Guest guest Posted April 16, 2008 Report Share Posted April 16, 2008 In a message dated 4/16/2008 3:30:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ljw75010@... writes: What are his symptoms, what has he tried, what type of dr are you seeing and how many have you seen. Surgery is the last choice, but Thanks for your reply!! His arm goes numb when he turns his head one way. He has only seen an ortho spine surgeon, so of course this guy is going to say surgery. BUT....he also said physical therapy has never helped anyone with cervical spinal stenosis, and they offer it because people are afraid of surgery. They have a physical therapy place next to their offices. Like I said, he has herniated discs at C 5, 6 and 7. Almost forgot this part....his leg gives out on occasion. He was treated by a sports ortho with synvisc, which didn't help. This guy thought it wasn't his knees, although he has lots of fluid that was drained from his knees. **************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2008 Report Share Posted April 16, 2008 What are his symptoms, what has he tried, what type of dr are you seeing and how many have you seen. Surgery is the last choice, but sometimes that choice is made for you. Even in that case you need to proceed cautiously and with knowledge. There are minimally invasive procedures etc...I think you just need to look at all of your options and ask yourself a couple of the questions I listed above. I have found this group to be helpful. > > Found out this is what my husband needs done. From what I remember of the > mri report, he has herniated discs at C 5,6 and 7. > > Has anyone had this done??? I know we hear to not rush into surgery, but > it seems that this is something that shouldn't be messed around with, because > of the cervical nerves being involved. > > I'd appreciate any information or thoughts. > > Thanks! > > MI > > > > **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money & > Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolcmp00300000002850) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Cindi, Why are you having a laminectomy? I always thought neruo's knew exactly what they were doing before they went in there. With MRI's and all the testing that can be done now I am a bit confused as to why your surgeon isn't sure what he is going to be doing until he gets in there. My laminectomies have been to reach my spinal cord so I don't know how long it would take to heal from a typical fusion/repair. I had a cervical fusion (only one level) and healed rather quickly, but I'm sure that is an easier surgery than the lumbar. Barb > > How long does it take to recover from a lumbar Laminectomy? I am having surgery on Tuesday, my neuro does not know if I will be getting a fusion until he is astually looks, during the surgery. Is there a lot of pain afterward? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Hey cindi, Believe it or not they get you up and walking asap. The recovery depends on the person, but it is sore for a while. Hopefully you do not need fusion as I had both surgeries and would do first one all the time over a fusion. Any questions please do not hesitate to ask founder ctpainfoundation.com Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Laminectomy How long does it take to recover from a lumbar Laminectomy? I am having surgery on Tuesday, my neuro does not know if I will be getting a fusion until he is astually looks, during the surgery. Is there a lot of pain afterward? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Barb, your actually wrong many times the neuroseugeon does not know until he sees it up close, mri does not show everything. The start with lam. And some P.T. But a really good neurosurgeon does not make a decision on a fusion with out looking at spine and nerve decompression, while they are in they take video and pictures to show you if a fusion is necessary. Most orthopedics do a fusion without a prior surgery, bigger profit and they do not deal with the nerves. Always a mistake to go to an orthopedic for back surgery as you need a doctor who understands the nerves and spine. Cindi sounds like you have a very good surgeon who is taking the proper steps with out rushing into a very serious fusion. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Laminectomy Cindi, Why are you having a laminectomy? I always thought neruo's knew exactly what they were doing before they went in there. With MRI's and all the testing that can be done now I am a bit confused as to why your surgeon isn't sure what he is going to be doing until he gets in there. My laminectomies have been to reach my spinal cord so I don't know how long it would take to heal from a typical fusion/repair. I had a cervical fusion (only one level) and healed rather quickly, but I'm sure that is an easier surgery than the lumbar. Barb > > How long does it take to recover from a lumbar Laminectomy? I am having surgery on Tuesday, my neuro does not know if I will be getting a fusion until he is astually looks, during the surgery. Is there a lot of pain afterward? