Re: new group member, considering fusion

[Guest guest]

Jenn,

Obviously you cannot have a fusion yet. If you have a fusion you will not

be able to lift your kids and changing a diaper could present a huge

problem. An option you have is to wean your baby and get on stronger drugs.

Whatever you do DO NOT have another discectomy on the same level. This

causes instability..dummy me knows this first hand. Another couple

options,,,,,,,have you had an ablation? I am having a stimulator implanted

next week....I recently read an article and learned that some insurance

companies will not pay for a fusion for back pain. They only will pay for

it under one circumstance. I think the insurer was blue cross blue shield.

What about an implant..it does not have all the problems with the disc above

and below that the fusion does?

Deb RN

From: spinal problems

[mailto:spinal problems ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2008 1:21 PM

spinal problems

Subject: new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experiences on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

I have a Nerve stimulation device implant and it helps a lot. But you have to be

carefull because the problem is still there. and so is the restrictions. If you

are not careful in what you can  and can not do.  Also you can cause enough pain

that it will over power the implant then you are in a big mess with pain control

From: Debra <i_ownaberner@...>

Subject: RE: new group member, considering fusion

spinal problems

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2008, 2:24 PM

Jenn,

Obviously you cannot have a fusion yet. If you have a fusion you will not

be able to lift your kids and changing a diaper could present a huge

problem. An option you have is to wean your baby and get on stronger drugs.

Whatever you do DO NOT have another discectomy on the same level. This

causes instability. .dummy me knows this first hand. Another couple

options,,,,, ,,have you had an ablation? I am having a stimulator implanted

next week....I recently read an article and learned that some insurance

companies will not pay for a fusion for back pain. They only will pay for

it under one circumstance. I think the insurer was blue cross blue shield.

What about an implant..it does not have all the problems with the disc above

and below that the fusion does?

Deb RN

[Guest guest]

I think the best thing for you would be a disk replacement. they are as yet in

the experimental phase, but they've been doing them here for about four years

now. there are only a few docs doing them so the best thing to do is go through

one of the manufacturers to have them help you find a doc in your area.

If you have to have surgery where you will be restricted for even a little

while, your spouse should be able to get FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) which

provides for a spouse to leave work to care for his ailing spouse and children.

Also, you may have read a little about Stenum Hospital in Germany, this is a

wildly successful spine clinic. They have a program where they bring people from

the US to have surgery there. I looked into it for myself as I had had 3

surgeries and facing a re-do fusion. It was about $35,000 I want to say, but if

I had known that Blue Cross may pay for it, I would have looked into it more

seriously. They have been doing disk replacements there for decades and can do

them on a broad range of surgical candidates, where here in the US their patient

selection is narrow as it is still in human trials (also why insurance companies

won't pay).

Having another diskectomy will not help you at this point. Don't waste your

time. Do you know if you have only reherniated or do you have degeneration now?

Have to been to a Pain Management doc yet? There's a lot still available to you

at this point where you haven't had a fusion yet.

---

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

Also ,

After re-reading your post, I see that you have several levels affected now. If

you wanted a disk replacement now, you would not be a candidate in the US as you

must only have one level affected. You would however in Germany. Also, the

recovery from disk replacement is so quick! You only have to recover from the

abdominal and I think also back incision. This option gets you back on your feet

so much quicker.---

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for your quick responses. I'm going to try to respond

to all of your questions and comments:

I was never injured or in an accident- I just woke up in the middle of

the night about 10 yrs ago in pain, and have been ever since. My

father, brother, and grandfather have all had disc problems. A few

years ago, my pain doc (I have been going to a pain clinic for many

years - I get blocks and injections there as well as pain meds)

recommended I see a ortho surgeon and ask about disc replacement

surgery - at that time I only had one bad level, and the ortho said

that my insurance company probably would not cover it, and he was

right. The only insurance company that does cover a disc replacement

is United Healthcare, just FYI (a friend of mine just had the surgery

and she has UH). I looked into what it would cost without insurance

(whoa!) so that went off the table for me. When I saw my neuro

surgeon last week, he showed me the MRI which showed 2 collapsed discs

at L5/S1 and L4/L5 - L5/S1 had herniated in the past but now the discs

are collapsed - no disc material hardly at all. He said because I

have more than the one bad level, disc replacement is not an option

for me anymore because U.S. docs are not doing more than one level,

like you guys have also said - but he thought the fusion would be a

better option anyway. He did say that there was a chance that the

weakening discs a few levels above could weaken further with a fusion,

but could not say for sure or when. Apparently the new fusions use

cages instead of rods, which makes for better range of motion than

before - I have hardly any now so that wouldn't be much of a change

anyway. I do have BCBS, but apparently they do cover fusion, just not

disc replacement - go figure?!

