Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

[Guest guest]

Let me help you understand your surgery, I absolutely agree with your doc with

the anterior and posterior approach, and let me tell you why. The anterior/

posterior approach allows for the disk to be more thoroughly removed and  from

the front, a piece of cadaver bone or a small cage filled with bone can be

placed where the disk was. Look at a pic of the spine and note the access from

both the front and back. You cannot access the front of the dick from the back

of the body. The posterior approach is where the screws and rods will be placed

which will prevent movement in the spine while the bone in the front fuses with

the agacent vertebrae. Also, more bone and BMP may be placed here. Once the

fusion process occurs (about 1-2 yrs) the hardware serves no purpose, and in

some cases may need to be removed as it can cause pain in some people. The

reason your doc isn't taking bone from your hip is because that procedure is

being replaced by the use of BMP

(bone morphogenic protein). This is an amazing substance that causes rapid bone

growth and is just as good as your own bone, considering you don't have to

undergo the painful grafting process. You may want to research it online, the

BMP. This way of fusing has a mich higher success rate than anterior only or

posterior only, and use of the BMP will also increase your chances of a good

solid fusion. The biggest risk with fusion is non-union...and it happens. It

happened to me once.  One more thing you can do to greatly increase your

chances of successful fusion is to ask your surgeon about a bone stimulator.

This looks sort of like a tens unit and also has two electrodes that you place

over the fusion site. It sends impulses that you cannot feel to the bone and

causes mineralization that promotes healthy fusion. He may have this in mind for

you already. Most good spine surgeons will, if he already is using the

anterior/posterior approach and BMP, chances

are he knows his stuff.

Now, upon your return home, no, you will need help at home for some time. The

posterior part of the fusion is very painful, but all the work that the surgeon

did inside you can easily be disrupted by moving around and doing too much. The

more you try to do, the more pain you will experience. It's probably going to

take you months to feel better. It took 9 mos for me before I felt like I was on

the upswing. You should start some gently PT soon after surgery, this will

consist of non-range of motion exercizes and will forus on the core muscles and

getting them strong which will decrease your pain. Remember your core muscles

will be cut and aggressively pulled aside both from the front and back, so your

main souce of support is mush!.

 The more help you can get the better. The biggest piece of advice I can give

you for post-op...DO NOTHING!!!

No dishes, vacccuming, cooking, etc. You won't be physically capable for a while

anyway, but even when you start feeling better, it's too much on your body.

Good luck with your surgery. I hope all goes well for you. We are all here to

support you!

---

 

________________________________

From: D Chavez <chavezd@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 2:24:18 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

You're right, there's no need to battle.  You two are both very strong

people.  Anyhow, I'm told that I need to have a fusion of L5-S1.  The

neurosurgeon said that he will be going in through the back, as well as the

front.  Is this typical?  I'm sort of becoming skeptical of this whole

procedure now.  Also, I've heard people talk about taking bone from hip, or

something along those lines; however, the doc never stated anything like that. 

Lastly, once I would leave the hospital after 3-5 days, will I be able to " help

myself " and walk around house?

____________ _________ _________ __

From: " mc090909 (DOT) com " <mc090909 (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:04:27 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Like I said everyone has their own opinion. I just don't like " battling " a

person andrea just because I made a suggestion. That's the point. We are all

here for some type of reason. Questions answers suggestions or to vent. Traci

needs to understand this and not be so negative to mine and others suggestions.

She may have six. Years as a spine nurse a six time canidate for spine surgery

kids and a fulltime job. So do others here. But one persons reccomendation is

not always correct all the time. How do I no that she is always correct with her

answers. Just because she's a spine nuse and she has so many years in her field

does not make her reccomendations right. That's why she shoild " suggest " certain

treatments pain medication to these membersm

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic 

> Surgeon

>

>

>

> That's a hard call, either one can do a fine job. There are 

> excellent neuro's and ortho's and there are not so excellent of 

> both. I would likely go with Ortho, but only someone who specializes 

> in spine, preferably cervical if you ca find one. One of the best 

> ways to find an excellent spine surgeon is call the best hospital 

> within an hours's drive and ask for the Operating Room. Ask to speak 

> to a nurse who does spine cases and ask HER who she would recommend. 

> If you can't speak to one of them, ask to speak with any available 

> nurse in the OR. good Luck!!!

> ---

>

>

>

> Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

>

>

> Which should you go to for neck/back issue? The surgeon that did my 

> first cervical fusion was an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in 

> spine issues.. The 2nd neck surgery I had was by a neurosurgeon. . 

> Which one should you go to with neck issues?

>

>

> Thanks

>

>

>

>___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

> found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you.

> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290

>

>

[Guest guest]

Diane,

I am sorry for your loss. This is becoming WAAAY too common. When my

husband had his ACDF last summer, he chose to not go to a particular

hospital, because an acquaintance had died of sepsis post spine surgery while

there.

