LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you for the response. Most appreciated. My problems are situated in

the same area - L2 through L5 with S1 interference. How was the recuperation

from your surgery and was there much pain afterwards? You are so fortunate

to have found your surgeon and his team.

From: cynthiadew1

Date: 4/8/2010 9:20:52 AM

Joint Replacement

Subject: LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Forgot two important things. Yes, I had the surgery in the US, Orange

County, California. And what type of lumbar disc problem would you have

that a surgeon wouldn't do surgery to fix it? Sounds like you need a 2nd or

perhaps 3rd opinion to find a surgeon you trust.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Question is not directed at me, but propably an honest surgeon. Disc surgery is

perhaps the least sucessful of any. You have been fortunate that your surgery

went well, but there are more long term problem stories with that surgery then

good results.

Jeff

________________________________

From: cynthiadew1 <cynthiadew1@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Thu, April 8, 2010 12:02:07 PM

Subject: LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Forgot two important things.  Yes, I had the surgery in the US, Orange County,

California.  And what type of lumbar disc problem would you have that a surgeon

wouldn't do surgery to fix it?  Sounds like you need a 2nd or perhaps 3rd

opinion to find a surgeon you trust.

>

> ,

> May I ask what your lumbar surgery entailed?  I have lumbar disc problems  and

was under the impression that surgery was not an option. Did you have  your

surgery in the US?

> Thanks.

> 

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Well anyone's expectations for any type of surgery should be to relieve the pain

from the problem area. Unfortunately back surgery fails more often than it

succeeds. Failed back surgery is not only failed fusions, there are many other

failures besides fusions. Yes the choice of surgeon is important but you can go

to the best anywhere and the chances of failure are still great. And succesful

fusions often cause more problems in the long run than any help they may

provide.

I would and have discouraged many people from having back surgery and will

continue to advise anyone to explore other options.

Jeff

________________________________

From: cynthiadew1 <cynthiadew1@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Fri, April 9, 2010 2:38:21 AM

Subject: LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Well it depends on what your expectations of surgery are.  I had spinal stenosis

(a narrowing of the spinal cord and pressure on the nerves), in additional to a

mess of bone problems with my vertebrea.  The bones were the primary concern for

me.  I also know that to have done nothing, could have resulted in paralysis. 

Not a happy thought.

Failed Back Surgery is actually a failure of a fusion to take place.  What is

usually considered failed by a patient is needed more surgery on difference

levels.  I have a realistic expectation on needing more surgery in both my

cervical and lumbar spinal areas, due to the RA.  The fusions I have had have

been successful in that even the recent lumbar fusion is almost complete now. 

The current surgerical techniques are quite advanced from even 5 years ago, and

you have to be willing to follow the care requirements to the letter.

Now I am back to square one with what I came in originally for - hip pain.  The

hip joint degeneration is to the point where the pain is just unbelievable, and

that from someone who lives with chronic pain.

I would not want to discourage anyone from seeking help from back surgery.  Yes,

it can be unsuccessful, but you need to do your research on your surgeons.  How

many surgeries do they do?  How successful are they?  What can go wrong.  My

doctor was very up front with me.  Okay, he has a great track record.  And even

the nurse from my PCP say he would be the one they would go to. I trust the

nurses option a lot.

>

> Hi ,

> Question is not directed at me, but propably an honest surgeon. Disc surgery

is perhaps the least sucessful of any. You have been fortunate that your surgery

went well, but there are more long term problem stories with that surgery then

good results.

> Jeff

>

>

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

This is great information, as I am having problems with my scoliosis.  I never

had problems before and have had it (although mild from what I'm told) from

adolescence.  I did the therapy thing to strenghten the core, but still that

doesn't work completely, and you have to keep it up forever to get any

benefits.  You have now convinced me that back surgery is not an option at this

time.  Any other suggestions, however, would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Donna

From: Scharff <zinsdad@...>

Subject: Re: LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Joint Replacement

Date: Friday, April 9, 2010, 12:53 PM

 

Hi ,

Well anyone's expectations for any type of surgery should be to relieve the pain

from the problem area. Unfortunately back surgery fails more often than it

succeeds. Failed back surgery is not only failed fusions, there are many other

failures besides fusions. Yes the choice of surgeon is important but you can go

to the best anywhere and the chances of failure are still great. And succesful

fusions often cause more problems in the long run than any help they may

provide.

