topic Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY in Wellness

MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

Yesyesyes568 — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 05:51:14 GMT

MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY FOR MY LOWER BACK. IVE BEEN SUFERRING A GREAT DEAL AND THE TEST SHOWS IM IN SEVERITY SHAPE WHICH REQUIRES SURGERY NOW. ILL BE SEEING A SURGEON SOON. ANYONE HAVE ANY THOUGHTS???? TIA

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

Big Sister — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 07:35:34 GMT

Maggie, hello, my only thoughts right now are that I wish you well and that any surgery goes smoothly and well.

My other thought is: do you think you should get a second opinion or do you definitely trust this doctor?

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

Desertdi — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 08:22:19 GMT

@Big Sister wrote:
Maggie, hello, my only thoughts right now are that I wish you well and that any surgery goes smoothly and well.

My other thought is: do you think you should get a second opinion or do you definitely trust this doctor?

@Big Sister I'm 100% with you on that one. In fact, I'd get as many opinions as the law allows...........and I've had chronic sciatica for over 40 years. My fear is that "they" might make it WORSE..............

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

hopi — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 10:11:09 GMT

That you make sure the surgeon is the best you can find and uses the most updated and minamlly invasive techniques. God Bless and things should go well.

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

Pooky1 — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:18:26 GMT

back in january 2003 i had an mri because i have ms and i was numb from waist down.they found i had a disc sticking in my spinal cord. i got called and had to go in hospital for emergency surgery to remove disc. they said if i moved the wrong way disc could have stuck further in and i would have been paralized. recovery wasnt to bad. i was back to work in 3 months. i wish you good luck.

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

Mmsfoxxie — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:24:29 GMT

@Yesyesyes568, I have no experience about bad issues at all but would like to extend to you my hope that you make the best decision for the best outcome for your medical issue.

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

SeaMaiden — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 13:23:04 GMT

If this is your first opinion... get a second and a third opinion first... do not rush into back surgery. Take a deep breath and just think about it for a couple of days.. let things sink in and then go get several other opinions.

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

CatsyCline — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 15:06:32 GMT

who is telling you that you are in "severe shape"? is this your PCP?

what is going on in your lumbar spine?

herniated disk? spinal stenosis? degeneration of disk?

most insurances will require a treatment plan.

1.Physical Therapy; core exercises. ice packs, TENS unit

2.Medications like cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxers)

2. Steroid shots - typically three spinal injections, spaced 3 to 4 weeks intervals

3. Surgery

There are NO guarantees that surgery will improve your condition. i know this for a fact

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

hckynut — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 15:41:09 GMT

@Yesyesyes568 wrote:
MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY FOR MY LOWER BACK. IVE BEEN SUFERRING A GREAT DEAL AND THE TEST SHOWS IM IN SEVERITY SHAPE WHICH REQUIRES SURGERY NOW. ILL BE SEEING A SURGEON SOON. ANYONE HAVE ANY THOUGHTS???? TIA

@Yesyesyes568

I have had 2 lumbar surgeries. One to remove my ruptured L-5/S-1 discs and the 2nd to remove my ruptured L-3.

Thoughts? Go into surgery as physically strong as you are able. Go into surgery with intent and optimism with your results. Most of all, put in all the effort you can muster during you Physical Therapy Recovery. Those that do not, usually do not do well. Plan on doing recommended back exercises every day for the rest of your life.

I have never been limited in any activity I choose or chose after either of my surgeries, once my surgeon gave me the green light. This includes contact hockey and all my regular resistance training programs. I also still competed in hundreds of Road Runs.

While I am now limited somewhat because of very serious health events, I was/am not because of anything to do with my back surgeries.

Wishing you the best,

hckynut(john)

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

Imadickens — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 19:20:35 GMT

Just research the doctor you choose! Make sure his patients are satisfied with his skill and follow up care! Bedside manner is the least important of anything! It's how well he operates and how well he cares for you after the operation that matters! Good luck!

