From Beverly

[Guest guest]

How was your B-Day Beverly??? I am hanging in there the best I can right now. I know what you mean about feeling older than you really are. I am 34 and I get around worse than my own mother sometimes who is in her mid 60's. She always comments to me how I am getting to be older than her physically that isbeverly nunn <bevnunn@...> wrote:

Janine

Im hanging in there. My birthday is today and i turned 41. My back feels like im 60. Alotta pain lately. But coping best i can . How are you doing?

Beverly

-- Re: From Beverly

Beverly

what is a minimally ivasive spinal fusion??? I dont think I have ever heard of that? I had a spinal fusion done on L4 L5 with a adris this the same?

sorry i am sounding a little dumb but no better way to find out answers then to ask questions

Sincerely Janine in Calibnnn2005 <bevnunn@...> wrote:

Hello allI hope everyone is feeling some better.Has anyone had the Minimally ivasvie spinal fusion done?Beverly

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[Guest guest]

How was your B-Day Beverly??? I am hanging in there the best I can right now. I know what you mean about feeling older than you really are. I am 34 and I get around worse than my own mother sometimes who is in her mid 60's. She always comments to me how I am getting to be older than her physically that isbeverly nunn <bevnunn@...> wrote:

Janine

Im hanging in there. My birthday is today and i turned 41. My back feels like im 60. Alotta pain lately. But coping best i can . How are you doing?

Beverly

-- Re: From Beverly

Beverly

what is a minimally ivasive spinal fusion??? I dont think I have ever heard of that? I had a spinal fusion done on L4 L5 with a adris this the same?

sorry i am sounding a little dumb but no better way to find out answers then to ask questions

Sincerely Janine in Calibnnn2005 <bevnunn@...> wrote:

Hello allI hope everyone is feeling some better.Has anyone had the Minimally ivasvie spinal fusion done?Beverly

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[Guest guest]

Janine...

I had nerve compression at five levels (L1-L5) primarily because of

stenosis but because of instability as well. At first I wanted

spinal fusion, as most of us do (it's cutting edge medicine, right?

Wrong.) and I had even decided on a surgeon and fixed a date. I had

talked several times with a friend who simply didn't want to do

fusion. My doubts kept intruding and finally while my wife drove

away from a consultation I asked her to stop the car and get Dr.

Robles on the phone. He did the surgery two days later, without

fusion. The procedure unfortunately isn't available in the U.S. (I

have parallel prostheses - plastic ligaments - that serve to give me

some immediate stability and that encourage growth and strengthening

of natural ligaments). This procedure isn't without its detractors,

either, but for me it seems to be working just fine. Of course he

opened up all five foramina as well. I can't give more precise or

convincing arguments against fusion than Dr. Groopman has provided

in his New Yorker article. He talks of other clinics where

alternatives to fusion are being investigated and practiced, and he

also mentions the Stanford spine surgeon who only agrees to fusion

reluctantly, and only for those few patients who meet his stringent

criteria. Repair of a failed fusion, taking out the instrumentation,

patching things up, is difficult, problematic, painful and recovery

(assuming it can be achieved) is slow. My own recovery has been

painful, but that's nothing new to you and others in this group and

certainly to be expected with surgery involving five levels. The

best advice I can give you is to do the research, do the

investigation, check on the credentials and track record of any

physician with whom you consult, and doubt anyone who does not first

suggest conservative measures or alternatives. If the fellow is too

eager to stick the knife in, beware. I hope this helps. Russ

[Guest guest]

Janine...

Certainly a courageous decision. As you say, in the end another

fusion may be the only alternative for you, but in the meantime do

the research, do the investigation, find and consult with someone in

whom you have confidence. The best time to decide whether or not to

have fusion is before the first surgery. Once fusion has been done,

and has failed, options become more restricted. Russ

> Janine

> A spinal fusion has always been contraveral. It puts additional

stress on

> the vertabrae's above and below the fusion---causing them to

degenerate

> faster. This is what happened to my L5-s1 disk--it is collaped now

and they

> want to fuse it. It doesnt totally solve the pain problem in the

majority of

> the people and in the end you may be faced with more disk surgery

and pain.

> The article did help finalize my decision. Though---if i get to

where i cant

> move or something major happens i may have to have it---but ill

only do in a

> desperate situation now.

>

> Beverly

[Guest guest]

Hi Russ

A question for you how do you find out a doctors trac record and credentials?? Is there a simple way of doing this research?? Thanks so much for you advice and words of encouragement It is so GREATLY appreciated.

