Back Surgery

October 5th, 2007 | by admin |

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Back Surgery

Will Surgery Help My Back Pain?

 
by: Katherine Martin

Everyone experiences back pain at some time in their life. In fact, it is in the top three complaints that people bring to the doctor’s office.

In most cases there is soft tissue inflammation, muscle spasms, or degenerative arthritis. These respond well to conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medicines, stretches, and osteopathic manipulative therapy. Physical modalities such as heat or cold, massage, and acupuncture are also helpful.




So when should you worry? Any loss of bowel or bladder control needs immediate attention. Surgery can release the pressure on the nerves and full function usually returns.

The longer the loss of bladder or bowel control continues without treatment, the higher the risk of permanent damage. This also includes weakness of any muscles in the legs or feet. Plus you can reduce the risks of falls and fractures.

Contrary to popular opinion, a thorough history, neurological and structural exams, plus basic X-rays of the spine can diagnose the problem 80-90% of the time. Expensive MRI studies certainly can be helpful looking at the cross-sections of the spine into the discs and spinal cord. But, in most cases it will not change the eventual conservative treatment anyway.

Consider an MRI if surgery is likely. Certainly if there is no improvement in your symptoms after several weeks or there is worsening of your pain.

Besides the obvious causes of low back pain from muscle spasms, degenerative discs and osteoarthritis, chronic structural imbalances play a major role. Wear and tear to the spine from old trauma, sports, and obesity cause the discs to lose their cushioning ability. They also may bulge or protrude backwards.

Visit The Back Pain Forum

Over 50 years of age almost everyone has changes I the discs loosing height and acquiring some bone spurs. However, not everyone has pain. Again, unless the nerve root coming out of the spinal cord or the spinal cord itself is squeezed, surgery will not help. Even radiating leg pain called sciatica along with numbness and tingling in the legs can go away over time with proper treatment that includes osteopathic manipulation therapy.

Studies show that back pain sufferers who have surgery have no better pain relief or function than those who didn’t have surgery after five years passed. Certainly if surgery is recommended it is wise to get a second opinion.

About The Author

Katherine A Martin, D.O. – Board Certified Family Practice Physician. Medical Coaching and Consulting. Health for the whole person. Visit my web site at http://www.DO-Medicine.com.

  1. 159 Responses to “Back Surgery”

  2. By Don Mueller on Oct 17, 2007 | Reply

    Does Cleveland Clinic perform laser surgery for repairof lumbar stenosis?

  3. By john bielawski on Nov 6, 2007 | Reply

    my daughter is an athelete(basketball)at a major university. she has been diagnosed with bulging discs in her lower back and putting her in cronic lower back pain. what can she have done that would eliminate this problem where she would be able to continue her basketball career???? she has already had L5 trimmed. please respond

  4. By corina on Nov 20, 2007 | Reply

    my boyfriend had back surgery in march 07 (he was 32 years old) He is no better in fact I think he is worse. He is on high med doses, in pain, depressed and can’t work? Are there support groups I need any info for after the back surgery what to do???Please help what is a typical life afterwards what are the statistics??? Any info will help

  5. By NEN on Nov 21, 2007 | Reply

    HI I’M AN OLDER LADY, I JUST FOUND OUT I ALSO
    NEED BACK SURGERY, DR. WANTS TO PUT IN TWO SCREWS
    I’M SCARED,,I NEVER HAD AN SURGERIES IN MY LIFE,,
    HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFOR, ABOUT YES OR NO TO SURGERY,,, THANKS

  6. By Patricia on Nov 22, 2007 | Reply

    Can the hunchback be considerably reduced or eliminated due to osteoporosis through some type of surgery?
    Thanks

  7. By Patricia on Nov 22, 2007 | Reply

    Can the hunchback be eliminated or reduced by surgery due to osteoporosis?
    Thanks

  8. By kay on Nov 25, 2007 | Reply

    I AM 28 YRS. OLD & WAS IN AN ACCIDENT & NOW I HAVE 2 HERNIATED DICKS IN MY LOWER BACK & I AM ALSO ALSO TRING TO RECOVER FROM THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION. I’M SCARD TO GET SURGERY B/C I’LL REALLY NEED NARCOTICS. & I HEARD IT ONLY MAKES IT WORSE! I ALREADY AM GOING TO PAIN MANAGEMENT & TAKING NARCOTICS! WHICH TOOK ME 5 LONG PAINFUL YEARS TO GET OFF FROM & COST ME ALOT MORE THAN THAT IF U KNOW WHAT I MEAN! I REALLY WANT TO GET OFF OF THEM B/C I AM TRUELY MENTALLY,PHYS.,&SPIRITUALLY ALLERGIC TO THEM!IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFO. THAT MIGHT HELP PLZ. RESPOND!THKS.

  9. By NEN on Nov 26, 2007 | Reply

    hi, i have spondylolisthesis,, almost a grade 2
    It is suggested I have surgery
    how can i get more infor.. and speak to people who had this done ?

  10. By John on Dec 4, 2007 | Reply

    I ruptured L5 S1 back in 1997. I had the surgery to remove the disc jelly from my spine. The Surgery was a GREAT Success. I never took a pain pill or even needed one. I only had discomfort due to being cut. Never even took a asprin. 5 years later May 2002 I ruptured the same disc again. I started losing m7y right leg. This time after surgery I was in very bad pain. I am not sure what was worst before or after the surgrey. I have allergic reaction to codine so pain meds are not too good for me.

    I had to learn to deal with pain management. Swimming and gym exercise helped me deal with the pain. I could atleast walk so it was worth the pain. You learn to deal with it and as the swelling went down the pain did ease up. 13 weeks later I was competing in the World Championships in Swimming in New Zealand.

    Now 5 years later 2007 I again have had L5 S1 issues. The disc is completely gone and I have bone on bone. Being a World Class Swimmer and being active have helped beyond belief. But now I am having great issues in the pool and in the gym. My doctor has mentioned several surgeries and feels the best one for me is Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF).

    I am trying to find out as much as I can about this type of surgery. My fears are I will not be able to compete and that is not a option.

    Please send me some info on this procedure.

    Thanks

  11. By Tami C. on Dec 7, 2007 | Reply

    I too have had 2 surgeries on L5-S1 disc due to bulging and tearing of my disc. I kept working having terrible back pain, which made it worse. A piece of renegade disc caused the nerve to my right leg to be crushed and damaged. I now have only about one tenth of a disc left. I am 3 months post-op and am still in terrible pain. I can’t feel my right leg (numbness) and some times trip when I am walking (foot drop). There are non narcotic pain relievers available for those worried about addiction. I could not imagine not taing anything for at least the first month. The muscle ralaxion pills (Skelaxin or cyclobenzaprine for muscle spasms) and nerve pills (Neurontin) work best for me. I actually wished that I had the spinal fusion. I am 37 years old and walk and feel like I am 80. I have worked in emergency medicine for 13 years. I am depressed and scared. I want my life back. I don’t think I will ever be able to go back to my old career in the condition I am in now. After my surgeries, I did a lot of research on spinal fusion. There is a DR. Ronjon Paul from the spinal institute here in Illinois (Naperville). He and his partner work out of Edward Hospital in Naperville. He lectures on his techniques and people come from all over the world to observe his procedures (other doc’s) and patients to have there procedures done by him. He uses a minimally invasive procedure and scars are small, less blood loss, and a faster recovery time. Hind sight is 20/20 and I am kicking myself now for not using him in the first place. My husband and I drove out to hear him lecture. I was so impressed. I will be knocking on his door when it is time to have my fusion done (5-7 years if I am lucky). Do your research before you have any thing done. Try having the shots at the pain clinics, PT (physical therapy), Meds, and what ever other options that are avilable first. Good luck to all.

  12. By Mimi C on Dec 9, 2007 | Reply

    hi eveyone i am a 41 year old and i to have had surgery on my L4-L5 2002 due to herniated disc it happened when i was hunting the pain was unbelievable.i remeber the pain just like it was yesterday. it is nothing like child birth that was easy and i had c-sectuions. my surgery was a success and i too did not need any pt meds or have any horror stories to tell. now it is 5 years later i am in a different situation it is my L4 L5 S1 and my back looks like it is culapsing i cant believe i am not in the pain like i was before but i am very careful now and so afraid of being crippled for life. i do have terrible pain in my hips both sides. in my calves and heals of both legs and feet. my toes r numb all the time. i can only b on my feet for 30 minutes to 1 hour then i have to sit for 2 hours. i get very dizzy and nauses. i also know when i have done to much in a day, the next day i have a horrorable migrain then i am down for 2 days. i am on 4 different meds. which i am totally against. i have to have them to survive the day. so i am now searching the web for opption. i am only 41 i am still young and full of life. i am told they will have to fuse my back with rods holding it in place is the way to go for me to live again. if anyone can help me to find a way to void such an operation i would enjoy to hear from u. like everyone else i want to feel better but i have the nightmares of others experiences. i am interested in the laser surgery. that is what i have been reading on. please help and i also pray for everyone who has back problems. how did people survive in days when surgery was never heard of. we r so fortunate with medical field we have today. so with that i want to hear of these miracles that can be performed on us poor soles. b safe everyone and u r in my prays thanks

  13. By Emily Carlson on Dec 10, 2007 | Reply

    Hi Im a 17 year old athlete playing basketball and volleyball. I have been diagnosed with spondlolysis. I have a pars defect on the right side at the L5 and a small fracture on the right side L5. It has been reccommend that I have surgery using a bone growth hormone has any one had a pars defect repair?

  14. By george geiger on Dec 11, 2007 | Reply

    I”m 65 years old,have had an mri & x-rays of lower back L3 &L4 the nerve on the left side is pinched causing a burning feeling,One DR. is saying I need a laminectomy & fusion to correct the problem,I need a second Opinion,or will pain management work,

  15. By D. Barrett on Dec 14, 2007 | Reply

    I am 56 years old and had surgery on my lower back due to a herniated disc. This caused the nerve in my hip on my left side to be crushed and damaged causing terrible pain all the way to my toes. It was also recommended that I have a bone fusion with two rods and screws inserted. I have not had any more pain since I woke up after surgery. This is not a surgery that I just jumped into. My husband and I did a lot of research. I had the surgery done at the Atlanta Medical Center and I could not be more pleased with the results. It has been 3 months now and I am able to go back to work and resume normal activities.

  16. By Tonya O. on Dec 17, 2007 | Reply

    My husband (only 40) has had 3 lower back surgeries in the past 2 years. He has since found Mark Mintzer of Global Patient Network. He has been a God send! Mark was able to answer all our questions and send us on the right track to finding out all we can to try to get him better. I only wish we had found him before the first two surgeries. Best of luck to each of you. Tonya

  17. By Mary on Dec 26, 2007 | Reply

    I’m going to have a transforminal Lumbar interbody fusion in Jan.I had a mri with contrast
    and the mri has shown that my vertabrae has slipped.I’m in pain all the time I hope the surgery helps

  18. By Dee on Dec 31, 2007 | Reply

    I am a 47 year old female and I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, c1-c5 herniated disk with damage to my spinal cord and L-3-5 (I forgot the term). I received a cervical diskectomy in May 2007 after loosing the use of my right hand, and fell constantly without warning. Before the surgery, everytime I moved my neck I felt a pinging like sound, my arms flarred out…I couldn’t dance or even nod my head to my favorite song, anymore. My back, from middle to lower back feels swollen and bulged and includ-ing my hips, which ache horribly.

    After my cer-vical fusion and 24-25 weeks, my neck feels good, although at times I still get these shaking spells all through my body from neck to toes to chest–even in the tips of my fingers. It feels like all of my nerves are shattered; and lose control of my muscles from the spasms and jerks, especially when numbness accompanies it, if that makes any sense, but then the sensation fades away. Anyway my right hand is still numb and feels like I have sand under my skin, as apposed to having flesh. It still moves, but the sensations and feelings are limited; the doctors said I would get back my hand, but I haven’t. The surgeon said I should get a diskectomy on my lower back, he dosen’t explain much or answer my questions, but wants me to get the surgery asap.

    The problem now is my lower back, it is getting worse. Sometimes my hips and lower back hurt so bad, that I can’t walk or ever get up, and the burning sensations, the swelling feet and ankles really suck! On a good day, I walk with a cane. I have gotten to a point that I can tell when I am about to lose my balance and catch myself with the cane or I have learned to gadge myself to limit the pain in order to function better the next day. My life has become so limited, that I am not the same person, anymore; And to think that I used to be called sexy and vivatious. Now, the last thing on my mind is getting my hair done, or dressing up, painting or going to art shows WAS my passion, now its the last thing on my mind. I even choose different music,now; very slow paced or moody.

    My friend told me to accept my fate, so I have; but deep inside I keep praying that I am going to beat this and get my life back. He tells me that just like sweet fruit, lemons exist for a reason. I know I am stubborn. I also had to switch doctors because after relocating closer to my family who help so much, that doctor said that there was nothing wrong, that the cervical fusion corrected everything and that it is all in my mind; I wish it was all in my mind, then I know I could will myself better.