Unfortunately, he got a UTI from the catheter. He had to go back to the

hospital because the infection became severe. We thought it was gone, but

again, he became very ill and went into septic shock. This time, it went to

his kidney.

I am not a nurse (former teacher), but I had to hook him up to a

vancomycin IV drip twice a day for 5 weeks, at home. I was barely given

instruction---and was given the wrong instructions by the first home nurse.

The infectious disease Doctor gave him the wrong dose (which I questioned,

because it was half of what he was getting in the hospital). That is why

he had to be on the IV for so long. This Dr. is always written up as one

of the best. He screwed up.

My opinion about doctors is exactly the same as 's, and has been

since became I aware of their limitations years ago. It is pretty scary.

**************Download the AOL Classifieds Toolbar for local deals at your

fingertips.

(http://toolbar.aol.com/aolclassifieds/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000004)

[Guest guest]

You are so right Diane, you have every right to the answers as well as to make

that doc explain what happened...wether or not is was or was not his fault. I

can understand from their viewpoint, the fear of losing what they could when

something goes wrong...but I am SICK of doc hiding behind everything they can

instead of just being honest. Don't you think that as a family member you would

be able to move in with more peace and lose the anger if the responsible doc

would sit down with you, look you in the eye, and say " I made a mistake, and

this is what happened " .  I hope that you will have answers someday.

---

________________________________

From: Dianne <dianne12315@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 6:39:18 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Thank you . My sister's loss was a great shock to me not to mention

what losing her has done to me.

I understand that doctors are just people who have more education than

others and I also realize they are not God. They cannot predict who will

do well and who won't. I also know if they are standing in a crowd among

other people you probably wouldn't be able to guess their profession. As

you said they are people too and mistakes can happen. Unfortunately a

mistake cost my sister her life. I might have been more accepting to it

if they had been upfront with me instead of getting mad each time I

asked a question or questioned anything they wanted to do to her. To me

it felt like they were covering up. After speaking to a lawyer and a

medical consultant it was determined that something did in fact go wrong

in the OR and I'm not out for blood just the truth.

This experience did not turn me against the medical profession at all. I

have nothing but praise for the doctors I have met through the years

during my mother's illnesses and other family members. The neurosurgeon

who did my operation is a great guy and I have nothing but praise for

him but on the other hand I'm sure there are patients of his who do not

feel he is so good. I was one of the lucky ones.

I guess what I'm trying to say is not all doctors are bad and sometimes

it takes awhile before a person can find the right one. I would not

however recommend my sister's surgeons to anyone for personal reasons

and I would never think of saying anything bad about them to anyone. I

think our attitude has a lot to do with how we are treated too. If you

go into a doctor's office with a negative attitude and he or she doesn't

do what we think is right then we get mad. It's happened to me but after

giving it thought I realized that was not the way to go. We have to find

a way to work together with our doctors. They might be smarter but we

are smarter when it comes to our bodies.

Dianne

>

> Dianne,

>

> I am SO SORRY to hear of your sister's loss. And from something so

preventable! It's scary how much faith goes into these docs, but we have

no choice do we? Docs are just people who have gone through a bit more

education that others, who still make judgement errors and put their

pants on one leg at a time like we do. How does someone out in the world

gage who is good and who is not? You can't tell the difference. The

local hospital doc here who is supposed to be " the best " is not someone

who would ever toouch me. I've worked with him too. But the best in a

suburb or a rural area...is not the best you can get. Everyone graduates

from medical school...not everyone at the top. The ones who don't

graduate at the top have to practice somewhere...

>

>

>

>

> ____________ _________ _________ __

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you much for all the information.  Clearly, I now see that I need to

become more aware of the treatment and actually start caring about what will

occur.  , having you explain the tiniest of details shows me that I need

to pay better attention and ask more questions.  I have only been focusing on

post-surgery and not being in more pain than I am in currently.  I don't want

to be a burden on anybody and want to be self-sufficient.  Taking up to one

year to adequately heal seems an awful lot.  As far as PT, could too much be a

bad thing, even if I'm able to do it?  In my mind, I'm an athletic you man that

wants to come back better than ever!  I don't want to be too far off of having

a muscular physique.  Should I now be doing exercises and

workouts to prepare for surgery, making my core strong?

Since my problem is from a birth defect, I have learned to live with most pain

resulting from it.  I feel as though I am unlike any other person with back

issues.  Right now, I am able to run, play, move, and workout.  My pain can

come-and-go, or it can be constant for months on end.  It is just a matter of

the nerves becoming pinched.  When sitting, the pain could be so bad, forcing

me to stand.  Then standing could force the pain to shoot through buttocks down

to feet and toes.  Although lying down has tended to alleviate, it's now

becoming a problem as well.  This is why narcotics has been my only relief.

