john

[John62]

I 'am about to have decompression laminectomy, and was wondering if anybody could let me know if they have had one and how they feel afterwards. It scares me a little, when they start removing bone etc. can you help me??

[Achey916]

I am scheuled for a bi-lateral posterior laminoforaminatomy at C5:C6.  Scared of the key holes that they are going to make in the Lamina.  Concerned about future stability of spine, plus pain after operation.

[skip100]

John, I can't emphasize enough that surgery be your absolute last resort. I had a 4 Level Laminectomy 7/07/04 and from the 7th day after surgery lying in the back seat of a neigbors car going to see the surgeon. The pain from that day was 3 times prior to surgery when I was taking Percoset 10/325 (4) times a day. Today the pain has completely encompassed my whole lower body waist down Lumbar, Hips, Buttox, Legs and yes Abdomen. I have seen at least 8 Neuro Surgeons since and the only thing they can offer is a Pain Stimulator or Morphine Pump. I am currently on Morphine Sulphate 60 Mg (3) times a day and Fentanyl which I won't even get into that. Two weeks ago I saw the last possible Surgeon from the #2 Hospital and could only offer me same.

John take all the injections you have to but surgery should be your last resort. I was told by a Neuro Surgeon that the success rate for Spinal Surgery is 60%. I wish I knew that percentage prior to 7/7/04. Just think as compared to all other surgeries and if that was the percentage for Heart Patients just how many people would not be here. I wish you the best and Good Luck.