Surgery Time Again...uuuugggggg

[Mollyrae]

Hello fellow Pain Sufferers.  I was afraid that this time was coming. I saw the Neurosurgeon yesterday after my MRI. It was concluded that I not only suffer from Spinal Stenosis but have 2 more Discs that require Surgery. I will undergo a Nerve Block to evaluate what Discs are in need of a Fusion. It will either be C5,6 & 7 or C6 & 7. Depending on the outcome of the Nerve Block. I will also undergo a procedure that will "clean out" the area that has the Stenosis. That's a must.

I personally have never heard of using a Nerve Block as a diagnostic procedure but the Surgeon said that depending on the amount of pain and where it's located is what's going to give the Surgeon his information he needs to proceed.

His theory is that there are 2 problems and depending on the amount of pain after the Nerve Block; One of the problems might not be as bad as thought and therefore would require no Surgery at this point.

OK, I guess that registers with me.  The Nerve Block will be done on Oct. 8th. Two weeks after the Block, I need to give his office a call and let them know where and what type of pain I'm having. I think it sound barbaric and I am not looking forward to the procedure, but what do I know.

Well, that's my latest. I hope that all of you are getting on alright.  My best to all of you :)
Molly

[Vrobi33]

Hello all...wondering if anyone has had a fusion come undone?  I'm from south Louisiana and am currently working in Alaska, and my facet joint pain is worse than ever.  My L5/S1 fusion was in 2010, and an MRI in November of 2011 showed it had unfused and the spinaliathisis was uncorrected as well...suggestions are welcomed and many thanks!

[Tuckamore]

Sorry I am late to your post. Just wanted to say I am sorry that you are facing at least one surgical procedure. My Mom did have surgical correction of her spinal stenosis and did well. I am hoping you will do even better.  

As said above it is not unusual to have a blocks to find the exact source of pain. This will give the surgeon the information he needs. I am hopeful you'll only need the "clean up."      

You know we'll be thinking of you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Gentle (HUGS),
~Tuck

[Mollyrae]

OH, and GREAT to see another Wisconsinite here  BOOOyah!

[Mollyrae]

Thanks Opus & Kalvin:

I should be getting used to these surgeries as this will be my 6th. I am fused from the cervical area down to the lumbar area with a small fused free spot in the middle of my back.

No matter how many I have, I will never get used to them or it's pain. I was able to cut back on the pain meds just for this reason. I was so afraid that with the high doses I was on, I wasn't going to get adequate pain relief. I am re-introducing the Fentanyl Patch as we speak. At a smaller dose of course but none the same.

I think that as far as pain meds go, I will be in good shape for relief.

Again, Thanks.
Molly

[Kalvin]

I don’t post over here often; I’m primarily on the Back and Neck forum. But I saw your post, and I wanted to offer my support to a fellow neck pain sufferer and a fellow Wisconsinite.

I’ve had neck problems myself for years, I had a level fused back in 2005, and I’m looking at additional surgery as well. So I know what you’re going through. Hopefully, this one will do it.

They’ve been using injections up and down the spine for diagnostic purposes for quite awhile now. Theory being, if the injection helps, that’s where the pain’s coming from, if not, it’s coming from somewhere else. I'm sure it's a lot less painful than having a Discogram. Hope everything goes well.


Take Care

[opus88]

molly so sorry there maybe more surgery for you, however perhaps thats a blessing to eh?..IF it leads to a pain free life.

Yes I have heard of a nerve block being used as a diagnostic tool, my PMP talked to me of this. he uses this b4 an rizotomy  (sp?) to absolutely locate the quilty nerves, following the nerve block he said I would 'map' and document on a daily pain log for a month, procedure may need to be redone depending on if the suspect nerves were correctly located or not.
than when he would go ahead with the rizotomy he would know the EXACT nerves to proceed with.

I sure hope this is all successful for you Molly.
best
♥Opus

[Mollyrae]

Thanks guy's....yes, it does sound like a Discography but he clearly said Nerve Block. And said that I'd be numb and have to have someone drive me home.

I have had a Disography and will NEVER have one again :) I told him that too.

I will keep you all updated as to the actual date of my surgery.

My best,
Molly

[Sarajmt]

I am so sorry that you  need surgery and for the added pain you must suffer.  Hopefully you will come out on the other side of this with less pain.  All my best and prayers for a successful surgery and swift recovery.

[peekawho]

It almost sounds like you're talking about discography.  They inject the suspect discs/nerve roots, and they try to duplicate your pain.  If they can pinpoint exactlly where the pain is coming from, then they might be better guided for a surgical approach.

[geminigirl1963]

I'm sorry to hear that you're going to need to have another surgery.

I agree with you - the nerve block does sound a bit on the barbaric side of a diagnostic tool.  It sounds like there's definitely going to be pain involved, it's just a matter of how much and where it's located.  I feel bad for you and wish there was something I could do more than just lend my support.

The only nerve block I've ever had was when I had my shoulder surgery - they did a block that numbed my entire right arm in addition to the general anesthesia.  I doubt that the type of block I had is what you'll be having - if it is, you won't be able to walk 'cause I saw my arm and "willed" it to move, but it just hung there!  It was strange, but also a relief - after the block was done, the nurse asked me if I was having any pain and I could honestly tell her at that point that for the first time in MONTHS I wasn't!!  (at least not in my shoulder - still had my "normal" other aches and pains but at least my shoulder wasn't screaming at me)

I wish you the best of luck and please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers - not only for the block procedure, but also for the surgery.

robyn