Hi ~ First, you definitely need another MRI with and without contrast material. You need to know exactly what's going on.

The ONLY reason for spinal surgery is cauda equina (loss of bladder & bowel function) or the possibility of permanent nerve damage. Plus if the spinal cord is being impinged, you'd need surgery too! Surgery for herniations/bulges isn't the best idea because you're not guaranteed that the pain will be relieved. Many times the pain is WORSE after surgery! Plus surgery increases the chance that the levels above & below the surgery site will fail.

I agree with Doc Smith --- I've had 2 open spinal surgeries, and I'm worse now than I was before! I had these before the internet, so I couldn't do alot of research. Since then, I've had surgeons say they wouldn't touch me, as things would probably be worse after surgery.

I wish you the very best. Make sure you do your homework & research your condition thoroughly!! But don't jump into surgery. It should be a last resort. God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee

Leesa was right about one important thing. After my first fusion, I did indeed have trouble with the vertrebre above and below the fusion site. I was not informed of this additional trouble, it was known however at the time of my first fusion. I had no option in my case as I risked being paralized. Nerves were involved, due to deterieration. Do all you can to aviod the surgery if possible. I did finally get wonderful results, but it was very difficult to go through that second surgery. Please do all your homework and get that MRI to find out exactly what is going on. I wish you all the best. ginnie

hello


no
no
no
no
no
you went 6 years and thank you system
for jumping right on in SHAME ON THOSE WHO TOOK THE OATH AND ABANDONED IT FOR THEIR OWN SELFISH REASONS
you have nothing but time
do ALL your HOMEWORK
TALK TO THOSE WHO HAVE HAD WHAT IS RECOMMEND
WHAT DOCTORS WANT TO CUT
NO SO QUICK!

I think the reason the neuro surgeon didn't do all the surgery the first time is because I had no insurance. It would have been more involved, and it would cost more. Therefor he only did what he had to, to prevent me from being paralized. He did not address the other severe problems in my neck, never told me. Thats why there was a six year break. I didn't know any better as I didn't have my records at the time. The pain specialist could see what was really happening when he did a Katamine infusion with the xray guilding the needle. He realized something bad was happening and got me the top neuro surgeon in our area. The first guy in my opinion was negligent in every senseof the word. I learned to research after that, and thats what I try to tell people who think about having surgery. It sure was no bed of roses. ginnie