Back issue....how to proceed? - Page 4

nagrom · ‎07-03-2010

Spinal fusion would definitely limit my ability to bend or turn.....making it virtually impossible. To try and decide fusion of two or three of the five would be the same outcome. I will try everything before and then live with the pain before any fusion...not an option. Think of all the things you need to turn or bend in everyday life. Scary but I feel I can make it better again. Doc has me on baclofen, hydrocodone and gabapentin. Hopefully between those and maybe new pt different exercises than before I will be better. Tenacity will prevail. If I feel sorry for myself, I won't be able to succeed. Got to. Simple as that.

As a kid I was sick a lot and had restrictions on what I was allowed to do. That made me more determined to be independent. My sister was put in charge of me. She is 14 months older than I was. She would tell everyone that I could not participate. Freedom and independence was something I worked hard to get. Survival skills maybe?

Anyway tell me no and I will find a way........

Enough of me good luck and keep on keeping on....

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

According to my good friend, who practices at our state's Spinal Hospital, he first sees if there is a less inclusive way to fix the problem. As usual, everyone's spine is different, and whatever other issues are present, arthritis or spinal stenosis to name a couple of them.

Fusion includes building some type of permanent connections to at least 2 spinal Vertebrae. My friend said he very seldom takes bone from the patient to join the Vertebrae together. He uses bone from a cadaver or sometimes, synthetic material.

This procedure is not a quick healing type of surgery. The bone used and fused to your spine has to fuse completely together, and that time has too many variables to even discuss. Depending on the overall physical condition of the patient, how much mobility is lost, and this includes how much effort is put in by the patient in Physical Therapy to expedite their recovery.

There is plenty of info online(medical websites) that can give you a lot of information. I am wondering why you are concerned about Spinal Fusion before even having an MRI. All back pains do not require surgery, and Spinal Fusion is not the first option, according to my friend.

I am missing my L-3/L-5 and S-1 in my spine. The L-5 and the S-1 were removed at the same time via open back surgery. Both of these discs were completely ruptured and when a rupture is present, there are few options. My ruptured L-3 was removed by my friend in his office under local anesthesia, and i watched the whole procedure on the monitor.

I went in with a high level of discomfort and 2 hours later i left pain free. Back then it was an experimental surgery and he told me upfront it has only a 40% chance of ending my problem. That was back in 2006 and i have not looked back.

My suggestion to you? Until you have the results of an MRI, it would serve you well to stay away from reading about Spinal Fusion. You just may need some Physical Therapy and some temporary meds to get this under control.

Since you say "my pain has eased up", that is a positive sign, unless you are on strong opiate meds. Serious back pains seldom "ease up" without the help of major pain medication.

Wishing you the best.

hckynut(john)

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Mom2Dogs Many times a back issue as you call it can me muscular and nerve related and not spinal...XRays and MRI's may show things NOT contributing to your pain at all.

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luvdoodles · ‎06-19-2010

I belive spinal infusion involvles using rods and pins to correct the problem. Long recovery period. My sugery did not involve that. I just had a lumbarectomy. It did help a little. Still not pain free yet though. Good luck.

nagrom · ‎07-03-2010

Yes, I have back issues for several years and now reached a point where either surgery or live with it. Had a recent MRI and showed bulging and herniated disks on every level from L1-L5 plus all other things going on in that region too numerous to list. Doc has me scheduled for pt but this has not been my first round of pt either. Had injections previously but it has reached a point of needing something more. For insurance purposes I need to be evaluated by pt. Doing all my exercises. Was a gym alholic going six times a week. Now I can barely stand. Taking baclofen, gabapentin, hydrocodone. Experiencing muscle spasms in upper back adding to my issues. Doc stated a surgeon wouldn't know where to begin. He has consulted with ortho surgeon and knows I am opposed to having fusion. That option was brought up. Just waiting for something that would work. Area becomes so inflamed a nd irritated that only acupuncture helped in the past. Injections, chiropractor, pt, did not help back then. My insurance wouldn't cover as my employer was also my insurer. Once a person reaches a certain age employers would rather retire you than fix you. Need I say more.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@nagrom wrote:
Yes, I have back issues for several years and now reached a point where either surgery or live with it. Had a recent MRI and showed bulging and herniated disks on every level from L1-L5 plus all other things going on in that region too numerous to list. Doc has me scheduled for pt but this has not been my first round of pt either. Had injections previously but it has reached a point of needing something more. For insurance purposes I need to be evaluated by pt. Doing all my exercises. Was a gym alholic going six times a week. Now I can barely stand. Taking baclofen, gabapentin, hydrocodone. Experiencing muscle spasms in upper back adding to my issues. Doc stated a surgeon wouldn't know where to begin. He has consulted with ortho surgeon and knows I am opposed to having fusion. That option was brought up. Just waiting for something that would work. Area becomes so inflamed a nd irritated that only acupuncture helped in the past. Injections, chiropractor, pt, did not help back then. My insurance wouldn't cover as my employer was also my insurer. Once a person reaches a certain age employers would rather retire you than fix you. Need I say more.

Quite a list of meds. I am sorry you are having to deal with these spinal issues. From experience, i fully understand how debilitating spinal issues are to a person's normal functions.

My discs were completely ruptured, while being more painful than bulging or herniated discs, my friend the Spinal Surgeon also said they make the surgery much easier for him.

Had my L-3 not been completely ruptured, he would not had been able to to his in-office surgery he did in 2006, to eliminate the source of my spine problem. As i have said, it was done with a local anesthesia and i watched the whole 2 hour procedure on the monitor along with him.

In humor, the first thing he said to me was: "john, do not jump if he hits a nerve. If you jump, i might jump, and that would not be helpful to either of us". He did hit nerves, and i grabbed tighter onto the table, but i did not jump. A fascinating procedure for me to see, step by step.

I wish you the best with these many issues. May your doctors find the best and easiest resolution to remove most, if not all of you pain.

hckynut(john)

nagrom · ‎07-03-2010

Thanks hckynut, I am trying to go through the channels. Hate to see that so many meds are prescribed and increasing the dosage as a means of achieving stability. Right now I can only lift my feet more than two inches. My stride is also very short. Needltosay pain levels and ability to stand bend or turn very little.. Taking meds, icing and heat to do exercises. Those are limited as well. Just a matter of time. Again! I am stubborn to never say no. Keep on plugging along. Take care and blessed health to you and your wife.

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

Around here you have to go to your regular doctor first which refers you if necessary. We cannot make an appt with one of those doctors our doctors office does that. Plus that's the route you probably have to go to get your Ins to cover it.

lulu2 · ‎03-09-2010

@Nightowlz wrote:
Around here you have to go to your regular doctor first which refers you if necessary. We cannot make an appt with one of those doctors our doctors office does that. Plus that's the route you probably have to go to get your Ins to cover it.

Usually insurance dictates whether or not you need a referral to see a specialist.

There are some specialists who will only take a new patient with a medical referral (not the same as an insurance referral) from a PCP.

On the other hand there are specialists that anyone can make an appointment with.

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@nagrom.....I am really sorry you are suffering....my pain is nothing compared to what you and others are enduring.......I feel ridiculous for even talking about what I have dealing with......