t8-t9 disc herniation

[robitaip]

I have been diagnosed with a large disc herniation at t8-t9(MRI).  I have pain radiating around my rib cage which is relentless and frequent muscle spasms around the disc area.  I can barely use my arms as it aggravates the problem and sets me back.  My surgeon had informed me that the surgery is very complicated and dangerous and does not want to do anything unless he is sure this will not improve with time.  He also infomed me that 3 out of 4  of these herniations will get better on there own without sugery.  Has anyone gotten better with one of these, has anyone had the surgery?  These are rare and no one seems to be able to give me answers.  I don't know if I should be active or do nothing, physio is giving me mixed messages and state they have never seen one of these before.  

[glue]

It seems anti-depressants are very popular for herniated disc problems. I am trying gabapentin which seemed to help almost immediately, but not anymore. I really don't want to increase the dose because they all have their side effects.
I am on the prairies in Canada, our nearest spine clinic is 5 1/2 hours away. I am seeing my family Dr. tomorrow to make arrangements to go there or at least get a second opinion on the surgery.

[robitaip]

I'm post surgery from spinal fusion at t8/9 and t9/10 on Dec. 4th.  I'm on Gabapentin as well, I don't believe it is a antidepressant, my understanding is that it is a drug for nerve pain.  I'm on morphine LA and Perkoset as well.  I will be 5 weeks since my surgery as of tomorrow.  I am slowly getting better, and hoping for a full recovery.  I was told 3-4 months to recover and 6 months to get right back to normal. Time will tell I guess.  I'm in a lot of pain now, I have to sleep part of the night in a recliner.  I have my first checkup on the 21st of Jan. to see if my fusion has started.

[glue]

Gabapentin is not an anti-depressant, that is why I chose to try it rather than amitriptyline.
Before your surgery, was your surgeon  quite optimistic  that you could expect full recovery after surgery?    I  left with mixed feelings from mine.
Do you live in the same city where your surgery was done?
How is it to travel 3 - 6 hours?
Thanks, I appreciate all your info!
glue





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[kimberdalez]

I have a herniation at the  T7-T8 with a hemangioma at the T-7 T-8 as well.   I have gotten NO answers.  My Neuro set me up with an appointment to see a surgeon.  I have not be able to get ahold of any one to answer my questions my neuro cant see me for 3 weeks. The only thing I have been told is that I was put on a priority list for the surgeon and it was the secretary who told me that.  I had MRI 2 weeks ago and go see surgeon next week.  Is it only t8-t-9 that is rare or are any herniations in the thoracic spine rare.  I just dont understand why I can not get answers.  It says on my MRI My thecal sac is decreased by 50% I dont even know if this is bad. I am so sore and so frusturated and scared of surgery and dont know what to do

[robitaip]

Any thoracic herniation is rare, mine was the result of a bad ski accident.  The problem with surgery is that it is risky and complicated to get to the spine because they have to perform a thoracotomy.  In my case they had to collapse my lung as well.  I really did not have much of a choice as far as surgery because I had very little use of my arms.  I was too young to live like that for the rest of my life.  I hope I fully recover from the surgery, but it is only been 5 weeks since the operation so it is too early to tell.  I was told it would take 4-6 months to fully recover.  The surgery is very painful because of the spreading of the ribs, also the fusion donor site was my ribs as well so that hurts too.

[kimberdalez]

My gosh, I had no idea the surgery was so invasive ! I feel bad for what you are going through.  My right shoulder always feels like it has been smashed and the arm always aches into the hand although it wasnt injured in the car accident that caused my back issues. I hope my surgeon has some other suggestions for me that will help before having all that done. Physio did not help. I truly wish you a fast and full recovery.. im still shocked as to what you have gone through, I had assumed they went in from an inscision in the back had no idea it involved ribs and.....i just really had no idea it gives me the willies.