Back surgery probable soon

[Waldo]

Quick history: Injured about 6 years ago in a motorcycle crash. Had compression fractures of T-10 & T-12, plus herniated disc. Initial diagnosis also included a hairline fracture of the sacrum, though another doc later disputed that. Also am very sensitive to any pressure on lower back & tailbone, which has never been properly diagnosed. Never had surgery.

Tried extensive P/T, stretching, etc. recently did a series of 3 epidurals, but only got temporary relief. 2 months after the last, things are as they were before. Doc said after the last injection that it looked like the disc bulge was getting larger, and that surgery was likely.

I feel like I've been doing rehab for 6 years now, so the idea of surgery and rehab for another 6 months or so doesn't scare me, especially if it fixes the problem.

But I know there are different procedures now available. My regular doc mentioned laminectomy as the standard, but I know there are other options -- replacing disc material, inflating balloons to regain normal vertebral separation, etc.

Anyone have any suggestions or experience with any of these procedures? Any suggestions for good docs in O.C. (preferably those who take Blue Cross, thoughy I'm willing to pay out of pocket for a consultation if needed). I saw the other thread about cervical vertebrae fusion (didn't want to hijack the thread) and got the name of the doc in Santa Monica -- thanks.

I'm off to see another specialist in a couple weeks, but trying to do some homework first.

Thanks all <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[SurfDoc]

Surgery is an option only for chronic pain or for loss of function. Nagging occasional aches and pains with otherwise normal daily activities doesn't usually lend itself to surgery. As for the types of procedures if surgery is necessary depends on the experience and skills of the surgeon. There are dozens of excellent Blue Cross Docs available through Blue Cross. Good luck!

 

[mainmane]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Waldo:
<strong>Quick history: Injured about 6 years ago in a motorcycle crash. Had compression fractures of T-10 & T-12, plus herniated disc. Initial diagnosis also included a hairline fracture of the sacrum, though another doc later disputed that. Also am very sensitive to any pressure on lower back & tailbone, which has never been properly diagnosed. Never had surgery.

Tried extensive P/T, stretching, etc. recently did a series of 3 epidurals, but only got temporary relief. 2 months after the last, things are as they were before. Doc said after the last injection that it looked like the disc bulge was getting larger, and that surgery was likely.

I feel like I've been doing rehab for 6 years now, so the idea of surgery and rehab for another 6 months or so doesn't scare me, especially if it fixes the problem.

But I know there are different procedures now available. My regular doc mentioned laminectomy as the standard, but I know there are other options -- replacing disc material, inflating balloons to regain normal vertebral separation, etc.

Anyone have any suggestions or experience with any of these procedures? Any suggestions for good docs in O.C. (preferably those who take Blue Cross, thoughy I'm willing to pay out of pocket for a consultation if needed). I saw the other thread about cervical vertebrae fusion (didn't want to hijack the thread) and got the name of the doc in Santa Monica -- thanks.

I'm off to see another specialist in a couple weeks, but trying to do some homework first.

Thanks all <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Sorry to hear about that, well I'm kind of in the same boat except I didn't fracture any vertebrae. I had 3 herniations in L5/S1 through L3/L4. I've done all the conservative therapy and I've had 2 back operations (2 diskectomies) so far I've found little relief from these and as you said the epidurals didn't last long.... My suggestion is to definitely ask your surgeon as many questions as possible. Get a list of people he has treated and call and ask them how they are doing. Your looking at about 3-6 months of rehab which if it works after the surgery you should be feeling better. I had nerve damage occur, so I still get numb legs and feet. I think you injured a different area so it might not be the same. I know how much this sucks, believe me. I've only been able to surf for less than 2 years out of the 4 I've been injured and only at about 70%. I'm now looking at fusion as an alternative. These other methods you've mentioned may sound good on the surface, but there are no long term studies to determine their effectiveness. These doctors will also tell you that these procedures are highly effective with no data to back them up(or fabricated data that says they are).... Personally I've spoken to many people where laminectomies and fusion have been successful(unfortunately mine were not). So try to educate yourself and above all be confident in you surgeon.

 

[Waldo]

bob01 -- Thanks for sharing your experiences, and I'm sorry to hear about all you've been through. Good luck -- I hope there is something more that can be done for you.

Don't worry SurfDoc: I wouldn't be considering surgery if this was just a matter of a few aches and pains. I've heard the mortality stats on back surgery, and that's enough to make me take this very seriously! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> I can't walk significant distances or be on my feet for any length of time. I also can't sleep on my back or my stomach, plus it hurts to roll around, so I really haven't had a good night's sleep for years now. There are more problems I won't get into here, but it's safe to say that this has had a pretty huge impact on my life. Fortunately, I can still surf a fair amount, though I'm often in a great deal of pain afterward. And I used to be a runner and triathlete back in the day. I know that'll never happen again, but I want to do whatever I can to return to a healthy, active lifestyle.

 

[trisurfmama]

howdy im a surfer physical threrapist and there are a lot of things to consider for spine stuff..educating yourself empowers the patient theres a lotta stuff on the net keeping flexible and a core strength in the abs and back are vital..speaking to as many people who are as you and those who have been through surgery or getting 3 opinions from pain medicine specialists, physiatrists, surgery should be a last last resort. keeping active as safely possible, conditioned, posture conscious at your job, patient education is vital. some of the strongest backs ive seen have been those of surfers..but to be flexible is a key. if you go on to abuse body no use already..cross training yoga or stretching swiss ball, pilates, weights, swimming walking, biking running whatever you can do to keep safely fit ..but pain level is impt. finding what u can do with minimal pain. the worst to do is give up and do nothing what s in the mind is very impt......

 

[bob01]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Waldo:
<strong>Quick history: Injured about 6 years ago in a motorcycle crash. Had compression fractures of T-10 & T-12, plus herniated disc. Initial diagnosis also included a hairline fracture of the sacrum, though another doc later disputed that. Also am very sensitive to any pressure on lower back & tailbone, which has never been properly diagnosed. Never had surgery.

Tried extensive P/T, stretching, etc. recently did a series of 3 epidurals, but only got temporary relief. 2 months after the last, things are as they were before. Doc said after the last injection that it looked like the disc bulge was getting larger, and that surgery was likely.

I feel like I've been doing rehab for 6 years now, so the idea of surgery and rehab for another 6 months or so doesn't scare me, especially if it fixes the problem.

But I know there are different procedures now available. My regular doc mentioned laminectomy as the standard, but I know there are other options -- replacing disc material, inflating balloons to regain normal vertebral separation, etc.

Anyone have any suggestions or experience with any of these procedures? Any suggestions for good docs in O.C. (preferably those who take Blue Cross, thoughy I'm willing to pay out of pocket for a consultation if needed). I saw the other thread about cervical vertebrae fusion (didn't want to hijack the thread) and got the name of the doc in Santa Monica -- thanks.

I'm off to see another specialist in a couple weeks, but trying to do some homework first.

Thanks all <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> </strong>Hey waldo, I just wanted to let you know that I went surfing for the first time after my surgery, exactly 4 months to the day. I was surprised as there was only mild discomfort. Nothing what I was usually used to. So I'm optimistic I might be getting better. There was some pain the next day, but nothing that was too bad. So I was excited and wanted to tell you. So hang in there. I thought at one time I might never get better, but now I was able to surf for the first time in years with minimal pain. I thank god too, hopefully I'll surf again next tuesday, There's going to be a nw/sw mix so huntington might be good. Hang in there man and good luck</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">