Dilema and need guidance

martyusa · #1 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007, 05:30 AM

I had made a post a while back about my situation.

Brief history. L5-S1 bulge with mild DDD. He now believes the disc is a bit worse and a possible herniation. Pain was only down right leg and is now starting down the left glute nd left ham as well. As long as I do nothing, and I mean nothing I am fine and it is tolerable. As soon as I have some moderate activity ( driving, bending over too long or sitting too long ), I am done for a couple of days and can't even sit on the toilet without pain.

After pain management and PT they have finally decided we cannot get it under control and it will not heal. It has been almost 7 months since the initial injury that opened this chapter up.

The Doctor has decided that he wants to do a micro-laminectomy. He feels this non-invasive procedure will work great for me. My biggest concern is another herniation in the future and being laid up even longer. I'm not sure if I like the idea of bone being removed or not and feel this will limit other options in the future if we do have any other problems with my active lifestyle.

Thoughts would be great. This is scheduled for Feb 1.

JeffreyD · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007, 06:18 AM

I know time is short, but if at all possible, please consider getting at least one more opinion.
Not sure if you live in an area where a doctor with a well rounded background (including ADR experience) exists, but in my opinion it's worth the effort.
You just want to make sure you don't burn any bridges should the day come that you need ADR and something done now might (I'm yelling MIGHT) prevent your candidacy for ADR.
Could be that the procedure you are scheduled to have is just the thing you need.......I'm just suggesting having one more pair of eyes look at your case.
This is only my opinion; I'm not a doctor, just a veteran of the spinal wars.

God Bless,
Jeff

ans · #3 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007, 09:17 AM

I agree with Jim to get more opinions and see the best - even if you have to travel a bit.

I was scheduled yrs. ago to have a disectomy but held off. Good thing that I did because a later discogram revealed that the disc's integrity was shot. I'm not saying this is your case but I wonder if this would be a good idea - if you have fairly nonstop back pain outside of your sciatica.

I hope that you're working out with lighter wts. and more reps. Also, be cautious about overhead lifting/spinal loading. Not that I'm a workout expert but this was an important part of my previous life.

Good luck, ans

Maria · #4 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007, 03:17 PM

A few more opinions advised. Don't know if you are structurally ready for anything more than this degree of surgery or would be advised of anything more and also it can be best option re optimally qualified surgeon performing surgery as well.

martyusa · #5 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007, 03:58 PM

Thanks for the input, everyone....

I know I will have to alter my lifestyle, somewhat. I am very active in sports. Martial arts for over 20 years, Bodybuilding for the last 7 years, flag football, softball and what every competitive sport I can find. Including but not limited to rough housing with my children.

I am trying to keep a positive attitude through all of this and just want to get back to normal. Now if Mark can play a round of Tennis, I should be able to get most of my activities back.

I live in Delaware and currently am being treated via Premier Ortho in PA. I would love some other options to consider.

dshobbies · #6 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007, 06:45 PM

Marty,

I can so empathize with your pain and plight. You're absolutely right to be concerned about future DDD and/or the decreased effectiveness of future, more invasive procedures. On the other hand, going for broke at this time might be too premature. What to do? Others have faced this same dilemna. The best thing to do is arm youself with as much knowledge as possible. This not only includes a second opinion and possibly a third, but also a consult with an ADR surgeon to ask what might be your chances for successful implantation in the future should it become necessary. Doctors unfamiliar with ADRs or those not performing the surgery are less likely to endorse it's effectiveness, thus downplaying your concerns.

Mark's wife, Diane, just recently had this same situation where considering an ADR was premature yet intervention was still needed. You might want to call him to find out how she's doing and what their doctor's advised.

Whatever you decision, I wish you luck and pain free days. Happy holidays, Dale