________________________________

From: Babbitt <tpowell1977@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:28:14 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Let me help you understand your surgery, I absolutely agree with your doc with

the anterior and posterior approach, and let me tell you why. The anterior/

posterior approach allows for the disk to be more thoroughly removed and  from

the front, a piece of cadaver bone or a small cage filled with bone can be

placed where the disk was. Look at a pic of the spine and note the access from

both the front and back. You cannot access the front of the dick from the back

of the body. The posterior approach is where the screws and rods will be placed

which will prevent movement in the spine while the bone in the front fuses with

the agacent vertebrae. Also, more bone and BMP may be placed here. Once the

fusion process occurs (about 1-2 yrs) the hardware serves no purpose, and in

some cases may need to be removed as it can cause pain in some people. The

reason your doc isn't taking bone from your hip is because that procedure is

being replaced by the use of BMP

(bone morphogenic protein). This is an amazing substance that causes rapid bone

growth and is just as good as your own bone, considering you don't have to

undergo the painful grafting process. You may want to research it online, the

BMP. This way of fusing has a mich higher success rate than anterior only or

posterior only, and use of the BMP will also increase your chances of a good

solid fusion. The biggest risk with fusion is non-union... and it happens. It

happened to me once.  One more thing you can do to greatly increase your

chances of successful fusion is to ask your surgeon about a bone stimulator.

This looks sort of like a tens unit and also has two electrodes that you place

over the fusion site. It sends impulses that you cannot feel to the bone and

causes mineralization that promotes healthy fusion. He may have this in mind for

you already. Most good spine surgeons will, if he already is using the

anterior/posterior approach and BMP, chances

are he knows his stuff.

Now, upon your return home, no, you will need help at home for some time. The

posterior part of the fusion is very painful, but all the work that the surgeon

did inside you can easily be disrupted by moving around and doing too much. The

more you try to do, the more pain you will experience. It's probably going to

take you months to feel better. It took 9 mos for me before I felt like I was on

the upswing. You should start some gently PT soon after surgery, this will

consist of non-range of motion exercizes and will forus on the core muscles and

getting them strong which will decrease your pain. Remember your core muscles

will be cut and aggressively pulled aside both from the front and back, so your

main souce of support is mush!.

 The more help you can get the better. The biggest piece of advice I can give

you for post-op...DO NOTHING!!!

No dishes, vacccuming, cooking, etc. You won't be physically capable for a while

anyway, but even when you start feeling better, it's too much on your body.

Good luck with your surgery. I hope all goes well for you. We are all here to

support you!

---

 

____________ _________ _________ __

From: D Chavez <chavezdymail (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 2:24:18 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

You're right, there's no need to battle.  You two are both very strong

people.  Anyhow, I'm told that I need to have a fusion of L5-S1.  The

neurosurgeon said that he will be going in through the back, as well as the

front.  Is this typical?  I'm sort of becoming skeptical of this whole

procedure now.  Also, I've heard people talk about taking bone from hip, or

something along those lines; however, the doc never stated anything like that. 

Lastly, once I would leave the hospital after 3-5 days, will I be able to " help

myself " and walk around house?

____________ _________ _________ __

From: " mc090909 (DOT) com " <mc090909 (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:04:27 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Like I said everyone has their own opinion. I just don't like " battling " a

person andrea just because I made a suggestion. That's the point. We are all

here for some type of reason. Questions answers suggestions or to vent. Traci

needs to understand this and not be so negative to mine and others suggestions.

She may have six. Years as a spine nurse a six time canidate for spine surgery

kids and a fulltime job. So do others here. But one persons reccomendation is

not always correct all the time. How do I no that she is always correct with her

answers. Just because she's a spine nuse and she has so many years in her field

does not make her reccomendations right. That's why she shoild " suggest " certain

treatments pain medication to these membersm

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic 

> Surgeon

>

>

>

> That's a hard call, either one can do a fine job. There are 

> excellent neuro's and ortho's and there are not so excellent of 

> both. I would likely go with Ortho, but only someone who specializes 

> in spine, preferably cervical if you ca find one. One of the best 

> ways to find an excellent spine surgeon is call the best hospital 

> within an hours's drive and ask for the Operating Room. Ask to speak 

> to a nurse who does spine cases and ask HER who she would recommend. 

> If you can't speak to one of them, ask to speak with any available 

> nurse in the OR. good Luck!!!

> ---

>

>

>

> Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

>

>

> Which should you go to for neck/back issue? The surgeon that did my 

> first cervical fusion was an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in 

> spine issues.. The 2nd neck surgery I had was by a neurosurgeon. . 

> Which one should you go to with neck issues?

>

>

> Thanks

>

>

>

>___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

> found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you.

> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/choosepc/?ocid=ftp_val_wl_290

>

>

[Guest guest]

You don't need to take a year off to recover, but it may take that long until

you feel 'normal'. I was out of work for seven months until I was ok'd to

return, but workin in the OR is physically demanding and he would not release me

to do the job until then. I was in enough pain for three months before I felt

capable of starting PT. Had I known that the beginning stages of PT post-op are

incredibly gentle and most of all...made my pain disappear.

but the seriousness of the surgery and  healing mechanism must be taken

seriously, as I previously stated. Unlinke many other surgeries, pushing

yourself to rehab will not help in the beginning and it will cause pain and

setback. Even something as small as unloading the dishwasher, should not be done

for months. The process that is going on on the inside of the person, is totally

on it's own, you can't hurry it, but you can delay it. YOu must take care to

rest so your body can heal it'self and grow new bone.

Gentle PT exercizes after a few weeks will target the core muscles and slowly

build up strength there. Also, many PT's will do scar massage (this will help on

the abdominal scar) and help with the inevitable muscle spasms that plague post

op fusion patients. Myofascial release techniques are often employed. Pool or

Aquatic therapy may also be employed at this time by some PT facilities, or in a

YMCA pool. Simple walking ack and forth in the pool will help start to

strengthen the core muscles. They will be destroyed after this operation, you

will need to work hard to build them back up. If you work on your core now, it

will help after, but only to some extent. The damage to the muscles during

surgery is substantial.

---

________________________________

From: D Chavez <chavezd@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 5:39:00 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Thank you much for all the information.  Clearly, I now see that I need to

become more aware of the treatment and actually start caring about what will

occur.  , having you explain the tiniest of details shows me that I need

to pay better attention and ask more questions.  I have only been focusing on

post-surgery and not being in more pain than I am in currently.  I don't want

to be a burden on anybody and want to be self-sufficient.  Taking up to one

year to adequately heal seems an awful lot.  As far as PT, could too much be a

bad thing, even if I'm able to do it?  In my mind, I'm an athletic you man that

wants to come back better than ever!  I don't want to be too far off of having

a muscular physique.  Should I now be doing exercises and

workouts to prepare for surgery, making my core strong?

Since my problem is from a birth defect, I have learned to live with most pain

resulting from it.  I feel as though I am unlike any other person with back

issues.  Right now, I am able to run, play, move, and workout.  My pain can

come-and-go, or it can be constant for months on end.  It is just a matter of

the nerves becoming pinched.  When sitting, the pain could be so bad, forcing

me to stand.  Then standing could force the pain to shoot through buttocks down

to feet and toes.  Although lying down has tended to alleviate, it's now

becoming a problem as well.  This is why narcotics has been my only relief.

____________ _________ _________ __

From: Babbitt <tpowell1977>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:28:14 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Let me help you understand your surgery, I absolutely agree with your doc with

the anterior and posterior approach, and let me tell you why. The anterior/

posterior approach allows for the disk to be more thoroughly removed and  from

the front, a piece of cadaver bone or a small cage filled with bone can be

placed where the disk was. Look at a pic of the spine and note the access from

both the front and back. You cannot access the front of the dick from the back

of the body. The posterior approach is where the screws and rods will be placed

which will prevent movement in the spine while the bone in the front fuses with

the agacent vertebrae. Also, more bone and BMP may be placed here. Once the

fusion process occurs (about 1-2 yrs) the hardware serves no purpose, and in

some cases may need to be removed as it can cause pain in some people. The

reason your doc isn't taking bone from your hip is because that procedure is

being replaced by the use of BMP

(bone morphogenic protein). This is an amazing substance that causes rapid bone

growth and is just as good as your own bone, considering you don't have to

undergo the painful grafting process. You may want to research it online, the

BMP. This way of fusing has a mich higher success rate than anterior only or

posterior only, and use of the BMP will also increase your chances of a good

solid fusion. The biggest risk with fusion is non-union... and it happens. It

happened to me once.  One more thing you can do to greatly increase your

chances of successful fusion is to ask your surgeon about a bone stimulator.

This looks sort of like a tens unit and also has two electrodes that you place

over the fusion site. It sends impulses that you cannot feel to the bone and

causes mineralization that promotes healthy fusion. He may have this in mind for

you already. Most good spine surgeons will, if he already is using the

anterior/posterior approach and BMP, chances

are he knows his stuff.

Now, upon your return home, no, you will need help at home for some time. The

posterior part of the fusion is very painful, but all the work that the surgeon

did inside you can easily be disrupted by moving around and doing too much. The

more you try to do, the more pain you will experience. It's probably going to

take you months to feel better. It took 9 mos for me before I felt like I was on

the upswing. You should start some gently PT soon after surgery, this will

consist of non-range of motion exercizes and will forus on the core muscles and

getting them strong which will decrease your pain. Remember your core muscles

will be cut and aggressively pulled aside both from the front and back, so your

main souce of support is mush!.