    Anyway, I want to know about others who have gone through this and gotten better, I keep hearing about the failed attempts. I know that happens but so can successes, and that’s what I want to focus on, because I have so much more I want to do and give to life. Hopefully, my new doctor will be better and won’t rush me to surgery or claim things don’t exist. MRI’s don’t lie. Anyway, Happy New Year to everyone, I wish you all the best because I know you deserve it!

  19. By Jon on Jan 3, 2008 | Reply

    HEY CORINA I AM RESPONDING TO YOUR REQUEST FOR IDEAS!! I am a 20 yr. old male who had a 3-level laminectamy this last summer on my lower back. After my pain is still happening and getting worse. I also was having problems just like him and I would advise a few things that seemed to have helped my- psychiatrist-for dep., Try to lower the meds b/c they can make depression a lot worse and u feel more pain than you might not if you don’t take them (depending on what’s wrong), and finding a hobby or a task he is capable to work on or projects to keep busy and his mind of the pain he is having and no to think about missing work.
    Hope this helps maybe he has already done these but they have worked a little for me so I can feel better day to day without feeling worthless,
    you can email me if u want-jonathan.donner@cuw.edu

  20. By Lauren on Jan 6, 2008 | Reply

    I am 17 years old and an avid volleyball player and soccer coach. I was diagnosed with
    Spondylolisthesis grade 2 or 3. Lumbar 5 is more than 25% out of its spot. Also it is pinching the my siatic nerve, causing numbness and loss of feeling in both legs. Not to mention the intense pain it causes. I have been in physical therapy for the last 6 months and finally my surgeon said if I wanted to, she would be willing to do the surgery. She is proposing using a bone composite instead of my own bone graph. First of all I wanted to know if anyone else has had the surgery and what they thought and secondly has anyone used this bone composite before and are there alternatives. Thank you so much!

  21. By Stephanie on Jan 9, 2008 | Reply

    hi my name is stephanie im 16 years old and i have Lumbar Scoliosis,i have to get surgery done really soon and im scared i dont know whats going to happen after surgery i never got surgery done before i want to know if i will be able to do what i was doing before like sports and stuff…will i be able to bend a lot i have so many questions but can you answer these??

  22. By Elizabeth Newton on Jan 11, 2008 | Reply

    I have pain in my legs all the time, and the dr. told me, if my legs hurt, it is usually caused from my back, he wants to do surgery on my back, and I am 79 years old. and I don’t know what the outcome will be..0ne Dr. told me 5 years ago, if I don’t take the surgrey, I will end up in a wheel chair within a year. And I am not in that wheel chair yet !!

  23. By Randy on Jan 12, 2008 | Reply

    I am 48 and had a 360 spinal fusion on the L5 to S1 on May 14, 2007. I was expecting to feel and move so much beter by now. However, I still experience leg, groin, and lower back pain, leg weakness, numbness, off bablance and fall often. I went back and had a mylogram and it showed things to be fusing and good, so now I am scheduled to have the hardware taken out of my back in two weeks to see if that helps. I am concerned about my future, the pain meds, and the depression that I am experiencing. I worked for almost 30 years for hiway maintance so how am I suppose to carry on, I don’t know anything more than this type of work and am I unrealistic, will I ever be able to go babk to my norm? Please help with answers, thoughts, or just comments.

  24. By Dominique on Jan 13, 2008 | Reply

    Hello I am a 20 year old female, I had been in a very bad car accident in june 2004. I had broke everything on my right side and damages to my back. I have been experiencing very bad back pain, most of the pain is from my lower back. I experience numbness and tingling and pins and needles in my right leg. I cry myself to bed all the time because it hurts so bad.I am being told to if I dont have surgery I will loose all my strength in my right leg. My doctor says I need to have a lumbar fusion for L5-S1 I think those were the right terms. I am very nervous about this and I dont think it is going to resolve my problem. If anybody can give me more information or tell me anything from their experience I would appreiciate.

  25. By Donna on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply

    I don’t know where to start but I will try and say this quick. I have had 3 surgerys on L4-L5 L6 at the time I was 21 I turned 39 and I had surgery on C 3,4 at 48 C56, I am now 49 and I am having real problems with Thoracic T3 T4 T5 T6 are now touching the spine cord I have to say that every surgery was great I know that my mind was the in a state of Learn to live with the pain. Mine started at 17 when I moved a washer & dryer for my boss I was a hairdresser and loved it and at the time they put you in traction for 2 years but I will say I did alot of praying in 2 years.
    My advice to everyone is that remember their is a 5 year old child going through test for cancer I myself would take all the pain then to see a child do this so its not fair but think of the 5 year old and offer your pain to them.
    I will keep you posted on what I need to do in the next month or so.
    Thanks Donna

  26. By Rick Sheffield on Jan 16, 2008 | Reply

    Was rear-ended in a car accident and disgnosed with two bulging disks and have been in constant pain since May June 2007. I am a 2-hdcp golfer 26 years old and want to know if there are any treatments or correcctive procedures that will allow me to get on with my golf career..

    Thanks

  27. By Ricky Sheffield on Jan 16, 2008 | Reply

    Was rear-ended in a car accident and disgnosed with two bulging disks and have been in constant pain since May June 2007. I am a 2-hdcp golfer 26 years old and want to know if there are any treatments or correcctive procedures that will allow me to get on with my golf career..

    Thanks

  28. By Greg on Jan 16, 2008 | Reply

    I’ve had reoccuring spasms in the low back for years. L4 and L5 have bulges along with stenosis. I’m in my mid 50’s and I’ve become very gaurded about work and activities.
    In Tampa there’s an outpatient clinic that does laser surgery. They say there’s a strong chance this would help me get back to a more normal lifestyle for about $30,000, with minimal muscle incision. What do you know about these procedures? How can I find a specialist in this field near Cincinnati? Thanks, Greg

  29. By Pam on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply

    My dr says that I need surgery as I have a extrusion and nerve root compression I have back,left leg,and right leg pain has any one had that done please let me know. Thanks Pam

  30. By Brenda on Jan 30, 2008 | Reply

    Hi, My name is brenda and I’m 29 years old.I have problems with my l-4,l-5 s-1 disc heritated after lifting metal plates at work.I have been off work for almost a year and my Dr’s want me to have surgery to repair the disc and to relieve the pain I have in my right leg.And I’m really afraid of having it done.Because everyone I know tells me not to have surgery on my back…But I don’t want to be on pills the rest of my life..Any advice would be great..And just to talk to someone with this problem.Thanks,I will be praying for you all that are in pain like me..

  31. By Melinda on Feb 1, 2008 | Reply

    I am 33 years old. I have been diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease. I herniated L4-L5 and L5-S1 discs two years ago and was given surgery as my only option. After the surgery I FELT GREAT. finally an end to the pain. The only discomfort I had was the surgical incision, so needed no pain medication whatesoever. Unfortunately I have reherniated my L5-S1 disc. The leg pain has returned, although not to the extent as it was before. I am exercising and doing my old physical therapy exercises. I have decided that this time, I will try minimally invasive procedures such as epidural injections and more physical therapy. Although the surgery worked for me, it was obviously only a temporary fix (probably my fault as I didn’t lose weight and continued to work as a nurse even though I knew I was at risk for reinjury).
    All I can say is for all of you that are considering surgery, do your research and ask all sorts of questions. I am not anti-surgery by any means. I really believe it worked for me. I certainly have every sympathy for anyone who lives in pain. I hope everyone keeps posting and keeps us updated as to what has worked for them.

  32. By bilie on Feb 4, 2008 | Reply

    my name is billie i am 41 year old female i have progressive spinal sentosis lower L4 L5 S1 2006 was my frist surgery 2007 was my second one iam feeling worser then i did before i had surgery of corse i was on drugs cokecain 26 years so now iam trying to live with the pain of it my nerves in my legs are messup real bad anyway could someone tell me how to get thur this

  33. By bilie on Feb 4, 2008 | Reply

    my name is billie i am 41 year old female i have progressive spinal sentosis lower L4 L5 S1 2006 was my frist surgery 2007 was my second one iam feeling worser then i did before i had surgery of corse i was on drugs cokecain 26 years so now iam trying to live with the pain of it my nerves in my legs are messup real bad anyway could someone tell me how to get thur this i take shots in my back weekly all surgens want to do is cut on me i feel no one cares i want to stop hurting i am not my self anymore what can i do?i would love some feedback on this please

  34. By bilie on Feb 5, 2008 | Reply

    hello my name is billie my letter is at the bottom of page i know your scared and full of wonder what about this what about that keep your chin up some surgery work aleast thats what some of the letters say my 2 surgery failed i feel but iam much older than you keep the faith write me back

  35. By dee on Feb 5, 2008 | Reply

    this is to dee hello i read about your ordeal and iam going thur the same thing maybe we can support each other ive had 2 surgery 1 360 fuison in2006 1 year later2007 aother one and it keeps getting worse hip pain legshurt i lose bal also i refuse to use a cain but i know it coming a day when i will have to my famiy dont understand the pain of it so its hard to talk to them i feel alone ive been haveing lots of needles in my back latley just so i can handle the pain i feelvery dpressess latey what can i do to cope with this

  36. By randy on Feb 5, 2008 | Reply

    i know just how you feel ive got the same thing but mine aunt doing so hot the state disable me because of it now i am so depressed because i am having to depend on other people forhelp my husband has to suport me and i dont like that i am haveing a hard time facing this i hurt so bad no understand in my family how bad it hurts and how it can bring you down mentel wise ya know please resond i feel like a let down to my kid and family any resonds on this how i can feel happyer my email is billiewars@hughes.net any one can email me if they wont and talk about there pain and hurts because of there back

  37. By Devin on Feb 6, 2008 | Reply

    I am a 35 year old ex truck driver, and have had three back surgery’s. In March 2005 I had a lumbar disectomy to remove a fragments from a ruptured disc at L5-S1 that was causing numbess, loss of feeling and severe pain. I recovered fine and was released to go back to work three weeks later. It didnt take about a week of bouncing down the road driving truck that I started having problems again. I consulted with my Doctor and he advised me to give up my career. Thats pretty hard to take when you have been in a career for twelve years. I eventually found another job in the trucking industry dispatching for a small company for half the money.
    In the next two and a half years I had some ups and downs with my back but I refused to let it handicap me, so I went about life and in June of 2007 I remarried and I thought life was good until in August 2007 I went down with L5-S1 rupturing again. In September I went in and the Doctor performed a Laminotomy. I was seent home to recover, but I never did, I only got worse. For five weeks I waited and dealt with Pain in my lower back, numbness, pins and needle feeling in my left foot and both hands and loss of movement so bad that even walking with a cane was dificult. Come to find out that either when I was turned back over form the surgery or when I came out of antasthesia, because they say I come out real aggresive that is when the disc ruptured again. So Five weeks later, the end of October 2007 I had my third surgery. My Doctor ended up having to fuse L5-S1. After having the surgery and now it is February I must say I am feeling great. I have hope now that I will some day be able to enjoy life again, although I will never drive truck again I am pursueing a career in the medical field. I still have at least four months to recover before I will be released to go back to work.
    Even though I have limited movement yet in my lower back, I just take my time doing things, yes it takes longer but I refuse to let this handicap me and prevent me from accomplishing my goals, with a new career, raising my kids and enjoying life.
    You can do what ever you want if you want it bad enough. You cant get depressed because you are down and cant do things you used to. Take it as an opportunity to learn and do new things that other wise you wouldnt have looked at twice.

    Dont be affraid of having surgery, if you look at the alternative of never doing anything again because you didnt take care of it then you have only yourself to blame.

  38. By Jane Gordon on Feb 6, 2008 | Reply

    I have been in whiplash MVA’s twice now, 1970 and 1997. A 4-level neck fusion was recommended by Barth Green, Univ of Miami but I have not had it done. I deal with pain the best I can. Bigger issue it seems is low back. After 2nd car wreck I have L/45 herniation. Above and below are also herniated. UofMiami surgeons have recommended discopgraphy to confirm pain (very consistent central pain at L4-5 and never moves down legs)BUT is 24/7 and I have low quality of life now at age 55. If discography confirms pain at l4/5 only which shows bone on bone surgeon would consider fusion with full instrumentation, wants to go in front take out remaining segments, then back surgery for instrumentation, titanium plates, rods, screws. I keep seeing ‘minimally invasive surgery’ written about and wonder if that is something to consider before what Miami surgeon feels is the ‘only’ solution?? It seems so invasive and I am so scared, I live alone and this has ruined my life, also have fibro/chronic fatique and worry about recovery for me as I am not in good physical shape. I have a good mental outlook, just bought home treadmill to try a ‘come back’ with walking, just 7 years ago I was riding my outdoor recumbent bike and feel I am going ‘downhill fast’ on my current plan. I am SCARED!! Financiall secure but don’t enjoy living alone and need to do ’something’ with my life before I am 80! Every doctor seems to have a different solution and it gets confusing. I live on pain meds but am “VERY” respectful of them and play games to go off them every couple of months as I fear addiction. I have seen it and don’t want to be a druggie. Also live in Florida p/time and hear they’ve stopped selling pain meds but ‘only’ through druggie clinics and I refuse to go there. FDA has taken methadone and given it away to heroin addicts so pain patients must go join ‘em to get methadone, oxycontin or whatever – anything other than morphine you must get now at the DRUG CLINICS. I would also like your thoughts on that. I have seen heroin addicts go to drug clinics in Indiana to get methadone and it makes me furious that druggie can get our pain medications but pain patients now cannot?
    What advice can you suggest surgically so I don’t have to go join the drug addicts?

