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CocoandChase · 01-29-2005, 08:42 PM

Hey All!

I have a question. If someone who has 4 ruptured discs and was told they need a 3-4 level spinal fusion that has since been postponed due to no health insurance, will they experience any long term nerve damage in the legs due to the pinched nerves in the back right now? I have heard stories and seen someone who waited too long for surgery and this person now has permanent nerve damage in the legs and drags his legs!!! I wonder if anyone has any knowledge on this subject, because my friend has teribble nerve pain in both legs and right arm all the way to her hand due to the 4 ruptured discs, THANKS!!

Jessie1 · 01-29-2005, 09:00 PM

The longer nerves are compressed, the more likely the chance of nerve damage. It varies from individual to individual though. You also want to keep an eye out for loss of bladder or bowel control, because this indicates severe nerve compression and needs to be addressed immediately. Good luck!

Losy · 01-29-2005, 09:33 PM

Hi

I had a double fusion at L4/5 and L5/S! and have sustained permnanent damage. I have lossed sensation in varius parts of my legs and feet but not enough to prevent me from being able to function normally. The extent of long term damage is dependent on the pressure on the nerve ad the lenghth of time this level of pressure is sustained.

As Coco has stated, if you begin to experience a loss of bladdre control etc you need to contact your dr.

Good luck

Losy

ALOdem · 01-31-2005, 06:22 AM

There is a guy I work with that kept putting it off. He wound up with permanent nerve damage.

See if there are any charity/state funded organizations in your area that can help with the surgery. My sister had to have back surgery and didn't have insurance. The charity paid for every thing.

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