Back Surgery? - Pain Management Message Board

avogadro · 08-24-2003, 07:57 AM

Can anyone tell me about experience with back surgery on bulging, degenerated, slipped disks? I also appear to now be having arthritis type problems with the joints from the bone rubbing together. I do NOT want to have surgery on my spine. I'm 31 years old and have days when I feel like I'm 80. But, the idea of surgery scares me to death. Also, I have a friend who is in the medical field and he has told me to avoid back surgery at all costs. He told me I would never get off the pain meds and would end up with addiction issues.

Mo7609 · 08-25-2003, 07:17 AM

Some people have great results with back surgeries. My grandfather had a spinal fusion which is what you would probably have and has had no problems since recovering. Sure he has bad days every once in a while but for the most part he is out of pain. You might want to post on the back board you would get a better response I would think. Take Care Mo

avogadro · 08-25-2003, 08:37 AM

Good suggestion! Thanks!

EmtShirl · 08-25-2003, 08:43 AM

avogadro~

First off it sounds like your spine problems are a lot like mine. Are they from an injury? Mine are not. It sorta sounds like your are not also. If they are not from an injury then it can be a whole different story. What I mean is that it will be an on going "life time" of problems.

I am now 40 Y/O and my problems started 8 years ago. I too have bulging, DDD, and arthritis throughout my whole spine. The main areas right now are lumbar and cervical. In my signature you can see what surgeries I have had already. I know the feeling like 80 feeling very well.

Yes, the though of surgery scares one to death but if you have complete trust in your doctor that really does help a lot. No, it still does not make you less scared but it sure helps!

Now for what your friend has told you......
I agree with the part that was said to avoid surgery at all cost but there comes a time when you and only you know it's the right time to go ahead and have it (surgery). Remember a few things 1) A lot of the times it helps but sometimes it may not. 2) With a lot of fusion surgeries one will need more sometime down the road. 3) Everyone is different.

Now for the pain meds and addiction issues......
DO NOT LISTEN to that one. That was uncalled for and totally not true! That is unless you already have issues with those types of problems. Yes, it can be a problem but I wish your friend would not have scared you like that.

Like I said before if your life is not functional (daily) and the pain in unbearable then it is really time to talk with your doctor about your options.

What type of doctor do you see? What has been done to this point? What medications have you tried? Has anything helped at all?

I look forward to hearing from you.

You might try posting on the Back Problems board as Mo has mentioned.

Shirl

------------------
Love,
Shirl
History:

1980- Transaxillary resection of 1st rib and division of band (left side)
1982- Diagnostic Laparoscopy
1985- Transaxillary excision of cervical rib (right side)
1991- Laser stapedectomy (right side)
1992- Fractional D&C
1992- Diagnostic Laparoscopy
1996- Lumbar hemilaminectomy
1999- Left knee arthoscopic surgery
2001- Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy
2002- L5-S1 Microdiscectomy
2002- L4-L5, L5-S1 Anterior inter-body lumbar fusion with cages and my own bone from left hip for bone graft
2002- Neck problems Surgery??????
2002 DEC 21- C4-5, C5-C6 Anterior Cervical Corpectomy with Fusion and Internal Fixation (Bone from the bone bank)

grizzk62 · 08-25-2003, 10:12 AM

avogadro,

Yes back surgery is scary I have had 4 surgerys on my back since 1985 when I broke my back. I agree with the advice of taking all other avenues before surgery. It should be a last resort measure. The problem of spine surgery is that it may not alieve the pain and because of the surgery there is scar tissue and most likely they will do a fusion which can lead to cause problems above the surgery of below the surgery what ever the case may be. I do feel for you and what may lay ahead of you. I would at least get a second opinion about the surgery if you descide to go ahead with it. I am a chronic pain patient and have be on some kind of pain meds for the last 19 yrs. The last year I have been on methadone and oxyIR. I do conscider myself dependant on those meds but not addictted. Addiction is a set of behaviors and actions. Depence is when you body needs the meds to lead a more productive life. I'm no more dependant on my pain meds as I'm no more dependant on my heart meds. I believe that they are the same. If I can be of futrther help please don't hesitate to ask and by all means keep us posted.

Matt