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Neurology  (Expert Forum)
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Back Surgery on Back Surgery
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MedHelp Member's Question

Back Surgery on Back Surgery

by Ouch, Apr 22, 2002 12:00AM
I guess my question is as follows:  Is it likely that my husband, who has had two previous back surgeries, is a candidate for additional surgery? At least two neurosurgeons have refused to touch him.He is in acute chronic pain, and no longer getting relief from pain medication, including oxycontin and OxyIR.  He started receiving prolotherapy in December 2001, and received three treatments before it was determined that his pain was worsening.  His 3/22/02 MRI indicates "post laminectomy at the L3/4 through L5/S1 levels.  Associate retrolisthesis of L5 on S1 and diffuse vertebral disc degenerative changes throughout the lumbar spine.  At the L2/3 level, disc bulge and ridging with associated overlying left lateral protrusions centered on the left L2/3 foramina.  Large associated left posterior extrusion extending inferiorly w/I the spinal canal anterior epidural space to lie posterior to the L3 vertebra and medial to the L3 pedicle. These findings cause severe central stenosis and likely a left radiculopathy. This has mass effect on the L3 root.Posterior vertebral spurring and disc bulge at L3/4 through L5/S1 levels w/o central stenosis.Varying degress of peripheral stenosis at these levels reaching moderate to severe on the left at L5/S1."  

Recent epidurals and tens unit provide no relief.His major pain now seems to radiate from L3/4 to his right hip and down his leg.

Everything is painful..sitting/standing/lying down.  I am willing to go anywhere in the country to get him help, but hate to haul him everywhere in his condition.  What's the deal?  Thanks.
Doctor's Answer

by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Apr 24, 2002 12:00AM
Sorry to hear about your husband's symptoms. Unfortunately, surgery even if technically a success (meaning the offending bony abnormalities are corrected) in many cases will not relieve pain, only prevent further degeneration and damage to the spinal cord. It sounds like your husband's case is very complex, especially with the prior surgeries which would have changed the anatomy. If you are seeking a second opinion, consider Dr. Ed Benzel who is truly an outstanding neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgeries. Best of luck.
Member Comments (9)

by nackerednurse, Apr 24, 2002 12:00AM
hi ouch,

          i too have had  2 spinal surgeries, 1st being an anterior and posteroir instrumented fusion of l1/l2 and 2 ts. it was excellent for 18 months untill 1 of the screws broke causing micromovement and an inflammatory bursa,requiring that i had the whole thing removed.

i am still in considerable pain cant sit down or lie down and cannot walk far.

surgeons have told me that further surgery would be innapropriate s i control the muscle spasms with diazepam and take palladone for severe pain.

i know how frustrated and angry your husband must feel as i do too.

latley i have started to use slendertone flex to srengthen my abdo muscles and have purchased a zero gravity power walker and a few weeks down the line things seem to be a little better.

the best drs i can reccomend are unfortunatley in the uk

mr colin natali or the roral london hospital is now practising a procedure involving lasers which seems to be successful

proffesor michael swash is a brilliant neurologist and is also at th rl hosp

       hang on in there

                            ange

by darter10, Apr 24, 2002 12:00AM
I have suffered 30 years of Chronic back pain;Spinal Stenosis at L4/5, Rt Bursa removal , a rt.Sacro fusion and Fibromyalgia. I had 6 back sugeries, 25 Epidural injections and 25 corisone blocks to my rt. Sarco and right hip. None of it was successful. However, I did find a compassionate, very bright Pain Specialist. She recomenned  the use of Methedone as a very good to treat nerve pain, Neuronton ( at least 300mg every 6 hrs.)and an antidepressant called Serezone, again one used for nerve pain and good with Methedone. I saw her this past Monday and already feel better although very tired, which will wear off as my body adjusts to it. Her diagnosis was 'severve' nerve damage, no more surgeries or injections. The dr. also said there are many other opiates available and other options.

I would advise you get your husband to a top notch Pain Specialist, get him some real relief and then go from there.

Sorry he is suffering, my prayers go out to you both. Keep posting and I'll answer.

Mamabear

by JSK, Apr 25, 2002 12:00AM
Im a 41 year old man who had lived with severe back pain from a herniated disc (L5-S1) & other issues for years.  I couldn't live like that anymore.  Wanted the nerve severed or something, anything.  



I had tons of different physical therapies that never did **** for me.  Had cortisone shots in the spine that only helped temporarily.  Tried chiropractors (who I think may have instigated my twitching & other neuro disorders).  Ate tons of Vicodin & pain pills to the point of addiction.  Tried to convince myself that pain was only a feeling & not necessarily a bad feeling (didn't work).  Finally had a Laminectomy Dicsectomy (Spelling?) 6 years ago.   This helped, but was still in pain and couldn't play ball, etc with my boys.



Finally went to see a Dr Egoscue in San Diego (The Egoscue Method).   I've been working out in the gym for the past 3 years & haven't been hurt once.   That's unusual for me, since I usually would injure myself lifting weights one way or another in the past.  



People come from all over the world to see him.  I'm serious,  whenever I was in there half the people spoke a foriegn language.



I no longer have to go there, but would in a heartbeat if I had any more problems.



www.egoscue.com

by bullfrog, May 03, 2002 12:00AM
Back on 2-23-01 my husband had a diskectomy/laminectomy of L5-S1, to relieve sciatic pain and back pain, this didnt work. On 1-11-02 he had a Lumbar Posterior/Anterior Decompression & fusion with cage, bone graft harvesting of L5-S1.  Needless to say none of this has helped my husbands sciatic and back problems.  They are worse now than before the diskectomy.  He is definetly hooked on Vicodine and Vicoprofine, and cant get through the day without them. The spinal fusion was supposed to get rid of the sciatic pain instantly! But then so was the diskectomy!!! There seems to be no relief in sight.  Has any one else had this same problem.  Has any one else had relief from the sciatic and back pain, other than become more of a drug addict?  



Does the fusion just take time to heal, for the nerve to stabolize?  Should the sciatic nerve pain go away in time or is he stuck with this for the rest of his life?  Does any one know?

Does any one have any suggestions?

by boffo, May 21, 2002 12:00AM
I have a herniated disc at C6-7, mild foramenal stenosis, osteophytes, and radiculopathy in the right hand.  Several neurosurgeons have recommended anteriior cervical discectomy and fusion.  One has recommended posterior laminectomy and foraminotomy.  How should I determine which is the appropriate procedure?

by mad