Should I consider Back Surgery?

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Vetro Chelly - 19 May 2005 17:47 GMT

Hi,

I've just re-herniated two disks for the third time in two years...
this time around it's taken awhile to get better... The pain is easing
but I still have alot of tingling and weak feelings in my legs when
walking... this 3+ months since my injury... should I consider back
surgery for this? My main concern is leaving it to long may cause
permanant nerve damage.

Thanks
V

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Jeff - 19 May 2005 18:21 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> surgery for this? My main concern is leaving it to long may cause
> permanant nerve damage.

You should go an visit some neurologists and neurosurgeons. You need to
understand what is happening better before considering surgery.

My sense is that your condition is going to get worse and not better, but
you really need to talk to the expers who can examine you, get a proper
history, and order appropriate tests and X-Rays.

Jeff

> Thanks
> V

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Jason - 19 May 2005 18:43 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks
> V

V,
You need to see your doctor about this issue since none of us have been
able to see your medical reports. After you see your doctor, please repost
and let us know what your doctor told you. Make sure your doctor arranges
for you to have an MRI session.
Jason

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Vetro Chelly - 19 May 2005 19:00 GMT

Hi,
Thanks for the replies..

I've had an MRI it shows nerve impengment on the l4/l5/S1 level... I've
seen one Neurosurgeon who said to hold off for another 3mths, I have a
second neurosurgeon appointment on June 17

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Emma Chase VanCott - 20 May 2005 04:13 GMT

: Hi,
: Thanks for the replies..

: I've had an MRI it shows nerve impengment on the l4/l5/S1 level... I've
: seen one Neurosurgeon who said to hold off for another 3mths, I have a
: second neurosurgeon appointment on June 17

It is worthwhile to know the risks & benefits.

I have heard & seen bad stories about "failed back" surgery.
e.g. some backs wind up WORSE.

Talk to your doctor about the chance of developing this, too.
(Ask for Percentages of Risk/success.)

PS. Also, to get your questions answered: make a written List of
Questions.

Best of Luck,

emma

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Jason - 20 May 2005 04:16 GMT

> Hi,
> Thanks for the replies..
>
> I've had an MRI it shows nerve impengment on the l4/l5/S1 level... I've
> seen one Neurosurgeon who said to hold off for another 3mths, I have a
> second neurosurgeon appointment on June 17

Thanks for the update. Repost after you see the second neurosurgean and
tell us what he or her told you.

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outrider - 21 May 2005 01:09 GMT

If you keep reinjuring, you need re-education about function; how to
sit, walk, sleep for your back, and how to make your muscles stronger
so they support your spine. This will be very specific to *your* back,
and cannot be had from a pamphlet. If your prospective surgeon hands
you one, you will know he has already booked the surgery.

See a physiotherapist. Ask for a complete program to strengthen core
body, and re-education about movement.

I know a lot of people who are much worse off after failed back
surguries. The surgeons will not tell you the truth about this. They
will find ways to qualify why someone not improving after surgery
doesn't fit into the category of "failed".

Been there.

Zee

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Anonymous - 23 May 2005 19:56 GMT

"Vetro Chelly" typed:

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks
> V

SURGERY FOR CHRONIC BACK PAIN 'NOT THE BEST OPTION'

An operation to fuse a portion of the lower spine, which has been carried
out for 90 years, might not be the best option for people with persistent
and debilitating back pain - and is far more expensive than alternatives,
researchers say...

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/news/index.asp?y=2005&m=5&d=23&id=119122

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Vetro Chelly - 24 May 2005 17:44 GMT

I don't really have "back pain" The pain/tingling is down my leg...
the back pain is very minimal compared to the pain down my leg

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Jason - 24 May 2005 17:58 GMT

> I don't really have "back pain" The pain/tingling is down my leg...
> the back pain is very minimal compared to the pain down my leg

Ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist. The specialist can arrange
some tests to determine the source of your pain. For example, it could be
a damaged nerve that will heal in a couple of weeks. If that is the case,
back surgery would do more harm than good. On the other hand, if you have
had this pain for several months--surgery might be an option.

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