To Sharon,

[Guest guest]

I had horrible sciatica in 1988 when I had my fusion from S1/L5. The

EMG was normal but the myelogram showed the disc sitting on the

nerve. I had my original Harrington Rod in 1981 with Dr. Tolo at

s Hopkins. In 1983 - he went in and took the 14 inch rod out

(after is poked through my skin - I had been telling him for 8 months

there was a problem) and put in a Harrington Compression Rod and

refused L4/5. After that surgery, every time I stepped on my right

leg - it hurt. When I had the 88 surgery (Dr. Tozzi at town)

all that pain went away - in fact all my back pain went away. The

only problem is now I have flatback. If the pics are any indication

- I lean over a lot more than any others I have seen but I have not

had much pain. So, I still have not made the decision to do to

surgery and may never do it. I had aortic valve replacement in 1990

and the risk may not be worth the vanity. My knees are going - but I

also need to lose weight.

You have to weigh out what is most important to you - pain relief or

standing up straight. Could a neurosurgeon give you any idea of if

he thinks you can get any pain relief from this surgery? Good luck

with your decision making and we're all here for you no matter what

you decide.

(VA)