thoracic ruptured disc T8-T9

I have a large herniated disc at T8-T9.  It is slightly on the left side. It is causing me extereme pain.  I have tried many other methods of relief, aside from surgery.  I have had this for a long time, but it feels like it is getting worse.  Is it likely that I could become paralyzed if I ignore this?  It is compressing my spinal cord some, according to recent MRI.  I also have degenerative disc disease, and the discs around this have no signal from MRI.  I have arthritis in most of my spine.   I had 2 surgeries for a large rupture at L4-L5 this past year.  I want surgery, but no one seems to want to do thoracic surgery around here.  Is there anyone in Indiana or IL that does mimimally invasive surgery on the thoracic spine?   Thanks!   CuriousHound


This discussion is related to cervical and thoracic herniations at 18.

[696969]

seen a neurosergeon after 19 months of initial injury they are finally going to perform surgery, but there are no guarantees i will be better, they are only doing the surgery because this is very rare to have a herniated disc in this spot so it will be a challenge for him. If i don't have surgery eventually i will become paralyzed so i am going for it, i feel for anyone going through this, hang in there because there is help out there but a long road too recovery. good luck

[Jess7998]

I CAN'T believe I am reading about other people going through this, too!  I just spent 4 weeks in hospitals (including ICU) & acute rehab, to learn how to walk again & regained bladder control.  I have a herniated thoracic disc (T-8, T-9) & am using a combo of cane, walker & wheelchair to get around.  I am in Indiana & have seen top neurosurgeon at a prestigious hospital.. ALL the neurosurgeons I've seen are scared to operate, even though my spinal cord is compressed 10%.  I'd love to hear from you, more about what you are experiencing-- boy, what a challenging time!

[Jess7998]

HI there- I was wondering if a dr. has mentioned to you the possibility of you becoming paralyzed if you don't have surgery?  Just curious, as we are nervous that any accident may compress my cord further.  Any help would be appreciated-- thanks!

[crabbyj]

Like I said before I have T8-T9 large thoracic herniated disc on the right side of my spine. It is going on 22 months and still no surgery I am taking 5 endocets every 4 hours it seems to be the best pill for me. I also have a c7 herniated disc pinching the nerve as well and have to see the neurosergeon on jan. 11 about surgery for that as well. this is very hard on me mentally, physically, I gaine a bunch of weight since i've been off I guess they will do both surgeries at once so I don't know waht the outcome will be, I just hope I can walk after wards, I don't know if I'll be able to work again but i'll have to wait and see. good luck
yours truly crabbyj

[horsnpoodle]

I have had surgery on C4-C6 and this was my best surgery 3 yrs after I had a head-on collision and died 3 times before getting life flighted to hospital. When I woke up from surgery had full feeling in my hands and fingers. I am not sure about your T8-T9 situation, just now finding out that my T9 has spurs and possible bone fragments or calcification from an x-ray, have not had MRI yet. Have had so many surgeries, I thought this pain was due to having a heart attack, because of the chest pain and can't breathe very well. But the cervical surgery is a breeze, much better than hernia surgery, lower spine surgery and hip surgery.