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Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems. |
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#11 | ||
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#12 | ||
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Before doing any spine surgery please get a few opinions. i also have decided not to do lumbar surgery and i deal with my pain in many ways. Unfortunately, i had to have cervical done because my spinal cord was flattened by bone spurs. Just make sure you check out all options and get a few opinions.
Take care. |
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#13 | ||
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I had a C2-C3 fusion(Very Dangerous). Did not help. I followed with a C2-C7 major fusion after. I notice very little difference before and after but glad I opted for surgery because it beats never knowing what surgery could have done for me. It matters none that my neck is full of hardware, I had nothing to lose. Physical therapy helps little and drugs other than opiates do not help when I get an attack of pain. Hell of a way to live. Attacks can last for months(can you believe it)? I do not ever look back. What it is it is. Debating about should I have had surgery or not is over with. Be strong and make sure you are in charge of your life
RX |
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#14 | ||
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Junior Member
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Your attitude is one a good one and one I need for myself. Life is what is and we make the best decisions we can then we need to move on. |
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#15 | ||
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Magnate
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Yes, I still have pain; but mostly from my Periphereal Neuropathy and Edema. The edema was after Bladder surgery 3 years ago. Still have spine pain as well, but not sure I would be walking today (use cane) if I hadn't had the surgery. I had a badly crushed nerve (the surgeon said he had never seen such a red angry nerve before) He is an orthopaedic spine surgeon. I hate to think what might have happened had I not had the surgery. At least the fusion took much of the pressure off the nerve; but it had been badly damaged. The laminectomy allowed a little more space for the spinal cord because of the stenosis. The doctor told me I still would have problems because there were additional issues. I had to wear a brace for 6 months. It was a soft brace with velcro. It also was a good reminder for me Not to Bend. That is soooo very important. Before leaving the hospital, I was shown the best way to get out of bed, including the do's and dont's. Actually, I had more pain with my gallbladder surgery than I did with the fusion. But, I must say I had an IV with Fentanyl which controlled much of my pain. Also, did take some narcotic meds as well in the hospital and at home. Since those meds are addictive; best not to stay on very long, if possible. Since I have a wool rug under my dining table, my husband got a chair matt (usually under desk chairs) so I could easily push away from the table. My husband did the grocery shopping. Got many quick, easy to make foods. Also, my daughters would bring over some meals as well. I did not vacuum. If there is no one to help do the vacuuming, close your eyes; but Do Not Vacuum. The Doc is right though; there are many "failed back surgeries". Hard to say how much worse things would be without it. So much depends on the circumstances. In my case; I was desperate so I had the surgery. I doubt if many ever get back to where they were before problems ever began. Wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers. (ger) |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | Dr. Smith (01-15-2012) |
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#16 | |||
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Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
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It's a difficult decision I don't envy anyone. I can only speak for myself - no-one else, and every single situation is unique. I've a bit more to say, but I'm rushed at the moment.... Doc
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Dr. Zachary Smith Oh, the pain... THE PAIN... Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE. All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor. |
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#17 | |||
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Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
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I've been at that crossroads. I may be there again. The surgery option will always be there; the option not to do it, or to undo it, will not.
First, I would exhaust every treatment option available (including, but not limited to, pain management, a pain pump and/or spinal cord stimulator) before even considering surgery. (I've already considered surgery not even knowing, let alone trying everything else, and I'm glad/thankful it was a surgeon who talked me out of it, and into trying everything else first.) Since then I've tried some things; I have others yet to try, but even with the pain, surgery is a way off for me. Once I had exhausted all other avenues, and surgery was the only one left, I would get at least 2 opinions, and maybe more, depending on what those opinions were, the feeling I got about the surgeon(s), and the surgeons' backgrounds & reputations (lawsuits, complaints, sanctions, etc.) If I'm going to be unconscious, under the knife, with my life in the hands of this person, I want to know all I can about him/her; there has to be a good.... no, a confident feeling about the whole situation. I want to know each surgeon's track record (success rate), both in general, and with cases/procedures like mine. No two will be the same, but experience should be successful - not just numbers of procedures. If the two opinions were not in total agreement, I would get at least 3 opinions, etc. I would listen to any/all reasons for their opinions, and I would get every question answered to my satisfaction before agreeing to anything. ("I don't know" is sometimes a valid/acceptable answer, and better than an "attitude". Another thing I would do is make sure where my own head is at, and where my decision is coming from - clear logical thinking rather than the emotional response of pain, or out of some stage of grief, whether "bargaining" or "acceptance" or another. http://www.livestrong.com/stages-of-grief/ There is probably more; I've probably posted it here previously. It all comes down to making an informed decision. I sincerely hope you're making the right decision too, and that it will be a total success and you will be pain-free forever. I hope that for everyone except my sham friends!* ![]() * "Champagne for My Real Friends, Real Pain for My Sham Friends" - Francis Bacon Doc
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Dr. Zachary Smith Oh, the pain... THE PAIN... Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE. All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor. |
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#18 | ||
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Junior Member
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Today my foot is numb and my hip/leg are killing me. I took Ultram and still feel bad. It is hard to imagine this getting worse. My experience with PT was not good and my NS/I agree that the shots are a bad idea for me. The less pain I am in the more I do and is concerned I will overdo it and hurt myself even worse. I have my pre op on Thursday and have a ton of questions for my NS. I am so overwhelmed at the moment. |
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#19 | ||
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I'm facing another surgery soon, and I feel the familiar apprehension, overwhelming jittery feeling, I understand exactly how you are feeling. Keep us posted on how you are doing afterwards. Stay strong and think good thoughts!! ![]() Cathie |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | ger715 (01-17-2012) |
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#20 | |||
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Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
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That's perfectly understandable. Many people here and elsewhere complain about this doctor or that, their differences of opinions, skill, treatments, judgements, warts....
![]() http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_therapy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_therapy and others. Regarding being overwhelmed (Funny, I've never even heard/met anyone who was simply whelmed - Hmmmm ![]()
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Dr. Zachary Smith Oh, the pain... THE PAIN... Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE. All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor. |
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