbness and pain in my abdomen and right oblique area. I was curious to know who your surgeon was. Are his initials J.G.?? He is an orthorpedic surgeon and is supposed to be one of the best. Well he is not and I am very disappointed in his treatment towards me. As far as a nuero, I really only know of ones posted in New Yorker Magazine under their Best Doctor search. This is how I found my pain managment doc and he is great! His name is Dr.Ronald Kaplan - maybe he can help your boyfriend. I wish him luck and hope he feels better real soon.

Kim

Hi Kim,

His initials were not J.G. We are not unhappy with his spine surgeon. He and his entire staff have been wonderful. Unfortunately they can't predict how the patient is going to feel since everyone heals differently. His doctors have been very helpful. The problem is that my boyfriend has alot of other health issues which makes matters worse. He is definitely not the average patient.

Kim, is Ronald Kaplan a pm doctor? If so, my boyfriend goes to one of his associates already and he is very happy with the care. We just want to try and speak with a neurosurgeon.

Thanks,
Lynne (I'm in Brooklyn too)

My doctor is A. A. Steinberger. He has offices in NYC I believe. I see him in Englewood, NJ. Right across from the hospital which is convenient. I just had an xray yesterday and he is able to view it 10 minutes later on his computer. He is or was affiliated with all the major NYC hospitals. I love him. He tells you like it is. He is good also. He is a Neurosurgeon.

My boyfriend is now 4 months postop revision lumbar fusion and he is still in alot of pain. We have spoken about going to see a doctor for a second opinion and were thinking about seeing a neurosurgeon. The dr that performed his surgeries is an orthopedic spine surgeon. First can someone please tell me what the difference is between the 2 types of surgeons and second, can someone recommend a neurosurgeon in the New York City area? He is at his wits end and I don't know where to turn. I just want him to feel better. He has been through way too much already. He has a pain mgmt dr that is great but we all know that pain medicine isn't the answer. I know healing takes a long time but when he tells me something isn't right, I know he isn't lying so any suggestions here would be appreciated very much.

Thanks,
Lynne

My doctor, Patrick Oleary, from the hospital for special surgery is listed as one of the nations top spine surgeons. You really should look for someone that only does spines.

HI Everyone,
Just to answer the difference between the two, the neuro is more involved with the spinal cord and it's functions, the ortho concentrates on the bone struction of the spine, they both incorporate all of the functions when doing surgery. I have congenital bone defects so I choose an ortho and have been told to focus on an ortho should I seek another opinion.

No matter what you choose they should definately have a fellowship in the spine and should have performed many spine surgeries. Four months out really isn't alot of time to pass for recovery. From all the research I have done they say at least 12 -18 months for 100% recovery. I have had 4 failed fusions in the last 3 yrs, I have permanent nerve root damage and it wasn't diagnosed as perm until 12 months post op. You still have a way to go but there is no harm at all in going for another opinion, they may have suggestions that will help.

Good Luck

God Bless

Carol

Hi there,

I can relate to your boyfriend. I also had a fusion done in July 05 and I still have a lot of pain and even more pain. In addition to my leg and back pain I now have numbness and pain in my abdomen and right oblique area. I was curious to know who your surgeon was. Are his initials J.G.?? He is an orthorpedic surgeon and is supposed to be one of the best. Well he is not and I am very disappointed in his treatment towards me. As far as a nuero, I really only know of ones posted in New Yorker Magazine under their Best Doctor search. This is how I found my pain managment doc and he is great! His name is Dr.Ronald Kaplan - maybe he can help your boyfriend. I wish him luck and hope he feels better real soon.

Kim


Kim,
I have to ask........is that JG you're talking about, is he an orthopedic surgeon out of NYHB&J? I also had a fusion with a J.G. and am not very happy with his aftercare.

MamaKitkat was right , it doesn't matter if it's a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon ,what matters is that they specialize in the spine , and if the have a spine fellowship it's even better.

Have a great and healthy day :)