  39. By elizabeth on Feb 7, 2008 | Reply

    hi l had surgury on march 6 2007 ans it was donr wrong l no this because l am still on medacation toradal,morphine,gagapantine and l am stillin pain so much that l cant walkmost of the time l am in canadawhich there is not much help here for this l have try everything and now will have secound surgury in june 2008 so l am told please if there is any oneon information of something that willwork for me please contact me about this at elizabethhoule@msn.com please l need help as my left leg is painful nummieness, burning feeling in my legs l was told that my l 5 and 1, 2,fill into l 4 and thats why l am in painplease could sometellme what l should do as this back doctor can not speak english very well and l dont no what to do as lam crying all the time l haveno life no money and am in deti up to my ears no job please l am in canada

  40. By elizabeth on Feb 9, 2008 | Reply

    hello my name is billie i would like to talk to you here is my email billiewars@hughes.net i to have a lot of back trouble ive had 2 surgerys now i found out that both legs have server nerve damage in them and i hav 3 bugging dic in my back yes i would like to talk billie

  41. By to all people on this page email me on Feb 9, 2008 | Reply

    mmy name is billie and i understand what everyone is going thur i am in the same boat and would love to talk here is my email billiewars@hughes.net or wars.billie@yahoo.com please write

  42. By to all people on this page email me on Feb 9, 2008 | Reply

    billiewars@hughes.net or wars.billie@yahoo or call 936-594-1687 or 936-355-3578 call anytime please

  43. By to all people on this page email me on Feb 9, 2008 | Reply

    this is billie again here is my phone numbers 936-594-1687 or 936-355-3578 call if you would like to talk i would

  44. By jason on Feb 10, 2008 | Reply

    I had a 2 level 360 fusion about 7 months ago and have gotten worse and am now in more pain than before. The first 3 months was good and it has been downhill since. I’m 36 with 2 small children and can no longer participate. I’m going crazy.

  45. By Debra Robertson on Feb 12, 2008 | Reply

    I have had 4 cervical fusions with increasing pain after each surgery that was suppose to reduce my pain levels. My doctor has put me on numerous medications, some that cause hallucinations, that only take the edge off the pain because, as he put it, “I cannot tolerated these medications at the doses that would be effective. Will I ever get relief? My last surgery was over 2 years ago. Please respond.

  46. By Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 | Reply

    My name is Jennifer, I was diagnosed with herniated disc in the L5-S1 I have severe pain in my legs, I sometimes can’t get out of bed. Also, have pain radiating down my legs, severe swelling in on my feet, constipation, very depressed. I had a career in the medical field in finance. I was terminated for missing too many days. The thing about it I was injured at work. I was diagnosed also with interstitial cystitis in 2004; that cause severe pain in the pelvic area, groin area, its a rare bladder disease that’s not cureable. So, I’m having to deal with both problems. But, by the grace of God I will beat both problems. My husband and two daughters helps me a great deal. I thank God for having a great husband as I do. It makes it easier. I got two doctors telling me I need surgery. The one I’m going with is out of Valdosta, he’s a neurosurgeon heard great success stories about him. visit one time and liked him, very knowledgeable in his calling. I am 36 years old. Pray for me please, I am considering surgery, I’m tired of hurting everyday!
    P.S. Get God in your life, he will make the pain easier to deal with! I know he is in my life.
    God bless all of you and I hope you all make the best of what you have been dealt! REMEMBER,thing happen for a reason, learn from it! God want put no more on you than you can bear! Read the Bible!

  47. By Jennifer on Feb 20, 2008 | Reply

    Hi, this is Jennifer again from previous statement. If anyone need to talk or pray I’m available, it helps to talk about! my email address is jennifer.prather@mchsi.com.
    Again, God bless you all!

  48. By Samia on Feb 27, 2008 | Reply

    I have made a 7 hours lumber spinal stenoisis operaion in the “Capital Hospital” in Beijing, China in July, 2007. Still I feel suffering from pains. When I did the operation I was 77 Kg. Now I am 85 Kg. I try to loss some kgs. But unforturnately, I can’t. I am 42 years old. I try to do some exercises, but I can’t bend my back because of the metal support on my back.
    I would be so appreciated if you advise me what to do in how to loss some kgs and then how can I make exercise avoiding the metal that supported my back bone? Thanks a lot.
    sincerely yours,
    Samia, Beijing, China

  49. By Angie on Feb 27, 2008 | Reply

    My boyfriend has a bulging compresion fracture of his back it is at his T12 vert. the doctor said that they can fix it with a postierior and anterior spinal fusion. so far i havent herd a positive thing about fusions. Is there any benifit to this? He is 55 and this injury happend about 7 years ago and it has gotten progresively worse, does anyone have any suggestions or feed back? thanks Ang

  50. By Karen on Mar 1, 2008 | Reply

    To Mimi,
    THank you for your comments. I have had terrible back problems. I had therapy, radioblation, steroid shots, and TENS unit therapy. I have tried to keep up the exercises, and the relief lasted longer than the doctors expected. Now I have gone thru periods of no insurance and out of work, caring for elderly parents and now it is a pre-existing condition. Thank you Mimi for letting me know that I am not crazy when I do too much in a day, I too, end up with a severe migraine, diziness, and nausea and am down for a day or two. It makes me so sad and depressed as I am only 46 years old. I don’t have anyone to help me so all of my chores are my responsibility besides working full time, still doing laundry and small errands for my Mother, and trying to just get thru the day sometimes isn’t easy. I have been investigating options but all of the arthroscopic surgery clinics are either in CA or FL so that is not an option. I found something in WI, but it doesn’t seem to be covered by Insurance. I don’t think there is anything that can help me at this point since financially I can’t do anything and have no one to help after a procedure. It is only comforting to know that I am not crazy when I feel dizzy, nausea and headaches after doing too much in a day. I have spinal stenosis, and a herniated disc in my Lumbar Spine. The worst when I was treated was L4 L5, but I am now experiencing some numbness in my hands from time to time so my doctor has told me that my neck and thoracic spine are probably causing that problem. He had to not document our conversation so that if Insurance asks for records it won’t appear that I had advice or treatment prior to my pre-existing time period. If anyone has any miracles or knows of any WI arthroscopic centers I would be very interested.
    Thank you and bless all of you.

  51. By Rene Cordero on Mar 2, 2008 | Reply

    Hi my name is Rene, and the story is about my wife Gilda, everyhting started one day at work moving 16′ folding ladder at work at weeek after that, she starting with the pain in her lower back, I have to take her to the clinic,we also did fill a report at her work and a workers comp case was open( nightmare begins)is been a year dealing with pain missing entirely weeks at work, she is been seen by a neurologo, two pain managment dcs, she recived two lumbar injections , not helping at all, the last pain managment dr, from workers comp of course,have a last stament saying that he don’t have anything else to offer to my wife and she does’nt have nothing serious and don’t underestand why she is in pain, and he acctually close the cas, in our desesperation we call at neurosurgeon from the medical insurance of my wife work’s, she gat to see the doctor, went to new mri andxrays and this doctor have recomended surgery, and we have been scheduled for march 11, my wife feel very confident that this will be the solution,and she said she is in GOD’S HANDS, I’m very nrvous about it
    PLEASE EVERYBODY PRAY FOR HER

  52. By George Peterson on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply

    I had the Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion done in July 07 and it seems to be fine. There is some pain with nerves trying to regenerate but the strength in my legs has returned, the feeling in my feet is slowly returning. I had two fractures at l4 and l5 and had lost 75% of the strength in my legs and my left had drop foot. All these things improved with surgery and I was really afraid of surgery but I know different now.

  53. By Tim on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply

    I have 2 bulging disc’s L4 & L5. Been suffering with cronic pain for about 4 or 5 years now it just seems like forever. Did the injections and the laserlight treatments which both worked for a short term, but the pain came back and the meds just keep getting stronger. A local man went to Tampa and had the laser surger with great success and mine is scheduled for next month. Just wish it was available in Canada the only option here is disc replacement done in London Ontario but can’t find any laser surger here.

  54. By Nora Delosantos on Mar 5, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Tim, I am searching for info regarding spinal surgery, I have lumbar stenosis, have gone through all the shots, and still the same, I’m now going through all the details with a laser clinic in Tampa,Florida and I’m guessing it will be the same you are going to. Could you keep me informed about your surgery?, I am just concern that I’m reading so much negative information, and now I’m having second thoughts. Please let me know once you have your procedure how you are. I wish you well and keep you in my prayers,
    Nora.

  55. By Jennifer Millard on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply

    Hello my name is Jen.Im 27 years old and im about to have my second back surgery done.I am getting two rods and two screws with a cage put inside my L5-S1 dics.I’M Scared and my surgery is April 4.Im getting posterior fusion done I hope this one works.I had surgery done a disctactemy done in june 12,2007 and now this one and its only 10monhs apart.Im scared and im about to do all these tests in the hospital plus have to donate 2units of blood to myself im scared did anybody have this surgery done tell me what happens i did so much research its scary!

  56. By Hurt man now on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply

    I hope u all feel better u have to stay strong and let god do the rest.I feel u all pain and only he nos how bad we hurt.no doctors will ever no what god nos.but i promise u he!ll get to us sooner than later.just keep ur faith an try ur best to keep going.ur not crazy an don!t let them tell u that u are.the longer u have pain the more u will adjust to it.only a person in pain no!s what you”er going thru.doctors will only take us so far.so please stay strong and fight that pain

  57. By Hurt man now on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply

    the doctors will try to do what they can.but rarely they can give u the relief that u need.we are on our own.so believe me when i tell u that i feel ure pains.just do what u can and sit or lay when u feel like it.find the right meds that works for u and try to calm urself down. sometimes the cavlry won:t come when we need them

  58. By cynthia bray on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply

    I AM 32 YEARS OLD I WAS HIT BY A 18 WHEELER TRUCK.I HAVE BEEN IN PAIN FOR 3 YEARS NOW.I NOW HAVE 2 RODS AND 4 SCREWS IN MY BACK WHICH IS CALLED A LUMBAR FUSSION THIS WAS VERY PAINFUL AND IT STILL HURTS EVERYDAY.I WOULD NOT TELL ANYONE TO HAVE THIS DONE IT HAS NOT FIXED MY BACK AT ALL.LOOKS LIKE I WILL BE IN PAIN FROM NOW ON THEY ARE NOT CUTTING ON MY BACK ANYMORE.THIS IS A TIP FOR ANYONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT HAVING A LUMBAR FUSSION DONE.

  59. By Mike on Mar 19, 2008 | Reply

    I had a spinal fussion on my C5 C6, back in Dec. of 2007, the surgery went good, and I was out with in a day and a half after surgery. Although it is now almost the end of March 2008, and I am in constant pain. I have been on muscle relaxents, and pain pills since my surgery, and it only curbs the pain for a short time. I am still unable to turn my head very far from left to right, and tilting back or forward is not possible. The pains the surgery reduced right afterwards is now coming back into my left shoulder , and shooting down into my fingers again. I also developed from the surgery a problem with swallowing liquids, and choking, which kept me up at night, along with the pain keeping me up. Even with pain medication I am only sleeping an average of 3 to 5 hours a night.

    I hope others have better luck then I did with the pain, and the surgery. Although I can not blame anyone for the problems, the doctor only did what he could to relieve the pain to a point. Although before the surgery the doctor did tell me that my chances of improvement were about at the most 50 to 60 percent.

  60. By Lourdes on Mar 21, 2008 | Reply

    I am a 51 year old women. This is my thrid back surgery.
    The first one they took a quist from my lower back for two years I still have sciatic pain but now is almost gone;
    The second one they did a back neck surgery between the 5 and 6 and they took out the bone and desompensate the nerve, it was a year ago and I have pain in my arma until two months ago.
    One week ago I woke up with a horrible pain in my left arm and I was in the Hospital for three days with morphine the pain was really ver strong so they perform surgery on the 7 and 1st on the front of my neck. They took out a broken disc and put bone form the bank and also A disectomy and funcion I feel find but what really concerns me is that I still have pain on my right arm, My question is this normal? I thave no streng? And I numness on two of my fingers

  61. By D. Barrett on Mar 25, 2008 | Reply

    I had the lumbar fusion done 9/07 and have been pain free since that time. I consider this surgery a great success as well as a miracle. I was in terrible pain from a herniated disc with the pain going down my left leg. I was unable to work and had trouble sitting or standing. Two weeks ago I was released by my surgeon and am now back at work. The surgery worked for me and I hope others have the same success that I had.

