Lumbar Revision Scheduled...input needed

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nanatothesixth

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The lurabar revision has been scheduled for July 24th. Pre-op testing will be done July 7th. I see the Dr. the 7th as well to sign the consent forms and to go over any questions, but don't see him until after the per-op is done. I called his office and a few questions were answered. One of my main concerns is the nerve pain when I woke up from the last fusion(Deceraber 2006). I asked about that and was told not to worry as they will load me up with steroiRAB. Just what I don't want! My memory is still very fuzzy about the first week following the surgery. I do remeraber the nerve pain I suffered for over one month. The Dr. wants to do the revision due to non-fusion at one level. Grafting will be taken from my right side this time, and BMP will also be used.

My questions to anyone having this kind of proceedure done---do you regret having this done, did it help at all with the level of pain you were in before, was your quality of life improved afterwarRAB, did this proceedure make you worse that before? Basically all of the pre-op questions, only from the spiney folks that have had this done---Dr.s can't answer these questions if they have never had their backs ruined.

Many thanks to all and hopefully everyone has a less painful day today than the day before.

Pat
 
Pat, I strongly recommend getting 2 / 3 opinions. I had a revision done last Noveraber and I am sorry to report that I am no better off. I take more medications now then before surgery and have now been diagnosed with failed back syndrome and post laminectomy syndrome. These basically mean that there is nothing more surgically that can be done and that this is the best I will get.

With this said, I would do it again in a heartbeat but if I could do anything differently I would have obtained more opinions. I think if our backs are so messed up that we are miserable it is worth taking the chance, no matter how slim, that we can be fixed.

My biggest advice is to listen to your doctor 100% and don't do any lifting, bending, or twisting. Pamper yourself and let everyone else wait on you. Consider this an investment in yourself for later on in life. This is a long committment to get better. Remeraber it takes time and you will have to be patient.

Good luck and I pray it works out for you.
 
I have seen 4 other Dr.'s about this and they all agree it should be done. One said that it is medically necessary. My Chiropractor, whom I regard as my friend, has always been very honest with me thru the years. He will not do anything to my lower back, but does try to keep my neck and shoulders in alignment. He has told me that chances are, the nerve damage I have now could be worse, I am probably full of scar tissue, and he wouldn't be surprised if they find more herniated discs and more damage. I am having flasrabroadacks of the pervious fusion, and they are not nice ones. I don't want to be worse than I am now.
 
Great, then you should feel comfortable with you decision to move forward. Keep us posted on the dates so that we can offer a prayer or two for you. Good luck.
 
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