I do have a harder decision since I have small kids - I have a great

hubbie and a really supportive family who have rallied together and

will help me if I do decide to have surgery. Re: breastfeeding, I am

hoping to nurse my son as long as he will go - into toddlerhood, if he

wants to - I am a La Leche League member and an advocate for extended

nursing, so weaning is not what I want to do right now. At the least I

am going to a year, and if he self-weans, that's ok, but I don't want

to wean him so that I can take stronger meds, although sometimes I

think about it. ) I have thought a lot about putting the surgery

off for a few years until my kids are older, but honestly, I'm not

sure I can wait that long. I know I will not be able to lift them for

awhile after surgery, but I have a hard time lifting them now and I

limit how much I lift them anyway.

My neuro surgeon did talk about stimulators - he said he did not think

they work and that he doesn't recommend that for me. I'm tired of

putting " band aids " on this too - if I have the chance to " fix " it

structurally, then that's a better option for me.

I have been praying for a long time for my pain to go away, but

recently I started praying for relief from my pain - for an answer,

whatever that may be - and then my neuro surgeon suggests the fusion.

So that's another reason why I am strongly considering it.

Thanks for everyone's help - I welcome any more suggestions, comments,

or experiences. It seems like there are many caring people in this

group, and I truly understand your pain - not many people understand

what we're going through.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for your quick responses. I'm going to try to respond

to all of your questions and comments:

I was never injured or in an accident- I just woke up in the middle of

the night about 10 yrs ago in pain, and have been ever since. My

father, brother, and grandfather have all had disc problems. A few

years ago, my pain doc (I have been going to a pain clinic for many

years - I get blocks and injections there as well as pain meds)

recommended I see a ortho surgeon and ask about disc replacement

surgery - at that time I only had one bad level, and the ortho said

that my insurance company probably would not cover it, and he was

right. The only insurance company that does cover a disc replacement

is United Healthcare, just FYI (a friend of mine just had the surgery

and she has UH). I looked into what it would cost without insurance

(whoa!) so that went off the table for me. When I saw my neuro

surgeon last week, he showed me the MRI which showed 2 collapsed discs

at L5/S1 and L4/L5 - L5/S1 had herniated in the past but now the discs

are collapsed - no disc material hardly at all. He said because I

have more than the one bad level, disc replacement is not an option

for me anymore because U.S. docs are not doing more than one level,

like you guys have also said - but he thought the fusion would be a

better option anyway. He did say that there was a chance that the

weakening discs a few levels above could weaken further with a fusion,

but could not say for sure or when. Apparently the new fusions use

cages instead of rods, which makes for better range of motion than

before - I have hardly any now so that wouldn't be much of a change

anyway. I do have BCBS, but apparently they do cover fusion, just not

disc replacement - go figure?!

I do have a harder decision since I have small kids - I have a great

hubbie and a really supportive family who have rallied together and

will help me if I do decide to have surgery. Re: breastfeeding, I am

hoping to nurse my son as long as he will go - into toddlerhood, if he

wants to - I am a La Leche League member and an advocate for extended

nursing, so weaning is not what I want to do right now. At the least I

am going to a year, and if he self-weans, that's ok, but I don't want

to wean him so that I can take stronger meds, although sometimes I

think about it. ) I have thought a lot about putting the surgery

off for a few years until my kids are older, but honestly, I'm not

sure I can wait that long. I know I will not be able to lift them for

awhile after surgery, but I have a hard time lifting them now and I

limit how much I lift them anyway.

My neuro surgeon did talk about stimulators - he said he did not think

they work and that he doesn't recommend that for me. I'm tired of

putting " band aids " on this too - if I have the chance to " fix " it

structurally, then that's a better option for me.

I have been praying for a long time for my pain to go away, but

recently I started praying for relief from my pain - for an answer,

whatever that may be - and then my neuro surgeon suggests the fusion.

So that's another reason why I am strongly considering it.

