Two level fusion w/ a question

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Devon07

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Hi everyone Im new here.

This is a great place for info...loaded with very cool people.:cool:

I have a two level fusion coming up pending the out come of my discogram(lurabar).I am aware of the lurabar problems and also a T-8 and T-9 bulging disc w/ a 1.5 cm lipoma that far outways my pain in the lurabar area, The thoracic problem is causing the most problems but they dont want to touch that area because of the danger....its hard for me to go forward with a major surgery like the fusion and just ignore my pain of (8/10) Is anyone else in this boat? I would want the fusion for relief but wont seem to have any with my upper back probs. Im sure I will have some relief but my lurabar pain is 4 or 5/10 and most times I dont even realize its hurting because of thoracic is so intense.
 
Hi Devon, and welcome to the board!

So why don't they want to touch the thoracic level? I know there's a risk of the levels above and below going, but if your pain is that intense, you need help! Have you gotten more than one opinion? I'm fused T4-S1, and I needed it, no doubt whatsoever. I still have pain, but it's nothing like the pre-fusion pain. Just because there's a risk doesn't mean nothing should be done.

Are you seeing a spine specialist who has done a fellowship? Either an ortho or neuro who works only on spines?

If you haven't gotten a second (or third) opinion, make sure you get an opinion from a doctor in a different group. Doctors in the same group use the same chart for you, no matter which one you are seeing, so the second one wouldn't contradict what the first one said out of professional courtesy.

I wish you the best as you talk to your doctors and make this decision.

Blessings,
Emily
 
The doctor I have has a great reputation and I have faith in him he is an Ortho ...Im not sure about the fellowship thing.....I know he does teach others on proceedures and such and has been doing it for over 40 years. He said he has done two major surgeries in the thoracic area and wont touch another one.....he says they are to risky and dangerous...also said he will try PT on it for awhile and would send me to someone else if I needed to go any further with it.:confused: but said its a high risk. How do I find out about the fellowship thing?

Devon
 
If you're not comfortable asking him outright, he may have a website that gives information on each doctor in the group, if he's in a group. Or you can always call his office and not identify yourself and just say you're looking for a good orthopedic surgeon and could they tell you where he did his fellowship (or just if he did one).

I hope this helps. Maybe someone else will have other input for you, too.

Take care,
Emily
 
I just did some research on fellowships and it makes sence to me now....I researched my docs website and also called a buddy who knows lots of doctors and I asked him to ask around and when I gave the name he said he has heard about him and its all good.....I think he teaches where doctors do fellowships....but Im assuming on that because his office seemed to brag on the teachings he does....My buddy told me this doc was around before fellowships lol and all his interests are in spines and he teaches... I will do a little more research and go from there.


I will have more questions for him when I see him again.
 
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