Lumbar surgery. Good or bad?

retiredgal · 06-01-2007, 02:19 PM

My husband has suffered with lower lumbar pain for a couple of years and it is getting worse and it is limiting his life activity and walking ability. The OSHU Neuro surgeons say it is his lower lumbar with degenerative disc causing his problem and suggest surgery to fix same?

His health is frail do to other serious issues so we are fearful of any major surgery for him unless, it's really necessary.

Does anyone have any opinions or experience with lumbar fusion surgery and would you do it again? Have a doctor you feel good about recommending for us to get a second opinion? Other options?

Thanks for your input and advice on this issue.

Linda

bluebackbil · 06-01-2007, 02:25 PM

I had two ruptured discs in my lower back. I went in for surgery in 97. I'm glad I did, with the exception of a twinge here and there, I am much better off now then I was before the surgery. The new process is much less invasive than it used to be . my dad has had 6 major lower back surgeries and he still experiences prolems (including fusion).

Duckwheat · 06-01-2007, 02:36 PM

I always tell patients that have back problems to let me know when they want to go. They ususally know when the time is right.

When you can't do what you want to do then it is worth it to take a shot. I also advise they do the rehab and postop as ordered. I have seen a few who try to do too much too quick. They turn out with a bad outcome or repeat the procedure.

Another option you might run by your Doc, are injections a reasonable alternative? They are usually given in a series of three and some patients do well with that. Check with your Doc and see if it is an option.

Duckwheat

Thumper · 06-01-2007, 03:31 PM

Now think about it. Why would you ask a back surgeon whether or not you should have back surgery?

Would you ask a car dealer whether or not you should buy a new car?

If you are considering back surgery to fix a neuro problem, ask the advice of a neurologist. They are not selling anything.

If you want the name of a top neurologist, PM me.

Gus Orviston · 06-01-2007, 05:23 PM

Just had a friend with a degenerated disc in her neck.. they wanted to fuse her neck,, however that can push extra pressure on the next discs.

So they researched alternate solutions that are done in Europe and HK. They found they can actually replace the disc with titanium surfaces on each vertabrae. Leaves full mobility and eliminates future stress.

They went down to HK from Shanghai.. had it done and were back in 3 days with a small inscision from the front through the throat.. She now has more mobiliy than she has had in years..

US is in process to ok the process,, but it might be worth the personal time to get it done in a way that doesn't provide further stress.

gus

Critr Gitr · 06-01-2007, 05:48 PM

could be either or both.

An excellent site that I have found..... http://www.spineuniverse.com/

faced surgery earlier this year with a herniated L5-S1 disk. Epidural injections and intense PT has kept me from the knife for now. I know the pain .. I recommend you educate yourself of all available materials...

bighoof · 06-01-2007, 07:56 PM

Had bulged L3-L4 from last May till Febuary, then it ruptured was out for two months. Back feels pretty good now, having leg issues now. No surgery, did everything but that.

Musicman · 06-01-2007, 08:36 PM

I recently went thru some lower back pain..somewhat of a yearly deal as I engage in the spring yard work..this time was more severe and limited all that I wanted to do....but, it's over now and I dont wish back pain on anyone......my yard stick, so to speak is "Giz"...long time member of this board....years and years of back pain...meds...etc....if you're curious to his story...PM him....great guy....looking forward to seeing you again Walt......hope all is well!!!

Tony1831 · 06-01-2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duckwheat

Another option you might run by your Doc, are injections a reasonable alternative? They are usually given in a series of three and some patients do well with that. Check with your Doc and see if it is an option.

Duckwheat

Don't always believe this is the best option...sometimes, the poor sum be yotch in pain waits an extra nine days in torture for "the best guy in the state" to get back from vacation only to get a complimentary dose of meningitis.

Complete with an ememrgency lamenectomy to boot.

Thank you very much motha fashizzle.

Gus Orviston · 06-01-2007, 10:01 PM

I have had a ruptured disc in my neck as well, and purchased the Mckenize books "treating your own neck" and "treating your own back" . Very good exercises that help you to aleviate the symtpoms and keep the root cause from returning.. but a degenerated disc is a different story, but the books are pretty darn good.

gus

The Chub · 06-02-2007, 07:15 AM

Had surgery 4 weeks ago and I'm doing a lot better then before. The Surgery took an hour and the incision is only about an inch and half long. I couldn't get out of bed for 6 weeks and I walked out of the hospital

I just started PT last week and I'm a little sore but it's gong to take some time to get it all worked out.

retiredgal · 06-02-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Critr Gitr

could be either or both.

An excellent site that I have found..... http://www.spineuniverse.com/

faced surgery earlier this year with a herniated L5-S1 disk. Epidural injections and intense PT has kept me from the knife for now. I know the pain .. I recommend you educate yourself of all available materials...

Thanks! It is a great back site. I printed a lot of it for Lou to read.
Also, the rest of you taking your time to help us on this question is very much appreciated.
Linda

stilly bum · 06-02-2007, 10:56 PM

Has he looked into spinal decompression? A few chiropractors have the equipment for it now. Reviews are very good. I suffer from the same thing and am currently seeing a chiropractor who was highly recommended from someone who was in the same situation. If his treatment doesn't work I will be going to a doc with the decompression equipment.
A lot of people think back surgery is back surgery. Not true. A fusion is a big deal. Sometimes it's the only option but I'm doing my best to avoid it.

blackdog · 06-04-2007, 09:11 AM

First off, I think we're talking apples and oranges when you refer to both degenerative disks and ruptured disks.

The advancement in technology has come a long way in recent years in treating disk disease. Last year a artificial lumbar disk hit the US market but failed miserably. No insurances or Medicare/Medicaid would cover it so it's basically gone away. Later this year, an artificial cervical disk will likely hit the US market and it seems to have better backing than the lumbar replacements did.

The problem with fusion, as has been stated, is that it does transfer stress onto adjacent disks, creating another potential problem down the line. There are new technologies emergening now that allows for a limited degree of flexion in the fusion, thereby hopefully minimizing the stress. There hasn't been too much long term support for these yet so only time will tell.

As far as the original question goes, to have surgery or not, I would say NO!!! At least not yet. About four years ago, the days where I would experience extreme lower back pain were frequent, going so far as to truly eliminate being able to move at times. I finally gave in a went to see a neurosurgeon. After an MRI it was discovered that I had three lower lumber disks that were all at about 25-30% of normal.

After this diagnosis, I started a very slow physical rehab process. Started with situps and rubber band strengthening exercises. Started to feel better and eventually made it back into the gym. Now, years later, I'm lifting like crazy and feeling better than I have for years. Only after long extended times driving do I ever feel any back pain.

I would seriously look into alternatives prior to any surgery. Find a good physical therapist and start strengthening your core and then expand from there. Good luck and best wishes with your struggle.