Back t12 and L4-L5-S1

  • Thread starter Thread starter drshaw
  • Start date Start date
D

drshaw

Guest
I'm new at this so here it goes. 1st Dr. says that I have three herniated disk one at T12 and at L4-L5-S1. That he will take the disk out on low back and put nothing in its place. No fusion just nothing said you will be fine. then wait and due T12 at a later time. My T12 disk is pushing on my spinal cord and going down the canal.So I went and got a second opinion. Now this Doc. says yes you need to have two surgeries one upper and one lower.He wants to due the T12 one first wait three months and due the lower back.He started talking about going threw my side and removing a rib ( do they put it back?) and that I might have a tube hanging out for a few days. I've all ready been off work for two months. I 'm scheduled for surgery on August 25th. Second Dr. would fuse my lower back and put in a cage on T12. I do go back on August 12 for pre-op so I can ask ? but I thought I might give you all a chance to set me straight. I have pain down both legs and the more I try to walk the worse my legs get.Then their is just times that I move to pick something up and I can't breath due to every muscle tightens a round my sides. I work out in the field clirabing ladders 25-30 feet up on poles, in attics, under houses and lift 80lb-90lb. I should be able to go back to work when all is said and done? I'll find out on the 12th of August. Thanks Dave
 
Hi Dave,
Welcome to a place where we all understand what you are going though. DOn't be afraid to ask EVERY question. I had to write mine down a few days before the appointment because I would get nervous in the doctors office and forget things. If you aren't comfortable with his treatment plan can you get one more opinion? I can't see you returning to the same kind of job once you have the surgery but everyone is diffferent.
Leg pain is so awful I was taking a HUGE amount of vicodin just to function before my surgery and still take it sometimes but not like before my fusion.
Knowledge is power so read as much as you can, ask as many questions as you can and pray before you make your decision. I don't for one minute regret having the surgery but like so many others here I had to make HUGE life adjustments once I had it.
Be Blessed,
Momzworkin :)
 
Momzworkin:Thank you for taking the time to help. I have started to wright my questions in a book so I don't forget my questions. I do feel good about the Dr. and treatment, just not sure about the end result. where my life will go from here. It sounRAB like I'll have to make changes. Change is good right!
 
Back
Top