 The more help you can get the better. The biggest piece of advice I can give

you for post-op...DO NOTHING!!!

No dishes, vacccuming, cooking, etc. You won't be physically capable for a while

anyway, but even when you start feeling better, it's too much on your body.

Good luck with your surgery. I hope all goes well for you. We are all here to

support you!

---

 

____________ _________ _________ __

From: D Chavez <chavezdymail (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 2:24:18 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

You're right, there's no need to battle.  You two are both very strong

people.  Anyhow, I'm told that I need to have a fusion of L5-S1.  The

neurosurgeon said that he will be going in through the back, as well as the

front.  Is this typical?  I'm sort of becoming skeptical of this whole

procedure now.  Also, I've heard people talk about taking bone from hip, or

something along those lines; however, the doc never stated anything like that. 

Lastly, once I would leave the hospital after 3-5 days, will I be able to " help

myself " and walk around house?

____________ _________ _________ __

From: " mc090909 (DOT) com " <mc090909 (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:04:27 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Like I said everyone has their own opinion. I just don't like " battling " a

person andrea just because I made a suggestion. That's the point. We are all

here for some type of reason. Questions answers suggestions or to vent. Traci

needs to understand this and not be so negative to mine and others suggestions.

She may have six. Years as a spine nurse a six time canidate for spine surgery

kids and a fulltime job. So do others here. But one persons reccomendation is

not always correct all the time. How do I no that she is always correct with her

answers. Just because she's a spine nuse and she has so many years in her field

does not make her reccomendations right. That's why she shoild " suggest " certain

treatments pain medication to these membersm

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic 

> Surgeon

>

>

>

> That's a hard call, either one can do a fine job. There are 

> excellent neuro's and ortho's and there are not so excellent of 

> both. I would likely go with Ortho, but only someone who specializes 

> in spine, preferably cervical if you ca find one. One of the best 

> ways to find an excellent spine surgeon is call the best hospital 

> within an hours's drive and ask for the Operating Room. Ask to speak 

> to a nurse who does spine cases and ask HER who she would recommend. 

> If you can't speak to one of them, ask to speak with any available 

> nurse in the OR. good Luck!!!

> ---

>

>

>

> Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

>

>

> Which should you go to for neck/back issue? The surgeon that did my 

> first cervical fusion was an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in 

> spine issues.. The 2nd neck surgery I had was by a neurosurgeon. . 

> Which one should you go to with neck issues?

>

>

> Thanks

>

>

>

>___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

> found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you.

> http://www.microsof t.com/windows/ choosepc/ ?ocid=ftp_ val_wl_290

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

The bone stim that my friend wore just fit around his neck,..there were no

electrical pads....I will say that today is the one year anniversary of his

surgery....a corpectomy of c4 and c5 (removed) with a flexable titanium cage and

fusion of c3 and c6.  He was in a neck brace for  6 months....a  bone stim

for 9 months ( 4 hours a day.....he did get a mild ha when wearing it cause he

could feel the blood flow being increased.....the good news is that he has not

had any neck pain for  6 months....so surgery does work

well....sometimes...granted one persons good result may be anothers disaster.

Is the lumbar stim big and bulky...?  I know the neck stim was 8,000.00. 

Insurance paid for all but 600.00

 Debra in St. Louis

________________________________

From: Babbitt <tpowell1977@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 5:27:24 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

You don't need to take a year off to recover, but it may take that long until

you feel 'normal'. I was out of work for seven months until I was ok'd to

return, but workin in the OR is physically demanding and he would not release me

to do the job until then. I was in enough pain for three months before I felt

capable of starting PT. Had I known that the beginning stages of PT post-op are

incredibly gentle and most of all...made my pain disappear.

but the seriousness of the surgery and  healing mechanism must be taken

seriously, as I previously stated. Unlinke many other surgeries, pushing

yourself to rehab will not help in the beginning and it will cause pain and

setback. Even something as small as unloading the dishwasher, should not be done

for months. The process that is going on on the inside of the person, is totally

on it's own, you can't hurry it, but you can delay it. YOu must take care to

rest so your body can heal it'self and grow new bone.

Gentle PT exercizes after a few weeks will target the core muscles and slowly

build up strength there. Also, many PT's will do scar massage (this will help on

the abdominal scar) and help with the inevitable muscle spasms that plague post

op fusion patients. Myofascial release techniques are often employed. Pool or

Aquatic therapy may also be employed at this time by some PT facilities, or in a

YMCA pool. Simple walking ack and forth in the pool will help start to

strengthen the core muscles. They will be destroyed after this operation, you

will need to work hard to build them back up. If you work on your core now, it

will help after, but only to some extent. The damage to the muscles during

surgery is substantial.