Thanks for everyone's help - I welcome any more suggestions, comments,

or experiences. It seems like there are many caring people in this

group, and I truly understand your pain - not many people understand

what we're going through.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

,

I have heard that a cervical fusion with plates can't be reversed for disk

replacement, but when/if the disk above and below get bad can disk replacement

help and stop/slowdown the degeneration of any more disk surrounding this

problem? I have talked to my neuro about disk replacement the last time I saw

him, this was when he did the surgery and use the bendable rods on my lumbar

spine. Thats when he informed me of disk replacement, and that the lumbar

surgery he was preforming on me could be reversed. I know I have said I would'nt

go through another lumbar surgery, or any other spine surgery being my problem

is DDD, but I like the idea of disk replacement since I have so many disk that

are in a degenertive process, also, my PM told me that, the work done on my

lumbar was unnessary.

I just keep getting different info on the whole idea I have, and would like to

have you input, and anyone else that has or had the experience of D/R.

You know this research is very hard for me since I have a concertration problem

when I read anything. I was told that the pre-occupation with the chronic pain

is the reason for this.

Is it true that pre-occupation with CP can hinder your concertration?

I apoligize for all the question I am throwing at you...

Thanks in advance,

geo

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

Hi Jenn,

I read your post...

I personally would not recommend fusion if at all possible.

From what I have read the outcome is not as successful as

a disc replacement. I can't tell you what to do for sure..

but at least consider a disc replacement.

I am recovering from having disc replacement.

The process is slow. I was bed-ridden prior to the surgery

with no hope of life beyond the bedroom. My disc was torn..

I was in horrific pain day in and day out.

The disc I have is called the Maverick disc, it was done in

Germany.

They are able to do multi-levels. When you shared L4/5 and L5/S1

that is two levels. I know they can do several levels at once.

They are very honest and will tell you exactly what you need

and what you don't need.

I pray you at least check them out and see what they can do for you

fusions usually lead to more fusions, and not always the relief you'd

expect, you are too young to consider fusion.

Here in the states that is just about the only option you have, that is

why so many Drs tend to tell you fusion. I think with cages the disc is

still fused with bone on bone anyway, which makes it rigid either

way. Fusions tend to cause more stress on other discs, so if you do

have potential risks on other discs then disc replacement is the better

option.

Hope you can get the help you need.

Blessings,

Thru

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I am new to this group and need your opinions/experiences on fusion.

> A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

> yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

> a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

> (disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

> of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

> or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

> of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

> enjoy my life.

>

> I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

> and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

> go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

> the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

> 60% relief.

>

> I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

> it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

> give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

> of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

> breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

> am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

> even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

> being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

> of always thinking about it. I am ready for some relief, but I have

> mixed feelings about fusion.

>

> I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

> fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

> you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

>

> Thanks.

>

> Jenn

>

[Guest guest]

I do find that praying gives me answers to lots of questions too. I

like to connect things that happen in my life to God - and I think He

likes it when we do that too. : ) I am not and have never been a very

religious person, but I am a spiritual person, and I agree that we

need to listen to our inner voices, how ever that happens. Thanks Geo.

>

> ,

> I can see by your posting that you have a lot of decission to make,

and I just wanted to say I think you are on the right track by praying

about your problems. Praying is the best thing you can do, because it

will come to you in the right amount of time, and will be the right

answer you are looking for. I know this by experience, as I have

prayed for a found the answer to quite a few things in my life, and

may I say the answer came to me just at the right time in my life that

I needed the answer.

> Everyone has the same connection to the right answers they have in

their lives if they would just ask the one and only that can give them

that answer...

> Be true to yourself , and you will find the way. I know this

in my heart now.

> geo,bama

>

>

[Guest guest]

Deb,

I'm not sure about Medicare...?

I am so grateful to you NICU nurses - my 7 month old was in the NICU

from birth for 8 days with a collapsed lung, and those nurses were so

awesome - it was hard enough to leave him and go home but the nurses

were so supportive and accomodating that it made a terrible situation

a little bit better. : )

Yep - I woke up and told my mother who I was living with at the time

" we need a new mattress! " and she said it was new! I knew then

something was going on... that's so weird that it happened to you that

way too.

Jenn

>

> ,

>

> I wonder if Medicare pays for it?

>

> I understand your dedication to breastfeeding as a former NICU nurse.

>

>

>

> That's funny when you said that you woke up that way.cause my second

issue

> with my back I woke up that way.