Sincerely Janine In CaliSanford <mucols@...> wrote:

Janine...I had nerve compression at five levels (L1-L5) primarily because of stenosis but because of instability as well. At first I wanted spinal fusion, as most of us do (it's cutting edge medicine, right? Wrong.) and I had even decided on a surgeon and fixed a date. I had talked several times with a friend who simply didn't want to do fusion. My doubts kept intruding and finally while my wife drove away from a consultation I asked her to stop the car and get Dr. Robles on the phone. He did the surgery two days later, without fusion. The procedure unfortunately isn't available in the U.S. (I have parallel prostheses - plastic ligaments - that serve to give me some immediate stability and that encourage growth and strengthening of natural ligaments). This procedure isn't without its detractors, either, but for me it seems

to be working just fine. Of course he opened up all five foramina as well. I can't give more precise or convincing arguments against fusion than Dr. Groopman has provided in his New Yorker article. He talks of other clinics where alternatives to fusion are being investigated and practiced, and he also mentions the Stanford spine surgeon who only agrees to fusion reluctantly, and only for those few patients who meet his stringent criteria. Repair of a failed fusion, taking out the instrumentation, patching things up, is difficult, problematic, painful and recovery (assuming it can be achieved) is slow. My own recovery has been painful, but that's nothing new to you and others in this group and certainly to be expected with surgery involving five levels. The best advice I can give you is to do the research, do the investigation, check on the credentials and track record of any physician with whom you consult, and doubt anyone who

does not first suggest conservative measures or alternatives. If the fellow is too eager to stick the knife in, beware. I hope this helps. Russ__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hey Russ

more questions, can I ask where you are from??? You said that the surgery you had is not done in the US??? Does this mean that you are not here in the US?? Or did you go somewhere to have this done?? I hope this is not too personal I just find it interesting to know where you are all from and how facinating it is to be able to communicate with you all.

Sincerely Janine In CaliSanford <mucols@...> wrote:

Janine...Certainly a courageous decision. As you say, in the end another fusion may be the only alternative for you, but in the meantime do the research, do the investigation, find and consult with someone in whom you have confidence. The best time to decide whether or not to have fusion is before the first surgery. Once fusion has been done, and has failed, options become more restricted. Russ> Janine> A spinal fusion has always been contraveral. It puts additional stress on> the vertabrae's above and below the fusion---causing them to degenerate> faster. This is what happened to my L5-s1 disk--it is collaped now and they> want to fuse it. It doesnt totally solve the pain problem in the majority

of> the people and in the end you may be faced with more disk surgery and pain.> The article did help finalize my decision. Though---if i get to where i cant> move or something major happens i may have to have it---but ill only do in a> desperate situation now.> > Beverly__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

>

> DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE CONCENTRATION PROBLEMS DUE TO THEIR PAIN AND

MEDS?/????????

>

> Sincerely Janine In Cali

YES!!!!

My hubby has told me I have become quite spacey(head in the clouds).

He said one of my good friends had commented to him that I was

forgetting things. I can't keep much of anything straight in my head

and it is making it impossible to concentrate on much of anything.

I am sorry that you experience this too. But it does help to know that

others can relate and that their is good reason for it.

I miss my old organized, on the ball self. :-(

Katrina in Idaho

[Guest guest]

>

>

>DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE CONCENTRATION PROBLEMS DUE TO THEIR PAIN AND

>MEDS?/????????

>

>Sincerely Janine In Cali

When I was going through the post op months or when I'm very sleep

deprived, I get to were I can't even read. That upsets me because while

the world is sleeping I read till I can fall asleep. One thing that has

gotten worse lately is my short term memory. My wife gets very

frustrated because I will ask her about something we just talked

about. This happens alot. This is scary because my Mom died of early

alzhiemers so we don't know if it's the meds or that. But when I think of

all the narcotics I'm on just to have the pain bearable, I'm sure that has

a lot to do with it.

So in short, it could be the meds & pain, or from sleep

depravation. Either way I for one can relate.

Blessings Dave

[Guest guest]

Janine

Hi

Birthday was fine. Did some swimming and got my excersie as i do daily. Its easier to do in the water and not as painful ive found. So water aerobics it is--ha. Hot here so good for swimming. How are you doing? I hope a little more painless today. Ive had to take wedding rings off---cutting into my finger. I dont want another ring---it wouldnt be the same---not wedding ring and blessed by preacher at wedding---so dont know what ill do on this. Guess after ten years of marriage next month and gained weight after being off work 2 1/2 years has taken it's toll--ha

Hugs

Beverly

-- Re: From Beverly

Beverly

what is a minimally ivasive spinal fusion??? I dont think I have ever heard of that? I had a spinal fusion done on L4 L5 with a adris this the same?

sorry i am sounding a little dumb but no better way to find out answers then to ask questions

Sincerely Janine in Calibnnn2005 <bevnunn@...> wrote:

Hello allI hope everyone is feeling some better.Has anyone had the Minimally ivasvie spinal fusion done?Beverly

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[Guest guest]

Hi Janine,

I've been taking pain meds for about 9 years. I will

send you a private email on the memory problems and

certain meds and/or combo of meds.

