neurosurgeon

[jstones]

Re: neurosurgeon

I'd say it's been at least 5 or 6 years since they did disc replacement in lower back. I'm not sure if their decision had anything to do with insurance or FDA. They just weren't having good enough success rates that they stopped. He said some company is working on new technology for lower level disc replacement but it's not out yet.

Fusion is a very last resort. No motion on that level after surgery and then the risk of adjacent levels failing after the surgery. All depends on where your quality of life is before u make that decision. I had herniated disc and had microdiscectomy to fix that which completely healed my nerve pain however that level L5-S1 is collapsed and he said I need a fusion if I want to treat the back pain that I still have. I'm not quite there yet. I hurt everyday but I push thru. Just started back to gym. Only thing that I love but I can't do is go mountain biking but I'm still believing by faith in Jesus one day I will mountain bike again.

My fusion is at the l4-l5 disc, and the only problem I have is slight loss of range of motion. It less than 5%, but it affects certain things I do in the gym, but theres alternatives. I can still squat and deadlift. I was lucky enough to find a doctor that did his residency under some of the best spinal surgeons in the country, and has a 95% success rate for fusions. When I made the decision to get the fusion they found I no longer had a disc left. It was virtually gone, and the only reason I was able to function day to day was pain killers by the handful.

I was very lucky, I hear stories like what guns01 posted all the time. I actually had a chance to get an artificial disc. I fit all the requirements for a trial that was testing a new disc replacement. Some people got the fda approved one, and other got the new one. I applied and was chosen, I only backed out because the travel was to much. Im kind of glad I did now that I hear they aren't that effective in the lumbar spine.

I hope both of you get back to 100%, because back pain is horrible.

[dirtwarrior]

Re: neurosurgeon

I emailed John Hopkins and told them my problem. A live human called and told me they are interested. Cool HUH

[guns01]

Re: neurosurgeon

I emailed John Hopkins and told them my problem. A live human called and told me they are interested. Cool HUH

now that's some good stuff right there

[MOUNTAIN-MAN]

Re: neurosurgeon

I have 4 that are bulging and I won't get the surgery all the people I have talked to.say they are in more pain after surgery than before

[dirtwarrior]

Re: neurosurgeon

I got the email from Johns Hopkins yesterday with the attachments for the application. I hope I get accepted.

[BABY1]

Re: neurosurgeon

I got the email from Johns Hopkins yesterday with the attachments for the application. I hope I get accepted.

get that done and sent asap! Good luck!~

[dirtwarrior]

Re: neurosurgeon

get that done and sent asap! Good luck!~

I faxed it yesterday fingers crossed

[markg518]

Re: neurosurgeon

I've had one fusion done on my L-5 S-1 and it did nothing for me. Had injections, trial run of the bone stimulator, and more injections along with a trial of different nerve meds. If you can find a relief please let me know. I'm still in everyday pain.

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[markg518]

Re: neurosurgeon

I've had one fusion done on my L-5 S-1 and it did nothing for me. Had injections, trial run of the bone stimulator, and more injections along with a trial of different nerve meds. If you can find a relief please let me know. I'm still in everyday pain.

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I had titanium rods and screws put in. I forgot to add that.

Just remember this, any type of fusion puts stress on the adjacent discs. Not sure if you are talking consecutive, or sporadic areas, as Fuzo asked? If I were you I would do my homework on this

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[dirtwarrior]

Re: neurosurgeon

I've had one fusion done on my L-5 S-1 and it did nothing for me. Had injections, trial run of the bone stimulator, and more injections along with a trial of different nerve meds. If you can find a relief please let me know. I'm still in everyday pain.

Sent from my HTCD100LVWPP using Tapatalk

Sorry to hear you are in pain I do know what that is like. I use an inversion table in the morning to help.

[dirtwarrior]

Re: neurosurgeon

I added more cardio to Christmas dinner and everything.
Everyone be safe this New Years Eve and into the New Year

[thudgens96]

Re: neurosurgeon

You do the same my friend

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[dirtwarrior]

Re: neurosurgeon

I know most do not believe in spiritual healers. For a week I have been going to a place in town with a "John of God" crystal bed as well as other forms of healing.
The pain is gone and my spine is getting straighter.

[Bazookaben]

Re: neurosurgeon

I know this topic is a little old but did they put you on Prednisone at all?

I'm going into see the Nuro Dr. today for my disc that is bulging or crushed. I will get the results from my MRI today. Fingers crossed. Thanks everyone.


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[mfdvr]

Re: neurosurgeon

Have you tried Chiropractic care? Studies on fusions show that very few are necessary and most disc issues can be managed conservatively. I friend of mine had a disc replacement in his neck and suffered permanent nerve damage to his arm from the procedure. The success rate on spinal surgeries (fusion or replacement) is surprisingly low. Be careful and keep us posted!