Re: Two Questions/ 2 more Questions/

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon and all - I'm so confused! Why did Dr. LaGrone recommend (in 99

when I had my revision) that I have my S1 joint fused along w/the L4/L5? At the

time he told me that sooner or later I would probably have to have it fused,

but it was up to me. The reason I didn't was not so muchm more limited mobility

- although that was one element figuring into my decision, but that I would

have to have had anterior/posterior surgery instead of posterior only. That

would have required a breathing tube and according to information from those

brave

folks who had gone before, there seemed to be more chance of complications.

So I thought at the time I'd take my chances, and maybe in time there would

be advances, like the artificial joint, that would preclude having to have the

anterior/posterior surgery in the future should the S1 joint " wear out. " If

the S1/S2 are already fused; then there are 2 joints carrying the weight instead

of one, and both could wear out?

I know it's time for a checkup - the last dr. I saw had me in tears because

he told me, " Your spine is degenerating, and you know that. It could be

tomorrow, it could be 20 years. " He was so negative and so obviously bored w/my

situation, myback, my x-rays. He wasn't even a scoliosis specialist or surgeon,

but

an orthopod I could see thru my insurance company w/o a hassle. Reading these

posts every day, I am realizing that fear of surgery is not going to help my

back feel any better or make whatever is causing the pain go away. your

courage is catching... Jennie

[Guest guest]

Jennie...

If your original fusion was to S1, and you had a break at L4-L5, then

it seems to me that L5-S1 should still be fused, and your hardware

would go the S1 level.

I'm not sure what you're asking in terms of your second question, but

if your doctor is looking for breaks, I'm told that a tomogram shows

the most detail.

http://www.drdillin.com/education/basics_dt_tomogram.htm

Regards,

> - I had revision surgery for a break in my T6 to S1 fusion

between L4

> and L5 - does this mean that my hardware extends to S1? If so, could it

> possibly provide some support for S1 even though S1 was not fused?

Also, will a CT

> scan provide a clearer picture of the L4 to S1 so I can send them

for a reading,

> or is it better to request regular x-rays for a reading. Input from

others is

> welcome, too, regarding the readings. I'm really worried about what

I'm going

> to find out...thanks and I wish everyone a peaceful evening..Jennie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jennie, if Dr. LaGrone said you should be fused to S1, my guess is that your

L5-S1 joint is not fused. Unless he was talking about sacro-illiac fusion,

which seems unlikely, because he would probably have referred to it that way.

I think you're right that you need to see a specialist who can clarify your

actual condition, as well as recommend a treatment plan.

Sharon

Re: Re: Two Questions/ 2 more Questions/

Hi Sharon and all - I'm so confused! Why did Dr. LaGrone recommend (in 99

when I had my revision) that I have my S1 joint fused along w/the L4/L5? At

the

time he told me that sooner or later I would probably have to have it fused,

but it was up to me. The reason I didn't was not so muchm more limited

mobility

- although that was one element figuring into my decision, but that I would

have to have had anterior/posterior surgery instead of posterior only. That

would have required a breathing tube and according to information from those

brave

folks who had gone before, there seemed to be more chance of complications.

So I thought at the time I'd take my chances, and maybe in time there would

be advances, like the artificial joint, that would preclude having to have the

anterior/posterior surgery in the future should the S1 joint " wear out. " If

the S1/S2 are already fused; then there are 2 joints carrying the weight

instead

of one, and both could wear out?

I know it's time for a checkup - the last dr. I saw had me in tears because

he told me, " Your spine is degenerating, and you know that. It could be

tomorrow, it could be 20 years. " He was so negative and so obviously bored

w/my

situation, myback, my x-rays. He wasn't even a scoliosis specialist or

surgeon, but

an orthopod I could see thru my insurance company w/o a hassle. Reading these

posts every day, I am realizing that fear of surgery is not going to help my

back feel any better or make whatever is causing the pain go away. your

courage is catching... Jennie

[Guest guest]

....

You have me totally confused. In the post below, you said that you

were originally fused T6 to S1. Is that incorrect?

--

> - I had revision surgery for a break in my T6 to S1 fusion

between L4

> and L5 - does this mean that my hardware extends to S1? If so, could it

> possibly provide some support for S1 even though S1 was not fused?

Also, will a CT

> scan provide a clearer picture of the L4 to S1 so I can send them

for a reading,

> or is it better to request regular x-rays for a reading. Input from

others is

> welcome, too, regarding the readings. I'm really worried about what

I'm going

> to find out...thanks and I wish everyone a peaceful evening..Jennie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, I'm sorry - I sent this post after you answered the first one.

Your response was so helpful. I am still trying to assimilate it. I don't mean

to confuse issues at all. I'll try to read through everything again and make

sure my questions were answered, but I think our post wires were crossed.

Thanks for staying w/me on this...my confusion is evident I'm sure! Jennie