Guest guest Posted April 28, 2002 Report Share Posted April 28, 2002 Hi: Im new here. I am going to be operated on for my lumbar, a disc is falling apart so they are going to replace it with donor bone. He says he will put in scerws and rods. Anyway thats his think not mine, I hope hes good. Everyone says he is the Best. My concern is after: How so can I walk, how far, what kinds of stuff will I do for therapy? And How much pain to expect???? Is it worth it? I have had troubles for ten years, now I ride a wheelchair or scooter in stores. Pain 24/7 highest doses of pain meds they will let me have. I really want to tallk with a guy about this maybe eamils?? But I will watch here for others to answer my questions. Sorry if I speel bad,, or ramble,,doped up right now for bed. Thanks and good luck to all you others in pain!!!! Tom of Katom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2002 Report Share Posted April 29, 2002 Hi Tom, I have heard mixed results, I have various problems with my back but so far no surgeries. I have several friends who have had surgery, and my aunt had two lumbar discs fused (I think that's what you are talking about)after she ruptured a disc. I have heard some people say the pain is worse after surgery, the same, or better. There are no guarantees with the surgery. That's something you should discuss at length with your doctor! You can always get a second opinion,especially if you're not satisfied that you understand fully the risks etc. My aunt feels her surgery was not neccessary. I believe most neurosurgeons are VERY conservative when it comes to these surgeries, that is, they dont' do them unless as a last resort, i.e. your spine is compromised in some way or nerve damage is imminent, i.e. numbness, loss of sensation etc.that physical therapy and other non surgical measures cannot help. They typically do not operate just for pain (that's what I was told)because there is no promise that pain will be alleviated, so most likely that is why they are doing surgery for you. It sounds like your disc is ruptured? It just might be the best thing to happen for you as far as helping your mobility? I hope so! I'm sorry you're going through this and know that one day I may be in the same boat. Take Care, > Hi: Im new here. I am going to be operated on for my lumbar, a disc > is falling apart so they are going to replace it with donor bone. He > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2002 Report Share Posted April 29, 2002 Hi Tom...Welcome to the group. I had a spinal fusion at L4-L5 with bone from my hip back in 1991. It was done the old fashion way. My fusion sticks out on both sides. Right now I have Degenerative Disk Disease at L5-S1 and scarring on the nerves on the left side. No more surgeries for me. The best thing you can do is think positive for what will happen after the surgery. My doctor said that I would end up in a wheelchair when I turned 30 and now I'm 37 and still walking. Thats ok that you spell bad. We can read your post. Well I wish you the best of luck in your surgery. :} Tammy Spinal surgery to fuss dics. > Hi: Im new here. I am going to be operated on for my lumbar, a disc > is falling apart so they are going to replace it with donor bone. He > says he will put in scerws and rods. Anyway thats his think not mine, > I hope hes good. Everyone says he is the Best. My concern is after: > How so can I walk, how far, what kinds of stuff will I do for therapy? > And How much pain to expect???? > Is it worth it? > I have had troubles for ten years, now I ride a wheelchair or > scooter in stores. Pain 24/7 highest doses of pain meds they will let > me have. I really want to tallk with a guy about this maybe eamils?? > But I will watch here for others to answer my questions. > Sorry if I speel bad,, or ramble,,doped up right now for bed. > Thanks and good luck to all you others in pain!!!! > Tom of Katom > > > > Know someone who could profit from our list? Send our direct sign-up URL: > http://www.yahoogroups.com/subscribe.cgi/chronic_pain or write us at: > chronic_pain-listowner > Manage your subscription with several special email addresses: > chronic_pain-owner - Sends email to the list owners > chronic_pain-subscribe - Subscribe to the list through email > chronic_pain-unsubscribe - Unsubscribe from the list > chronic_pain-normal - Switch your subscription to normal > chronic_pain-digest@... - Switch your subscription to digest > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2002 Report Share Posted April 29, 2002 Hi Tom, I may be a little late in responding to this but... I have also had a fusion done with bone from my hip grafted in. This was many years ago (70's) and I was in my 20's with 2 young children. I had all ready been thru 3 surgeries on my spine and this was a last ditch effort. Either have the surgery or spend my life in a wheel chair. I opted for the surgery. I was in a body cast for 3 months after the surgery, and yes it was a painful recuperation process. I'm happy to say I haven't had to go to a wheel chair as of yet. Since I have a host of other spinal problems I still have pain 24/7 to varying degrees. Please, please if you have any questions about this type of surgery ask your doctor to go over everything with you. Write down all your questions before you go to the appointment. You need to be informed and prepared. Good luck! Kathleen in Calif. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2002 Report Share Posted April 29, 2002 -Hi: Thanks for your responce, I have to have the surgery my nerves are damaged and the longer I wait the worse for them. Thanks very much. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2002 Report Share Posted April 29, 2002 --- Thanks for your responce. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2002 Report Share Posted April 29, 2002 --- Thanks for your responce. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2002 Report Share Posted April 29, 2002 Hi Tom, I can't give you much insight into current spinal fusion surgery and recovery. I had a fusion at L4-5, S1, but that was done in 1973. I'd be happy to talk to you, though, and do wish you the best of luck. Hower http://home.dejazzd.com/hower Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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