I'll be cahecking my email, but in the next 2-3 weeks,

I am apartment hunting, so while I will check everyday

for the daily posts, I may not be posting as often as

I have been. You have my email address, so don't

hesitate to email me.

Hope your trip went well!!!!!!!!

Tke care,

Lynda

--- " J. Cruikshank " <d.cruikshank@...>

wrote:

>

> >

> >

> >DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE CONCENTRATION PROBLEMS DUE TO

> THEIR PAIN AND

> >MEDS?/????????

> >

> >Sincerely Janine In Cali

>

> When I was going through the post op months or when

> I'm very sleep

> deprived, I get to were I can't even read. That

> upsets me because while

> the world is sleeping I read till I can fall asleep.

> One thing that has

> gotten worse lately is my short term memory. My

> wife gets very

> frustrated because I will ask her about something

> we just talked

> about. This happens alot. This is scary because my

> Mom died of early

> alzhiemers so we don't know if it's the meds or

> that. But when I think of

> all the narcotics I'm on just to have the pain

> bearable, I'm sure that has

> a lot to do with it.

>

> So in short, it could be the meds & pain, or from

> sleep

> depravation. Either way I for one can relate.

>

> Blessings Dave

>

>

____________________________________________________

Sports

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[Guest guest]

Beverly

you need to make sure that you are at your Dr's on a regular basis. they go off of their reviews. Make sure you tell your doc that you are up for review soon and that they need to see what kind of state that you are in clearly written on the med docs. Their people go over all of your Doc's reports and if anything is unclear they send you to their doc. That is when you have to worry what they are going to say. That is why I tell you to make sure your doc have very clear reports about what is going wrong with you and what is going to need to be done in the near future and the further future. I hope this helps. I just recieved my booklets today for SSI and it expained it all in there for me on what i need to do.

Sincerely Janine In Calibnnn2005 <bevnunn@...> wrote:

Hello allHow is everyone?Is anyone on disability here for theyre back? Has anyone been taken off disability when they were re-reviewed by them? I should be coming up for review in about a year or so. Im concerned about it being taken away with or without my surgery. Anyone know how this works?Beverly

Sell on Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items.

[Guest guest]

Janine

Thxs so much. Ill ensure that my coming up appt.

Beverly

-- Re: From Beverly

Beverly

you need to make sure that you are at your Dr's on a regular basis. they go off of their reviews. Make sure you tell your doc that you are up for review soon and that they need to see what kind of state that you are in clearly written on the med docs. Their people go over all of your Doc's reports and if anything is unclear they send you to their doc. That is when you have to worry what they are going to say. That is why I tell you to make sure your doc have very clear reports about what is going wrong with you and what is going to need to be done in the near future and the further future. I hope this helps. I just recieved my booklets today for SSI and it expained it all in there for me on what i need to do.

Sincerely Janine In Calibnnn2005 <bevnunn@...> wrote:

Hello allHow is everyone?Is anyone on disability here for theyre back? Has anyone been taken off disability when they were re-reviewed by them? I should be coming up for review in about a year or so. Im concerned about it being taken away with or without my surgery. Anyone know how this works?Beverly

Sell on Auctions - No fees. Bid on great items.

[Guest guest]

Beverly - what kind of disability are you on? I was in a car accident

so I am using NY no fault, which I have been reviewed two times in 8

months and I can only collect from no fault for up to three years I

believe. I am looking into social security disability benefits.

I am sure that who ever is reviewing your case is definately going to

want to doctors reviews.

~

> Hello all

> How is everyone?

> Is anyone on disability here for theyre back? Has anyone been taken

> off disability when they were re-reviewed by them? I should be coming

> up for review in about a year or so. Im concerned about it being taken

> away with or without my surgery. Anyone know how this works?

>

> Beverly

[Guest guest]

Im on social security disability. They generally review every tw-5 yrs i believe depending on your situation.

