Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems.


advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-25-2008, 01:13 PM #11
Dallaskibby's Avatar
Dallaskibby Dallaskibby is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 10
15 yr Member
Dallaskibby Dallaskibby is offline
Junior Member
Dallaskibby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 10
15 yr Member
Default Dr. Jho surgery update 5 weeks after surgery.

Please see my post above regarding the surgery and the first week.

I am completely pain free, now that I have returned to normal activities some of the symptoms have returned. I would say the surgery fixed 80% of the symptoms, the remaining symptoms are mild.

Prior to surgery Dr Jho said I have Stenosis at three levels, L5-4, L4-3 and L3-2. Before the surgery he said the worst point was L5-4 and he will work on that level only. He said it does not look that bad on the MRIs. He did mention that I may need to come in again to have another level done if the work on L5-4 doesn't releave all my problems. A few hours after the surgery he said that L5-4 was very tight and required a lot more work that expected; most likely I would need to have the other two levels done.

BTW...I played an hour of basketball in an over 50 league a few days ago with no ill effects...four weeks after the surgery.

I am thinking of having the L4-3 level done just before Christmas, so I can recover over the Christmas holidays as I did for the first surgery. It's nice having all the relatives waiting on you and I can watch all the bowl games ;-)

I will update again in a month or so
Dallaskibby is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
Old 01-31-2008, 12:13 AM #12
robmike robmike is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3
15 yr Member
robmike robmike is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3
15 yr Member
Default Terrible Experience

Quote:
Originally Posted by mkamph View Post
How long ago did you have the procedure?
The failed spondo procedure (L5-S1 formanotomy) was performed in late January 2007!
I think there are many other people that have had similar experiences with Dr. Jho, but they do not post.
robmike is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 02-12-2008, 08:39 PM #13
df847455 df847455 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
15 yr Member
df847455 df847455 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
15 yr Member
Default Dr. Jho

I am headed for Dr. Jho on April 2 for my consultation. I already saw Dr. Kang at UPMC who was HIGHLY recommended and researched, but I really don't want the "bone from the hip" for the cervical fusion thing and hope Dr. Jho is my man. From what I have read in most cases it seems some people go in to surgery forgetting the warnings they were given about what "could happen", but most likely won't. Sometimes the surgeries are not a success or things can get worse.

Dr. Kang already warned me as I am sure Dr. Jho's office will. Then some people tear Dr. Jho down with out all the facts so I am weighing things myself. I have read a few unfortunate situations with Dr. Jho that I have no explanation for, but I guess I will follow my heart and common sense and pray for the best what ever I decide. Any more Dr. Jho stories of success I would like to hear them. thanks, david

Last edited by df847455; 02-12-2008 at 08:41 PM. Reason: spelling
df847455 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 02-13-2008, 07:11 AM #14
Kathi49 Kathi49 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 519
15 yr Member
Kathi49 Kathi49 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 519
15 yr Member
Default

If the "bone from the hip" is scaring you, then why don't you ask about a cadaver bone? My own NS prefers NOT to take bone from the hip. I have had a cadaver bone instead for both fusions and I did well. My concern and I could be wrong, that with all the levels that are involved and having the minimally invasive surgery would set you up for more instability. It SOUNDS like, from what you have said in other posts, that it is a foraminotomy. And to have that many levels done would frighten me. I would lean more towards what your Dr. Kang has said. Just my own opinion though. I guess what I am trying to say is that no matter what; I would go more for STABILITY rather than worrying too much about what TYPE of surgery. If your neck is as arthritic as you and your doctor have said; then roto rootering out the bone spurs, etc., might NOT be the appropriate course of action. Anyway, get the second opinion but I would proceed very cautiously. You wouldn't want to have all that work done only to find out later that you need fusions.
Kathi49 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 02-14-2008, 01:51 PM #15
df847455 df847455 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
15 yr Member
df847455 df847455 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
15 yr Member
Default