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 Actually ...YOU are quite wrong. But, depending on the circumstances, it is not uncommon for a surgeon to decide ,after he gets in. what he's going to do. Imaging doesn't tell us everything and nothing can compare with the real thing. Sometimes a fusion may not be necessary and they would like to see things before they commit to fusion as a discectomy may be unnecessary. Maybe vice-versa...maybe they don't plan to fise but when they get in there things are more unstable than previously thought. Cindi, A laminectomy/ discectomy is not painful to recover from in most all circumstances...you will be up and walking the same night, many don't even stay overnight anymore. A lumbar fusion however is incredibly painful and you waill stay in the hospital for days for pain control. --- Babbitt ________________________________ From: " ctpainfoundation@... " <ctpainfoundation@...> spinal problems Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2009 6:33:47 PM Subject: Re: Re: Laminectomy Barb, your actually wrong many times the neuroseugeon does not know until he sees it up close, mri does not show everything. The start with lam. And some P.T. But a really good neurosurgeon does not make a decision on a fusion with out looking at spine and nerve decompression, while they are in they take video and pictures to show you if a fusion is necessary. Most orthopedics do a fusion without a prior surgery, bigger profit and they do not deal with the nerves. Always a mistake to go to an orthopedic for back surgery as you need a doctor who understands the nerves and spine. Cindi sounds like you have a very good surgeon who is taking the proper steps with out rushing into a very serious fusion. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Laminectomy Cindi, Why are you having a laminectomy? I always thought neruo's knew exactly what they were doing before they went in there. With MRI's and all the testing that can be done now I am a bit confused as to why your surgeon isn't sure what he is going to be doing until he gets in there. My laminectomies have been to reach my spinal cord so I don't know how long it would take to heal from a typical fusion/repair. I had a cervical fusion (only one level) and healed rather quickly, but I'm sure that is an easier surgery than the lumbar. Barb > > How long does it take to recover from a lumbar Laminectomy? I am having surgery on Tuesday, my neuro does not know if I will be getting a fusion until he is astually looks, during the surgery. Is there a lot of pain afterward? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 This is what I said Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: Laminectomy Cindi, Why are you having a laminectomy? I always thought neruo's knew exactly what they were doing before they went in there. With MRI's and all the testing that can be done now I am a bit confused as to why your surgeon isn't sure what he is going to be doing until he gets in there. My laminectomies have been to reach my spinal cord so I don't know how long it would take to heal from a typical fusion/repair. I had a cervical fusion (only one level) and healed rather quickly, but I'm sure that is an easier surgery than the lumbar. Barb > > How long does it take to recover from a lumbar Laminectomy? I am having surgery on Tuesday, my neuro does not know if I will be getting a fusion until he is astually looks, during the surgery. Is there a lot of pain afterward? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 Cindi, I would strongly suggest that you get him to commit one way or another in regards to the type of surgery you have. A fusion recovery is long and incredibly painful and NOT something I suggest going into without preperations for afterwards. I'm hearing a lot of docs saying this nowadays from other people and I have to say...go with the least traumatic procedure first. Having a second surgery later is always possible. Especially when it's a stenosis issue which it sounds like yours is. If it was very painful herniated disks with DDD than I would go for the fusion right off...without question. The reason I say hold off on fusion if you have stenosis is because you may get enough relief from the laminectomy that you can deal with any disc issues you may have much easier. What I have seen is that the pain from stenosis is so hard to deal with, being that it is nerve entrapment...that once that pain is relieved, the rest of the discomfort is minor and is much easier to cope with. Just a thought. --- Babbitt ________________________________ From: " ctpainfoundation@... " <ctpainfoundation@...> spinal problems Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2009 6:26:09 PM Subject: Re: Laminectomy Hey cindi, Believe it or not they get you up and walking asap. The recovery depends on the person, but it is sore for a while. Hopefully you do not need fusion as I had both surgeries and would do first one all the time over a fusion. Any questions please do not hesitate to ask founder ctpainfoundation. com Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Laminectomy How long does it take to recover from a lumbar Laminectomy? I am having surgery on Tuesday, my neuro does not know if I will be getting a fusion until he is astually looks, during the surgery. Is there a lot of pain afterward? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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