Hello

I've had problems with increasing numbness and weakness of my left leg and have finally found the problem: six herniated discs on my thoracic spine. I was referred to a neuro surgeon by my current neurologist. After an MRI, a myelogram and CT scan, I was diagnosed with the six herniated discs. The MRI of my thoracic spine revealed four herniated discs: one large, pressing against the left side of my spine. The myelogram and CT scan showed the entire picture--six herniated discs. T 1-2 through T 11-12.

I'm scheduled for surgery on September 12. I have a lot of faith in the neuro surgeon (we've checked him out, talked to patients of his who've had back surgery, etc.). He has a great reputation.

Has anyone here had such an operation? According to my neuro surgeon, he's never had anyone with so many herniated discs. He'll be doing spinal fusion, using screws and rods and a bone graft from my right hip.

I know it's going to be a long recuperation--I have to be in a back brace for at least four months and they told me it would be a six month recuperation, at least. But, we don't feel I have a choice.

Would appreciate anyone responding. Thank you in advance.

Jan

Jan, I'm so sorry and sad to hear of all that you have going on.
I have problems at all 3 levels a long with lupus and FM and nerve damage.
I have to say though that the problems with the T spine are some of the more worrisome problems I have.
I am not operable at this time and have been told that they won't operate until and unless it is an emergency.
I know that on the orginal BT there a couple that have T spine surgery and I have read many of their post and from what I have heard from my drs and just researching that the T spine is very difficult to operate and recoup from.
You say you have researched your dr, I'm happy to hear that, I believe that you will need a neurologist and a orthopedic surgeon and a cardilogist for such a complicated surgery is this so?
Has this been an on going problem for you and have you tried any less invasive procedures or anything before going right in to surgery??
Myself I just can't imagine going through what your about to.
Hopefully the other BT will be up and running son so you can talk to some that have gone through this surgery.
Know your in my thoughts and I wish you the very best.
Linda

Hi Linda

Thank you for answering my post.

I have weakness on my left side, my left leg has been getting weaker and weaker all summer--it drags and sometimes doesn't work very well. I also have had numbness on the left side for at least two years. I've been to two neurologists who couldn't find the problem (never did an MRI of my thoracic spine) and was referred to my present neurologist who referred me to the neuro surgeon. I was told that if I did not have this surgery, I could lose the use of my leg entirely. I even get numb in my groin and my right leg is starting to be involved.

I have had so many tests it would curl your toes--all negative until the MRI on my thoracic spine.

I was told that time is of the essence in my case. I've researched on the internet and found that, in cases like mine, surgery is done as soon as possible--referring to the increasing weakness of my left leg.
My neuro surgeon has an excellent reputation and we have faith in him. However, I knew this was serious--but didn't realize how serious it really is. My neuro surgeon told us the risks, but he said he could help me. He said that I may not regain what I might have already lost, but that he could stop the progression.

What would happen if I didn't have this surgery? Would I be paralyzed from the waist down? He didn't actually say that, but he said it was very dangerous for me to continue this way.

I just cry and cry. I'm so scared-- I don't think my family gets the enormity of the situation. My daughter is getting married in March---I want to walk down the aisle. I want to see her married. I want to live. I try to put on a brave front for my husband and I try not to act afraid, but I am so afraid.
You say this is hard to recoup from. What kind of shape will I be in following surgery? I know I'm asking impossible questions. I'm sorry.

Jan

Hey Jan,

As a fellow "T-spiney", I understand the dilemma that you're facing, and the decision to have surgery is not an easy one to make. I know of a few members that have had the open thoracotomy fusion procedure, and there are also a few that have had the Thorascopic spinal procedure done (by Dr. Curtis Dickman of Barrow Neurological Institute).

The cord contact and the weakness you are experiencing are definitely major factors for considering fusion surgery. Just remember that once you have the surgery, you are looking at a considerable recovery time if you're having the open thoracotomy fusion. Most folks I've spoken with have indicated that it took upwards of 1 yr to 18 mos. before they really felt "recovered".