---

____________ _________ _________ __

From: D Chavez <chavezdymail (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 5:39:00 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Thank you much for all the information.  Clearly, I now see that I need to

become more aware of the treatment and actually start caring about what will

occur.  , having you explain the tiniest of details shows me that I need

to pay better attention and ask more questions.  I have only been focusing on

post-surgery and not being in more pain than I am in currently.  I don't want

to be a burden on anybody and want to be self-sufficient.  Taking up to one

year to adequately heal seems an awful lot.  As far as PT, could too much be a

bad thing, even if I'm able to do it?  In my mind, I'm an athletic you man that

wants to come back better than ever!  I don't want to be too far off of having

a muscular physique.  Should I now be doing exercises and

workouts to prepare for surgery, making my core strong?

Since my problem is from a birth defect, I have learned to live with most pain

resulting from it.  I feel as though I am unlike any other person with back

issues.  Right now, I am able to run, play, move, and workout.  My pain can

come-and-go, or it can be constant for months on end.  It is just a matter of

the nerves becoming pinched.  When sitting, the pain could be so bad, forcing

me to stand.  Then standing could force the pain to shoot through buttocks down

to feet and toes.  Although lying down has tended to alleviate, it's now

becoming a problem as well.  This is why narcotics has been my only relief.

____________ _________ _________ __

From: Babbitt <tpowell1977>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:28:14 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Let me help you understand your surgery, I absolutely agree with your doc with

the anterior and posterior approach, and let me tell you why. The anterior/

posterior approach allows for the disk to be more thoroughly removed and  from

the front, a piece of cadaver bone or a small cage filled with bone can be

placed where the disk was. Look at a pic of the spine and note the access from

both the front and back. You cannot access the front of the dick from the back

of the body. The posterior approach is where the screws and rods will be placed

which will prevent movement in the spine while the bone in the front fuses with

the agacent vertebrae. Also, more bone and BMP may be placed here. Once the

fusion process occurs (about 1-2 yrs) the hardware serves no purpose, and in

some cases may need to be removed as it can cause pain in some people. The

reason your doc isn't taking bone from your hip is because that procedure is

being replaced by the use of BMP

(bone morphogenic protein). This is an amazing substance that causes rapid bone

growth and is just as good as your own bone, considering you don't have to

undergo the painful grafting process. You may want to research it online, the

BMP. This way of fusing has a mich higher success rate than anterior only or

posterior only, and use of the BMP will also increase your chances of a good

solid fusion. The biggest risk with fusion is non-union... and it happens. It

happened to me once.  One more thing you can do to greatly increase your

chances of successful fusion is to ask your surgeon about a bone stimulator.

This looks sort of like a tens unit and also has two electrodes that you place

over the fusion site. It sends impulses that you cannot feel to the bone and

causes mineralization that promotes healthy fusion. He may have this in mind for

you already. Most good spine surgeons will, if he already is using the

anterior/posterior approach and BMP, chances

are he knows his stuff.

Now, upon your return home, no, you will need help at home for some time. The

posterior part of the fusion is very painful, but all the work that the surgeon

did inside you can easily be disrupted by moving around and doing too much. The

more you try to do, the more pain you will experience. It's probably going to

take you months to feel better. It took 9 mos for me before I felt like I was on

the upswing. You should start some gently PT soon after surgery, this will

consist of non-range of motion exercizes and will forus on the core muscles and

getting them strong which will decrease your pain. Remember your core muscles

will be cut and aggressively pulled aside both from the front and back, so your

main souce of support is mush!.

 The more help you can get the better. The biggest piece of advice I can give

you for post-op...DO NOTHING!!!

No dishes, vacccuming, cooking, etc. You won't be physically capable for a while

anyway, but even when you start feeling better, it's too much on your body.

Good luck with your surgery. I hope all goes well for you. We are all here to

support you!

---

 

____________ _________ _________ __

From: D Chavez <chavezdymail (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 2:24:18 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

You're right, there's no need to battle.  You two are both very strong

people.  Anyhow, I'm told that I need to have a fusion of L5-S1.  The

neurosurgeon said that he will be going in through the back, as well as the

front.  Is this typical?  I'm sort of becoming skeptical of this whole

procedure now.  Also, I've heard people talk about taking bone from hip, or

something along those lines; however, the doc never stated anything like that. 

Lastly, once I would leave the hospital after 3-5 days, will I be able to " help

myself " and walk around house?

____________ _________ _________ __

From: " mc090909 (DOT) com " <mc090909 (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:04:27 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Like I said everyone has their own opinion. I just don't like " battling " a

person andrea just because I made a suggestion. That's the point. We are all

here for some type of reason. Questions answers suggestions or to vent. Traci

needs to understand this and not be so negative to mine and others suggestions.