>

> Deb RN

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey ,

 

I hear your confusion, I hope I can help. I'm trying to understand what your

neuro was saying to you...let me know if I understand, you had a cervical fusion

with flexible rods and your neuro said that if the other levels go he can

reverse the fusion and doa multilevel disk replacement? That can't be right. Do

you have plate and screws as well? As far as disk replacements in the US go, you

cannot have a DR after you have had a fusion at any level. You can not do a DR

at a level adjacent a fusion. Because having a fusion changes normal motion on

the adjacent levels, the disks for replacement are not designed to handle the

different motion/stress. They also do not do multi-level DR in the US although

they are done in Germany. I'm hoping that someday they will be able to remove

the fused bone and do a DR on an old fusion site, I'm curious if they do the in

Germany, although I doubt it's possible at this point.

 

Also, though PM docs are knowledgeable, I don't believe they are truly qualified

to say wether a surgery was necessary or not, that is the specialty of a

neurosurgeon. There's alot more to spine surgery than the PM docs know. I can't

believe that my PM doc kept injecting where my hardware was, which was where my

pain came from, but never figured out it was actually the hardware causing the

pain. Duh!

 

I haven't personally heard about pre-occupation with CP causing concentration

problems, but I do know that the depression that often accompanies CP most

certainly can. Are you being treated for depression? I am going to start taking

a mood supplement as well as B complex vitamin supplements to treat the

depression as I don't want to be on the antidepresssants (don't like side

effects). I know a few people who have had success with these supplements and

depression.

 

--

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

No my cervical fusions are done with donor bone and plates w/screws, and you

answered that question for me as to the adjacent levels, (although very

disappointing), I would like to see them be able to remove the fusion one day

and do the DR. I still have a lot of pain coming from the cervical sites, as

well as a continuous spasm/cramp? not sure which, just below in the upper

thoracic area.

The flexible rods were place at lower lumbar. I couldn't understand why my PM

would even make a comment like that, after all I went thru with that lumbar

surgery, yes very depressing as if I need more to be depressed about. I have a

really bad attitude about being in so much pain for so long and so far only one

surgery worked and that was the first one (c6 disc matter removal and lamo).

I feel like I have a web of problems, kinda like the onion having to peel

away the layers to get to the root of the problem?

The doc had put me on cymbalta as a double acting med for depression and to

enhance the pain meds. That's what he told me. Now that he has to take me off

the drug, he has yet to name a replacement, but the reasoning is to get

completely off the cymbalta first.

See what I mean? Makes my head spin sometimes with all that's going on in my

life. BUT, thanks for listening anyway,and I appreciate your quick response to

my questions.

geo

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

Regardless of who does what, have any of you EVER met anyone who said that they

were in less pain after a back surgery surgery, or that the back surgery (of any

type) was successful in any way?

 

I haven't...

From: Lambert <glambert28@...>

Subject: Re: new group member, considering fusion

spinal problems

Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 10:19 PM

No my cervical fusions are done with donor bone and plates w/screws, and you

answered that question for me as to the adjacent levels, (although very

disappointing) , I would like to see them be able to remove the fusion one day

and do the DR. I still have a lot of pain coming from the cervical sites, as

well as a continuous spasm/cramp? not sure which, just below in the upper

thoracic area.

The flexible rods were place at lower lumbar. I couldn't understand why my PM

would even make a comment like that, after all I went thru with that lumbar

surgery, yes very depressing as if I need more to be depressed about. I have a

really bad attitude about being in so much pain for so long and so far only one

surgery worked and that was the first one (c6 disc matter removal and lamo).

I feel like I have a web of problems, kinda like the onion having to peel

away the layers to get to the root of the problem?

The doc had put me on cymbalta as a double acting med for depression and to

enhance the pain meds. That's what he told me. Now that he has to take me off

the drug, he has yet to name a replacement, but the reasoning is to get

completely off the cymbalta first.

