I'm new to this site and had a read through last night ... i'm hoping you may be the people to help me out.
I've suffered with lower back pain for years now and it has got increasingly worse. We have tried facet joints injections and epidural but no joy. Osteopathy does bring me temporary relief and allows me to function for a few days, but doesn't seem to be a long term solution.
Saw the consultant yesterday and he says we need to "bite the bullett" and go for an op. However, i must decide whether to go for just a disctectomy or a disctectomy with a spinal fusion?? help! I thought they were supposed to be the experts!
The worse and bulk of my pain is in my back; leg pain is there but minimal in comparision - which leads me to think that the disctectomy is not enough?
I'm so confused as to which way to go. I need something done to improve my quality of life. Have any of you had a similar situation or have you any advise? Thanks in advance xx
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
Hon,
If the doc tells me to pick which surgery, I know I'd be out looking for someone who is a better expert. If you've read the boards you know that constantly recommend to people that whether they see an ortho or neuro surgeons that they choose one who is a spine specialist versus a neuro or ortho surgeon that works on arms, legs, etc. My spine doc does only spines and has so for more than 15 years.
Anyway, when any surgery is recommended I feel it is wise to seek at least two opinions, even if I like my doc. You know, there are so many ways of doing things and so many good people in every field, I want to know if I'm choosing the best option for me.
Also, when you see a spine specialist you may wish to ask about the artificial disc replacements which are being done instead of fusion. Maybe it is a possibility and maybe not, but a spine specialist will be up on the ADR and can tell you.
Best wishes and hope you let us know how things are going.
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
Did your doctor indicate whether or not he felt he could alleviate your symptoms without doing the fusion? If it is likely that you will get relief from the discectomy that is a much easier surgery to recover from. However, it seems strange that the doctor would leave the decistion up to you. He should be able to tell which is the better option for you. I hope you get the answers you need.
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
Hi thanks for that.. he says i will definetley get leg pain relief from disctectomy. However, althought i do get leg pain i would say 70 % is severe back pain. Don'tt want to go it all twice if i can help it. thanks for replying - appreciated xx
Location: born in wash ington moved to california in 2000,
Posts: 81
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
i guess if it were me id do disectomy with fusion,reason being if disectomy doesent do good then u have to do fusion later,id rather di it all at once,than have 2 surgeries,but it depends on how bad it is,and only you know answer,i do feel for u,and hope it gets better for u))))anyway just a thought
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
I would say find another Dr it is ok for him to talk to you and say this and that how do you feel about it but to ask you to pick UH UH that is worse than apples and oranges.
Umm one thing I can say also on this my doc when he did my 1st surgery said after I came out and such the next day it would have been better to have flipped me over once the anterior and cages were in then gone through the back and placed Pedicle Screws in for more support I was like omg I have to do this again. well he said that because my surgery was so long and such they needed to get out of there and that yes I would end up having to come back. This did not upset me made me think well at least he was worried about me and such. so maybe this is kind of what your doc is meaning o it all or part now and the rest latter ?
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
Thanks for all of your replys - the advice is invaluable! An update ... I saw a neurosurgeon spine specialist in London last night. We are going to go for the spinal decompression/distecomy and the fusion. He was much more informative, reassured me and made me feel at ease and less confused. I feel much more postive. Surgery scheduled for end of April, so will keep you informed xx
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
I am glad you made the decision to seek a second opinion. I would have been extremely nervous if my doctor had told me I had to make the decision as to which surgery I wanted to have. I have a warped sense of humor also and if my doctor had suggested I make a decision as to which surgery I wanted.......I would have said "OK doctor, lets go for the appendectomy"....LOL...........
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
Hi guys! thanks again for all your advice & support. Here's the news: I'm going into the Wellington Hospital in London next Wednesday 13th April and will have the op the following day ! Wish me luck and I will let you know how I am getting on asap xx
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
I agree with all of the others in that the decision should have been left to you ONLY if he laid out the pros and cons of each - and also I think he should have offered HIS opinion as to what HE thought your best route would be.
Having said that I do think fusion (in your case) is probably the best way to go. The fact that the majority of your pain is LBP and a smaller percent leg pain in my opinion you would not get the relief your seeking. And there is always the chance you could reherniate and need a fusion anyway.
Glad you saw a NS - What type procedure is he suggesting?
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
i went to 3 nurosurgins sorry about the spelling they all said the same thing that i need Laminectomy need and i could bennifit from fusion but that was my call unless when they got in and had to have it i cant decide ither i have talked to 4 more doctors they say the same thing longer recovery time and may not have needed it but i sure dont to go thru this twice hope all works out for you will be praying
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!!
i been to nuerosurgeons they are BACK HACTHERS LOL i went to LASERSPINEINSTITUTE in florida have had three surgerys there Possibly heading back for a fifth NO WAY AM I DoING A FUSION they dont tell you what happens down the road my neck was horrrible LSI fixed it after two surgerys on my neck
Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!! 
Re: Doc says u need op... but u decide which one?!! 
))))anyway just a thought 
I am glad you made the decision to seek a second opinion. I would have been extremely nervous if my doctor had told me I had to make the decision as to which surgery I wanted to have. 
I have a warped sense of humor also and if my doctor had suggested I make a decision as to which surgery I wanted.......I would have said "OK doctor, lets go for the appendectomy"....LOL...........
