Another Newbe!

phylly · #1 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 04:30 AM

Mark,
Sorry I can't make Manhattan Beach.
Terry, I am trying to get my act together and make an educated best guess at my next step. It is nice to be here.
I went to a Dr. today who said cysts were not an issue? He did say that he would like to try to take out the prodiscs. He has taken out about 5. He sent me to his vascular surgeon who also said not a problem to go in again from front. I am leaning toward this. I need to get my life back and I think a fusion (first removing the discs) would be great if they can do this. I am ready to sign up and stop running around to different doctors. Maybe I should get one more opinion?
Anyway this is the latest of the news. Big decisions in the next few weeks.
Phylly

Justin · #2 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 04:39 AM

Hey Phylly,

I didn't see your thread until now. Good luck with your decision(s) in the next couple of weeks. Keep me posted. BTW, thanks for posting your experience in the myelogram thread.

I'm off to bed...
We'll talk soon!

Quote:

Originally Posted by phylly

Mark,
Sorry I can't make Manhattan Beach.
Terry, I am trying to get my act together and make an educated best guess at my next step. It is nice to be here.
I went to a Dr. today who said cysts were not an issue? He did say that he would like to try to take out the prodiscs. He has taken out about 5. He sent me to his vascular surgeon who also said not a problem to go in again from front. I am leaning toward this. I need to get my life back and I think a fusion (first removing the discs) would be great if they can do this. I am ready to sign up and stop running around to different doctors. Maybe I should get one more opinion?
Anyway this is the latest of the news. Big decisions in the next few weeks.
Phylly

phylly · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 02:12 AM

I met with an orthopedic spine Dr. yesterday in my area who I had seen before my ADR's and I liked him a lot, He wants to try to take out my Prodiscs. I met with his vascular guy who said "NO problem". I know that fusing over the discs is much easier. Should I risk taking out the discs? I hate the idea of fusing over them especially with all the problems I have. I would love any opinions on this. THIS IS A HUGE SURGERY!
Phylly

mmglobal · #4 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 02:26 AM

Phylly,

I've been involved in several revision cases. We should talk. How many L4-5 keeled ADR's has the guy removed?

phylly · #5 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 02:37 AM

He said 5. I know it is not a lot but I went with the Dr. who did over 700 prodiscs and did not do well. I would love to know more about the revision surgery. I am scared to fuse over the prodiscs. The vascular guy was awesome. I know they love to operate. What would you do????

phylly · #6 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 02:43 AM

sorry this this disjointed but I do have bladder issues. will this become worse without surgery?

mmglobal · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 02:49 AM

Each revision case is unique and there are no hard and fast rules that apply.

Have they talked about CT-angio to get a clear picture of your vascular situation before a repeat abdominal surgery at L4-5?

What are they trying to accomplish by removing the discs... will they also do posterior surgery or will they do a stand alone cage with screws from the front?