See what I mean? Makes my head spin sometimes with all that's going on in my

life. BUT, thanks for listening anyway,and I appreciate your quick response to

my questions.

geo

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

I most certainly have! The main issues is that once you have a severe back

injury, you rarely are ever the same again, withor without surgery. You can

avoid surgery and be in agony for years and hope it gets better, or you can have

surgery and hope it works. There are a few main contributing factors that affect

wether or not surgery will work for you, and most of them depend on YOU. The

problem in my experience is that people think of the surgery as the fix and it

ends with the surgeon, but it doesn't. Making that surgery work for you is an

ongoing process for the rest of your life. You must not smoke. You must keep

your weight down, and I mean down to what the BMI says is healthy for your

weight, not just a little weight loss. Pick up something that weighs a mere 10

pounds and carry it around for a half hour. Every 10 pounds puts a strain on

your back. Also, you must get and keep yourself in shape for the rest of your

life. Not just weight loss

wise, muscle tone wise as well. You've got to keep your core like a stone wall.

I have tried to explain this here before and I don't know if it gets though.

There are many people on here who have had surgery and are still in pain and

those who have not had surgery and are still in pain. How many here have done

the things I've listed above? I know for a fact that it makes a world of

difference. I have had to do it myself and still struggle with the muscle tone

part and the diet, my weight is down but I know that if I could just get my butt

to the gym regularly, I would feel better. BUT you have to make sure you are

doing appropriate exercizes for someone with a bad back.

 

These are the things thet frustrate surgeons beyond belief. They work hard to

operate on patients to give them a better back, but then watch them not do the

above listed things to do their part...and then get frustrated when the patients

return in pain and want some miracle answer. The sad thing is that MANY patients

put all their care in the doc's hands and refuse to be responsible for their own

bodies. We are all guilty to soem extent. Yes, it hurts to exercize sometimes.

It hurts to do our therapy exercizes. We are tired due to either not sleeping

and the nature of chronic pain...sometimes both. But we have to be able to rise

up and take control of our bodies. This DOES make a difference. Every spine

surgeon I've ever worked with has this same complaint.

 

I know this has maybe touched on a sour note, but it's one of those " tough love "

conversations that you need to hear. Even if you are a woman's size 6,  having a

strong core is still necessary. Weight loss alone is not enough.

 

I tell you that this has to become a lifestyle for all of us for the rest of our

lives. In order to help the surgery do it's job.

 

Also, one other thing. We have to make sure of who we allowing to operate on us.

Obviously surgery on our back just HAS to go right. There's so much at stake if

we allow a sloppy surgeon behind the knife. Not all surgeons are the same. We

cannot just go to our local community hospital and think they will do as good of

a job as the guys up at the major teaching hospitals. The docs at those

hospitals are a caliber above the rest. It's worth our lives to go out of our

way to see the best, even if it's an inconvenience. I have worked with community

hospital docs and big city docs, there IS a difference. Not to say that there

aren't great community hosp docs, there are, but are you confident you can pick

them out? Even referrals don't work. The patients have no clue as to wether

their docs are any good behind the knife. Your PCP doesn't have a clue. They

just refer to a doc in their hospital. The people who are in the OR are pretty

much the only ones who

know who is good and who will screw you up. YOu take a much better chance at

going to a big city academic center. The docs there won't last if they aren't

top notch. ---

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

Good advice. We have to take control of our bodies and do what we can to help

ourselves. Difficult but true.

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

I hate to sound harsh or preachy, but it's the truth and people need to hear it.

Wether or not they agree or do something about it is up to them. I admit that

I'm at foult as well! I'm no better, but currently since I had my hardware out

I'm feeling so much better, but I can tell that if I did my part, I could feel

even better. On that note, I'm going to make myself go to the gym today! --

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

Wow , I'm sorry to hear you are struggling so much. I know well how this

chronic pain can encourage a bad attitude in us. It's a struggle to find

something to laugh about everyday, something to smile about or look forward to.

Don't give up on that. You have to try  to find something to live for. Don't

give up on yourself , we here never will. We're always here for you to

vent or cry to...and it's ok to to that when you need to. It's hard living in a

body that feels like a prison. Have you thought about pshychotherapy? It helps a

lot those in chronic pain. ---

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

,

Well said! I agree that we must take some sort of responsibility for

our healing, whether it's surgery or not. In this country we are so

centered on quick fixes, whether it be pain or weight loss or

whatever. That being said, I understand the mentality of wanting the

suffering to stop - I want mine to stop too - but I do agree that we

have to do the work after surgery to make sure it works.

I am glad to hear that you know people who have had surgery that has

worked... I felt a little discouraged when someone said they had never

heard of a success story. I am finding it very hard to make my

decision. Re: going to other countries to get surgery, that scares me...

