Re: SPONDYLOLETHESIS & STENOSIS

[Guest guest]

I just had a 3 level fusion for spondy 3 months ago, doing pretty

well. As far as final mobility, we will have to wait...they say

usually you can do more just cause the pain is gone.

My surgery is the best thing I have done...would do it in a minute.

6 years of chronic pain gone when I woke up.

There is also an excellent spond group on ....of course I don't

have the address handy, but if you search in groups, and actually

spell it correctly (which I can never do) you should be able to

find...if not, let me know, I will get the address for you. I also

belong to one called " Just a few loose screws " all good groups.

RE Neuro or Othos-- I was fortunate a few years ago to be a guiena

pig for a Stanford research internet discussion group, mainly just

people talking like this, with moderators involved in back pain, PT,

a shrink and Dr Deyo, who is pretty renowned expert on back pain and

need for surgery. A lot of discussion revolved around orthos vs

neuors, opinion was neuros tend to be more conservative, neuors more

knife happy (disclamer, don't sue me on this !!!). I was operated on

by a neurosurgeon, but had gotten a 2nd opinion from a pretty highly

respected ortho. I stayed with the neuro, who had already operated

once on my back, and twice on my wrists (different issues, nerve

tumors).

Good luck, welcome

Kris

> Hello to everyone. i have been told i have to have a spinal fusion.

> soon. and pain wise i think i am ready. has anyone had a spinal

> fusion in the last year or so? what was the good and what was the

> bad? i really would like as much feedback as possible please. i

am

> 58 year old female. have always worked out. very active. the pain

> is getting rapidly worse so i think i accept that i have to do

this.

> just need to find surgeon i feel good about. (i am in nyc). are

there

> any preferences out there between neorosurgeon vs. spinal

orthopedist?

> please help, i need information. what was the recovery time? what

is

> the ability to move and bend afterwards? what is the pain level

> afterwards? would you do it again? thanks, marsha

[Guest guest]

I had a L4/5 fusion in May 2003. It took quite a while to recover from...about a

year. And while I am still not pain-free, it is better and quality of life is

better. So while still on pain pills (but now off narcotics), I would say I

would do it again.

Viv in GA

[Guest guest]

> I had a L4/5 fusion in May 2003. It took quite a while to recover

from...about a year. And while I am still not pain-free, it is

better and quality of life is better. So while still on pain pills

(but now off narcotics), I would say I would do it again.

>

> Viv in GA

Hi Viv and everyone. I would like to know the difference between

Spondylolethesis and spinal carpal stenosis as I have the ladder for

about a year now and it is getting worse. My last dr. visit I had to

get a trigger point injection which helps alot after the soreness. I

am on Duragesic 25. I tried going to the 50 which made me sick all

day long. I also have a bulging disc c-5? and also several bone

spurs. I also take soma and valum which helps. Some days nothing

does as we all know. My friend that works with me states she has

Spondy to where she takes the highest patch plus an extra and the

sucker for break through pain(I take percocet for BT pain.)They want

her to get the pump which she does not want to. He wants me to do

the surgery but I live in Tx. with no family so I am rather scared

to do this. Any suggestions? Thanks, Rita

[Guest guest]

You just had a double level fusion one month ago abd say you wouldn't do it

again because of the pain? You are only 5-6 weeks post-op? That is major

surgery. It can take 6 months to a year to heal and get the full effects of the

fusion.

Give your fusion a chance to heal and your body a chance to recover before you

say (or imply) that it was no good.

>

> From: Tony <madylinsdaddy@...>

> Date: 2004/09/30 Thu AM 09:28:50 CDT

> spinaldisorderssupport

> Subject: Re: SPONDYLOLETHESIS & STENOSIS

>

>

Viv in GA

[Guest guest]

Hi Rita...

< I would like to know the difference between

Spondylolethesis and spinal carpal stenosis >

Spondylolisthesis is the foward subluxation of the lower lumbar vertebrae on the

sacram. Spinal Carpel Stenosis? Carpal pertains to the wrist, (Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome) so there is no such thing with the back. There is spinal stenosis and

that is the constriction or narrowing of the spinal openings.

So if I understand right, spondy is the movment of the vertebrae in an abnormal

direction, and stenosis is the narrowing of disc space and/or spinal foramen

(the passageway where the spinal cord sits).

< He wants me to do the surgery but I live in Tx. with no family so I am rather

scared to do this. Any suggestions? >

Do you have friends who you can call on for a few days? You didn't say what kind

of surgery, so that can mean a few hours in the hosp or a week or so. There are

programs available that you can get some home health care. Ask your doctor and

check with social services in the hospital. Also check your insurance carrier as

they should have home health coverage, and if it is vague, ask you doctor to

appeal to the insurance company for pre-authorization of help at home.

Good luck!

Viv in GA