Wellness

[Yesyesyes568]

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

[Big Sister]

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?

[Desertdi]

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@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?

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@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..............

[hopi]

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.

[Pooky1]

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.

[Mmsfoxxie]

@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.

[SeaMaiden]

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.  

[CatsyCline]

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

[hckynut]

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@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

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@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)

[Imadickens]

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!