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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Back surgery postponed/because of heart condition?
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Back surgery postponed/because of heart condition?
by fanta, Jan 09, 2006 12:00AM
I have had major back problems for about 3 years now. (spinal stenosis). Two years ago, when I got a really bad bout of sciatica, my neurologist recommended surgery right away. (I didn't get it done because I didn't have insurance and couldn't afford it.) Last month I got another bout of sciatica and went in again, since I now have insurance. The neurologist told me this time he didn't feel he should perform the surgery at this time, instead he referred me to the pain clinic to get more cortisone injections for the pain. Is it possible that because of my heart condition, my neurologist doesn't want to do the surgery? I have been diagnosed with diastolic dysfunction and moderate pulmonary hypertension and have been on medication for the condition for 4 years now. Also have asthma. I feel this might be the reason because I got a second opinion and was told, "I will get back with you, because of your heart condition" by the second neurologist. My question is: Are this heart conditions reason enough for a doctor not to want to do a surgery?
Thank you so much for your help.
Thank you so much for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Jan 09, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 09, 2006 12:00AM
fanta,
There are a lot of different 'heart conditions'. Im not sure exaclty what the concern of your neurologist is. Diastolic dysfunction and mild/moderate pulmonary hypertension in themselves are not absolute contraindications to surgery.
Any surgical procedure must take into account the risk and benefits of the procedure. An internal medicine specialist or cardiologist should be able to tell you what your overall surgical risk is and work in conjunction with your neurologist to decide if the risk of a surgery would be worth it.
good luck
There are a lot of different 'heart conditions'. Im not sure exaclty what the concern of your neurologist is. Diastolic dysfunction and mild/moderate pulmonary hypertension in themselves are not absolute contraindications to surgery.
Any surgical procedure must take into account the risk and benefits of the procedure. An internal medicine specialist or cardiologist should be able to tell you what your overall surgical risk is and work in conjunction with your neurologist to decide if the risk of a surgery would be worth it.
good luck