that is very wise advice that I will consider. It was the same concern of Dr. Kang, but another doctor of the Minimally Invasive type did not have that concern. I will truly weigh all thoughts and pray I make a good decision. thank you for the advice to think about.
df847455 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 02-25-2008, 08:42 PM #16
Dallaskibby's Avatar
Dallaskibby Dallaskibby is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 10
15 yr Member
Dallaskibby Dallaskibby is offline
Junior Member
Dallaskibby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 10
15 yr Member
Default Update - Dr. Jho's Lumbar Stenosis Surgery

Please note I have two other posts that go into details regarding my surgery above. This is update #2

I had the surgery on Dec 20 and it's about 10 weeks after the surgery. The surgery relieved 95% of my problems. The only issue I now have is tingling in my left foot, the tingling is very mild. I have resumed playing basketball a few times a week, with no ill effects. I can stand for long periods of time, and walk for extented time. All of these activities I could not do before the surgery.

I am considering get the next level done, which would be L3-4. hopefully this would relieve the tingling in my left foot. The tingling is nothing I could not live with at this point. But I think it would be better to have it done when I am active and relatively young.

From my experience I would highly recommend Dr. Jho for Stenosis Surgery. I traveled halfway across the country to have it done by him, and would have it done by him again.
Dallaskibby is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-13-2008, 11:26 AM #17
mkamph mkamph is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 6
15 yr Member
mkamph mkamph is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 6
15 yr Member
Default anterior microforaminotomy at one level

I had an anterior microforaminotomy at one level 3 weeks ago. All the pain in my neck, trap, shoulder and bicep is gone. It's still early, but I'm trying to stay optomistic. I got to a point where I was no longer able to work and had to do something. i read as many posts as I could on this site, and I did some research online about anterior microforaminotomies. The procedure to many docs is still new, but outside sources other than Jho state that the initial results are better than fusion. Additionally, from what I have read, this procedure is better than a posterior approach because the surgeon is able to access the front part of the spine which is generally where the lesions are located.

I also me another patient at Dr. Jho's office who was having an anterior micro before my surgery date and spoke with him. His surgery thus far has been very successful. I hope this helps. I know how nerve racking this process can be and good luck.


Quote:
Originally Posted by df847455 View Post
I am headed for Dr. Jho on April 2 for my consultation. I already saw Dr. Kang at UPMC who was HIGHLY recommended and researched, but I really don't want the "bone from the hip" for the cervical fusion thing and hope Dr. Jho is my man. From what I have read in most cases it seems some people go in to surgery forgetting the warnings they were given about what "could happen", but most likely won't. Sometimes the surgeries are not a success or things can get worse.

Dr. Kang already warned me as I am sure Dr. Jho's office will. Then some people tear Dr. Jho down with out all the facts so I am weighing things myself. I have read a few unfortunate situations with Dr. Jho that I have no explanation for, but I guess I will follow my heart and common sense and pray for the best what ever I decide. Any more Dr. Jho stories of success I would like to hear them. thanks, david
mkamph is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-15-2008, 02:31 AM #18
trvlagnt trvlagnt is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2
15 yr Member
trvlagnt trvlagnt is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2
15 yr Member
Default I had an anterior microforominotomy with Dr. Jho

