Trusting a Surgeon With Your Spine--Ever a Good Outcome?

none ^ | September 25, 2001 | Chemistcat

[ChemistCat]

I was informed today that I may need surgery on at least my #7 cervical vertebra. The words "urgent" and "severe" have been bandied about, and I was so upset (I didn't even go IN to see about this!) that I didn't ask any questions. I don't know anyone who has had a happy outcome from any kind of back surgery, and the upper spine is scarier still. This is definitely a small thing in light of world events, but like the tornado in Maryland, it's definitely added to the grief in my little corner of the world. Any input would be much, much appreciated. My gut feeling is NOT to let anyone cut on me up there. I've had tonsils and gall bladder out but I haven't missed those like I'd miss all bodily functions below the neck.

[ChemistCat]

Grateful bump.

[ChemistCat]

Another grateful bump.

[abigail2]

I used to do worker's compensation negotiating. So I'm not a doctor. But we used to see alot of back surgery cases go wrong. I would get it only if you need it and definitly get a 2nd opinion. Once you make up you mind, relax and let go. Sounds like alot of sucessful surguries here.

[ChemistCat]

And thanks to you also.

[lelio]

Why do they want to operate? I had some problems with my neck (arms going numb when sleeping) and went to a chiropractor. He loosened it up by cracking it left and right (major popping sounds) and put me in a comtraption that tilted my head back. Cleared up most problems.
Course my problem was pretty light -- just stooping over and looking down. Did you have an accident? I would suggest going to a chiropractor just to see what he thinks.
At least in Washington state chiros aren't considered quacks, dunno about others.

[VRWC_minion]

It doesn't rain but it pours.

It could be worse. You could have been Trent Lott.

[Redcloak]

As with any surgery, get a 2nd opinion. However, these procedures are pretty commonplace. My sister has a rod installed in her back to correct scoliosis. That was years ago and she's had no problems. My mom, grandma, and several aunts have all had vertebrae fused; again, no problems.

[WIladyconservative]

Not about me, but my 73 year old father had L4/L5 fusion about 4 years ago. My best advice to you is FIRST get a second opinion (consult your insurance about that) and then if it IS a fusion, follow the post-op instructions TO THE LETTER. Dear old dad didn't like the brace he had to wear and thus didn't wear it. Had to have the operation RE-DONE a month later, and this time they put two 8 inch rods and 6 large screws in his back . . . he listened better the second time around ;~)

He's walking better (could barely walk before) and still going - FWIW.

Best of luck in your decision.

[RnMomof7]

bump for a consult

[Ben Hecks]

I suffered a ruptured disc (L1/S5) which got so painful I could not crawl. An MRI pinpointed the problem - the surgeon made a small incision and removed the broken particles that were making contact with the nerve. I went home the following day. No regrets about choosing surgery but every case is different.

[RnMomof7]

I haven't worked a Neuro floor in many years..but they used to say 1/3 improve,1/3 have no change and 1/3 are worse..I dont know if it is still the same..

[CFW]

My hubby had back surgery in '94 after an auto accident. It was on an outpatient basis. It believe it was called a "discography"(sp). Anyway, the dr. inserted a long needle into his spine and sucked out the dead disc material. Worked great.

Until.... this past spring when he hurt his back at work. It reinjured the old area and the doc says he can't do that type of surgery again. So, we are in the "learn to live with it mode." Sorry I can't be of more help.l

[Standing Wolf]

I always looked down my nose at chiropractors--until severe pain and a friend's recommendation drove me to try one. He cut the pain by 50% the first visit. Naturally, his services weren't covered by my alleged "medical" insurance, so I had to spend $40 every visit--and it was worth every penny. He encouraged me to start exercising and stretching, change my posture, and change some of my attitudes. I still hate spending time on the floor, but I'm now contending with about 5% of the back pain I used to live with on a daily basis.

[spycatcher]

An MRI is the key, I had two friends that were denied an MRI by the insurers and one sent to get physical therapy first which made the condition worse. Another had a chiro saying in was no big deal and just needed daily adjustments. The neurosurgeons said they were both irresponsible when he finally was able to get the referral ordered MRIs and saw the damage.

It's like ordering physical therapy and rehab stretching for a broken arm while denying an X-Ray. The HMO's and chiros who do this ought to be sued.

[SamAdams76]

My husband had back surgery a bit lower down than yours (around L-5/S-1), before which he could barely walk up and down stairs - and since then he has run four marathons nearly as fast as he ran 25 years ago.

My wife was just diagnosed with a herniated disk at L-5/S-1). She is currently feeling numbness in her right leg and foot. Was this the same thing as your husband? She will have to decide if she is going to get the operation or not.

[roughrider]

There is a type of non-invasive technique called "Vax-D." It is advertised on Jim Quinn's show in Pittsburgh with the website at http://www.warroom.com. You can either listen to an archived show for the advertisement, or e-mail the hosts, or telephone WRRK radio in Pittsburgh for advertiser information. Maybe Vax-D is what you need.

[PianoMan]

There are lots of new treatments coming down the pipeline for spinal problems. You might look into the Feldenkrais Method (pioneered by an Israeli physicist) for something called Functional Integration. Another possibility is the Alexander Technique. It might or might not be the right thing for you now but it's worth a try before surgery. www.feldenkrais.com

[spycatcher]

That numbness in the leg and foot is a dead givaway that the insurers will often prescibe damaging and time-wasting therapy for instead of an MRI.

There can be permanent nerve damage without an operation. Basically over time the protruding bone starts to eat away at the nerve bundle from what I understand. Surgery has gone well for people I know.

[a_federalist]

Spycatcher is right. My first (incompetent) doctor would only authorize a catscan. When I found my surgeon he said a catscan was worthless to him. He had me go get an mri. An mri is absolutely essential to them knowing what is wrong with your back. Please insist on an mri. Best wishes to you.

[Enough_Deceit]

In 1975, I broke my back in a car accident (L1 - 3)and had subsequent back surgery. However, the fusion didn't hold and I had to have it redone this past February. My back was collapsing and by the time I went in to have it checked out, my spine curvature was at 106 degrees. (Denial is a pretty powerful thing!)

They ended up fusing me from T8 to L4 or 5. I regained 3 inches of height! It has been a long rehabilitation due to some old scar tissue from 1975 that had blocked a nerve once I was straightened out. This left me with a numb right leg. However, my surgeon took care of this right away and I have had a miraculous recovery.

Anyway, the point of all my blathering is to let you know that others have gone through this (or something similar). It is a scary thing. I can remember crying everytime I left the surgeon's office. I am SO glad that this is all behind me. Hopefully, you have a good board certified surgeon that you have a good rapport with. May God keep you and bless you.