L5-S1 surgery and lumbar issues Posted: 02-23-08 22:03pm
This is my story:
WHen I was 15, I fell off of a latter. At
the time it didn't cause much pain at all,
and if any I didn't pay much attention to
it at all. At the age of 17, I joined the
Army National Guard, and at 18 fell while
running during a PT test. A MRI showed I
had a "bulging disc". I was discharged and
sent home. I am now married and have a 16
month old little boy. Between the age of
18 and now, I have been treated by several
doctors including PT, injections, tens
unit, chiropractor, numerous medications,
and MRI after MRI. Slowly my activity has
become slower because the pain has
increased severely. At this moment, I have
no feeling in the outer two right toes, my
right leg does not have ANY reflex at all
from the knee down, my right leg muscle is
smaller than my left, and the pain from
the lower back through my butt and hip is
so extreme I can barely function. I am not
one for pain killers, and have gone 7
years without them, but at this point I
would take anything to funcion again. I
don't think I have slept in weeks. The
pain increases every day. It's almost as I
am in the body of an 89 year old woman. I
guess I am on here not so much for
opinions, but more for support. Themost
recent MRI shows I have 4 lumbar issues
going on ( don't know the medical terms).
but pretty much the L5-S1 is cutting off
two nerves and is completely herniated.
How is it that my back is so weak? I
really hope this surgery helps me and does
not make things worse. At this point, if I
get any worse, you might as well stick me
in a home somewhere because I will not be
functioning. All the prayers are
appreciated and please keep me in your
thoughts. Friday, February 29'th is the
make or break it point for me.
Realistically.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
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Posted: 02-24-08 10:51am
Hello Somethingserious,
Welcome to this thread and the great
people who post and try to help others. I
thank you for your thoughts on another
thread.
I commend you for seeking the medical
advice that you have. You state you have
been to a number of doctors. Where any of
them neurologists/spinal surgeons?
I'll look forward to your reply.
Oh, and why is Feb 29th the make or break
date for you?
My thoughts and prayers are and will be
with you.
RichT
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somethingserious
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 8
RichT Posted: 02-24-08 11:08am
Thank you so much. I noticed you are a
positive light on this board and I really
appreciate that. I am sure others do too.
I have seen neurologists and Orthopedic
surgeons. Actually, that is who is
operating on my back.
It is make or break it because if it does
not HELP the pain DRAMATICALLY, I will be
forced to pretty much live in a chair.
Thats how severe the pain is. I just
really hope it works and isn't
unsuccessful. I have a LOT of faith in the
surgeon I picked, as he has over 35 years
of experience.
Thanks so much for your support.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 02-24-08 11:26am
Hello Somethingserious,
Thank you for your kind words.
You have done your research/homework well
in your selection of a spinal surgeon.
May I ask what your surgeon has told you
he will be doing regarding the surgery to
your back?
Also have other doctors also recommended
surgery?
The good Lord will be with you and holding
your hand on the day of your surgery and
and the days that follow.
I pray that your surgery and recovery are
a success.
Take care. Gentle HUGS!!
RichT
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somethingserious
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 8
Thanks Posted: 02-24-08 13:44pm
RichT,
He will be taking part of the disc out.
Laminisectomy/dicketomy ( I know that is
spelled wrong) on my L5-S1. It is a small
incision from what he has told me and
recovery to go back to work, as a full
time manager and a full time mother, is
just a week or so. I will be in the
hospital for minimum one overnight stay.
There is no need for fusion right now
because I will end up needing surgery
again in 30 or so years if I have a fusion
at this young of age. Other surgeons have
recommended surgery. I have not been to
one that hasn't. As a matter of fact, most
of them just look at my films, chart, and
history, and without saying much just
assume that's the only option left.
I thank you for your prayers.
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 02-24-08 14:42pm
Hello Somethingserious,
Thanks for the information you have
shared. I feel better knowing the
incesion will be small and the anticipated
recovery time amazingly short.
For this oldie, my spine surgeon says I
need fusion in two places plus plus with
about a 1 ft incision. According to the
six spinal docs I have been too they all
exclaim "WHAT have you done to your back?"
when they take a look at the x-rays and
MRIs. There are a multitude of issues.
Thanks to two epidurals that are working,
I can function fairly well, so will keep
the knife away for as long as I can.
May all go well with your surgery on the
29th. When you have had time to recovery
I'd be very pleased to see an update from
you.
A word of advice - After surgery follow
your doctor's recommendations. Don't
overdo. Remember, the mind thinks the
body is healed much sooner than the body
really is healed.
RichT
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somethingserious
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 8
I will Posted: 02-24-08 22:31pm
I will definately keep you updated. I am
sorry to hear about your back. What did
you do to it?!
Thanks so much for the support, again.
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ashoverman
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Location: ,
Feb 28th Posted: 02-25-08 00:43am
Feb 28th is a make or break day for me. I
am seeing pain management after I was
turned down for surgery because I couldnt
afford it. MAYBE I can get SOME RELIEF!!!
ANYTHING WOULD HELP ME TREMENDOUSLY!!!
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RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 910
Thanks: 21
Thanked:0
Posted: 02-25-08 11:30am
Hello Somethingserious,
What did I do to my back? No single
thing. Part "bad" genes, part lifting
rocks, and part just getting older. I
have DDD, stenosis, and spondylolthesis
and foraminal narrowing by several discs.
As long as i can still garden, then I'm
happy.