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

fortune — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 22:24:31 GMT

@Yesyesyes568 wrote:
MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY FOR MY LOWER BACK. IVE BEEN SUFERRING A GREAT DEAL AND THE TEST SHOWS IM IN SEVERITY SHAPE WHICH REQUIRES SURGERY NOW. ILL BE SEEING A SURGEON SOON. ANYONE HAVE ANY THOUGHTS???? TIA

@Yesyesyes568

Please go to the top back surgeons within your area! Don't let the first doctor perform surgery until you do! A friend of mine will never be the same after back surgery! His back is much worse, and he can't straighten up! Also, he had real bad reactions to the anesthesia!!!!!

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

NativeJax — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 22:50:44 GMT

I wish you good health! Living with chronic pain is no joke and I am sure you want relief. I am in agreement with others that you should get a second opinion. My son who is only 22 had a hand surgery at 19, we took the surgeons opinion that it was the best choice...it never healed and he was in chronic pain. On the 14th of this month we had to do another surgery to repair what the previous surgeon did. This surgery was much more complicated but will remove his pain, the downside is he has lost some of his ability to use his hand. My point is, the original surgeon removed bones that can't be replaced and now my son has lost some of his ability to use his hand. I went to three surgeons regarding my son and all three agreed the original surgery was a very bad choice. I really encourage getting the advise from several doctors and see if they all agree.

Back surgery is not easy. I wish you the best and hope you will recover quickly.

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

lulu2 — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 23:50:30 GMT

@Yesyesyes568 wrote:
MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY FOR MY LOWER BACK. IVE BEEN SUFERRING A GREAT DEAL AND THE TEST SHOWS IM IN SEVERITY SHAPE WHICH REQUIRES SURGERY NOW. ILL BE SEEING A SURGEON SOON. ANYONE HAVE ANY THOUGHTS???? TIA

As you said you were seeing a surgeon soon, who told you you needed surgery?

Are you seeing an ortho surgeon or a neuro surgeon?

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

Stormygirl — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 02:08:40 GMT

@Yesyesyes568 Am hoping you feel better soon., I dont know if you have seen my comments regarding my situation. I wont say much but PLEASE if able get a second opinion. My present situation was caused by failed surgery and too vigourous of surgery. Am not sure what the specific problem is but if not an emergency do your research and homework. Get the best in your area. Is too late for me and yes this doesnt always happen but still..........Anyway is your decision and I wish you the best always and a speedy recovery. PS...Today more then ever we MUST be our own advocates and in charge of our bet interests.

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

hckynut — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 03:25:12 GMT

@fortune

What was the reason for your friend's back surgery, and What anesthesia was used?

hckynut(john)

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

nagrom — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 04:00:49 GMT

I Feel for you as I am going through the process of finding a path to a better back. I have had an MRI in August that documented L1 through L5 discs were ruptured, bulging stenosis and a ton of other things too many to list here. I asked and received a copy of the report to be an informed patient. Have been on muscle relaxer Baclofen and Meds Gabapentin and Hydrocodone for inflammation and pain. I have done sessions of physical therapy and awaiting my appointment with the spine clinic surgeon. In all probability I will try the injections to relieve my pain and flexibility. Up until this episode I had been a gymaholic going to the gym six days a week.

Btw when the doctor phoned me to give me the results of my MRI he said my back was a wreck and the surgeon would have a hard time deciding where to start. Then he read the entire report to me. It was very long and detailed. As stated before I received a copy of the report. I researched online for the different options of surgery etc. I am in no hurry for surgery. Too many people do not get the results they are hoping for.

I wish you well and wanted to share my voyage through this episode of back problems.

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

sandraskates — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 04:28:30 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
@Big Sister wrote:
Maggie, hello, my only thoughts right now are that I wish you well and that any surgery goes smoothly and well.

My other thought is: do you think you should get a second opinion or do you definitely trust this doctor?
@Big Sister I'm 100% with you on that one. In fact, I'd get as many opinions as the law allows...........and I've had chronic sciatica for over 40 years. My fear is that "they" might make it WORSE..............

@Desertdi - I had scar tissue pressing on my sciatic nerve causing me a lot of pain down my left leg. After the usual physical therapy, cortisone shot, etc. I found a specialist back surgeon who removed the scar tissue. The surgery didn't even take very long. I've been pretty much pain-free nearly 20 years.

I say "pretty much" because I still have the occasional minor back discomfort reappear when I over-exert myself, but it's not sciatic-type pain.

