[LizaJane]

There's a clinical trial going on for something that looks very promising for treating spinal stenosis without fusion, even where there is instability. I don't qualify, because I've had previous surgery, but I think I'm gonig to hold off on anything else until this becomes standard, or something similar.

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/sho...479544?order=1

"The Stabilimax NZ is inserted and fixed to the vertebra by means of pedicle screws in exactly the same way a fusion device is inserted and attached. The only difference is that for the Stabilimax NZ, no bone graft will be placed around or between the vertebra to promote bone growth for fusion."

Patients in the clinical trial will either receive the Stabilimax NZ or a standard spinal fusion. The complete description is at: http://tinyurl.com/yqdkx6.

I've looked at this, and it's a dynamic system for preserving spinal motion and elminating bone implants. Promising.

[jakatak]

LizaJane for the info.....

[shiney sue]

LJ thank you so much for this imformation. Jack sounds good.. Sue

[jakatak]

I do sound good...don't I

[MelodyL]

Hi:

I have a cousin in law that I spoke to today. I just found out that she has had neuropathy for 20 years, since she was 37 years old. She had 6 back surgeries due to a tumor on her back. The tumor was wrapped around her spinal cord and she has nerve root damage.

Her neuropathy is in the back of her legs from her backside, down the legs into her feet. She has had many infections (she has absolutely no feeling in her feet and almost lost a toe once). She has the burning, pins and needles, etc. I never knew it was that bad. We never really talked about her problems because she has a handicapped child and all her attention has to be on the child. She is an excellent mother but her pain level must be amazing.

She told me today that she is never without pain. Without the burning, without anything. She has learned to live with it. I asked her "what about the medtronic device". She said "there is no surgeon who will touch my back" and anyway, once they implant this, what if it doesn't work?". I said "I believe they let you wear it for a week before they implant it in you". She is afraid to go this route, I would gather. She can't take any drugs because they hamper her ability to care for her child during the day.

And she has tried the blue stuff (she said it burned the hell out of her), and nothing else works. She's tried it all.

Presently she is on a new drug called OPANA. I looked it up, it's a synthetic form of morphine, I believe. But she said "It just takes the edge off", I am always in pain.

Now here's my question. Since she can't get an epidural (no doctor will touch her spine), and the drugs haven't worked (she did try the fentanyl patch and it made her deathly ill).She tried the lidoderm patches and she had a side effect from them. So what is a person to do when they have neuropathy due to spinal sugeries that left so much scar tissue that no doctor will touch her.

Is she doomed to suffer for the rest of her life?? I really like her and I had no idea that she was going through this for 20 years.

She just went to a family member's wedding and I said "you actually went to a wedding"? and she said "I have had to learn to live through this pain"

Absolutely amazing!!!

Melody

[HeyJoe]

what about anti depressants and/or lyrica?

[MelodyL]

She tried lyrica and it was the same for her as the neurontin. Did nothing for her neuropathy. I honestly don't know if she is on anti-depressants and I really hesitate to ask.

I told her about these forums, but she only goes on forums that pertain to the handicap of her child. She really has no time. I don't know if I could have done what she has done, but god bless her, she had the stamina. To be in such pain and raise a handicapped child, well, it take a lot of courage.

And she's in PAIN!!! I believe her bladder is also affected.

Jeez, this is 2007, is there no surgeon out there who won't at least try. She told me today that when she gave birth 16 years ago, they couldn't give her anything and she had to go natural. I said "natural childbirth??". Why? and she said "My back is so messed up, no one would touch it." (All the scar tissue)

jeez!!!

[shiney sue]

I don't know pehaps she deals with it because she has to deal with her
child. It's sad. I've got a new Dr. tommorow another Friday. i'm
beginning to get them mixed up,but i wrote everything down. Would
hate to have them get cofused,gee Drs don't ever do that Sue