  62. By julie on Mar 25, 2008 | Reply

    I had 2 back surgeries within 8 days of each other the doctor made the mistake of cutting the steath on the spinal I leaked so much spinal. That I become in werid acting could not remeber things. Well now I have been having horrbile spinal headaches. I am drepressed and I can not work I have insomia and my back pain is not even gone. I am only 23 years old. I dont know what to do. They are trying to take me off the pain pills but that is the only thing helping me sleep. Along with helping me with the pain I dont know how to deal with this. If everyone know anything please let me know

  63. By jeep freak on Mar 27, 2008 | Reply

    hello everyone i am a 26 year old male and i had my l4&l5 disc and l3&l4 disc clean out and the surgeron said when he removed it was the size of a shirmp each one. that was two years ago and i just had surgery again for a double fusion in L5&S1 AND L4&L5. the fusion was about two weeks ago and it is hurting still i am just wondering if i can expect pain refill because my back is still hurting and i am sick and tired of pain meds but they are the only relief but the docotors don’t like to give me enought because i am a really big guy and i have been on them for 2 years. what can i do to help with back pain or how can i get pain relife because i am not a guy that can just sit around
    thanks for your help

  64. By steve on Apr 5, 2008 | Reply

    Hi im 48 yrs old going to have back surgery.I THINK??? for the last 15 years ive been having major back pain had about 28 to 30 injections theropy meds 5 herniated 1 broken 3 disc that have worn down so much there sitting inside themselves like coffie cups and then grew together spinal stenosis scoliosis of the lower spine and one disc that is moving back and forth sawing on my spinal cord they want to fuse among other things i want a new disc replacement does anybody know the cost 4 years ago i fell and it did a nomber on my back to make thigs worse and there going to pay for it but i need to find out alot of things and the aproxamate cost of back surgery.can anybody help thanks

  65. By Nicole on Apr 11, 2008 | Reply

    please call Nicole at Laser Spine Institute for more information about minimally invasive spine procedures. 866-362-7574.

    http://www.laserspineinstitute.com

  66. By LISY on Apr 14, 2008 | Reply

    HI MY NAME IS LISY…MY DR. JUST SUGGESTED SURGERY 4 MY LOWER BACK. I HAVE WHAT SHE CALLS A STRESS FRACTURE….MY FRIEND SAID NOT 2 GO THROUGH WITH IT CAUSE I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN..I HAVE 3 YOUNG GIRLS AND I WOULD LIKE 2 KNOW IF YES OR NO???WILL MY LIFE BE ATLEAST ALITTLE LESS PAIN FREE????

  67. By sandy on Apr 16, 2008 | Reply

    I just found out from my neurosurgeon yesterday the only way to help my back(spondylolisthesis)is suregery. They will remove bone and overgrown cartilage and then place in pins and rods(posterior lumbar interbody fusion) I am scared to death. I have not decided yet whether or not to go thru with this, what scares me most is I am a smoker, trying to quit, but being a smoker and surgery puts me at a higher risk of recooping. I am getting a prescription for chantix to quit but with everything I have read so far it doesn’t seem like it would matter if I quit smoking or not. Please anyone give me your input if you have had this particular surgery. Thanks a bunch, feel free to email me at dandscarver@suddenlink.net

  68. By laurie suquet on Apr 21, 2008 | Reply

    I had a sever truck accident two years ago, I was T-Boned by a dump truck, broke numberous ribs on my left side, and had a very bad bone bruise on my left arm. I also was hit on my left hip as well.
    After the ribs and arm healed I kept telling my doctor that my hip and back hurt, he would just tell me “one thing at a time”, and finally I told him I had very strong electrical pulsing down my left foot. Long story short, I went to two neurologist, and a neurosurgeon, and a spine doctor, had two MRIs, and it showed only a very minor L4&l5 disc herniation. Tried all the epidurals, etc. but was getting in worse pain. Started having weakness in my right leg, started tripping up curbs, falling if I put too much weight on my right leg, had loss of bladder and bowels, (mny Neruologist said it was my age, I am 46) and continualally got worse. No one believed me, about my symptoms, pain, etc.
    Finally the Neurosurgeon said I had to prove to him that there was pain, so I said whatever I need to do. He scheduled a Discogram, which was terrible, but it showed conclusively that the pain was from the L4/L5/S1 discs. Finally the doctors started treating me like I wasn;t a hypocondriac, and scheduled surgery. During my surgery, the found that my two discs were bone on bone. The reason for this email is that tests aren’t always accurrate, if you have pain, and cannot find the source, keep pushing the ‘Doctors. I found out too late that both my Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon are Defense doctors, (they represent and make a good living as doctors for the insurance companies). I had the ALIF surgery one month ago. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be, and still have a lot of pain down my legs, I have drop foot, and a lot of numbness in my legs. However, I do not have the constant pain in my lower lumbar, and at least at night, there are times when I have no pain, anywhere, at all!!! That is more than I have had in the past two years, so I consider the operation successful.

  69. By Jacey Schaffer on Apr 22, 2008 | Reply

    I will be 64 yrs old May 29,2008 if I can stand this pain that long. I have had bad pain and diagnoised with herniated disc at L5-S1 for yrs with off and on severe pain. Now, I have constant severe pain, can barely walk, drive, move, turn over in bed and am on narcotics(none of which work) but am in so much pain I can’t take it any longer. I do not know what to do at this age. I would like to have some real life before I die. I am married for 2nd time and we haven’t been able to do anything because after two weeks of marriage I found out I had breast cancer and then it has been something constantly. I feel my life is over. I’m so scared of surgery at my age, and scared not to. I pray constantly God please take some of this pain away. I have no life. I can’t do any house work, or go anywhere or do anything. I’m so depressed and hurting. My husband wants to travel. I can’t at this time and am curious if I will ever be able to with him? Please pray for me and if you have any suggestions pls email me. Mine is L5 S1 with degenerative disc disease, arthritis, fibromyaliga, I also have had MRI’s more than once. I have bone spurs in neck. They say my neck is worse than back, but back hurts worse. What can I possibly do that might help? Thanks for any suggestions or help.

  70. By betty on Apr 25, 2008 | Reply

    does anyone know how high on thr med charts does DR JAMES ZUCHERMAN of san fransisco calif stand???????

  71. By Arthur on Apr 26, 2008 | Reply

    Yes I have had three surgeries L5-S1 c6,c7 and all i have is pain. can’t sleep feet always itching never having any peace. If anyone know of anything that would allow me a little rest please email, have try all kinds of drugs and sleeping pills onlt thing that half way work and I sleep for a few hour is ambian cr. But so for pretty much all drug have given me very little hope and much pain. So pray that I find peace Arthur.

  72. By Leiah on May 5, 2008 | Reply

    Kay,

    Try Saboxin, your pain mgmt doctor should know what it is. It is a pain pill for people who can’t take narcotics.

    Mimi,

    I just turned 33 and I have a torn disc at L5-S1 and the same except leg symptoms as you. I have had already 3 surgeries on other parts of my back because it collapsed in several places after my car hit a brick median. I was also told that the fusion is my option for living a normal life. I am so much pain medication which I hate, but I can’t walk without it. I am very scared about this surgery, and I would love to talk to you about it. God bless.

    Leiah

  73. By Pete on May 10, 2008 | Reply

    I had a disk fusion on my L5-S1 on the 3rd of jan. I am wondering about the recovery time. I know it may be different for everyone for the bone to fuse together. I heard it could be a year, is this true?

  74. By MaryV in Florida on Jun 16, 2008 | Reply

    To Jane Gordon:

    Sorry that this is “a day late …,” but I just found this page. I am 52 with chronic fatigue, GERD, and COPD. I had titanium cage with bolts, etc. implanted in my neck (C3-C6). I also had to have my rotator cuff fixed as well as my hands. However, my main problem was severe, impinging, cervical stenosis, and all of the bones had to be removed, crushed, and returned for the graff(sp?). I had wonderful doctors in Ocala, FL, and though I will continue to be in pain on my left side and around my neck and upper back, I now have a less addictive pain medication (Tramadol)than those you mentioned. It (of course) does not remove all the pain, but it leaves me functional (which is the main point). Without the meds and the surgery, I would not be able to move without help. I have also had older friends who had lower back fusion, and the results varied, but one went from complete misery to fully able again, and the last time I saw him, he ws still looking healthy (years later) and looking forward to an active retirement. Only your doctor can properly advise you, but after seeing my father become a complete invalid from the same problem I have, I went as quickly as possible for the prevention surgery.

    If you are in the kind of severe state you describe, I would not pospone the surgery for too long, and is any one reading this has money or lack of insurance as a problem, check with state agencies, hospital social services and churches for help. 9 weeks in a brace and some physical therapy is worth it. After 3 years of surgery, I manage to do (almost) everything I need and want to do. There is hope.

  75. By heidi on Jun 16, 2008 | Reply

    I had a discectomy l5-s1 5 yrs ago with worse pain than before the surgery, have tried everything from accupunture, excercise, epidurals, & PT, now exp. nerve damage and docs want to perform an anterior fusion , I’m very scared of the pain to come and do not know if I should refuse and just deal with the pain I already exp. I’m 40 and can’t afford the down time, mentally or physically!

  76. By danny on Jun 18, 2008 | Reply

    hi everyone,my name is dan and have back pain l4-5 hernihated disc n upper buldging disc been on pain meds 4 about 5-6yrs now did epidurals n they caused my hipbones to die [neccrossis]n am getting worse they want to try lidocaine shots but not sure about them im by myself i have 6 sisters that don’t care i need hip n back surgery n im scared either way if i do or don’t i’ll be in a wheelchair soon i spend a lot of time in bed n im only 44 as of may 19th im taking oxycontin n percocets n there not working well anyone no what i can take that works im really thinking of takeing my own life i’ve always worked n now nothing sorry 4 the bad spelling can’t think right now but if you no of something that works i’d appreciate it thanks a bunch and take care of your selfs it’s hard you can contact me at walshbill45@yahoo.com again sorry 4 the bad spelling.

  77. By Dave on Jun 20, 2008 | Reply

    Anybody wanting to talk about back problems, especially the L5-S1 area…call me @ (504) 834-2134. Dave

  78. By Christi on Jun 21, 2008 | Reply

    I have had 3 lumbar fusions. The fist was at l5-s1 and non-instumented. I was doing very well until I fell in a puddle of sugar 5 wks later at a store. 1 yr later had to have it redone only this time they had to take out my disc and use hardware. 1 yr later, 3 out of 4 screws came loose and I had to have a 3rd surgery and this time they had to go up 1 level fusing l4,l5,s1. Once again, taking out my disc and using hardware. Pain is better but cannot work and suffer each day. I see pain management 1/month for meds. to keep me comfortable and am very limited as to what I am able to do physically and am not going to get any better. I have filed for disability but almost 3 yrs later, I am still waiting and had to get a lawyer to help. Bottom line is this: if I hadn’t fallen in the grocery store, breaking my fusion, I would have been back to normal. but because of the fall, there have just been too many problems. You will know when it’s time to have surgery. I said I never would until I was bed ridden and could not move without suffering in severe pain. If you can live with the pain, you don’t need surgery. If you cannot control or function due to pain, you need surgery. You will know when the time is right. You can only go for so long living in excruciating pain until you know you must do something to correct the problem. Best of luck to you all.

