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Neurology (Expert Forum)
too many complications with a laminectomy
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too many complications with a laminectomy
by sleep, Sep 22, 2002 12:00AM
I had a L4-5 laminectomy and L4 discectomy in sept 01, before the operation i had severe pain in my lower back which was shooting down my left legs, eventually i lost feeling in my left leg, i couldnt walk, sit, lie down or do anything, so my general GP sent me to a neuro, who told me to live with it, after 2 weeks of this getting worse, my GP told me to go to the hospital, there i saw another neurosurgeon and he performed an emergency laminectomy and discectomy. It was feeling ok i was in hospital for 7days. 4 days after being home i got extremily high fevers going up to 40 degrees celcius, and discharge pouring out from the wound on my back there i went back to the hospital where i had a severe wound infection and had to have another 2 operations which were debribments and washouts, following those operations they left my wound open and use a vac dressing to heal it, i was in hospital for 4 weeks that time. Following that i have been in hospital 4 times with wound infections, i think its getting ridiculous each time spending 2 weeks on IV antibotics and having central lines. Its now a year and the wound STILL HASNT HEALED noone knows what to do.... My pain has been getting worse and have started to get more incontience again especially when the pain is bad. My neurosurgeon has tried everything, he said it looks like the next step is a spinal fusion but he doesnt want to do that cause im overweight and am prone to alot of complications. Im lost at what to do as im only 27, im so sick of this constant pain. Please help.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Sep 23, 2002 12:00AM
That's a lot of complications for a 27 year old. Unfortunately, sometimes that's just what happens despite the best medical and surgical care. However, I would not give up. Get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgery at a major academic or clinical hospital. Bring your films and have them evaluate you. If you are in the area, Dr. Ed Benzel is a fantastic spine surgeon here at the clinic and is very kind and approachable. This is not something you have to live with. GOod luck.
Hey Im from Australia too and looking for a good neurosurgeon in either Brisbane or Sydney.I live in north Queensland and have to get operated ASP, but finding a good neuro in the capital cities is pretty hard if yoi dont know anything about their background. Could you tell me about your experience please?So i can avoid the surgeons who have already operated onyou? my email is ***@****
and also-is it better to get a neuro or an orthopedic surgeon???--(severe cord compression at C5/C6 causing breathing roblems and numbness)