Quote:
Originally Posted by Leesa
Hi ~ If I were you, I would stay away from surgery at ALL COSTS unless your spinal cord is being impinged or else you are in danger of permanent nerve damage.
The American medical Society said that last year, spinal surgery patients had the SAME RESULTS as people who had physical therapy!! In other words, thousands of people had needless surgery!!! Also, after spinal surgery, you are NEVER the same -- it will not take away your pain - you will probably have the same pain or worse after surgery as you had before surgery. Surgery only corrects mechanical problems. And, surgery begets more surgery -- if you have spinal surgery, the level below the surgery site will more likely fail because it has to take on more of the load -- it's called the "domino" effect. So you'd be needing more surgery -- it just keeps going on and on. The doctors don't tell you this. They WANT you to have surgery.
If I were you, I'd stay with physical therapy. You'll get just as good results as with surgery. God bless. Hugs, Lee
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Leesa, I know you are only trying to help some of us to decide whether to get surgery or not. I was really scared by your post of not to get surgery and almost considered canceling, until I talked to my physician and he said that the "success stories are not posting very much on forums -- after they heal and recover, they get back to life and don't have a need to read the forums." I am a newbie here, but a very positive person and realize the dangers of surgery, but also am frustrated by the pain and lack of ability to do the things I love -- tennis, golf, and so on.
I have gone to PT 43 times, physiatrist, massage therapy too many times to count and have had a good outcome with epidurals but doesn't last long enough.
I think we have to try to make an informed decision, but just realize not everyone will have an awful outcome. I feel bad for you that your outcome was not what you hoped for but others have had good outcomes with the surgery.
I work in the medical field and I trust the doctors I go to give me good advice. The person who you are answering is looking for advice on a discogram, so it means the physicians are looking for the disc causing her pain which is a good thing to do before surgery, even tho this is a painful test.
It has taken me 18 months to make a decision to get surgery and I am getting one more opinion next week and may even switch to this NS since he comes highly recommended.
I thank you for making us aware of the dangers of surgery, but for some surgery is a viable option to be considered AFTER all other avenues have been explored.
Sorry for the long post, but I had to vent.
Hope every one has a pain-free day!