I would and have discouraged many people from having back surgery and will

continue to advise anyone to explore other options.

Jeff

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cynthiadew1 <cynthiadew1@ aol.com>

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Sent: Fri, April 9, 2010 2:38:21 AM

Subject: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Well it depends on what your expectations of surgery are.  I had spinal

stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal cord and pressure on the nerves), in

additional to a mess of bone problems with my vertebrea.  The bones were the

primary concern for me.  I also know that to have done nothing, could have

resulted in paralysis.  Not a happy thought.

Failed Back Surgery is actually a failure of a fusion to take place.  What is

usually considered failed by a patient is needed more surgery on difference

levels.  I have a realistic expectation on needing more surgery in both my

cervical and lumbar spinal areas, due to the RA.  The fusions I have had have

been successful in that even the recent lumbar fusion is almost complete now. 

The current surgerical techniques are quite advanced from even 5 years ago, and

you have to be willing to follow the care requirements to the letter.

Now I am back to square one with what I came in originally for - hip pain.  The

hip joint degeneration is to the point where the pain is just unbelievable, and

that from someone who lives with chronic pain.

I would not want to discourage anyone from seeking help from back surgery. 

Yes, it can be unsuccessful, but you need to do your research on your

surgeons.  How many surgeries do they do?  How successful are they?  What can

go wrong.  My doctor was very up front with me.  Okay, he has a great track

record.  And even the nurse from my PCP say he would be the one they would go

to. I trust the nurses option a lot.

>

> Hi ,

> Question is not directed at me, but propably an honest surgeon. Disc surgery

is perhaps the least sucessful of any. You have been fortunate that your surgery

went well, but there are more long term problem stories with that surgery then

good results.

> Jeff

>

>

>

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

It's hard to treat if not dealt with at a young age, where a brace may help.

Surgery can be an option but if it's a mild case than you don't want to go that

route and would be hard pressed to find a reliable surgeon to operate. Exercise

is really the best treatment. If the curve is more than 50 degrees than surgery

is more common.

Jeff

________________________________

From: Donna Maxim <ladydxxxx@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Fri, April 9, 2010 1:20:50 PM

Subject: Re: LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

This is great information, as I am having problems with my scoliosis.  I never

had problems before and have had it (although mild from what I'm told) from

adolescence.  I did the therapy thing to strenghten the core, but still that

doesn't work completely, and you have to keep it up forever to get any

benefits.  You have now convinced me that back surgery is not an option at this

time.  Any other suggestions, however, would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Donna

From: Scharff <zinsdad@...>

Subject: Re: LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Joint Replacement

Date: Friday, April 9, 2010, 12:53 PM

 

Hi ,

Well anyone's expectations for any type of surgery should be to relieve the pain

from the problem area. Unfortunately back surgery fails more often than it

succeeds. Failed back surgery is not only failed fusions, there are many other

failures besides fusions. Yes the choice of surgeon is important but you can go

to the best anywhere and the chances of failure are still great. And succesful

fusions often cause more problems in the long run than any help they may

provide.

I would and have discouraged many people from having back surgery and will

continue to advise anyone to explore other options.

Jeff

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cynthiadew1 <cynthiadew1@ aol.com>

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Sent: Fri, April 9, 2010 2:38:21 AM

Subject: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Well it depends on what your expectations of surgery are.  I had spinal stenosis

(a narrowing of the spinal cord and pressure on the nerves), in additional to a

mess of bone problems with my vertebrea.  The bones were the primary concern for

me.  I also know that to have done nothing, could have resulted in paralysis. 

Not a happy thought.

Failed Back Surgery is actually a failure of a fusion to take place.  What is

usually considered failed by a patient is needed more surgery on difference

levels.  I have a realistic expectation on needing more surgery in both my

cervical and lumbar spinal areas, due to the RA.  The fusions I have had have

been successful in that even the recent lumbar fusion is almost complete now. 