  79. By Katt in FL on Jun 22, 2008 | Reply

    I have had 4 spinal surgeries. The last 2 were with screws. I live with daily pain and I have not worked since ‘95. I take pain meds to have some resemblance of a life and I know that I am very lucky to have a doctor that prescribes them. I am active in the pain community, I have a website for others that have had spinal fusions, with/without screws. What I have found out is that even when a surgery is considered a success, after about 5-6 years most people report that they are as bad as before, or worse. Some of our members have been around since we first began over 10 yrs ago and I can’t say that anybody reports any improvement over the years. Many of us have experienced the “domino effect” where the other levels start to degenerate (or bulging discs develope) due to the extra stress put on the other levels from the immobility of the fused areas. I know there are times when a fusion is needed, what isn’t needed are surgeons who want to play “Builder Bob” and do fusions as a first option.
    I am always interested in hearing from folks who have had spinal fusions or are considering one.I can’t give medical advise, but we do offer support and 1st hand knowledge. I had my 1st surgery in 1985 so I have had most of the proceedures that are offered for pain relief, sorry to say, most offered little or short-term relief, at best. I’m always VERY interested in anything that has helped you deal with the disability and pain. I have found that if you can reach the level of acceptance, half the battle is won. My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow sufferers.
    Peace,
    Katt
    http://www.pediclescrews.com
    BratKatt@embarqmail.com

  80. By Wayne Gilbert on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply

    i was at work unloading a rug off of my back then i felt pain shoot down my back when i let it down iev got a buldging disc no 4 5 extrem pain some in my butixsright side
    iam waiting on a discagram to be set my doct thinks it poss that i have a torn or ripped disc please help me out on some information ty i have had no surgers yet

  81. By harold kittell on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    I have been diagnosed that I have spinal stenosis.I am bothered in two bad spots I believe from what the doctors told me. One is around the base of my neck, and the other is down in my lower back. Both my legsfeel cold to the touch and my skin has a feeling that is hard to describe, I have to use a walker to walk because my legs feel very weak and get tired out awful fast, and to unsteady on my feet to walk without it. I have a lot of pain at night in bed, and my legs get really stiff lots of times during the night, it seems like a seizure would affect a person, but my doctor told me it wasn’t.I have had a cat scan, am not able to have a MIR because of a Pacemaker. Do you have any information on I can use.It effects me in other ways but it seems like a long time to take up your time, it would be easier answering questions. Thank you for your time H. Kittell

  82. By Ellen Gershenbaum on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

    i have had 3 laminectomy with fusion surgeries. here are some tips for everyone: 1. go to the #1 orthopaedic spinal surgeon in a big teaching and research hospital, NOT A NEUROLOGIST!!! they seem to be idiots when it comes to spinal problems and pain, for some reason. 2. do not go to a small community hospital!!! 3. surgery is not a panacaea. each person reacts and heals differently and every case is different. don’t let other people tell you what or what not to do. 4. for pain that continues post surgery, ask your surgeon or orthopaedist if you might be a candidate for a spinal stimulator. it is a small metal device that is attached to the spine and blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. i’m trying this next. i hope some people find this info helpful. i’ve learned from experience.

  83. By rick on Jul 21, 2008 | Reply

    Had a fusion done on 7-16-08 of l-4 to s-1 an removal of l-5 . a cage was installed an the leg pain has seamed to go a way but i,m very sore an week around the lower back where i was opened up an was woundering how long to to have this? also are there any exercises i should be doing now befor i start therapy in 6 weeks?

  84. By Jamie on Aug 18, 2008 | Reply

    I had back surgery in 2001. went through a terriable time for years. I just wanted to let you know, this may sound crazy and impossible to do. but your husband needs to stop the pain medication. after I went off the high doses of pain relievers, muscle relaxers, and other medications, I haven’t felt better. yes, I still have some pain, but it’s tolerable. please, consider this. I still need to take narcotics for the pain, but only when it gets unbareable, which is only like, once a month maybe….I had a hard time getting off the pain medication due to addiction, which I didn’t think I was addicted, but I was. I was a health care professional, so I know what I am talking about. It was hard like I said, I was scared, I didnt know how I was going to get along without the narcotics, but, I am doing alot better. depression was an issue, but I believe with all my heart that the medication had it’s role in that too. I felt like I lost 7 years of my life living the way that I was, but now I feel like I have some of my life back again. No, I still can’t work, but the Lord is helping me with that to..please…I hope you share this with your husband….email me with any questions you may have…upnawaysoon@yahoo.com….good luck

  85. By Michael on Aug 23, 2008 | Reply

    I battled through back pain for 7 years until I had a 2 level fusion.  I was completely depressed and a mental wreck before surger.  Approximately one year after the L4-L5-S1 fusion, I had the steel rods removed and pain was lessen.  It has been about eight years since the original fusion and the disk above the fusion is going our.   I am know having extreme and anoying back and leg pain originateing from the L3-L4 disck level It is bad luck, but I am happy that I had 7 years of enjoyment with out crippling pain; it wasn’t perfect but it allowed me to start and run a successful company for 8 years. I could snow ski, hike, mountain bike, screw women, etc with minimal pain. If I did not have that sugery I would have been a complete loser on my mothers soffa. My back hurts now and I will try something new, wether surgically or through pain management.  I am confident something will help; doing nothing will only lead to suicidal death. P>S> Do you have and Vicoden Just kidding

  86. By Tina on Aug 26, 2008 | Reply

    My husband had surgery June 08′ for a buldging disk/herniated disk and 2 days after the surgery the pain in his left leg was still there. The medications have not helped and the Dr. seems to think he is faking it even though all of the tests (MRI’s, Xrays and NCV) have all showed that there is something wrong with L5 S1. I have taken him off the pain medication since it was making him more depressed. Has anyone tried accupunture for the pain in there legs? Or does anyone have any other recommendations?

  87. By SURINDER on Aug 27, 2008 | Reply

    Hi my name is surinder. I’m a 22 year old male with disk herniation L5-S1. i have had this pain for 2 years now. i did alot of excersices and phyical therpy teartment also. nothing has helped me. Doctors sugested me a surgery, but i don’t want any surgery nd neither do my any family member wants me to get surgery. last year i went to india and some street smart guy gave me a hot oil message and then pulled my both legs one at a time, and i was surprised that i start feeling better then next days. then i went to the same guy for the second time. after those 2 treaments i did not had the pain for 6 months. i also use to wear belt to support my back. which i would suggeset to every body and do some back excerises every day. im having little pain now but i;m sure i can get better. as soon as i found some other good soulution i will post it here.

    allways think positive. god bless

  88. By Cindie on Aug 28, 2008 | Reply

    TINA,
    Check out a new procedure that is surgery free,
    http://www.prolotherapy.com/
    I am 39 now but hurt my L5-S1 back in 9/2002. I have had a fusion w/cages in 9/2005, had rods & screws inserted in 3/2006 I then had the rods & screws removed 3/2007. I am now facing disk replacement surgery at L3-L4 & L4-L5.
    I have just been told about this new Prolotherapy & am looking into it for myself instead of this double surgery.
    GOD Bless!!
    Cindie

  89. By jan on Aug 30, 2008 | Reply

    Dee,
    When I read your comment I was amazed. I too am a 47 yr old female. I must say we share the exact problems. I know you are looking for optimistic outcomes but I just had to reply. I had my anterior cervical fusion level 2 on March 19, 2008. My numbness was all on the left arm and hand. The surgery did help the numbness but the pain did not go away. I also am suffering from the lower back pain. Every symptom you mentioned is exactly what I am experiencing. The cervical fusion surgery left me with vocal cord damage and I am unable to speak normally. Just a whisper at most. I am seeing a specialist on 9-2-08. These medical conditions have recently made it impossible for me to return to my job. My 30th yr anniv. would be 9-6-08. Not only does my condition leave me scared, in constant pain but not knowing my future financially or with insurance is so stressful. Sometimes you feel so alone and especially now that I cannot communicate well. My husband has been so supportive but he is also disabled with a severe heart condition. I feel so bad because he has had to take on doing everything. I know how you feel Dee, being 47 and having been a fun loving person I now feel as though my life will just never be the same. I am trying to have a positive outlook but it sure is hard. Anyway I just had to reply and I will pray for you. I hope you can have some pain free days although I know learning to cope with the constant pain is more realistic.
    God Bless you
    Jan

  90. By John Bass on Sep 9, 2008 | Reply

    Tami C. Don’t give up hope on relief. I had my spine fused, L-4 to S-1 in July of 62. The bone graft didn’t take and in 1963 I had a re-fusion that did take and work good for awhile. Only thing, bone spurs formed and had to be removed. Later the level above broke down and required to surgeries to fuse it. While I won’t ever be able to do things as a normal person would, I now have pain under control by taking Methadone for pain relief. I have been on it since mid 80’s and still take on average 1.2 tablets a day.
    My prayers go out to you for a surgery that will turn your life around. God Bless and don’t give up hope.
    John Bass

  91. By Loyce on Sep 10, 2008 | Reply

    I am so glad i stumbled on this websight,i have had 4 back surgerys,1 in 1993 doctor fussed L4-5,it felled,he went back in 1995,put screws/rods,it helped,cause was from a car wreck,it took 5 years for me to be able to go back to work,i have been doing great,then last year 9/6/07,i was at work and car hit me from behind,it felt like a bullet had hit me in my back,i went thru alot of pain before they finally relized it wasnt a pulled muscle,i was sent back to the same doctor that had done my other surgerys,well,i had surgery jan. of this year on L2-3,(fusion)while i was in the hospt,geting up for the 1st time,it felt like someone had hit me in the back,my husb said there was a little bleed coming from the bandage,doc said it was normal,everthing ok.WELL,it wasnt ,the pain got worse as i got home,cldnt get out of bed,cried all the time,and YES,i was thinking of taking my life,after 3 months of therapy,it got worse ,i kept going bac to doc,told him i cldnt keep on like this,pain was so bad,legs,HIP,BACK,aweful pain.doc told me it was in my head,HE SENT ME TO A HEAD DOC(lol),will now i’m on nerve med’s to go alone with the pain pills,and the other med’s to help with sleeping,muscle spasams,u name it,i am on 10 diff med’s,,doctor done another MRI to (i guess to shout me up and to show ME nothing was wrong)well,it showed him I WAS right,the disc below it has took to much,or something,and the fusion had ruptured,so i just had my 4th surgery 3 weeks ago,2nd this year,im doing LITTLE BIT BETTER,still hurting like crazy,hip/leg/back still,but i hope when it heals it will be better,I can walk,but have to hold on to something,and wear back brace,(L2-3,L3-4,and screws and rods in L4-5,)i have alot of nerve damage,almost was cut into,i pray alot more these days,and the good LORD will help me thru it,my husband has been great,he waits on me hand and foot,works all day,then comes home to this(me),he must love me,cause i stay so upset,and the pain makes me fuss alot,he just ignores me,and tells me it will get better,and he loves me,it really helps to no he is there for me,i start therapy again in 2 weeks,i hope doctor gives me MORE pain killers,cause im going to need them,o by the way,im 48,female.and yes,i lost my job,due to the fact i cldnt go back with in 12 months of injury,and i probl want ever be able to,but i just want to be pain free,and happy just to move around with out falling or pain killing me.i have a lot of numb spots,feels like my whole hip and leg belongs to someone else,cause i can not feel anything when i touch it,all but pain.they tell me in time the feeling will come back.Thank you all for listening to me,knowing u are going thru the same stuff,if anybody wants to talk/chat or just email me,collectalldebts@yahoo.com is where i can be reached,thanks again,Loyce

  92. By bob b on Sep 13, 2008 | Reply

    I had back surgery last Oct and have had exteme pain while sitting. I had an mri in April and they found a csf leak one spot measuring 11.6×0.6×3.0cm and 6×12mm 10×5mm3×5mmand finally5×10x2cm. My doctor say,s it will heal by itself but it,s been 11mths BUT THE PAIN AND HEADACHSES HAVENT CHANGED.

  93. By Tim on Sep 17, 2008 | Reply

    Hi my name is Tim I am 42 and a master hairstylist by trade. About 6 months ago I suffered an accident at work. I was hit on the head with steel shelving that weighed several hundred pounds. My discogram was proof positive at levels L4-5 L5-S1 herniation in contact with the ventral thecal sac. I have been treating conservitivley…ie: chripractic 3x weekly transforminal lumbar injections 3x, nerver block injections 3 times.I attempted aqua therapy but this causes to much pain.I attempted to return to work in a light duty capacity but almost fell on my face from the pain. Today was the day I learned of the discogram results from my family doctor. I have not heard from the neurosurgeon who ordered the discogram as of yet.With each day that passes I feel my legs getting weaker and weaker. My pain in my lower back, feet and legs is excruciating. I am a father of 2 toddlers and have an amazing wife. What do you think can be done for me? If surgery what type? Please help with any advise if you can.I do have the best attorney in the area (PA) regarding Workers compensation. I am so sick and tired of felling this way. I look forward to any and all responses regarding medical treatmentfor my situation. Thank you

  94. By Jeremy O'Grady on Sep 20, 2008 | Reply

    Hi my name is jeremy, im 24 yrs old and have 4 slipped disks. ive had 1 surgury on my L5 S1 the surgury helped for a lil bit but during my PT it slipped out again. every neurosurgin is pushing for me to have a fusion done but every one ive talked to dont seem to care to much about me or what im telling them. some are telling me i shouldnt even be in any pain when each of my MRIs show clearly that 4 of my disks are bulging in to my siadaka nerve. im just sick of the pain. this has been going on for 2 yrs now. doctors tell me i will be fine the people ive talked to who have been dealing with this are telling me get used to it, thats gonna be hard because i just want my life back. it just sucks im 24 and when my back is flared up i walk around like im an old man and people look at me and say you arent in that much pain! no one has a clue that knows me. I miss being able to run around with my fiance, wrestle with her and so much more. well not much more to say besides good luck to whome ever has to deal with back issues. and MAKE SURE TO DO SOME RESERCH ON SURGERY BEFORE SIGNING ANY PAPERS

  95. By Pamela Huff on Sep 21, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Just been reading all the comments. I wanted to say something positive. On Sept 3 I had a anterior disectomy with interbody fusion at the L5 S1 level. I think I have done very well so far.I was up walking the night of my surgery. I came home 2 days later and have been doing great. I quit taking any pain medicine except for advil last week. Most of my pain was located in my hip and lower back. My hip pain is gone. My lower back still hurts some, but I am guessing that it due to the disc being removed and the fusion healing. I was told it would take at least 3 months for the fusion to heal and a year for a total healing. I have a five inch incision scar from my navel down that is healing well. My doctor is a orthepeadic surgeon and he has told me to walk walk walk. That is my physical therapy. I quit smoking as my Doctor would not perform the surgery as there is a 40% less chance of the fusion taking if you smoke. I guess smoking is very bad for your back and I am trying to lose alittle weight also as that should help. Hope my post has helped. Pam

  96. By Stacey on Sep 21, 2008 | Reply

    I’m really nervous as well they want to do the l5-s1 fusion on me as well and i’m afraid to.I talked with a friend at work and they have had 2 surgery’s and said it was the best thing they ever had done.I felt better about having the surgery and its juist normal to be scared.i will pray for you to.Good luck

  97. By barbr316 on Sep 25, 2008 | Reply

    That sounds like something I do I have my husband pulls my legs and massage my back. How many time did you go and how long was the massage? I do have a chronic back problem L-5,S-1

  98. By barbr316 on Sep 25, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Pam and everyone else, I need surgery for my
    L5,S1 my Dr. told me to quit smoking too.I hope
    I have a good outcome.

