6 Herniated Discs Thoracic Spine - Hernia Message Board

Jan3213 · 09-04-2006, 06:40 PM

Hello
I have six herniated discs in my thoracic spine, one is compressing my spinal cord. I have numbness and weakening in my left leg, which is getting worse by the week.
I am scheduled for surgery on September 12. I know it is rare (I guess) to have herniated discs in the thoracic spine and I also know that I apparently have no choice since I have weakening of my leg and weakness, sometimes extending to my groin.
What I have read here really frightens me. I have checked out my neuro surgeon and he has an excellent reputation. He can do this surgery posterior (I may not be using the right terms--from my back) because none of the herniations are calcified.
I really, really hope someone answers this. I just want someone who has had this surgery to talk to me. Please. I am 59 years old and am scared to death. I am also experiencing a lot of pain between my shoulder blades, my ribs, my shoulders.
I have been to at least six doctors in the past two years to try to see what the cause of my numbness is. No one found this, until this surgeon. My husband and I saw the MRI and Ct scan results. He said my back is a mess. I don't think anyone realizes how very, very serious this is. Not even my husband.
The surgeon told us the risks, but said I have no choice, and I don't think I do. I've read enough to know that when you have numbness and nerves involved, you have to have surgery.
Sorry this is so long. Please answer. Please.
Jan

ember919 · 09-06-2006, 10:11 AM

You must be very frustrated. Thoracic surgeries are more uncommon and therefore more difficult to find information about. I believe that laminectomy is the usual approach for thoracic spine surgery?

Don't give up here yet. I hope you find at least a few people who have had a similar experience and can share with you. You might also do further research on the web, as there is a wealth of information available and knowing more about the procedure may give you some peace of mind. Facing surgery is always scary, but knowing more about what you're going into can sometimes do wonders for quelling nerves.

Best of luck to you.

Jan3213 · 09-06-2006, 03:28 PM

Amber

Thank you so much for responding to my post. I know thoracic herniations are not as common, and doctors only operate when there's no other choice (like my situation), so I'm not surprised that I haven't had much response.

I really appreciate you taking the time to answer me, however. I still hope someone who has had surgery on that part of the spine will see this.

I've researched a lot---I would just like to hear the experience of another person.

Thanks again.

Jan

Kissa · 09-06-2006, 06:50 PM

There have been a few posts in the past asking the same questions but they too did not get much of a response. It is because it is somewhat uncommon compared to cervical or lumbar herniations and the surgery is much more complicated overall. You could probably search the boards, there might even be some posts in the old archives. There are posts going back some 6 or more years so you might get lucky.

Go here [url]http://www.healthboards.com/sitemap.php[/url] to find the old archives and start looking around, maybe you find something that could be useful. You can't respond to those posts but there's still good information there.

No matter what you do just be sure your doctor is a spine specialist, be it an ortho or nuero surgeon. It's not a bad idea to get a second opinion on the matter as well.

Good luck
Barb

Jan3213 · 09-06-2006, 07:34 PM

Hi Barb

Thanks for the link. I'm going there now.

My neuro surgeon is a spine specialist. I appreciate you responding to my post.

Jan