The current surgerical techniques are quite advanced from even 5 years ago, and

you have to be willing to follow the care requirements to the letter.

Now I am back to square one with what I came in originally for - hip pain.  The

hip joint degeneration is to the point where the pain is just unbelievable, and

that from someone who lives with chronic pain.

I would not want to discourage anyone from seeking help from back surgery.  Yes,

it can be unsuccessful, but you need to do your research on your surgeons.  How

many surgeries do they do?  How successful are they?  What can go wrong.  My

doctor was very up front with me.  Okay, he has a great track record.  And even

the nurse from my PCP say he would be the one they would go to. I trust the

nurses option a lot.

>

> Hi ,

> Question is not directed at me, but propably an honest surgeon. Disc surgery

is perhaps the least sucessful of any. You have been fortunate that your surgery

went well, but there are more long term problem stories with that surgery then

good results.

> Jeff

>

>

>

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jeff,

Sounds like you might have experience with this?  What kind of exercise to you

recommend?  I hear the only type of exercise is core exercises to help

strenghten front abdominal and lower back muscles to relieve the pressure of the

scoliosis. 

 

Donna

From: Scharff <zinsdad (DOT) com>

Subject: Re: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Date: Friday, April 9, 2010, 12:53 PM

 

Hi ,

Well anyone's expectations for any type of surgery should be to relieve the pain

from the problem area. Unfortunately back surgery fails more often than it

succeeds. Failed back surgery is not only failed fusions, there are many other

failures besides fusions. Yes the choice of surgeon is important but you can go

to the best anywhere and the chances of failure are still great. And succesful

fusions often cause more problems in the long run than any help they may

provide.

I would and have discouraged many people from having back surgery and will

continue to advise anyone to explore other options.

Jeff

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cynthiadew1 <cynthiadew1@ aol.com>

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Sent: Fri, April 9, 2010 2:38:21 AM

Subject: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Well it depends on what your expectations of surgery are.  I had spinal

stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal cord and pressure on the nerves), in

additional to a mess of bone problems with my vertebrea.  The bones were the

primary concern for me.  I also know that to have done nothing, could have

resulted in paralysis.  Not a happy thought.

Failed Back Surgery is actually a failure of a fusion to take place.  What is

usually considered failed by a patient is needed more surgery on difference

levels.  I have a realistic expectation on needing more surgery in both my

cervical and lumbar spinal areas, due to the RA.  The fusions I have had have

been successful in that even the recent lumbar fusion is almost complete now. 

The current surgerical techniques are quite advanced from even 5 years ago, and

you have to be willing to follow the care requirements to the letter.

Now I am back to square one with what I came in originally for - hip pain.  The

hip joint degeneration is to the point where the pain is just unbelievable, and

that from someone who lives with chronic pain.

I would not want to discourage anyone from seeking help from back surgery. 

Yes, it can be unsuccessful, but you need to do your research on your

surgeons.  How many surgeries do they do?  How successful are they?  What can

go wrong.  My doctor was very up front with me.  Okay, he has a great track

record.  And even the nurse from my PCP say he would be the one they would go

to. I trust the nurses option a lot.

>

> Hi ,

> Question is not directed at me, but propably an honest surgeon. Disc surgery

is perhaps the least sucessful of any. You have been fortunate that your surgery

went well, but there are more long term problem stories with that surgery then

good results.

> Jeff

>

>

>

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

Unforrtunately, yes I do have lots of experience with back issues and different

treatments.

That's correct,  the thing to do is strengthen the core. Also it would help to

strengthen your leg muscles.

Jeff

________________________________

From: Donna Maxim <ladydxxxx@...>

Joint Replacement

Sent: Sat, April 10, 2010 4:23:33 PM

Subject: Re: LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Thanks Jeff,

Sounds like you might have experience with this?  What kind of exercise to you

recommend?  I hear the only type of exercise is core exercises to help

strenghten front abdominal and lower back muscles to relieve the pressure of the

scoliosis. 