Beverly

-- Re: From Beverly

Beverly - what kind of disability are you on? I was in a car accidentso I am using NY no fault, which I have been reviewed two times in 8months and I can only collect from no fault for up to three years Ibelieve. I am looking into social security disability benefits. I am sure that who ever is reviewing your case is definately going towant to doctors reviews.~> Hello all> How is everyone?> Is anyone on disability here for theyre back? Has anyone been taken > off disability when they were re-reviewed by them? I should be coming > up for review in about a year or so. Im concerned about it being taken > away with or without my surgery. Anyone know how this works?> > Beverly

[Guest guest]

Jenn

I have a company that can probably help you with working on getting you your Social Security email me and let me know if you are interested and I will give you the co.'s # they dont cost anything unless they help you win your case and they do all the paperwork and go to where you are located to represent you when your hearing is set if it even comes to that point. anyways let me know if you want their name and number. they are the ones who helped me win my case.

Sincerley Janine in Calidaisy383 <jazevedo@...> wrote:

Beverly - what kind of disability are you on? I was in a car accidentso I am using NY no fault, which I have been reviewed two times in 8months and I can only collect from no fault for up to three years Ibelieve. I am looking into social security disability benefits. I am sure that who ever is reviewing your case is definately going towant to doctors reviews.~> Hello all> How is everyone?> Is anyone on disability here for theyre back? Has anyone been taken > off disability when they were re-reviewed by them? I should be coming > up for review in about a year or so. Im concerned about it being taken > away with or without my surgery. Anyone know how this works?> >

Beverly__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Beverly. Mostly I lurk here, because I am so busy in my home and

business and my kids but I wanted to share with you about my friend.

My friend had severe back problem. her doctor recommended her back

surgery. Her back was literally crumblig down. The x ray was showing

her back was in a very bad condition. So she went to a great

chiropractor. he gave her back treatments and also calcium supplements

and a special diet to encourage bone regeneration. She was scheduled

for surgery in the next month. She asked to pospone the surgery in few

weeks. When she returned to her doctor, and they did the x ray again

they didn't belive it was the same person. Her back looked normal!

[Guest guest]

Sara

Thank you so much for that info. Im so thankful she didnt have to have surgery. Im studying up today on the L5-s1 disk and its placement and movement ability to see how likely the pain is coming from there. Ill start the supplements today. God love ya

Beverly

-- Re: From Beverly

Hi Beverly. Mostly I lurk here, because I am so busy in my home andbusiness and my kids but I wanted to share with you about my friend.My friend had severe back problem. her doctor recommended her backsurgery. Her back was literally crumblig down. The x ray was showingher back was in a very bad condition. So she went to a greatchiropractor. he gave her back treatments and also calcium supplementsand a special diet to encourage bone regeneration. She was scheduledfor surgery in the next month. She asked to pospone the surgery in fewweeks. When she returned to her doctor, and they did the x ray againthey didn't belive it was the same person. Her back looked normal!

[Guest guest]

That's truly amazing.

> Hi Beverly. Mostly I lurk here, because I am so busy in my home and

> business and my kids but I wanted to share with you about my friend.

> My friend had severe back problem. her doctor recommended her back

> surgery. Her back was literally crumblig down. The x ray was showing

> her back was in a very bad condition. So she went to a great

> chiropractor. he gave her back treatments and also calcium

supplements

> and a special diet to encourage bone regeneration. She was scheduled

> for surgery in the next month. She asked to pospone the surgery in

few

> weeks. When she returned to her doctor, and they did the x ray again

> they didn't belive it was the same person. Her back looked normal!

[Guest guest]

Hi All

Hope everyone is having a better day. Im doing the same. Dont hear

from anyone much here. Just wondering if anyone here has had L5-s1 and

l4-5 fused together , and how much more stiffness they had and how

much it has helped?

Beverly

[Guest guest]

Hi Beverly

I have my L4-5 fused it has caused my L5-S1 and my L3-4 to herniate I have major stiffness all the time and I have nerve damage as well. This is common for the fusion the pressure on the other discs that is. This was something that was told to me before the procedure was done but 2 years ago they didnt have another option for me because the disc was shattered and fragments were embedded everywhere in the nerves in my lower back and butt and leg area. I hope this helps. I will probably be looking at another surgery here soon I have had complications with the scar tissue build up in the thoratic nerve and they are wanting to do more tests on the other discs to see how far gone they are. I have hardly heard form anyone in here also I thought that everyone disappeared or something. Only heard form a couple of people glad to hear that you are still around.

Sincerely Janine In Cali bnnn2005 <bevnunn@...> wrote:

Hi AllHope everyone is having a better day. Im doing the same. Dont hear from anyone much here. Just wondering if anyone here has had L5-s1 and l4-5 fused together , and how much more stiffness they had and how much it has helped?Beverly__________________________________________________