I have been a regular viewer on this board since my Micro D on L4-L5 in July, 2005. Since then my back has gotten substantially worse and although my Ortho originally discussed another surgery, he has changed his mind suggesting that surgery may make the situation worse. My most recent MRI shows post op changes to include scar tissue encasing L4-5 nerve root, L4 foraminal stenosis and L4 foraminal disc protrusion/extrusion. And, like many of you I have DDD and arthritis.
I am in moderate to severe pain on a daily basis. I have a PM MD who is excellent and is treating me with oxycodone (soon to change to oxycontin). He has already done the epis and they were only marginally effective.
The time has come for me to seek another opinion. I live in southern New Hampshire so the Boston MA area would be an easy commute. Does anyone know of a good neurosurgeon/spine specialist in my area?
Jan
I thank you for your help. The advise, encouragement and helpful hints board members give have helped me tremendously.
Hi Jan It sounds like a second opinion is definitely in order and I highly recommend never taking there is nothing that can be done until you have had several opinoins. Unfortunately I do not know of anyone in your neck of the woods and I am not familiar with the Micro D procedure.
I have had 2 fusions L5/S1 and S1/S2 and a laminectomy on L5/S1.
I just wanted to say hello and give you a warm welcome to the boards. I am sure someone will respond.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask and we are definitely the chattest people around.
Welcome to the board. I live in southern NH. I live close to Portsmouth NH. If this is close to where you live I can tell you where I went when I had my microdisectomy at L4/L5 a few years ago. Let me know.
Angie, thanks for your reply. I live in Milton, NH and had my Micro D at Wentworth Douglass Hospital. I went to an ortho surgeon at Seacoast Ortho in Somersworth. Hope you have a better suggestion!
You are not that far from me. I went to Sports Medicine Atlantic Othopedics in Portsmouth. My doctor was Dr. Sutherland. He was really great. When I first had my initial back problem I saw his PA, Barry Cusson. He is really good. When I was in excuriating (sp) pain Dr Sutherland saw me during his lunch and we then scheduled surgery. I had a microdisectomy at L4/L5 in Sept of '04. Things were pretty good up until June of '06 and I went back to them and saw a different PA, Brian Barry (I wasn't that impressed by him). Had land PT and then that didn't work out had a new MRI and now the disc is abutting a nerve root. So, since the new PA said that they do surgery at Sports Med., that he sent me to Seacoast Physiatry in Portsmouth (they also have an office in Somersworth). I have had 3 epi's with no relief and have had aquatherapy. I just had an EMG last Friday and I am waiting for the results on the 21st.
I hoped this helped a bit. I wanted to tell you my story so you can make a decision on whether or not you want to give them a try. Keep us posted.
Angie
Hi Jan 