@Yesyesyes568 It would be easier to comment on your question if you provided more detail on your back problem.

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

hckynut — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 07:12:53 GMT

@nagrom wrote:
I Feel for you as I am going through the process of finding a path to a better back. I have had an MRI in August that documented L1 through L5 discs were ruptured, bulging stenosis and a ton of other things too many to list here. I asked and received a copy of the report to be an informed patient. Have been on muscle relaxer Baclofen and Meds Gabapentin and Hydrocodone for inflammation and pain. I have done sessions of physical therapy and awaiting my appointment with the spine clinic surgeon. In all probability I will try the injections to relieve my pain and flexibility. Up until this episode I had been a gymaholic going to the gym six days a week.

Btw when the doctor phoned me to give me the results of my MRI he said my back was a wreck and the surgeon would have a hard time deciding where to start. Then he read the entire report to me. It was very long and detailed. As stated before I received a copy of the report. I researched online for the different options of surgery etc. I am in no hurry for surgery. Too many people do not get the results they are hoping for.

I wish you well and wanted to share my voyage through this episode of back problems.

@nagrom

You lost me on this statement: "Up until this episode I was a gymaholic going to the gym 6 days a week". Are you saying that "this episode" just popped up and now you have 5 ruptured lumbar discs?

All 3 of my ruptured lumbar discs happened over time. I know the cause of all of them, at the very least, what led to them. My job of heavy lifting while having to turn 180° while holding 50-70lb reels in front of me. Couple that with hard contact playing hockey, and that is pretty much the story on my L-5/S-1 disc ruptures.

My L-3, pretty much from trauma caused by falling on my back while being a hockey ref, and also hard physical contact with players as a ref. Being a Ref in hockey may look easy, but I had more serious injuries as a Ref than I did as a player.

So until "this episode", not exactly sure what that means or consists of for sure, you were pain free. No referred pain or spinal pain? I had both, and for a long period of time, until the discs finally completely ruptured, then my only option was surgery.

Once the outer part of the disc cracks or is fractured, a substance within the disc(called nucleus pulposus) leaks into the spinal column, it cannot be put back in. I watched my friend, a spinal surgeon, via a tv monitor, remove this material from my spine after my L-3 ruptured. He told me it was mostly a type of fluid, but pressing against spinal nerves, it felt completely solid.

As I said in my 1st post, I regained all of my flexibility and core strength after both surgeries, which were decades apart. Worked consistently on my rehab daily, and still do to this day. I still have strong core muscles and flexibility in all my rear side muscles and connective tissues.

I think you told me your story some time back, but I don't remember the "until this episode", or what that episode might have been? With that many involved lumbar discs, those are usually caused by severe blunt trauma, like say a car slamming into a fixed object.

Time to end this one. Wishing you the best with these very painful issues.

hckynut(john)

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

Big Sister — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 08:09:13 GMT

@Yesyesyes568 I have had another thought on your possible surgery. From experience, when my DH was facing surgery on his spine years ago, we talked to physical therapists who worked with patients after the surgeries. Those PTs can tell you who is the best surgeon for your particular surgery. They get "up close and personal."

Re: MRI RESULTS SAY SURGERY

hckynut — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 16:22:36 GMT

@PopBig Sister wrote:
@Yesyesyes568 I have had another thought on your possible surgery. From experience, when my DH was facing surgery on his spine years ago, we talked to physical therapists who worked with patients after the surgeries. Those PTs can tell you who is the best surgeon for your particular surgery. They get "up close and personal."

@Big Sister

I can relay this to you from having 2 Physical Therapists as good friends, and like most independent contractors, a lot of their business comes from "word of mouth". My other friends, which are Orthopedic Surgeons, do it this way.

A patient comex in with an injurt, post or pre-sugery. They patient was referred them by Ortho doctor. If my Ortho friends are satisfied with the PT? They now become unwritten partners. Patient needs PT, what Therapist do you think he will use?

Turn the tables and ask a P. Therapist who are the "good/better/best" surgeons? The doctors that send their patients to this Physical Therapist.

Just telling you from my own personal experience with doctors and Physical Therapists and Ortho Surgeons, all my good friends.

hckynut