She may have six. Years as a spine nurse a six time canidate for spine surgery

kids and a fulltime job. So do others here. But one persons reccomendation is

not always correct all the time. How do I no that she is always correct with her

answers. Just because she's a spine nuse and she has so many years in her field

does not make her reccomendations right. That's why she shoild " suggest " certain

treatments pain medication to these membersm

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic 

> Surgeon

>

>

>

> That's a hard call, either one can do a fine job. There are 

> excellent neuro's and ortho's and there are not so excellent of 

> both. I would likely go with Ortho, but only someone who specializes 

> in spine, preferably cervical if you ca find one. One of the best 

> ways to find an excellent spine surgeon is call the best hospital 

> within an hours's drive and ask for the Operating Room. Ask to speak 

> to a nurse who does spine cases and ask HER who she would recommend. 

> If you can't speak to one of them, ask to speak with any available 

> nurse in the OR. good Luck!!!

> ---

>

>

>

> Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

>

>

> Which should you go to for neck/back issue? The surgeon that did my 

> first cervical fusion was an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in 

> spine issues.. The 2nd neck surgery I had was by a neurosurgeon. . 

> Which one should you go to with neck issues?

>

>

> Thanks

>

>

>

>___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

> found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you.

> http://www.microsof t.com/windows/ choosepc/ ?ocid=ftp_ val_wl_290

>

>

[Guest guest]

no, the lumbar bone stim is small like a portable tens unit. Lumbar fusion is

much more painful and much slower to recover from than cervical.

________________________________

From: Debra <i_ownaberner@...>

spinal problems

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:10:34 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

,

The bone stim that my friend wore just fit around his neck,..there were no

electrical pads....I will say that today is the one year anniversary of his

surgery....a corpectomy of c4 and c5 (removed) with a flexable titanium cage and

fusion of c3 and c6.  He was in a neck brace for  6 months....a  bone stim

for 9 months ( 4 hours a day.....he did get a mild ha when wearing it cause he

could feel the blood flow being increased... ..the good news is that he has not

had any neck pain for  6 months....so surgery does work well....sometimes.

...granted one persons good result may be anothers disaster.

Is the lumbar stim big and bulky...?  I know the neck stim was 8,000.00. 

Insurance paid for all but 600.00

 Debra in St. Louis

____________ _________ _________ __

From: Babbitt <tpowell1977>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 5:27:24 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

You don't need to take a year off to recover, but it may take that long until

you feel 'normal'. I was out of work for seven months until I was ok'd to

return, but workin in the OR is physically demanding and he would not release me

to do the job until then. I was in enough pain for three months before I felt

capable of starting PT. Had I known that the beginning stages of PT post-op are

incredibly gentle and most of all...made my pain disappear.

but the seriousness of the surgery and  healing mechanism must be taken

seriously, as I previously stated. Unlinke many other surgeries, pushing

yourself to rehab will not help in the beginning and it will cause pain and

setback. Even something as small as unloading the dishwasher, should not be done

for months. The process that is going on on the inside of the person, is totally

on it's own, you can't hurry it, but you can delay it. YOu must take care to

rest so your body can heal it'self and grow new bone.

Gentle PT exercizes after a few weeks will target the core muscles and slowly

build up strength there. Also, many PT's will do scar massage (this will help on

the abdominal scar) and help with the inevitable muscle spasms that plague post

op fusion patients. Myofascial release techniques are often employed. Pool or

Aquatic therapy may also be employed at this time by some PT facilities, or in a

YMCA pool. Simple walking ack and forth in the pool will help start to

strengthen the core muscles. They will be destroyed after this operation, you

will need to work hard to build them back up. If you work on your core now, it

will help after, but only to some extent. The damage to the muscles during

surgery is substantial.

---

____________ _________ _________ __

From: D Chavez <chavezdymail (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 5:39:00 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Thank you much for all the information.  Clearly, I now see that I need to

become more aware of the treatment and actually start caring about what will

occur.  , having you explain the tiniest of details shows me that I need

to pay better attention and ask more questions.  I have only been focusing on

post-surgery and not being in more pain than I am in currently.  I don't want

to be a burden on anybody and want to be self-sufficient.  Taking up to one

year to adequately heal seems an awful lot.  As far as PT, could too much be a

bad thing, even if I'm able to do it?  In my mind, I'm an athletic you man that

wants to come back better than ever!  I don't want to be too far off of having

a muscular physique.  Should I now be doing exercises and

workouts to prepare for surgery, making my core strong?

Since my problem is from a birth defect, I have learned to live with most pain

resulting from it.  I feel as though I am unlike any other person with back

issues.  Right now, I am able to run, play, move, and workout.  My pain can

come-and-go, or it can be constant for months on end.  It is just a matter of

the nerves becoming pinched.  When sitting, the pain could be so bad, forcing

me to stand.  Then standing could force the pain to shoot through buttocks down

to feet and toes.  Although lying down has tended to alleviate, it's now

becoming a problem as well.  This is why narcotics has been my only relief.

