K
kdk819
Guest
Hi Everyone, Well, just when you thought it couldn't get worse, it did. The CT scan I had done last week confirmed the non-fusion of L5-S1. Not only that, but L4 disc has blown out and deteriorated. The doctor showed me on the CT scan that the donor bone implanted somehow totally dislodged, and is stuck where L4 is. My surgeon already had a meeting with the two other surgeons that will assist with the surgeries. Yes, I said surgeries. The first surgery will consist of reopening my back, removing all hardware, harvesting bone from my hip, and closing me up. Approximately 2-2 1/2 hours. I will be on total bedrest in the hospital for a few days. Then, back to the OR. They will first go in through the front, take care of L4, clean things up, put in my bone, then the hardware, close me up, flip me over, reopen my back, place more hardware, and close me up. Approximately 6-8 hours. He said I will be in the hospital for about 2 1/2 weeks. Then go to rehab. All said and done, it will be a L4-S1 fusion. They are doing most of the work from the front, because they don't want me to have a repeat spinal leak. He said he can't promise it will make my pain any better, and it will insure against any major problems. Also, the nerve damage to my left leg, from the knee down is permanent. I'll never have feeling back again. He said my back is very unstable. I knew something was wrong with the disc above, because I could feel it! I have to go see the other two surgeons that will assist in surgery.
One is a general surgeon, the other is an orthopedic surgeon. I couldn't believe what he was showing me on the CT scans. He hopes to have everything in order so I can have the surgery in Septeraber. Its workers comp, so I have to get the authorization from them. It shouldn't be a problem, because the IME doctor for workers comp suggested another surgery
at the last examination. I'm scared to death! I've been upset all evening. Couldn't even eat dinner. Has anyone had this done this way? Or an anterior fusion? I also have to go to my vascular surgeon, and have dopplers done on both legs due to right leg DVT following L5-S1 fusion. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Kathy
One is a general surgeon, the other is an orthopedic surgeon. I couldn't believe what he was showing me on the CT scans. He hopes to have everything in order so I can have the surgery in Septeraber. Its workers comp, so I have to get the authorization from them. It shouldn't be a problem, because the IME doctor for workers comp suggested another surgery
at the last examination. I'm scared to death! I've been upset all evening. Couldn't even eat dinner. Has anyone had this done this way? Or an anterior fusion? I also have to go to my vascular surgeon, and have dopplers done on both legs due to right leg DVT following L5-S1 fusion. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Kathy