Hi Maryanne,
I'm happy that you found this posting
I almost had the nucleoplasty, my doc was going to do four levels at once, so I think it differs in each doc as to how many levels they want to treat.
Prior to my fusion, I also had a failed radio-frequency ablation procedure, that is somewhat like the nucleoplsty procedure.
After my discogram, I found out that I wasn't a candidate after all for the nucleoplasty, as I had other problems that only a fusion would fix, so I decided on the two level fusion.
Good Luck in whatever you decide
Have a super weekend
Be Well,
Baxter
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Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.
[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 01-24-2003).]