My first hurdle is finding a neurosurgeon. This is a task that is proving harder than it looks. I have 4-5 mm herniations from my L1 to my S1, excluding my L4 & 5 which are 6-7mm causing nerve pain to my left leg down to my foot. Upon reading many different types of informational sites or postings, I find my condition is quite common in the realm of cronic back pain. Why is finding a Doctor so complicated? I need to start the processes of a breast reduction and then Lap band surgery. I also have arthritis in both feet all of which had aggrivated my already existing weight problem. It's a vicious circle. The back pain causes additional weigh gain. The weight causses my back to get worse. I have been VERY apprehensive in making the commitment to these procedures. I'm now ready but have no clue where to start or who to turn to. I am feeling overwelmed and hopeless.

Any and all input to put me on the right path is vey welcomed and appreciated.
I'm Stephanie.

Well, I agree that you need to see a Neurosurgeon first, before you undergo any of the other surgeries. You will go to the Neuro for an OPINION -- not necessarily for surgery at this time. Surgery isn't always the answer, unless you're in danger of having some permanent nerve damage. Just so you know, surgery ONLY corrects mechanical problems -- it does NOT guarantee that your pain will be relieved. Many people come out of surgery with the same pain or worse. That's what happened to me -- twice. I had 2 open surgeries to repair herniated discs -- and both times, I had more pain than before. My last surgery was in 1995, and I STILL have the nasty pain. It is being controlled now by medication.

You might try "googling" "neurosurgeon's" in your area. Look at their credentials & there should be a link there that lets you do a "background" check on them, i.e. if they've had any malpractice suits against them, if they've been reprimanded by the AMA, etc. Word of mouth is a good reference for doctors too.

I know it seems overwhelming when you have so many issues. But don't feel bad -- we ALL get overwhelmed when we're in such pain. It doesn't take much to addle us. LOL Take care & best of luck. Please let us know how you come out, ok? Hugs, Lee

Hopefully, you are fairly near a teaching hospital. With all of your problems, you wil need a team approach. I would insist on spinal orthopedic and/or neurosurgeons, not general ones. Best wishes.

Hi,

Sent you an email for a specialist in Torrance and Laguna niguel.