Jenn

>

> I most certainly have! The main issues is that once you have a

severe back injury, you�rarely are ever the same again, withor without

surgery. You can avoid surgery and be in agony for years and hope it

gets better, or you can have surgery and hope it works.�There are a

few main contributing factors that affect wether or�not surgery will

work for you, and most of them depend on YOU. The problem in my

experience is that people think of the surgery as the fix and it ends

with the surgeon, but it doesn't. Making that surgery work for you is

an ongoing process for the rest of your life. You must not smoke. You

must keep your weight down, and I mean down to what the BMI says is

healthy for your weight, not just a little weight loss. Pick up

something that weighs a mere 10 pounds and carry it around for a half

hour. Every 10 pounds puts a strain on your back. Also, you must get

and keep yourself in shape for the rest of your life.�Not just weight loss

> wise, muscle tone wise as well. You've got to keep your core like a

stone wall. I have tried to explain this here before and I don't know

if it gets though. There are many people on here who have had surgery

and are still in pain and those who have not had surgery and are still

in pain. How many here have done the things I've listed above? I know

for a fact that it makes a world of difference. I have had to do it

myself and still struggle with the muscle tone part and the diet, my

weight is down but I know that if I could just get my butt to the gym

regularly, I would feel better. BUT you have to make sure you are

doing appropriate exercizes for someone with a bad back.

> �

> These are the things thet frustrate surgeons beyond belief. They

work hard to operate on patients to give them a better back, but then

watch them not do the above listed things to do their part...and then

get frustrated when the patients return in pain and want some miracle

answer. The sad thing is that MANY patients put all their care in the

doc's hands and refuse to be responsible for their own bodies. We are

all guilty to soem extent. Yes, it hurts to exercize sometimes. It

hurts to do our therapy exercizes. We are tired due to either not

sleeping and the nature of chronic pain...sometimes both. But we have

to be able to rise up and take control of our bodies. This DOES make a

difference. Every spine surgeon I've ever worked with has this same

complaint.

> �

> I know this has maybe touched on a sour note, but it's one of those

" tough love " conversations that you need to hear. Even if you are a

woman's size 6,� having a strong core is still necessary. Weight loss

alone is not enough.

> �

> I tell you that this has to become a lifestyle for all of us for the

rest of our lives. In order to help the surgery do it's job.

> �

> Also, one other thing. We have to make sure of who we allowing to

operate on us. Obviously surgery on our back just HAS to go right.

There's so much at stake if we allow a sloppy surgeon behind the

knife. Not all surgeons are the same. We cannot just go to our local

community hospital and think they will do as good of a job as the guys

up at the major teaching hospitals. The docs at those hospitals are a

caliber above the rest. It's worth our lives to go out of our way to

see the best, even if it's an inconvenience. I have worked�with

community hospital docs and big city docs, there IS a difference. Not

to say that there aren't great community hosp docs, there are, but are

you confident you can pick them out? Even referrals don't work. The

patients have no clue as to wether their docs are any good behind the

knife. Your PCP doesn't have a clue. They just refer to a doc in their

hospital. The people who are in the OR are pretty much the only ones who

> know who is good and who will screw you up. YOu take a much better

chance at going to a big city academic center. The docs there won't

last if they aren't top notch. ---

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

I know you have said if you can hold on long enough they are constantly working

towards improvements in the field of spinal neurosurgery. Im curious- in what

ways do you forsee how things will be changing?

I am always wondering why they dont use laser in their surgeries?

Just curious-

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

I also agree with . I had my fusion (C5-C7) in May and I think it was the

best decision for me by far. I'm a 66 year old male and pretty set in my ways

but I did pretty much follow all of the doctors instructions. I still wear a

bone growth stimulator every day for four hours. I didn't lift anything over 5

pounds for six weeks, nothing over twenty five for six more weeks, I didn't go

deep sea fishing, I didn't do a lot of things I usually do. However, I don't

have any pain to speak of, a little loss of range of motion, and I can't look

way to the left or right for an extended period of time without getting a stiff

neck sort of feeling. I am slowly getting muscle tone back in my hands. I can

open a bottle of water now. So those of you who are facing the decision making

process please don't think that there aren't success stories out there. I don't

regret my decision one bit.