  99. By barbr316 on Sep 25, 2008 | Reply

    I have had chronic back pain for years,
    Which was an injury at work. I worked as a medical asst for years and back in the 80’s
    I had an injury lifting a patient……ouch!! I did seek medical help on and off but throughout the years I have gotten worst and what bother me most besides the pain I’m in, is that I never,never Have taken any narcotics for pain,only anti-inflammatory meds , which did not help at all and Iv’ e Done therapy, shots in the back,tens unit,pain management. I would like some relief of pain meds,I know they can be addicting. I’m in so much pain. I have L-5,s1 and a bugle disc and I have never Been on pain meds I wish I had some,my Dr. Told me I have to have surgery I’m so scared that I will not get anything for pain and I scared about the surgery I am reading some good-and not so Good stories on this board. I don’t know what to do at this point,because I have sooo much pain I suffer everyday to try and get things done. Please tell me how I can get some pain meds,I though About buying some meds on the streets and I don’t even know where to go in the first place. I’ve never had any addiction,I only smoke cigarettes,no Pot nor do I drink liquor. If you get this email please advice me I need some relief I can’t go on Like this.

  100. By yvette on Sep 28, 2008 | Reply

    corina i went threw the same thing with my ex he was always high on meds and had mood swings. i try telling the doctors but no one listened he needs to realized he has a problem before he starts thinking of killing himself. unfortunealy i left mine due that he started doing other drugs along with his meds. after awhile i had an accident and wished he was there for me but i had a lower lumbar infusion which having rods,nuts,and bolts in your back. it is not easy but if you love him get him the help he needs cuz i tried and i lost after 9 years.go to the church go to his doctors go to anyone that will help if not then you know what to do good luck cuz i miss the hell out of my ex. if you need to talk just email me

  101. By yvette on Sep 28, 2008 | Reply

    dominque the surgery that they want you to have i had it done and to tell you the truth it has relieved some of the tingling,numbeness,and also been able to do other things. but to tell you the truth the pain will never go away you get to feel the weather set off sensors or alarm in the court room hahahahaaha but really i still suffer from pain. your life does change a lot not for the best but really a different world when you have this surgery that was my last resort due that i could not take nor more and now i am suffering from depression,anxiety,mood swings, no interest in being in a relationships,and now i have what they call peripherral vasculine disease. it has to do with my back nerves now. so if you really need it do it but if not do not but just get a 3rd advice like i did ok good luck

  102. By Joey on Sep 28, 2008 | Reply

    Im 37 I had fussion on L4-S1. went in thou my back. Had to use Chest spreaders to open me up. 70% chance surgy. would not work. Like a new person for about a year and a half.then Scar tissue comes and pinchs and block nerves which include everything from be unable to pee, to were I cant move from the waist down. but I can fell everything I just cant move. Has any one went thou. this? They currently have me on the pain patch, muscle relaxers,pain pills, lyrica, and sleeping pills. found a site. few may want to check out cueadua equida.org Look at the mission. I have 8 nerve blockes and because of scare tissue I have been stick anywhere from 6 to 8 times. A second surgy. may be in the future.I have a good job, great family but the pain and not being able to move is starting to take its toll. MRI on Head tomorrow because of loss of movement so pray for me.

  103. By PZ on Sep 29, 2008 | Reply

    Joey,

    I am so distressed to hear about what happened to you. What I cannot understand is why you are being prescribed meds when clearly you need to have the scar tissue removed. You need to be concerned about maintaining muscle function and strength. Meds only make a person miserable by not allowing one to enjoy life at its fullest.

    I have had multiple cervical fusions and besides losing strength and having muscle atropy in the right upper arm, I am fine with that surgery, however I too am supposed to have the L5 fused next month since I am living with pain meds so that I can walk due to severe hip pain and right leg pain down to foot. I am surprised that you have been so greatly affected by scar tissue.

    I am praying now for you and I sincerely feel that you will come out of this,by applying the most determination and courage you can. Do the physical therapy and ask for things you can do from now on to keep your flexibility and strength. God Will Bless You…best of wishes for your recovery.

  104. By CHERYL on Sep 29, 2008 | Reply

    IM 33 YR.OLD IM GETTING READY TO HAVE L5 S1 FUSION TROUGH THE BACK NOT ABDOMEN.I HAVE NEVER HAD SURGERY BEFORE,IM TERRIFIED.PLEASE GIVE ANY COMMENTS THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL.

  105. By Duretta Stewart on Oct 2, 2008 | Reply

    Hi, my name is Duretta. I am 32 years old. I have 4 small children and the Dr. wants to do a cervical discectomy with fusion.I am in so much pain that i can’t think straight. I write everything down because I can’t remember. Sometimes I don’t take my meds. because I think that I already have.I have been in constant pain since 2002. I have tried theropy for 18 months. I see a Dr. at the Pain Center that does malipulation,cortazone shots and pressure points. This helps for maybe a day or two. I can’t sleep due to the pain and mussle spasums.The Dr. has also said that I have fybromyalgia.I have migrains everyday. I have a hard time getting up and down. I have to roll out of bed onto my knees befor I can stand up. I find it hard to consontrate for very long at a time. Can’t watch tv or read. It feels like my head weights 50 lbs..I fall often. I can’t drive due to mussle spasums and not being able to turn my head. I am now having problems with my bladder and my bowles. This has been going on for sometime now but they thought that my bladder was due to having 3 kids, and my bowles were due to IBS. I haven’t worked since the fall that started all of this.I can’t get disability because there has been a surgory offered and fybromyalgia isn’t considered as a diesease. I have little income and no help. I am afraid what will happen to my boys if I have this done. If it makes it worse then who would care for them? I am hurtting now but if it got worse then I would loose them to the state. I have read most of the bloggs on here and it seems that it’s not worth it at all. However, my Drs. will no long give me any meds. if I don’t have the surgory. I need some advice. I know that I can’t live without them. I have to go off of them for 2 weeks a year and those two weeks are a living hell. My husband and I are talking about divorice because I can’t cook,clean or even shower myself half of the time and sex is just too much pain.If anyone has any advice please e-mail me at DSTEWART5@Ma.rr.com thank you for your time

  106. By COLIE on Oct 3, 2008 | Reply

    MY NAME IS COLIE AND I AM 19 YEARS OLD. I HAVE BEEN HURTING SERVERLY FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS. I HAD MRS AND DISCOGRAM. WHICH IS HORRIBLY PAINFUL AND IS THE WORST THING EVER. I HAVE ALSO HAD SPINAL INJECTIONS. WHICH ALSO, DO NOT GET, THEY JUST MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE. I HAVE SURGERY SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 6TH 08. I AM VERY SCARED. I KEEP READING THAT YOU NEED LIKE 4-5 MONTH RECOVERY TIME AND I HAVE A 8 MONTH OLD BABY GIRL AND I AM SCARE I WONT BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF HER. PLEASE SOMEBODY GIVE ME SOME ANSWERS TO HOW IT REALLY IS… I CANT EVER FIND ANYTHING ON HERE ABOUT RECOVERY AND ACTUAL ANSWERS

    THANKS!!!

  107. By COLIE on Oct 3, 2008 | Reply

    I FORGOT TO MENTION THE SAID I HAVE ANLEAR TEARS AND FRAGMENTS HITTING UP AGAINST THE NERVE. AND A BULGE. THE SCHEDULED ME FOR A SPINAL FUSION AND DISK REPLACEMENT

  108. By Melissa on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    Bob B. Go see a different doctor, your in pain and your doctor says it will heal. Nope unacceptable. Go see someone who actually cares. He doesn’t want to admit he may have injured you during surgery.

  109. By daniel on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

    I had surgery on my L4,L5 and on L5,S1 I have had a lot of problems with it and the pain is out of this world.I wish i would have never had the surg.I am 37 yr and i dont think i will never be right again ,or ever be with out pain.

  110. By Stef on Oct 10, 2008 | Reply

    I’m having a hard time understanding the differance from a buldging disc/herniated disc/and then when the doctor says the discs have now ruptured and are gone…? Can someone help me…and how can you have a tear in a ruptured disc that’s gone??? Thanks in advance for your time…Have a good day!!

    Stef

  111. By mELISSA on Oct 22, 2008 | Reply

    cONTACT ME 1-316-201-1370- AND IF NOT THERE 316-648-2705

  112. By sue on Oct 27, 2008 | Reply

    hi i am a 36 female,was at complete stop i n road when i was hit by vehicle in front of me he put in reverse and slammed me,i had sever damage to vertibrates ,discs nerves,my surgeon said i was lucky very, had 2 spine surgerys this year one in march discectomy/lynectomy lumbar of L4 and L5. i awoke after this surgery with right foot drop,no feeling from right side at all,going from walker to now just walking funny,loss of feeling very weak,im in pt 3xs a wk for a long time to come,i also had a spinal fusion on same disc this past july,im still having numb feeling,now again since loss of urine,cant urinate on toilet takes 10-15 mints to go i have to push,now im falling ,and bad,i just go down no warnings,its so imbarassing,painful,frustrating im awaiting a nero consult and eurology appt to,and helpful suggestiong y i am falling so much suddenly and urine problems! thanks frustrated in upsate ny~

  113. By sue on Oct 27, 2008 | Reply

    sorry ppl, i wrote my story n qs on wrong part,oops,

  114. By Ashlei on Oct 29, 2008 | Reply

    Hi, I am a 21 year old female and I have spinal stenosis. I had surgery June 27, 08. I’ve sufferd from neck pain, migraines for about 6 years now. I am wondering if anyone has any advice on how to deal with this. Since the surgery I’m still in pain! I cant work…exercise or even deal with daily tasks. Before the surgery i was a very active person. It seems as if the surgery made it worse….does it get better?? And does anyone with Spinal stenosis suffer from cronic migraines like myself? Thanks so Much!!

  115. By Jeanie on Oct 31, 2008 | Reply

    I to have had a laminectomy in July.
    I am also in such a severe state of pain and new it seems tohave reached the tailbone.
    Neuro says scar tissue. First surgery co still like where did it come from~~no reply.
    Now I am so much worse off than ever, nothing and I mean nothing helps (med meds make me so sick, pt doesnt help, heating pad, cnat sit, lays or hardly walk)
    Any suggestions? Neuro want to do surgery again!!
    NUTSSSSSSSSSSS!

  116. By EL on Nov 7, 2008 | Reply

    How anyone ever sued an employer do to back problem they incured at work?? i work for UPS.

  117. By Irma on Nov 18, 2008 | Reply

    Please tell me what they advise you…Cause I am in the same spot.

