|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 8
|
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 8
|
Need a fusion and am scared
Hello & Happy New Year to all,
I am writing with the hope of getting understanding, support & advise from any and all that are able.
In 2004 I had a laminectomy & decompression. I had a few herniations, degenerative disc disease, stenosis and also some infringement of nerve roots from L4-to L5 and S1. The surgery was not a success.
So now, after 3 plus years of continued pain and many MRI'S I am continuing to get large herniations in my lower spine, with the above mentioned problems plus a few more that cropped up, however, I don't have a MRI report in front of me to say what they are.
The past few months I find that I am unable to hop out of bed or even stand up gingerly without sitting up for about 45 minutes until my spine wakes up. It feels like the top half of my body doesn't want to sit on my lower half. The pain is horrific and even when I am able to stand and go downstairs for my coffee, it still takes a number of hours till I can move around . The feeling of having a bad fit between my upper & lower spine at least goes away. I know this sounds weird but it is true.
A few months ago (7) I went to a neurosurgeon after having another MRI and he said that I needed a fusion. I have heard bad and good things about fusions but the bad things always seem to stand out. Also, I didn't like the surgeon. He was a tad too arrogant for my liking. Not the laid back, comfortable type I would have preferred.
Needless to say, I never went back to him.
I have to have my spinal issues taken care of shortly.
I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure two years ago. My Nephrologist said it would be best to take care of these problems before I begin dialysis and or have a kidney transplant (I have been going through testing for transplant).
Obviously, I am a nervous wreck about having a fusion done and the length of time it takes to heal. I also need to find a Doctor I like who is good. I would like to have the surgery where my Neph. is, as the hospital knows my medical history, but the problem I have is the Doc. I don't like is affliated with that hospital.
One most important problem I have, is my inability to walk very far without severe pain, burning, tingling etc. We have about 15 stairs going up to our second level & I have a heck of a time making it up. Mostly in my thighs & calfs.
I am so very tired of all of this. My hips hurt when I lay on them too. If I didn't need my sciatic nerve I would tell them to take it out.
Thanks to all who may read this and if anyone has similar problems would you please be so kind as to respond? It would be much appreciated.
Warm regards,
*Barb
|