I've spoken at length with my surgeon regarding the possibilities, but for me, the surgery is just not realistic right now, so I've been putting "band-aids" on the problem so to speak, using Epidural Steriod Injections and daily pain medications to maintain the level of function I have, and of course, daily PT to maintain my core support. I wish there was an easy fix for the spine, but unfortunately that's just not the case.

Hopefully some of the other T-spiney's will wander in and offer some words of wisdom.

Theresa

Hi

I forgot to mention that none of the herniations are calcified, so the surgery can be done posterior. I had a myelogram to determine whether or not they are calcified. And, they are not.

I've been told that I would have a six month recuperation by my surgeon's assistant. And, that I will be in a back brace (which I already have been fitted for and have in my possession) for four months.

My surgeon is doing a spinal fusion, using two rods and screws and grafting bone to the area, which will be taken from my right hip. I also have been told that my hip will hurt worse than my back.

As I said, my husband and I have seen the films from the MRI and CT scan and can see that the large herniation is pretty big and is touching the left side of my spine.

I should have given all the facts in the first post. I'm sorry. The pain in my back is so intense, it makes me nauseated--even on pain medication.

Thank you so much for answering my post.

Jan

Hi Jan
I spent a couple of years doing the circuit having test after test until eventually a mri of the whole spine revealed the a calcified herniated disc at t5/6. By that time I had lost all use of my left leg and had minimal function of my right and a loss of bowel/bladder function.
I too was warned of the risks of surgery and that I was unlikely to regain full use of my limbs etc.
Faced with the prospect of permanent paralysis if I didn't have surgery, the decision was made for me.

The good news is, my recovery has been spectacular, though it took a long time and lots of physiotherapy and exercise, which was very hard at first but worth it in the end. I thought my physiotherapist was such a bully and was being overly picky about using the 'correct' muscles to walk 'correctly'. But as she explained, after a couple of years of declining function, my body had evolved ways of overcoming my weakness, such as limping and exagerated use of the hips to lift my dropped foot.
I would have to build up the withered muscles by forcing them to work rather than letting my body carry on with what it had become used to thereby condemning me to a pemanent limp.
Well the proof of the pudding is, as they say, in the eating and I now walk really well. I abandoned my stick over a year ago now and have not looked back.

By the way, I had a rib removed during the surgery and it was a piece of this that was used to fuse the vertabrae, thus removing the need to have the added discomfort of having bone harvested from elsewhwere. It fused very well and very quickly.

There are a few T spinies in the group and we all seem to have had positive results from surgery, so I hope this will be a comfort to you.
I know the surgery is long and complex, more so in your case because of the multiple herniations involved and you must prepare yourself for the long haul.

If your experience is anything like mine it will have been worth the discomfort and transform your life.

Good luck, Jan,

Mick

Mick

I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you posted. I really do feel so much better.

I know this has to be done---paralysis is a real possibility if I don't have surgery.

Fortunately, for me, the deterioration of my legs isn't as bad as in your case. But, if I don't get this done, it will be. I haven't lost control of my bladder or bowels, but the increasing numbness in my groin is a definite signal that it's heading in that direction, in my very uneducated opinion.

Again, I appreciate your post more than you know. I've been on a roller coaster with this whole thing---being so grateful and happy that an "answer" has finally be found, then being smacked in the face with the reality of the whole thing. Hearing from you--someone who has been through all of this, even more in your case--and knowing your outcome, gives me such a sense of hope for my own future.

I still ask anyone else to share their experience with me. Thank you so much!

Jan

Jan, I'm happy to see that others have seen your post and responded, I wish I had more input to offer you myself.
Please know you are in my thoughts and when your able please ck. in and let us know how your doing.
.
hugs, LindaM

Linda

Thank you so much for caring. To all who answered, thank you so much.
You have really helped me. I'll let you know how I am as soon as I am able.

Jan

Jan, Just wanted to let you know your in my thoughts as I'm sure your busy getting ready for the surgery date.
Try to have a nice relaxing week-end and enjoy yourself..
Linda