[allentgamer]

Lumbar surgery is in the future for me

Seen a new neuro this week, and he has me scheduled for some MRI's tonight. According to his zap tests I have some serious problems in the L5 S1 area.

It was no secret to me that there was back troubles, and they have been getting worse, but surgery is a scary option. The only thing about this neuro that I dont like is that he doesnt think there is any RSD. He thinks it is all from the back problems.

Sure wish he could have seen me a few years ago when the RSD was changin colors, and swelling like mad. I guess if we do this right it will make some things better.

It boggles my mind how they blow off having the femoral artery blocked off for a solid week as not going to cause any damage that they see today, and choose to ignore the fact that the entire right leg has osteopenia. Plus me complaining of severe pain ever since. I guess they have selective hearing, and thinking ROFL!!

Anyone else had back surgery with RSD? Anything I should be aware of going into this??

[loretta]

Originally Posted by allentgamer

Lumbar surgery is in the future for me

Seen a new neuro this week, and he has me scheduled for some MRI's tonight. According to his zap tests I have some serious problems in the L5 S1 area.

It was no secret to me that there was back troubles, and they have been getting worse, but surgery is a scary option. The only thing about this neuro that I dont like is that he doesnt think there is any RSD. He thinks it is all from the back problems.

Sure wish he could have seen me a few years ago when the RSD was changin colors, and swelling like mad. I guess if we do this right it will make some things better.

It boggles my mind how they blow off having the femoral artery blocked off for a solid week as not going to cause any damage that they see today, and choose to ignore the fact that the entire right leg has osteopenia. Plus me complaining of severe pain ever since. I guess they have selective hearing, and thinking ROFL!!

Anyone else had back surgery with RSD? Anything I should be aware of going into this??

Hi Allen,
I'm so sorry you have to have surgery. I know there are precautionary procedures, but don't know what they are. I know I've read on this forum other patients that have had surgery and their surgeon speaking to Dr. S and following those directions. I sincerely hope all goes well. Please let us know how all turns out. Hope all the best for you, loretta soft hugs

[SandyRI]

Dear Allen,

I have also read on this forum that patients (or their surgeons) can contact Dr. S. in Philly prior to surgery and that he generously provides whatever guidance is needed. We can't afford to NOT take precautions.

I had L5/S1 fusion surgery in July of 2004. I felt so much better afterwards. The best of luck to you, hope all goes well!

XOXOX Sandy

[AintSoBad]

Allen,
I'm sure you will take the adequate precautions.
Such as have this neuro have and sign off of having, your first neuro's reports of your having RSD!

Sadly, it's become a CYA world.
Did I ever mention how I can't stand lawyers? Oh, I'm not fond of them....

Allen,
You're a Real Smart guy.
Yet, I know what it's like when it comes to yourself.... you can do anything for anyone, and yourself..... ha!
Keep us posted?

And, we'll surely let you know of our experiences.

How, btw, does your lower back feel, does it feel like you need surgery?
(Mine does), my neck and low back.
But, my tbi just freaks me out whenever it comes time to do anything...

Yer pal,
Pete
asb

[Jomar]

I think you'll know more after seeing the MRI films, finding out if something is really a cause or not of this new stuff.

request a copy of the films so if you want to have a second doc {or chiro?} look at them , they'll be in your hands already...
Sometimes they can put them on a CD for you.

[fmichael]

Originally Posted by AintSoBad

Allen,
I'm sure you will take the adequate precautions.
Such as have this neuro have and sign off of having, your first neuro's reports of your having RSD!

Sadly, it's become a CYA world.
Did I ever mention how I can't stand lawyers? Oh, I'm not fond of them....

Pete - Specifically, what was it in Allen's post that motivated your riff against lawyers? (Down boy. Down!)

Seriously, we all feel for Allen, who's biggest immediate problems appear to have little to due with the CYA tendancies of the medical profession, and everything to do with the (potentially) bad practice of medicine.

But if we need a face for the poster, consider that of Scott S. Reuben, MD the prolific anesthioslogy researcher who managed to insinuate himself - even in minor roles - in almost all of the papers that were published on using continuous regional anesthesia on CRPS patients undergoing surgery, while never neglecting his day job: falsifying date in support of the prophylactic pre-op use of celecoxib (Celebrex) and pregabalin (Lyrica), both manufactured by Pfizer. For a reprint of the Anesthiology News article that broke the story, go here http://lcmedia.typepad.com/pharmola/...community.html And unfortunately, although Dr. Reuban admitted to falsifying result in what was origionally estimated as 21 of the 71 published papers he at least co-authored: thereby wiping out virtually all of the published literature on CRPS and subsequent surgeries, these papers having been withdrawn by the journal publishers.

Check out the RSDSA Medical Article archieve page at http://www.rsds.org/2/library/articl...x.html#Surgery What used to be a bevy of articles we could just hand to prospective surgeons who had little if any experience with CRPS (other than inducing it on occasion) has been decimated, on account of which we how have to say "psst, call Dr. Schwartzman."

Allen - Not a fun time to have to muddle through this. Sorry about that, bro.

Mike

[allentgamer]

Talked to the doc today, and he says the surgery is for sure. The MRI's were just a formality. He needed to get them done so he could send me and the fresh films to the neurosurgeon.

Did I ever mention how I can't stand lawyers?

I cant stand doctors LOL! I wouldnt even be here if it wasnt for a doctor making a tiny little mistake that changed my life forever.

I guess once I get to meet the surgeon is when I will bring up the rsd. We'll see what he/she says about it ,a nd then I will decide if I want to let them cut into me. Im kinda leery about anyone messin wit me now LOL!!

I did get the MRI's on a disk, man that is fun to mess with. I could see the osteoma in the left sinus that they told me about. It is real fun to scroll through my brains LOL!

Will keep everyone up on what is goin on with me, and please if any more ideas dont hesitate to post them.

Seriously, we all feel for Allen, who's biggest immediate problems appear to have little to due with the CYA tendancies of the medical profession, and everything to do with the (potentially) bad practice of medicine.

Youy nailed it bro!! That is the scary part!!

[Sandel]

Hugs buddy,
Sandra

[Dubious]

Wow, I had no idea you don't like docs and lawyers, good luck bro!

[Scottish Girl]

Hi Allen,

I've just come across your post re. back surgery and RSD. I'm having back surgery on Wednesday 11th November, and I have RSD in my left arm/hand which has recently spread to my legs. It's a gamble, but if I don't have the surgery I'll never be any better than I am now, and I really want to stop walking like the Hunchback! It's not very attractive! I'll let you know how it goes if you like, and what kind of precautions they took for the RSD?

Take care