 

Donna

From: Scharff <zinsdad (DOT) com>

Subject: Re: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Date: Friday, April 9, 2010, 12:53 PM

 

Hi ,

Well anyone's expectations for any type of surgery should be to relieve the pain

from the problem area. Unfortunately back surgery fails more often than it

succeeds. Failed back surgery is not only failed fusions, there are many other

failures besides fusions. Yes the choice of surgeon is important but you can go

to the best anywhere and the chances of failure are still great. And succesful

fusions often cause more problems in the long run than any help they may

provide.

I would and have discouraged many people from having back surgery and will

continue to advise anyone to explore other options.

Jeff

____________ _________ _________ __

From: cynthiadew1 <cynthiadew1@ aol.com>

Total_Joint_ Replacement

Sent: Fri, April 9, 2010 2:38:21 AM

Subject: [Total_Joint_ Replacement] LumbarRe: How do you know it's time?

Well it depends on what your expectations of surgery are.  I had spinal stenosis

(a narrowing of the spinal cord and pressure on the nerves), in additional to a

mess of bone problems with my vertebrea.  The bones were the primary concern for

me.  I also know that to have done nothing, could have resulted in paralysis. 

Not a happy thought.

Failed Back Surgery is actually a failure of a fusion to take place.  What is

usually considered failed by a patient is needed more surgery on difference

levels.  I have a realistic expectation on needing more surgery in both my

cervical and lumbar spinal areas, due to the RA.  The fusions I have had have

been successful in that even the recent lumbar fusion is almost complete now. 

The current surgerical techniques are quite advanced from even 5 years ago, and

you have to be willing to follow the care requirements to the letter.

Now I am back to square one with what I came in originally for - hip pain.  The

hip joint degeneration is to the point where the pain is just unbelievable, and

that from someone who lives with chronic pain.

I would not want to discourage anyone from seeking help from back surgery.  Yes,

it can be unsuccessful, but you need to do your research on your surgeons.  How

many surgeries do they do?  How successful are they?  What can go wrong.  My

doctor was very up front with me.  Okay, he has a great track record.  And even

the nurse from my PCP say he would be the one they would go to. I trust the

nurses option a lot.

>

> Hi ,

> Question is not directed at me, but propably an honest surgeon. Disc surgery

is perhaps the least sucessful of any. You have been fortunate that your surgery

went well, but there are more long term problem stories with that surgery then

good results.

> Jeff

>

>

>

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

I, too, have had back surgery. I have moderate scoliosis, and had stenosis, a

ruptured disk, bone spurs, and generalized degenerative disk disease. I have OA

in my spine and many joints. I had severe leg pain that went all the way down

to my feet caused by pressure on the nerves from all the spinal problems. I had

severe lower back pain and hip pain, too. My left hip was worse but both were

bad. I was told the hip pain was a result of the spinal problems, too.

I had back surgery in January 2009. I have a rod in my spine to partially

straighten the scoliosis and to stabilize my spine, and I had a lumbar fusion

and repair of the stenosis. The surgery was successful, as far as I'm

concerned. The fusion healed very well. I have no more leg pain, none at all.

My lower back still hurts, but it's about 50 to 60% improved. I found out later

that my hip pain was coming from the hips, and had one THR in October 2009, and

the second one is scheduled for this month. The first THR is doing great.

I went to a neurosurgeon for my surgery. He used a different type of rod,

something made of a composite material instead of metal. It acts like a shock

absorber. The theory is that it will absorb the stress instead of transferring

it to the vertebrae above and below the fusion. That's the problem many people

have and why they need to have additional surgeries. Time will tell if this

works as it should.

I agree with Jeff that back surgery is fraught with problems and many people

don't get relief. I felt I had no choice. I was so disabled by the pain I

couldn't do anything, and I was risking paralysis by doing nothing. So I took

the risk and I'm glad I did.

> >

> > Hi ,

> > Question is not directed at me, but propably an honest surgeon. Disc surgery

is perhaps the least sucessful of any. You have been fortunate that your surgery

went well, but there are more long term problem stories with that surgery then

good results.

> > Jeff

> >

> >

> >

>

> ------------ --------- --------- ------

>

>