Too young for Surgery!

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girl12345

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I saw my spine surgeon and I had discouraging news. I definitly have a lot of problems (DDD, Herniation, Scar Tissue), but they can't do anything. My age (23) is keeping me from a fusion and I am a little overweight so they won't do a disc replacement. He asked if I could live like I am now on medications and I told him no. I barely make it through a full day of work and then I can't do anything else that day. My symptoms include lower back pain that goes down both legs. Also, my feet go nurab every so often. When I lay down at night my pain gets worst. I don't know what else to do. Any advice?
 
I was 25 when i had my first fusion in 2002. I was working full time and was barely walking when i got off work. It was that bad but yet they left me like that saying " we dont think your leg pain is from your back" cause i really had no back pain it was all in my legs and apparently in my head to. Until i had a wreck in july of 2002 and then they did the surgery in deceraber of that year. Well it was a totally different doctor then what i was goin to so i know how frustrating it can be. I wish you luck.
 
First off you are not too young. They just dont like to do surgery on people that are young if possible. The true test of needing surgery is about you really and finding a surgeon that can see that you are suffering, the quality of your life is greatly impaired due to your spine, and that you are experiencing nerve issues and loss of use (legs, walking), etc.

Most of us suffer quite a bit before we find the right surgeon that is willing to test us thoroughly and willing to offer surgery as a possible remedy.

Scar Tissue is not remedied by surgery and often is increased by trying to remove it. How long has this been going on, what level is herniated, when was your last MRI, can you better describe the "scar tissue" you mentioned. Why do you have scar tissue? Have you had any procedures done before? Have you been through PT at all, and what meRAB are you taking?

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I have been suffering from back pain for over 5 years. I had a discectomy in 2005 at what I was told was L5-S1. I am now told that I have an extra disc (geneticly). My last MRI was last month. I now have degeneration at L4-L5 and L5-S1 or what ever way someone wants to label the extra disc. I also have a herniation at L4-L5. Obviouly there is scar tissue (the doctor does not think this is the problem). He did say that I need a fusion but does not feel comfortably doing it because of my age. They would definitely do it if I was 40 years old. A disc replacement might eventually be an option, but not right now. This doctor is supposed to be the best orthopedic spine surgeon in the area. For right now I am going to see a new pain management doctor and see if there is any more options for me. I have been through a lot of therapy (usually every four to six months I go back for a month). I am on a lot of medications for the pain.

I come home from work and can't do anything else because of my pain. I have to work full time because of insurance, but all my previous doctors thought that since I work full time I can't be in pain. I don't have the quality of life I should at my age because I am always hurting. I did tell my doctor this and my dad came to my last appointment and told the doctor the same thing. He did believe me but can't look past my age.
 
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