Jere

Re: new group member, considering fusion

.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sharing that Jere. It's so important that people hear the good

stories too. People on here are facing some very emotional decisions for

themselves. I think that it's normal for the tone to be somewhat negative here

because off all the pain, confusion and bad experiences some have had. I would

encourage anyone on here to share any positive stories they might have had with

the group!--

Re: new group member, considering fusion

..

[Guest guest]

Thanks , I went through a lot of changing during the first surgery, and

after-wards. I spent a lot of time with therapist, CP groups, any place I could

seek help. I had to learn that when I am dwelling in too much in a pain crisis,

to seek a different train of thought, not to let pain take completely over, and

take it one day, hour, or minute at a time. I developed a very high tolerance to

pain, that most would just sit and cry, and not be able to function, your mind

is a very strong Allie and can get you through the hard times. That's why it's

so difficult for me to use that pain scale 1-10, a 7-8 would be a 10+ to others.

My new PM I have still has no clue as to what I go through daily, that's why

when I went to see him the first thing I did was pull out all of my mri's. He

said my cervical spine was a mess, and then made the comment that the lumbar

surgery was unnecessary, but the neuro informed me that I would not be walking

very much longer if

I waited any longer, I had waited to long already.

I really think this group is one of the best tools we can have as we go through

our problems and decisions, and the nurses like you and deb, along with the

other veterans of spine problems, I wished this group had existed during my

first spinal surgery, but then the web didn't even exist.

ok, I apologize for bending your ear for so long.

I sure hope everyone has a good day, and that more will come your way,

geo

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

yep, just as many, it depends on the surgeon, and your condition. I had success

with lumbar surgery, but just have nerve damage from it, there are no guarantees

that you won't have complication from a spine surgery. Each one of my surgery's

were a 50/50 success rate!!

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it... I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

,

 

I had a cervicle fusion at C5-C6 in 1998 with placement of screws and a plate. 

I have DDD both in my lumbar and cervicle regions of my spine.  Last year I

started to have problems with my neck again and found out that the levels above

my fusion and below my fusion where gone to a point that something had to be

done.  I did not want fusion again because of the limits it would give my neck

on range of motion.  At the time there were several trials going on for cervicle

disc replacements around the country.  One in particular that I researched and

was suggested by my surgeon was the Prestige cervicle disc replacement made by

Medtronic.  It is usually only used at one level because of it's size but I was

a good candidate for a 2 level replacement since my problem was above and below

the old fusion.  The old fusion site actually created a buffer between the 2

deviceses and provides room for them.  I had my replacement surgery performed on

Januray

30th of this year and had 8 weeks of physical therapy afterwards.  The PT is

very important.  I have had little to no problems with the replacements.  My

range of motion is very good and have had very little pain after completing the

therapy.   The only problem so far has been of course the insurance.  Not a lot

of companies want to pay for it since they deem it as experimental.  It had been

approved by the FDA for use.  I believe Aetna has finally come around.  We are

still battling my insurance company. 

 

Incidently, my doctor told me I was the first in the country to have this

replacement performed at 2 levels.  I am not saying all of this to endorse this

particular product or company.  Everyone is different and this may not be the

right way to go for everyone, but I have had great success with this so far. 

 

There is a website to get more info on the device and find a qualified surgeon. 

It's www.prestigedisc.com.  Hope this helps.

 

Tim

 

From: Lambert <glambert28@ . com>

Subject: Re: new group member, considering fusion

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 10:19 PM

No my cervical fusions are done with donor bone and plates w/screws, and you

answered that question for me as to the adjacent levels, (although very

disappointing) , I would like to see them be able to remove the fusion one day

and do the DR. I still have a lot of pain coming from the cervical sites, as

well as a continuous spasm/cramp? not sure which, just below in the upper

thoracic area.

The flexible rods were place at lower lumbar. I couldn't understand why my PM

would even make a comment like that, after all I went thru with that lumbar

surgery, yes very depressing as if I need more to be depressed about. I have a

really bad attitude about being in so much pain for so long and so far only one

surgery worked and that was the first one (c6 disc matter removal and lamo).

I feel like I have a web of problems, kinda like the onion having to peel

away the layers to get to the root of the problem?

The doc had put me on cymbalta as a double acting med for depression and to

enhance the pain meds. That's what he told me. Now that he has to take me off

the drug, he has yet to name a replacement, but the reasoning is to get

completely off the cymbalta first.