____________ _________ _________ __

From: Babbitt <tpowell1977>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:28:14 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Let me help you understand your surgery, I absolutely agree with your doc with

the anterior and posterior approach, and let me tell you why. The anterior/

posterior approach allows for the disk to be more thoroughly removed and  from

the front, a piece of cadaver bone or a small cage filled with bone can be

placed where the disk was. Look at a pic of the spine and note the access from

both the front and back. You cannot access the front of the dick from the back

of the body. The posterior approach is where the screws and rods will be placed

which will prevent movement in the spine while the bone in the front fuses with

the agacent vertebrae. Also, more bone and BMP may be placed here. Once the

fusion process occurs (about 1-2 yrs) the hardware serves no purpose, and in

some cases may need to be removed as it can cause pain in some people. The

reason your doc isn't taking bone from your hip is because that procedure is

being replaced by the use of BMP

(bone morphogenic protein). This is an amazing substance that causes rapid bone

growth and is just as good as your own bone, considering you don't have to

undergo the painful grafting process. You may want to research it online, the

BMP. This way of fusing has a mich higher success rate than anterior only or

posterior only, and use of the BMP will also increase your chances of a good

solid fusion. The biggest risk with fusion is non-union... and it happens. It

happened to me once.  One more thing you can do to greatly increase your

chances of successful fusion is to ask your surgeon about a bone stimulator.

This looks sort of like a tens unit and also has two electrodes that you place

over the fusion site. It sends impulses that you cannot feel to the bone and

causes mineralization that promotes healthy fusion. He may have this in mind for

you already. Most good spine surgeons will, if he already is using the

anterior/posterior approach and BMP, chances

are he knows his stuff.

Now, upon your return home, no, you will need help at home for some time. The

posterior part of the fusion is very painful, but all the work that the surgeon

did inside you can easily be disrupted by moving around and doing too much. The

more you try to do, the more pain you will experience. It's probably going to

take you months to feel better. It took 9 mos for me before I felt like I was on

the upswing. You should start some gently PT soon after surgery, this will

consist of non-range of motion exercizes and will forus on the core muscles and

getting them strong which will decrease your pain. Remember your core muscles

will be cut and aggressively pulled aside both from the front and back, so your

main souce of support is mush!.

 The more help you can get the better. The biggest piece of advice I can give

you for post-op...DO NOTHING!!!

No dishes, vacccuming, cooking, etc. You won't be physically capable for a while

anyway, but even when you start feeling better, it's too much on your body.

Good luck with your surgery. I hope all goes well for you. We are all here to

support you!

---

 

____________ _________ _________ __

From: D Chavez <chavezdymail (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 2:24:18 AM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

You're right, there's no need to battle.  You two are both very strong

people.  Anyhow, I'm told that I need to have a fusion of L5-S1.  The

neurosurgeon said that he will be going in through the back, as well as the

front.  Is this typical?  I'm sort of becoming skeptical of this whole

procedure now.  Also, I've heard people talk about taking bone from hip, or

something along those lines; however, the doc never stated anything like that. 

Lastly, once I would leave the hospital after 3-5 days, will I be able to " help

myself " and walk around house?

____________ _________ _________ __

From: " mc090909 (DOT) com " <mc090909 (DOT) com>

spinedisorderssuppo rtgroup@gro ups.com

Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 4:04:27 PM

Subject: Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

Like I said everyone has their own opinion. I just don't like " battling " a

person andrea just because I made a suggestion. That's the point. We are all

here for some type of reason. Questions answers suggestions or to vent. Traci

needs to understand this and not be so negative to mine and others suggestions.

She may have six. Years as a spine nurse a six time canidate for spine surgery

kids and a fulltime job. So do others here. But one persons reccomendation is

not always correct all the time. How do I no that she is always correct with her

answers. Just because she's a spine nuse and she has so many years in her field

does not make her reccomendations right. That's why she shoild " suggest " certain

treatments pain medication to these membersm

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

Re: Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic 

> Surgeon

>

>

>

> That's a hard call, either one can do a fine job. There are 

> excellent neuro's and ortho's and there are not so excellent of 

> both. I would likely go with Ortho, but only someone who specializes 

> in spine, preferably cervical if you ca find one. One of the best 

> ways to find an excellent spine surgeon is call the best hospital 

> within an hours's drive and ask for the Operating Room. Ask to speak 

> to a nurse who does spine cases and ask HER who she would recommend. 

> If you can't speak to one of them, ask to speak with any available 

> nurse in the OR. good Luck!!!

> ---

>

>

>

> Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon

>

>

> Which should you go to for neck/back issue? The surgeon that did my 

> first cervical fusion was an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in 

> spine issues.. The 2nd neck surgery I had was by a neurosurgeon. . 

> Which one should you go to with neck issues?

>

>

> Thanks

>

>

>

>___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

> found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you.

> http://www.microsof t.com/windows/ choosepc/ ?ocid=ftp_ val_wl_290

>

>