  118. By Irma on Nov 18, 2008 | Reply

    HELLO, I HAD MY L5 S1 FUSION THROUGH MY BACK IN 2007, HAD RODS AND SCREWS INSERTED IN. ONE DAY AT WORK OUT OF THE BLUES THE PAIN HIT ME ON MY BACK…EACH STEP I TOOK AFTER THAT WAS PAIN KILLING, HAD SURGERY 3 MONTH LATER…COULDN’T GET A DOCTOR BEFORE THEN. THE SAME DAY OF SURGERY, AFTERING WAKING UP..THERE WAS NO-PAIN..NONE..GOT UP AND WALK PAIN-FREE. WHEN HOME, REST AND STARTED MY NORMAL ROUTINE. AT 2 MONTH I WAS LIMPING, MY RIGHT LEG. IF I WALK AT A NORMAL PASE. MY LEG BEGINS TO HURT, NOT PAIN, PAIN…LIKE IF YOU HAVE A LEG CASE AND IT HURTS. MY DRS SAYS…DO YOU HURT LIKE BEFORE SURGERY? THEN ITS BETTER THEN BEFORE. SO MY QUESTION IS, SHOULD I HAVE ANOTHER SURGERY TO REMOVE SCREWS. SHOULD I JUST THANK MY LUCKY STAR AND STAY THIS WAY. ANY ONE…WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ME/// PLEASE

  119. By Gwen on Nov 24, 2008 | Reply

    I just had the surgery, not very pleased with it

  120. By Tammy on Nov 25, 2008 | Reply

    I have had nine spinal surgeries. This all started from a automobile accident in 1997, where I ended up with a compression fracture of l4 and L5. From there it was a domino effect, I have had spinal fusions, I have a titanium plate in my neck and titanium cages in my back,, now I tried the spinal cord stimullator, the first surgery was not good after surgery, the leads on my spine fell, they had to do a second surgery, they rehooked the leads, well they fell, so they decided to put a paddle hooked directly to my spine, well guess what that has moved, right now we a trying to decide what is next.

  121. By Carole dunn on Nov 28, 2008 | Reply

    I am a personal injury paralegal. If you sustained an Injury while on the job I invite you to email me carole@Argumentor.com and providensome details I will discuss the situation with thenattorney and get you to who you need to talk to about your situation. N

  122. By Larry Lang on Dec 8, 2008 | Reply

    I had the surgery. My spondylolisthesis was grade 2, measuring 6mm at the L5-S1. It was performed in London, Ontario by Dr. Bailey on March 28, 2008. He calls it a success, my sciatica leg pain has reduced to almost ok. The problem now is the low back pain has increased to unbearable to live. I now take oxycocet, about 7 a day. I could be on the oxycodone but find they are to strong. I can hardly stand it any longer, I am following doctors orders and attend therapy. Hydratherapy in the water. I was always active even before the surgery. Some say it takes a year or two. My investigation is that it could still improve and I sure hope so. At this stage I wish I never would have done the surgery. It was far better prior. This is going on 9 months. To do it over again I would try a geographical solution, a drior climate somewhere. I could have pushed harder in my exercising to avoid or delay the surgery. I went through cortisone 20 years ago and it helped. About 2 years ago I tried again a series of epidoros and it did nothing. Maybe I reached the best results over time. My surgeon said so. Also there is non operable spinal decompression. Dr Schisler in Windsor, ONt and other parts of the country have this machine. Good luck and let me know if I can offer comments to help in the future.
    Sincerely,
    Larry

  123. By Bruce W on Dec 12, 2008 | Reply

    I am in a great deal of pain in my L4-5 and L5-S1 areas. My Dr wants to do surgery soon. How do i get in touch with Mark Mintzer?

  124. By Albert Montesinos on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply

    I have had two surgeries, one in 1992 and another in 2000. The first they removed 3/4th of a disk at the L4-5 area. The following year the 3 disks above gave me problems with extreme back and leg pain. I avoided surgery and dealt with the chronic leg and back pain. I modified my lifestyle and excercise habits and made it thru. In 2000 someome recommended me for a “DPI” surgery which I had done. A heat rod was inserted directly into the disk at a temperature of 180 degrees. Immediate relief was given after about 30 days and I regained back about 60% of my previous lifestyle in regards to sports and excercise. Although not all of the pain was gone, I was comfortable enough to live relatively pain free. However in 2004 I again experienced a set back and was in terrible pain. I could not walk an inch without support and was in misery. Surgery to remove 3 disks was highly recommended, something I knew since 1993. I chose to continue with the injections which to date add up to 4′X’s with the most recent two weeks ago today. I am reluctant to have any more surgeries but Dr. after Dr. highly recommend I have it done, that is to remove 3 disk’s. What makes matters worse is that I have an unusual HIGH TOLERANCE to pain and do not like to take pain pills. I gave up on pain pills after becoming addictive in 2004 which were a combination of Oxycontin and Vicordin together. I search religously for an answer that will help me. I have been told should I opt for the surgery I run the risk of losing a major portion of mobility. I am optioning to move to a better climate, hovever my current employer compensates me well, I am 8 years to retire. If anyone is or has been in my position and has gotten relief without disk removal, please let me know. Thanks and God Bless to all.

  125. By Albert Montesinos on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply

    Hello El,

    I have which took almost 4 years to complete. The company tried to deny it however and eventually acknowledged it was work related. Should you decide shop around for a good lawyer and be prepared to give good details and long statements. For me it was not about the money it was to secure medical bills and a life long of back problems. Write down as much of the details and keep a record of everything that is said and goes on at work. It will make it easier to define the case. Good luck.

    Al

  126. By Don Thorne on Dec 24, 2008 | Reply

    Greg.I to have been trying to find the name of the clinic in Cinncinati who carry out laser surgery on the back. A person told me that around December 17 2008 a feature on TV was all about this place in Cinncinati who accomplshed miracles. My question to you is: did you ever find out where this clinic is? I would really apprweciate it if you could reply
    Thank You
    Don Thorne

  127. By Gentry on Dec 31, 2008 | Reply

    I have a pars defect and i was in an accident and know after four year i am looking at fusion surgery, I understand that they take bone from you body or a donnor to replace it. I’am not ready for this but yes i have the same thing.
    Good luck

  128. By wendy portillo on Jan 6, 2009 | Reply

    Hello Everyone,
    I’m Wendy, 42 yrs old and have l5-si 2 rods and 6 screws and 3 cages. My surgery was in aug08 and so far has been a great sucess. I can actually walk again. I will never take walking for grated again. `I just wanted you all to know, your comments really helped me get through my recovery. I was nice to actually speak to people who have gone through the same procedure and shared you stories. I am about to start physical therapy and am scared to death heard it was very painful. can anyone tell me what it’s like+ many thanks
    wendy

  129. By wendy portillo on Jan 6, 2009 | Reply

    Hello Everyone,
    I’m Wendy, 42 yrs old and have l5-si 2 rods and 6 screws and 3 cages. My surgery was in aug08 and so far has been a great sucess. I can actually walk again. I will never take walking for granted again. `I just wanted you all to know, your comments really helped me get through my recovery. It was nice to actually speak to people who have gone through the same procedure and shared you stories. I am about to start physical therapy and am scared to death heard it was very painful. can anyone tell me what it’s like+ many thanks
    wendy

  130. By lina on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Everyone.

    My name is Lina, I am 30 years old. I had a care accident when I was a child. I had lost one of my leg, therefore my friends tellling to go on waiting list for donnor. maybe someday in future I would get the hope for some donnor for me a foot. but I am confuse right now….all of your idea and advices is very important to me right now. Please I would like to know your comments what should I do….by the wait I am wearing a prosthetics but very difficuts for me to walk with its………..thank yours…..Lina

  131. By Armando on Mar 5, 2009 | Reply

    Ihad surgery done 3 years ago and my life has been hell I also wanted to get of of pills but it didnt happen I amn worse then before I cant lift nothing more than 15 ibs Please dont ruin your life Wait new technology is comming fast some thing is on the horizon .Good luck

  132. By Bren on Mar 18, 2009 | Reply

    Hi 47,

    I just read your about your situtation and I can relate in some areas but, most of all, my heart goes out to you. I am 46 with stenosis and disc bulges in my lumbar and neck. I have lived with this for 4 years and no med’s. Yes, that’s right, nothing other than Tylenol on occasion. My family doctor is a complete jerk! He refuses to put me on anything stronger. I am in such agony but, continue to do my secretarial job every day. From reading other peoples success rate with traditional surgery, leads me to think of Laser Spine Institute in Tampa, Florida. I am Canadian and I know it will cost alot but, from researching I feel this may be the best place to go to. Keep me posted on how you are doing.

    Take care, Bren

  133. By Norm Heseltine sr on Mar 22, 2009 | Reply

    i folks . i was in a car accident in 1962 and as being the driver of my own car i was hit from behind and not having seat belts in those days i was thrown backwards from my seat drivung my car into the rear back seat by a very hard jar . i immediately began to feel pain in my neck1
    i was taken from the accident scene to hospital in St CatherineOntario then transfered to another ambulkance and sent ti Kitchener hospital where they sent me home to come back in the am to see the phiso department .
    well when i walked into the phiso the gentleman asked me if I was packed in ice thatnight ?
    I said No.
    his reply to me was what?
    he then told mea as i grew older this would haunt me for the rwets of my life!
    well to make a long a short i have suffered fro back pain till now and NOW being diagnosed as having Foramilal Stenosois I advise anyone who has had a rear ender _ DO NOT EVER SIGN OF FOR A PAYMENT FOR THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT __NEVER .
    I HAV HAD TWO SURGERIES AND L3 REMOVED FROM MY SPINE WITH NO REPLACEMNET
    ALSO c2 & C3 FUSED YAESR AGO .
    NOW SINCE LASY JLY 2008 i HAVE HAD SEVERAL BLACKOUTS – DIAGNOSED AS HAVING VERTIGO & THAT WAS MIS DIAANOISI NOW I HAVE HAS A CT AND THE DRS NOW TELL ME I HAVE FORAMINALSTENOSIS IN C5 AND C6 WHAT IS YOUR ADVISE , THE PAIN AND DISCOMFORT IS AT TIME SO SEVERE THAT i HAVE HAS AT LEAT 6 KNOWN BLACKOUTS1 CAUSED BY PINCHED NEVERS IN MY UPPER SPINE .
    WOULD YOU RECOMMENT SURGERY?
    NH HESELTINE WEST BANK B.C. CANADA
    MARCH 22 2009 AGE NOW 75 THIS WEEK OF MARCH 20/09
    GOD BE WITH YOU ALL , AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS NEVER SIGN OFF FROM A WHIPLASH ACCIDENT “NEVER” YOU WILL PAY DEARLY THE REST OF YOUR LIFE — YOUR SPINE IS THE LIFELINE OF YOUR BODY!!!

  134. By Amanda on Jun 21, 2009 | Reply

    Hello, my name is Amanda. I started having back problems when I was 13 years old. I am 6 foot 2 inches tall and feel that my height may have contributed to some of my problems. I grew almost five inches the summer I was 13. I am 29 years old now and have had a spinal fusion from L4,L5, to S1 and am not in any better shape than I was before surgery. Before surgery I went through many spinal injections, therapy, and all the pain meds. I am a firm believer that PAIN MEDS ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND. I am more interested in a solution to my problem not a bandaid. Pain meds should be used more cautioulsy, not saying they shouldnt be used because I took them myself, just in moderation when really needed. I am not overweight and actually very athletic. My problems worsened through high school and college as I was a basketball player. And one I was married and went through three pregnacies, it pretty much became a crippling curse. Deppression set in as I could barely get myself out of bed each day to get myself ready for work. I also work with young children teaching pre-school, doing a lot of lifting children, and getting up and down off the floor. I finnally got to a point where I felt surgery was my only option and took the leap in June of 08. By the way I was diagnosed with DDD and two ruptured disc. I did very well directly following surgery, and went back to work after 3 months(BIG MISTAKE). After going back to work on heavy restrictions which meant doing mostly paperwork, I continued to do farely decent. Two months after going back I went off restrictions and back to my classroom. Now a year after surgery I can barely walk again, the pain is so severe I can barely tolerate getting out of bed each morning. I now also suffer form two hern disc in my neck and was told by doctor that the area above my fusion is failing. I have had to take a leave of absense from my job again and feel that I can barely physically take care of my own three children. My children are still young, 7,5,and 4 and feel that they are being cheated out of a mother. Depression has set in severly again and have no idea what I need to do to make myself better. I have said through this whole process that I was not going to let my back problems take ownership of me but feel that I am loozing that battle. Have been through thearpy again and going to pain clinic. I start a new round of injections this coming week and hope they help. I cant help to think that their is another problem going on that hasnt been diagnosed yet. Have also been told that Arthritis has set in. Guess I just want an answer like everyone else that has been cursed with back problems. Dont know what I should do!!!! Any Advice? Please reply

  135. By cindy on Jun 26, 2009 | Reply

    Please-oh-please help ne make an informed decission conserning my intense neck pain!

    I have underwent an MRI-following you see the reselts.
    IMPRESIONS-1. Broad centeral disc protrusion a C6-7 leads to cord impingememnt slightly greater to the right side to midline, but no significant central spinal stenonsis. There may be minimal intermittent cord impingement to the left side a C6-7 due to broad bony spurring.

    2. AtC6-7, there is suggestion of a broad intraforaminal disc protrusion on the right and although there is only mild to moderate right foraminal narrowing, the protrusion may directly impinge on the right c7nerve root in the lateral aspect of the foramen. Similar moderate foraminal narrowing on the right is noted atC5-6, but appears to be related to the bony spurring rather than the soft disc.

