Back Field Fusion question -

[THE KOD]

I try to come to madjacks in the best spirits most of the time. I try not to bring worry and concern into my words here.

My wife was involved in a really bad traffic accident almost two years ago now. She has been through 3 surgerys already.

We have been to surgeons that say now that she must have a back fusion. Its low in the back like l4 and l5 area.

to make matters worse she has arthritis and spondalethesiosis (Sp)

Picking the surgeon is crucial to us.'

There is always a chance it will not work and worst case is paralized.

They put in titanium screws that cost 4 grand a piece. Sometimes they use cadaver pieces.

The cost estimated to us is 60 grand hosptial

40 grand Doctors and Surgeon.

what a deal

anyone know anything about back fusion ?

 

[Blackman]

Scott -- I don't know anything about back fusion, but just wanted to wish you and your wife all the best during the whole process. Good luck and hopefully everything goes smoothly.

 

[Penguinfan]

After having fairly unsuccessful back surgery of my own I am told this is the next step for me as well.

I have been given advice to put it off as long as I possibly can because the risk/reward is so low.

I am also told that when things go PERFECTLY it works great, but that is in a small percentage of cases.

Only your wife knows how much pain whe is in every day and only she can make the decision.

Best of luck in whatever you decide. I would appreciate it if you keep us posted though.

 

[SixFive]

Scott, sorry your wife is having problems. Back injuries are horrible, debilitating, frustrating, painful, and severely depressing because of the function they affect and take away.

I know all about back surgeries and injuries that have affected me and many of my patients. Fortunately, I don't have any radiculopathy in my legs, and I can usually sleep comfortably. I have 2 herniated discs in the same area, but thankfully, I don't need surgery. I'm thankful I can still work (albeit not pain-free) and make a living, but there are lots of things I can no longer do.

What kind of symptoms is your wife having now? What do you want to know? Get my email if you wish, and I'll help you with any information I can. My major field is in physical rehab which she'll need a lot of, but I also have extensive background in medical/surgical. If I don't know the answer, I can get it from friends who are surgeons with a simple phone call.

I wish her the best.

 

[SixFive]

After having fairly unsuccessful back surgery of my own I am told this is the next step for me as well.

I have been given advice to put it off as long as I possibly can because the risk/reward is so low.

I am also told that when things go PERFECTLY it works great, but that is in a small percentage of cases.

Only your wife knows how much pain whe is in every day and only she can make the decision.
Best of luck in whatever you decide. I would appreciate it if you keep us posted though.

good, cogent advice especially what I bolded. One day at a time, penguinfan! Back pain and injury sure sucks, don't it bud?!

 

[Morris]

Scott, sorry to hear that about your wife. Hope she makes out OK.

 

[AR182]

scott...

sorry to read about your wife's back problems...i have a chronic back condition also & can relate to it.

i would like to tell you something about this but rather do it privately. if you would like you can e-mail me or give jack premission to give me your e-mail address.

 

[StevieD]

Scott, I have had two fusions in my neck and it looks I am heading for a third. My left arm was paralysed and I was in constant, sever, pain. So I had the operation. At the time it was new. From where I was I would say it has been a God send for me.

But my problems are with the neck and they did not use the screws. There is a lot more pressure on the back.

I have the bone grafts with the bones from a cadaver. In my case it stopped the pain instantly and I gained full use of my arm. A few years later I neededa second one and now it looks like I may need a third. In fact, I am seeing a doctor this afternoon.

I wish you and your wife the best of luck.

 

[VaNurse]

I've had fusion with titanium plates and screws and cadaver bone in my cervical spine. In conversation with my surgeon, fusion in the lower spine has a much more uncertain outcome. My surgery was a success with relief from the severe neck pain realized as soon as I woke up from the anesthesia. I was told that I have another cervical vertebra crapping out on me and may have to have another surgery later on to resolve it. I can only say that the pain I had been experiencing prior to surgery was enough to drive me to do almost anything at any price to try to make it better! I'll keep your wife in my prayers and hope that everything turns out alright, whatever her decision.

 

[BADTODABONE]

I think I got lucky....early 90's.

Lowest disc blown out, middle back another slipping. Therapy worked it back???

Hammer and Chisel, notch here, slip these nerves there....you might be fine.

3 options that day, 10:30 am...surg @ 4:30 that afternoon I was in so much pain

Right leg goes numb at times, depends on time on my feet and what I'm wearing..., dress shoes kill me

 

[Lookn4help]

Back Surgery

Back Surgery

Scott;
I have had a microdiscectomy at L5-S1. I did Physical Therapy until I had no choice but to have surgery due to pressure from the protruding disc damaging other nerves. I will tell you this......FIND A NEUROSURGEON and have all the tests possible prior to surgery. I knew the possible side effects even if all went just right and although I had a degree of pain relief as far as intensity I also have 24 hr a day parathesia (leg always feels like it's asleep) and I take 20 mg codiene and a muscle relaxer every 8 hours. Presently having further follow-up because I have developed a limp and have a degree of atrophy in my leg. I hope your wife does better, but please find the best people you can for the procedures because even if all goes well there are possible side effects. Good luck