Well, I'm back (awful pun) to reading the posts everyday, so we all know what that means. In fact, I'm sitting here at 3:45 A.M. writing this.

Some of you may remember that I had plans to go to China this summer to teach, but I was having apprehensions about going, considering my back condition (PLIF L5/S un Dec. 2003, and two nerve decompressions after that). I've taught in 8 summer sessions in China and lived there for 2 years so I knew the physical demands of walking a lot, climbing several flights of strairs, etc., etc., etc. Let me just say that China isn't for wimps. Not considering myself a wimp, I went, for 5 weeks, taking lots of hydrocodone and ibuprofren with me.

My back condition is as follows: of course, DDD, lumbar stenosis, sciatica, slight scoliosis, bulging discs at every lumbar level, and spondylolisthesis. I think that's all. I left for China the first of July, but beginning in June I had begun having tingling sensations in my left knee area. Since July, that tingling sensation has crept down my leg all the way to my toes, coming at any time, sitting or standing, moving or still. Sometimes a change of position helps, but sometimes it doesn't. The sciatica has increased tremendously.

My last checkup was in May 2007 and I'm to go in Dec. for another. At the last checkup he said he really couldn't do anything more other than a 3 level fusion which he was hesitant to do, or he could send me to the PM doc. I don't want a SCS or a morphine pump. Actually, I don't "want" a triple level fusion, either. I guess my problem is, "Do I, should I, schedule another visit, considering I've closed the door on 2 options and the doctor has closed the door on the other one? I feel like I'm overloading myself on meds and wonder what the outcome will be of that. Currently I take Lunesta for sleep, Effexor CR for depression, Atenolol for hypertension, and then the hydrocodone and ibuprofen.

My husband of 45 years died 1 1/2 years ago, so I don't have him to bounce things off. My children (only one lives nearby) are very understanding but I don't want to complain all the time, so I put on my mask and they really don't know that things are as bad as they are. My son is in Iraq, and another daughter lives in Ill. I also try to pretend around friends and out in public, just because I know that they are probably tired of my back . . . heck, so am I!

If you've hung in there, you're tired of my back also. We each have our own situations and mine doesn't sound nearly as severe as some of yours. However, the one we have to live with is our own, so if anyone has any input, I'd be grateful. Now, I'm going to try to go back to bed and see if I can finish out the night asleep.

Carken

If your doctor recommends a 3 level fusion your back problems are more serious than 90% of the people on this board. Most surgeons wouldnt recommend a 3 level fusion for a first surgery . Thats a HUGE operation and has a real long recovery (more then 6 months).
I know how you feel though. I have both been to china to teach and had severe back problems (at different times) and the situations DON'T MIX.
Why can't they try a discectomy or something like that first ? Never hurts to get a second opinion...

Carken, I think if I were in your shoes, I would get another opinion from another specialist to see if 3 level fusion is the only way to help you. Have you considered seeing a pain management specialist? Sometimes they can do wonders to help you.

It seems rather obvious that you are enduring pain compression since you are having the tingling sensations; it's time to find out just what area is causing that; perhaps something could be done at just that level. But, of course, with all the other discs bulging, that will probably just make them worse, sooner. It may be that you don't have a lot of choices, but getting a second opinion will perhaps, help you in your decisions.

Good luck.

Carol

Thanks, you guys - -

Saversno: I've already had a fusion (PLIF) at L5/S1. That was my first back surgery. The doc doesn't want to do a 3 level surgery, but says that would be the only thing he could at this time considering my other problems.

Carol: He did recommend a PM doc, saying a morphine pump or SCS would probably be the plan of action there. I'm quite comfortable with my doctor's opinion - - he's the best in the area and I've never heard anything negative about him. In fact, his initials are G.O.D., so he's called Dr. God by many. LOL

When I re-read my post, and then read yours, I wondered why I was writing. It seems that I should just see the PM doctor. I guess I just hate to get started on that same old merry-go-round ride again. Thanks for your patience and for listening.

Carken

Carken,
we all here to talk and listen, so don't feel bad about venting. I understand your frastruation, no easy answers for all of us when it comes to spinal problems.
I had double fusion and a lot of other things were fixed (surgery was 9hr) 18 month ago. Now i need 3 level surgery and i am going to have this done since i refuse to leave in this much pain and be practicaly disabled. I am not sure if second surgery will be help me to get better; even though my Doctor at HSS one of the best in a world, he didn't make any promises. He will try to help because after all tests he sent me to he believes he knows where the problem is. But once again - what may help you or somebody else doesn't mean would help me. I just hope and pray.
Best of luck to you.

[QUOTE=Moldova;3163124]Carken,
we all here to talk and listen, so don't feel bad about venting. I understand your frastruation, no easy answers for all of us when it comes to spinal problems.
QUOTE]

Yes, I'm thankful for "listeners", and a little ashamed that I don't respond as much as some of you. We all like to be heard, but people without back problems don't understand and don't really want to "listen".

Blessings to you all,
Carken

Oh Carken,,,,what a road you have been climbing....sooo much pain, yet, you still have achieved so much and given so much. Going to China to teach is an amazing thing for anyone, yet you have done it with spinal problems. I understand about not wanting to complain to your family and friends, they do not have a clue sometimes as to how much pain you can live with. Thank goodnes for understanding Doctors (if you can find them!!), and medications which allow you to live a "normal' life. Please do not be discouraged, you have major problems..and have many decisons to make regarding which road to take to try and fix them. You are not whinning..my goodness, you put me to shame....please come and speak with us anytime... Take care, have a "good" day.

Sage

Sage said it all, can't say any better. Don't feel ashamed, come when you feel, no pressure here, we all in same boat and understand each other well.
Just for you to know: we are here when you need us.
Best wishes to you!