Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobbi
I'm sorry for all the pain you're feeling, and have experienced.
I replied to another of your posts, and I do hope that you not think I was being too harsh; it was that I was being honest. I learned the hard way about spurs/osteophytes from others, too. The darn things can be surgically removed, but, once someone has had the things, they are more likely than not to recur.
I still go by what I initially posted; I'd only opt for a minimally invasive procedure for the removal of spurs (and I'm speaking strictly of those). I've not encountered a single doc (specialist or surgeon) who offers a guarantee that spurs will not re-surface if removed.
I don't know whether you may have also seen a neurologist and have had an EMG/NCV. If not, I'd have the testing in tandem... and done by a neurologist.
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I don't think you are being harsh at all.
I appreciate your honesty. I have been doing research (some) and yeah, bone spurs are in a sense like a form of degenerative disc disorder, This particular disc has been massively herniated for some time and then it collapsed (fun), and now the spur .. I have had 4 MRIs related to just this one disc because the Dr.'s keep suspecting the cauda equina thing??? I sometimes have trouble with bodily functions since this started. (even more fun)
I have had the EMG, discography, 2 CAT scans...sigh. I had horrible bone spurs removed from my neck 10 years ago c4-7 and am still operational...lol. My arms are not weak again at least, although I must admit lately I have had that familiar aching pain in the shoulder blade area...who knows ..but even if the neck spurs cane back today I did get ten years of good time with the operation. My right leg however is a different matter, my NS and the pain specialist both think a minimally invasive fusion with a spacer and just a few screws will help me. I am afraid the pain is making me inclined to go along with them and I don't want permanent nerve damage..the amount of nerve damage right now is what they call significant..I can't drive anymore and walking is hard. I know things can be worse but even if I get just a few years of feeling better with this surgery, even if a spur grows back, i think it might be worth it all. My foot surgery removed a giant one from the top of my foot. If I had not done that I would not have been able to wear a shoe and my mobility was being challenged. It was a painful surgery because they had to carve out a lot of bone tissue and pin my foot but I still don't regret it. Orthopedic shoes were not my idea of fashion at the time. I am 49 now..and much older and expect age related things. I guess it is a matter of weighing the benefits to the costs.
Thank you Bobbi for your very helpful and intelligent suggestions. I appreciate you taking the time to post to me. This is a great forum full of really great people. Thanks!!!!