I have never done this before but felt I should after reading some of these posts. I have cervical spinal stenosis at 3 levels and degenerative disc disease at two. Started having neck and shoulder pain right side and numbness in left arm and fingers with tightness. I live on the west coast and went to see the local orthopedic clinic where this was diagnosed with MRI and xrays. Told I would need a 3 level fusion. So I searched out a second opinion at the St. Marys spine center in San Francisco same diagnosis.
They offered to let me into a 2 disc replacement study with half of the people getting fusions and half getting replacements. I said I would think about it and found Dr. Jho on the web looking for a miracle I started calling. I had a similar experience where no one would return my calls. Finally after consistently calling for 6 months I saw Dr. Jho and had surgery 2 levels c5-6 6-7 on the left side. He was very vague during my meeting with him the day before my surgery in fact my husband wanted to leave and think about it.
But I had come all that way and was looking for anything that would avoid a fusion. I was told the surgery went well I think this whole time Dr. Jho spoke 10 words since I had seen him to begin with. I always felt like I was bothering someone or asking questions I shouldn't dare ask. I did get the feeling back in my left hand and fingers at that time. Left the hospital the next day immediately started running a fever 104 in my hotel room. No answering service at Jho's office survived until the next morning have never felt so sick. Went in to Jho's office next day he gave me 3 minutes of his time and a prescription for antibiotics. He said I should have just gone to emergency. Had a reaction to the antibiotics same story. They informed me they would not be in over the weekend not to call and have a nice trip home. To make a long story even longer the numbness has returned and I never heard from them again. I emailed the office manager and told her it was a horrible experience from beginning to end. I couldn't even get my script for my 6 week post op MRI. Finally had my local Dr order it for me. He looked at the MRI and said he noticed very little was done to help my condition. I am now seeing another neurosurgeon who is calling it a failed surgery and says I need to have a fusion at three levels still. I contacted Jho's office and they sent me an email saying they were sorry I wasn't one of the success stories sorry.
Dr. Jho didn't ever call he had his physicians assistant call and recommend we do 2 more surgeries. The pain in the right side of my neck and right shoulder has been 10 times worse since the surgery. My pain was always on the right side to begin with. I don't feel Jho's office was honest about the way they presented the surgery, the outcome, or what it could do for me. And they do not care about the patient That has been proven. I don't know which Dr. Jho these other people who say he had all the time in the world for them have seen. But it was not the same Dr. I unfortunately had to deal with.
trvlagnt is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-15-2008, 07:59 AM #19
Kathi49 Kathi49 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 519
15 yr Member
Kathi49 Kathi49 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 519
15 yr Member
Default

Bottom line is...a GOOD NS would explain the pitfalls; something Dr. Jho obviously doesn't do. I checked out his procedures a long time ago and backed off pretty fast. They made no sense to me and caused me to have further questions. Those questions I took to my own NS and he explained everything thoroughly. So, my thing is...beware people...once bone is removed and not replaced or stabilized you run the risk of having even more surgery. I would NEVER consider a microdisectomy based on my own cervical spine issues. No way...give me a fusion any day of the week!
Kathi49 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 03-25-2008, 10:12 PM #20
GJZH's Avatar
GJZH GJZH is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 289
15 yr Member
GJZH GJZH is offline
Member
GJZH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 289
15 yr Member
Default

I was warned by very informed physicians and medical personnel to stay away from Jho...He was originally with U of Pittsburgh Hospital System...He is no longer with them, but instead with Drexel University, Allegheny Hospital....There is a reason for that and I suppose it might be the way he handles problems with patients or rather from what I am reading here, "does not handle problems, he ignores his patients." Again, I repeat, my physicians have stated that his statistics can not be repeated by anyone. I think if you have some minimal problem, you might be helped by him, but if you are told by other surgeons that you need a fusion, stay away....I agree with everything Kathi is saying...

I have a three level cervical fusion and a six level lumbar fusion and have no regrets with either surgery.
__________________
4/06 - Lumbar Fusion - L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, S1
Anterior with cages and Posterior with rods and screws.

8/17/05 - Cervical Fusion - C4-5, 5-6, 6-7 - Anterior and Posterior Fusion with plate in front and rods and screws in the rear - Corpectomy at C-4 and C-5 and microdisectomy at C6-7.

1/4/05 - Lumbar Laminectomy -L3, L4, L5, S1, S2 Obliteration of Tarlov Cyst at S2. Failed surgery!
GJZH is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:09 PM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.