See what I mean? Makes my head spin sometimes with all that's going on in my

life. BUT, thanks for listening anyway,and I appreciate your quick response to

my questions.

geo

new group member, considering fusion

Hi everyone,

I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

(disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

enjoy my life.

I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

60% relief.

I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

of always thinking about it... I am ready for some relief, but I have

mixed feelings about fusion.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

Thanks.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

When we use the pain scale in hospital, it is not to compare you to anyone

else. It is a tool that is strictly related to you. If a treatment or

medication is given and the numbers do not lower, we know it does not work.

If the number lowers, we can gauge how effective a treatment is. Someone

should always ask on admission what your baseline pain level is and what

level you can function without intervention. For example, you come in with

severe pain and give it a 7. We give you Vicodin and it remains a 7, then

the treatment isn't working. We give you oxycotin and it goes to a 3, then

we know if is effective. (Most drug seekers give you consistent 10's no

matter what because they want the strongest! These are the people laughing,

playing cards with their friends and yet say the pain is the worst ever!)

If you said you are always at a 3, even when things are the best and you

tolerate a 3 then you should be comfortable.

I find it interesting that CNN.com had an article about KoKo the gorilla a

few years back. She was taught to use the pain scale and when her tooth

pain was consistently 9 or 10, they asked her if they could remove her

tooth. She gave consent. Yes, we have adults who refuse to use the pain

scale because they can't understand how quantifying their pain and analyzing

the treatments levels helps us to know if we are making progress or not.

Vickie

On Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 11:06 AM, Lambert <glambert28@...>wrote:

> Thanks , I went through a lot of changing during the first surgery,

> and after-wards. I spent a lot of time with therapist, CP groups, any place

> I could seek help. I had to learn that when I am dwelling in too much in a

> pain crisis, to seek a different train of thought, not to let pain take

> completely over, and take it one day, hour, or minute at a time. I developed

> a very high tolerance to pain, that most would just sit and cry, and not be

> able to function, your mind is a very strong Allie and can get you through

> the hard times. That's why it's so difficult for me to use that pain scale

> 1-10, a 7-8 would be a 10+ to others. My new PM I have still has no clue as

> to what I go through daily, that's why when I went to see him the first

> thing I did was pull out all of my mri's. He said my cervical spine was a

> mess, and then made the comment that the lumbar surgery was unnecessary, but

> the neuro informed me that I would not be walking very much longer if

> I waited any longer, I had waited to long already.

> I really think this group is one of the best tools we can have as we go

> through our problems and decisions, and the nurses like you and deb, along

> with the other veterans of spine problems, I wished this group had existed

> during my first spinal surgery, but then the web didn't even exist.

> ok, I apologize for bending your ear for so long.

> I sure hope everyone has a good day, and that more will come your way,

> geo

>

>

> new group member, considering fusion

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I am new to this group and need your opinions/experience s on fusion.

> A little background: I am a 34 yr old mother of two little ones (2 1/2

> yrs and 7 mos). I have been in chronic pain for almost 10 yrs now as

> a result of degenerative disc disease - I had surgery in 2002

> (disketomy of L5/S1) which helped my sciatica, but not the back pain

> of course. I continued to have back pain, and then in the last year

> or so, the leg pain came back. I almost did not have children because

> of this pain, but decided I would be in pain anyway, so why not try to

> enjoy my life.

>

> I went to see my neurosurgeon last week after having yet another MRI,

> and he showed me 4 bad levels - L5/S1, L4/L5, and then 2 starting to

> go a few levels up. The bottom ones are the ones that are causing all

> the problems. He recommended a fusion and said I could possibly get

> 60% relief.

>

> I have tried most every non-surgical method over the years - you name

> it, I've done it. I am taking Hydrocodone and muscle relaxers, which

> give me some relief, but it's getting harder and harder to take care

> of my kids, my house, and myself even with taking the meds. I am

> breastfeeding my 7 month old, and of course have guilt over the meds I

> am exposing him to. I am having some days where my pain is 8 or 9 or

> even 10 out of 10, and it hasn't always been that way. I am tired of

> being in pain, tired of being " the girl with the crappy back " , tired

> of always thinking about it.. I am ready for some relief, but I have

> mixed feelings about fusion.

>

> I would love to hear anyone's experience with fusion. Did you have the

> fusion and regret it because you're worse? Or did you have it and

> you're better? Or did you consider it but went a different route?

>

> Thanks.

>

> Jenn

>

>