    3. Generalized cervical facer arthropathy noted. Tere are some mild reactive marrow and soft tissue changes around the the right facets at C3-4, as well as a small facet effusion. These findings may indicate inflammation of abnorman motion, Facet hypertrophy is particularlt notable on the left at C4-5 and slight C4 on C5 anterolisthesis, relate to the facet arthropathy, is also noted.
    I am very confused by all these findings and have different courses of action suggested by two different doctors–Im trying to decide on another epidural to get rid of the pain, I would have have the suregery IF i was sure that it would the me pain free and without complications fron the suregery itself!! Please help me make an informed decission to rid myself from this pain–I’m only 48 and have two you children to take care of!!! Thanks fot taking the time to read thought all of this!! Cindy Sichting

  136. By Hank on Jul 12, 2009 | Reply

    Cindy, I’ve have three surgeries on my neck, C1 through C7,’79,’86, and ‘91. I’m scheduled for another the ‘23rd of this month on L4-L5. I think it is extremely important that you spend much time researching the qualified doctors in your area. I was fortunately seeing the doctor that was the president of the NC Neurosurgery Association. My neck surgeries were completely healed in 6 weeks but I was every day active and the normal day things weren’t a problem. Because your problems are in the cervical area, you shouldn’t have any problems where the children are concerned, but no pulling up on your neck obviously. The only problems that I had over the years were the bone spurs that tend to grow. Of course the operations would facilitate getting rid of them and I haven’t had any pain to speak of since my ‘91 surgery, I take Valium to keep my shoulder and neck muscles from tensing up and causing a headache or mild pain. I would highly recommend you research all the physicians in the area. One way to do it is to go to the neuro floor of a local hospital and just talk to the nurses, they know the scare. Also you can find many places on the net to get info on docs. I believe you can spend $10 and find out everything about the doc. Also ask him what his infection rate is. If you have a good doc I would say go do it. It should make you feel much, much better. If you like you may e-mail me at hjk@att.net. My prayers are with you.

  137. By April Larsen on Jul 26, 2009 | Reply

    Go to http://www.northamericanspine.com

  138. By Beatrice on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply

    Hpw sucessful was your surgery/

  139. By Beatrice on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply

    How sucessful was your surgery/

  140. By Louise Wolfe on Aug 10, 2009 | Reply

    I have had 3 back surgeries and now have severe siatiac nerve pain. the last surgeon said, it is scar tissue on the siaciat.
    Is there some one that does laser scar tissue removal? Where.
    thanks

  141. By paula t on Aug 11, 2009 | Reply

    does anyone thats had lumbar fusion with titanium,feel the screws i do my surg was done in 2000.i have tried several differeny meds,pt lost 50lbs. no improvement noted. i have considered having this stuff removed.

  142. By vanessa on Aug 13, 2009 | Reply

    i just had surgery about three weeks ago on L5-S1. the alif procedure to be exact. i had a over 9 mm herniated disc and was taking 8-9 norcos a day so i could work still. i’m a 28 year old who is very physically fit and couldn’t wait to have the surgery so i could just go hiking again w/out pain. luckily my mom works for the BEST spine surgeon- dr. erik spayde. i’m doing wonderful now and am going back to work (light duty of course)next thursday. i’m only taking 3- 10 mg percocets a day and will be down to 0 by next wednesday and i’m so happy i finally will have my life back. there is nothing like being in pain for two years and then KNOWING you’ve been fixed. my advice to you is to find a good surgeon and get the surgery. i have 4 screws and 2 plates in my back and no regrets.

  143. By Mary on Aug 14, 2009 | Reply

    Hi my is mary and I had a spinal fusion about 10 months ago along with a laminectomy in L-4 L-5 I have never felt so much pain in my 48 years of life and Ive hade chilren naturally but I feel I had more pain after the surgery then before I had no idea what I was really in for ,I would not recomend open back surgery to any one if anything laser would be my choice but my insurance wouldn’t pay for it please think about it carefully and make sure you will have someone to care for you while you are recovering because my doctor told me in a couple of weeks I would be back to normal boy was he wrong .

  144. By steve on Aug 20, 2009 | Reply

    i would go to pain management, have them get him a cat-scan. most likely the job has been botched or he has done something, like lifting heavy/improperly when he wasn’t supposed to. it is manageable. if it is a displacement of a screw or other part, then that will be redone for free. if it is the scar tissue fusing with the nerve root, such as myself, then pain management can give him injections in combination with tramadol, neurotin, anti-inflammatory, mild excersize and proper stretching. possibly he could have the scar tissue sucked out, if that is an option.

  145. By Barb on Aug 22, 2009 | Reply

    I’m a 45 year old female that has had decmpression surgery due to spinal stenosis, it’s going on 3 weeks since my surgery though I no-longer have the shooting pains down to my knees the pain in the back is worst now and the numbing in the thieghs have not improved. I have had both knees replaced and afraid of falling due to being unsteady, I wish now that I never had any of my surgeries becouse I’m more disabled now than before. The Docs. say I’m healing good but they don’t feel the pain.

  146. By jeff on Sep 1, 2009 | Reply

    hey guys iv read all of ur blogs and i thought i was totally alone. had my final consult today im a 26 yr old male and i have my own small plastering business woke up with stiff necks for a couple months and ended up not being able to use my arm as no strenths due to my back and i was sent from emergancy to get a remedial massage witch definatly made my issue alot worse turns out iv got herniated disks in my neck to back i think they said c4 and c5 wasnt listening as my wife was as i had to go to toilet to be sick as i could not handle what i was being told about my options aparently i have 3 to 4 options but none of them are 100 percent possitive and was wondering if anyone could help me make my decision first one is to leave it for 3 months and see if it fixes its self and reassess 2 is to do the fusion where they push it back in and fuse it i think long recovery time aparently 3rd is to make a cut at my neck and slide somthing down to move disk away from my spinal cord and nerves as i have a numb thumb and strong arm pain and and the 4th thing is not free as i have to pay but the said that they will do it for free if i do it as like a surgical study and thats to insert plastic disk witch aparently isnt done much on ppl my age as aparently it only lasts for 8 to 12 years and wears the rest of your back out i would love some advise or doctors numbers in australia who could help me i just built a house for me and my new wife we are only young and were just about to start a family but now i have no income and im pretty scared and dont know where to turn as i think there is to many options and i dont know what is best there so many pros and cons please help you may even change my life kind regards jeff

  147. By julie on Sep 5, 2009 | Reply

    I have been seeing a oriental medicine acupuncturist and have had fantastic results after the first session.

  148. By ashlea grogan on Sep 19, 2009 | Reply

    hi… i had a spinal fusion about 5 weeks ago and everything went fine.. your in a bit of pain after but it only last a week. you wont really notice it if you have good pain relief. i had scolios which was 60 degrees curve… im now in no pain at all. if you have a good doctor and know whats happening its ok. i was so scared before i went in but its worth it….

  149. By Colleen on Sep 22, 2009 | Reply

    I was wondering if anyone has had the same problem as me? I had a double fusion back in April of 08. Since May of 08 I’ve had so much lower back pain and I can’t sleep at night. I really have a hard time with my muscles too. I can’t even lay on my sides because of the pain. The doctor has done an MRI-and a C-Scan and says everything is OK,it’s not OK. The pain seems worse then before the surgery. If anyone is going thru any of this or has in the best and has a good way to get rid of any of the pain could you please let me know how?Thanks Colleen

  150. By Casey on Sep 24, 2009 | Reply

    I have L4-L5, L5-S1 disc bulges 4-5mm and degenerative disc desease. My doctor wants to do a microdiscectomy with decompression. What surgury worked for you? THANKS

  151. By Cindy on Sep 28, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Casey, I had a microdisectomy on my L4-L5 in Dec. 2007. I was expecting great relief, but had weakness and numbing in my right leg, so bad I fell down some stairs and broke my wrist. Had one sugery on my wrist and another is scheduled for March 2010. I began developing scar tissue in the L4-L5 and is was putting incredible pressure on my spinal column. I just had my second back surgery on the 15th and get my stitches out tomorrow. I too have degenerative disk disease. I’m walking around with a cane, but have incredible pain, my weight doesn’t help any either!! I have great hope for this surgery. I believe each surgery depends on the person. Mine had complications, but yours could do the trick for you. I wouldn’t put it off though, my injury was from work. Workers Comp. is so friggin slow to process requests from doctors, they aggravate the situation, otherwise I would have had the surgery 4 years ago!!They started moving quicker though after i got a lawyer!!!! They even called me on Friday to make sure I had my follow-up appt, imagine that!My advice, ALWAYS get a second opinion!!

  152. By nate on Sep 29, 2009 | Reply

    hey what do you have to loose live in pain all your life or take a chance at surgery. you might come out better or even worse o ya i forgot to mentioned also depends on what kind of insurance you have and ya all no what i mean by that. good insurance good surgery bad insurance well ill see what i can do for ya ok. god bless ya all and good luck with your surgerys. dont forget the longer you wait the more pain you will have have surgery get it over with.

  153. By nate on Sep 29, 2009 | Reply

    i love you jesus you are my light by day and my strenth by night you give me hope when there aint any and strenth to over come my fears. you are by my side day and night holding my hand as i go into surgery tommorrow you will be there once again to comfort me and to hold my hand i love you jesus.

  154. By nate on Oct 8, 2009 | Reply

    hello guys had surgery last week posterior interbody fusion had cage put in with screws.stenosis of spine cut out and scrap pain fist couple of days weak also but 10 days later i feel pretty good. walking with walker about 1 mile day. no numness in legs anymore or tingling down side of my legs. DR says 1 good year for healing but i dont feel to bad now just real sore with pain cant bend or reach or sit to long or twist just slow walk. would i do this surgery again i dont no. god bless you guys.

  155. By arvin on Oct 18, 2009 | Reply

    hello all, i had a 360 fusion w/ bone graft,2 screws infront and 6 screws w/ titanium rods on my back on my L4,L5,S1 done 14 months ago…..went though hell the first couple of months after the surgery. now my surgeon tells me that what ever im feeling now is what i have to deal with for the rest of my life….well 14 months after the surgery i can tell you guys that i am still having similar problems. workers comp. is pretty much a 2 year open and shut case with everyone that’s involve in it including my lawyer. qme found me at 26% major perm. dis. and stationary, from what my own dr. tells me with that findings i can get back to work but a lighter type of work well i can not picture myself working because of the same symptons that i am having before the surgery. now i have an appt. to see a ssd lawyer to file for permanent dis. another long process and without knowing if i will get it or not is really not a good feeling with all the stuff that’s going on in my life but i take it one day at a time and pray with my family! any one going though similar case? or anyone have questions would love to share any info..arvin

  156. By Wanda Newman on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply

    9-25-09 I had back surgery on L5 and S1 to repair a broken vertabra and destroyed disc all because someone was to damn lazy to shovel the snow off a sidewalk. Yes I have had pain and I am still taking meds but the pain is nothing compared to prior to the surgery. I had a very good doctor and I done my homework. There was no other options to help resolve the problem. You don’t always habe the choices that you want and you have to do the best that is possible for you! Don’t be afraid to aask questions and push for all the choices and be sure you are comfortable with your doctor.

  157. By ginger on Feb 2, 2010 | Reply

    I had a laminectomy in Jan. of 2005(l5-Si) I had went to Dr. because Ihad pain my tailboneand my legs ached. Well of course I listened to the Ortho and was in surgery before I could blink. I had a fusion w/nuts and bolts. One year later I’m “still” hurting but of course worse than I’d ever imagine. So I had him take out the hardware, thinking it may be pinching nerves ect.. Nope that wasn’t it. I’ve had all the treatments and drugs. Drugs only take you so far and thats it. Now 5 years later I’m still in horrible painback,hips legs, feet and found a new pm Dr. He wants to try this neurostimulator on me. Has anyone used this trmt before? I don’t want to do one more thing that could even make it worse.I’ve been on HBP meds coz the pain is so bad but dont want to be drugged up.Thanks for this website

  158. By nate on Feb 19, 2010 | Reply

    had cage fusion done mam 5 monthes ago with screws i feel great now no problems of course i was a mess i had degenerated Disc Diaseas with stenosis of spine with torn nerve and severe arthritis in my spine. i over did it and went threw hell for a couple of monthes but that was my fault i kept lifting things around the house and i build up scar tissue and fluid but im ok now you wont have any problems mam just dont over do it ok. God bless

  159. By nate on Feb 19, 2010 | Reply

    arvin i went threw hell myself for 2 monthes its been 5 monthes since i had my cages put in my spine all thoe i do feel so what better the pain is still there comes and goes. i filed 2 years ago with my lawyer still waiting for an answer on Disability sad but true. because i worked for 28 years this is the price you pay. every pregnant woman and others with a scratch on them run right to the Disability office and jams it up for people like me and you. its sad i no ive seen this thats why it takes so long to get a Decision on your case. trust me you better file now it takes forever.

  160. By ellen Mcgowan on Mar 10, 2010 | Reply

    have terrible pain in hips.Legs hurt so bad at times turns me into a cripple. Have spinal fusion. Just take otc pain meds. Is anyone suffering like this?

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