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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 3:09 am
Well, I went to the Neurosurgeon yesterday with my MRI films. He told me that he could help me with surgery. I asked him if it is an emergency - do I have to do it right now. He said no, he said that my symptoms will dictate when I have to have it done. When I cannot stand it anymore and the pains shoot down my arms more (they are only doing is occasionally now)- then I will come in for the surgery. He also explained it to me. He said it is called minimally invasive (although it takes 3 hours) they go through the throat and they have to drill and put in a plate) but the hospital stay is one night and wear a soft collar for a week and out of work for about 3 weeks. He said it will take the bones about 6 months to fuse. But he feels it will be successful. I feel a little better knowing that it is not that horrible a recuperation and not than invasive, and also that I can wait till I am ready. Which will not be till after January. I also asked if there is anything I can do other than surgery - any other kind of treatment and he said no. He was very very good, and I felt very confident.
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Wendo
Member
08-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 5:59 am
Ginger, good to hear you had a positive appointment with the neurosurgeon. He's right too; you should only have the surgery when you know you really need it. When not having becomes unacceptable. Because my herniation was pressing on my nerve I had to have it right away; just couldn't risk losing any kind of functionality in my right hand (as I'm right handed and an artist etc.) The recovery really isn't that bad. And, it sounds like your surgery will be less invasive than mine was. My collar was a hard collar and I had to wear it for several weeks. I also want to post a forum where I got a lot of good advice regarding the surgery: http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/index.php It's called the BrainTalk Communities; a support board for various nuerological disorders and the like. If you scroll down, you'll find an area labeled, "Spinal Disorders". It's one of the more active areas of the board. There's even a doctor and chiropractor who post there; the chirodoctor has had his own back issues. One thing I found there was advice and recommendations on what to do in my home BEFORE I had the surgery. Things to do to make things easier those days just after the procedure. For instance, getting a grabber to pick things up off the floor. Anyways, anything I can do to help, let me know Ginger.
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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 6:04 am
Thanks Wendo, even though it is pressing on my spine, it has not terribly affected my right arm yet. (I am a righty too, but LOL have NOOOO artistic talents) But my major area of pain is in my neck, which sometimes I cannot even move. When it goes down into my arms more than it does now, (which he said it will) I will run to him. Also this can affect the walking. The cervical spine is much more serious than the lumbar, since it is at the top of the spinal column and controls our arms and legs.
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Wendo
Member
08-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 6:13 am
Hey, your right hand and arm is important too. I was losing feeling in mine; you might eventually too. Keep an eye on everything, as they say. If you notice any changes, worsening, etc., call the doc. And yes, the cervical area is serious in that injury to the upper area of the spine/spinal cord has some serious implications. But, at least the surgical procedure is A LOT easier. Lumbar surgery sucks.
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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 6:17 am
yes I know, I need that too, but I will not do it unless a gun is held to my head
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Wendo
Member
08-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 6:41 am
I would only have lumbar surgery when spinal disc replacement surgery is available. Until then, I wouldn't let anyone touch my lumbar area for a fusion. What with the rods and reduction in range of motion, so not worth it. You know, Ginger, you know. Man, it must suck having both cervical and lumbar problems. My sympathies Ginger. What a rough couple of years for you. Ugh.
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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 6:43 am
Yeah Wendo, but I don't let it stop me if possible. I go to work, I do whatever I want. I just live with pain. The only time I am stopped is when I had the knee, leg and back pain that laid me up. If I can walk, I go
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Wendo
Member
08-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 7:03 am
Great attitude Ginger; I admire you for it.
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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 8:48 am
I have no choice. I am a single woman, I have no children, no husband, I am extremely independent. I don't have time to deal with falling victim to my problems. I really was fine until the fire. That basically destroyed my life in so many ways. It has changed me.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, May 19, 2006 - 8:05 pm
This Monday night (5/22), you might want to tune into Nightline (11-12, EST, I think). Their Back Pain series begins--will discuss new treatments and cures.
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Landi
Member
07-29-2002
| Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 5:59 am
update on holly. thursday got a call from her pediatrician, her x-rays showed more curvature than his physical exams, and was refering her to the pediatric orthapedist who is an hour away. so i thought we wouldn't hear for a while. nope. they called friday and want to see her right away. we have the first appointment they had open june 6th. guess we'll find out what's really going on then. right now we're kind of worried that it has gone beyond her regular doctor. he was quite surprised also that the x-rays were so markedly different.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 6:12 am
Good luck, landi and Holly. Think of it this way, it's good it was caught; it's good she is still growing, so the angle of growth of the bone can be manipulated before things are 'set.' Wendo, about your good advice re lumbar spine surgery. I just wish they could go in there and clamp the damned disks closed. Or duct tape them. I am usually pretty fine til I start bending. Then the escaping stuff causes all kinds of hell.
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Wendo
Member
08-07-2000
| Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 8:24 pm
Yeah, I know Herck. Once the disc replacement surgery is FDA approved those with lumbar issues will have a viable option.
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Escapee
Member
06-15-2004
| Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 8:35 am
June 6th? Thats' 06/06/06...........
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 12:09 pm
landi wanted to share this information about Holly:
Here's landi's message: "Our daughter, Holly, was diagnosed last May as having "slight" scoliosis. Attached are pics of the xrays that we were shown today (yesterday) at the Pediatric Orthopedist. (don'tcha just love camera phones?) Holly has a 14 degree curvature to the right. as you can see. We have since learned that "slight" is 10 degrees and less. It ain't "slight" The orthopedist says it looks scarier than it is. He won't consider bracing unless it was 25 degrees. Basically he says "It won't get any worse, and it won't get any better." And the only worries are genetic, as she will pass down to any children. just one more thing for her to have in her life. It never ends! But we always overcome!" I asked landi if Holly was in any pain. Here's her answer: "She's not in pain right now, but the doctor has ordered pain shots for her to be available should she need them. It was bothering her a bit last night." Looks like Holly has a tough row to hoe to me. Offering prayers and gentle hugs for Holly, you, landi, and your dh.
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Hukdonreality
Member
09-29-2003
| Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 3:12 pm
Herck, please let Landi know that she can write to me at Boolor2@aol.com if she wants to discuss Holly's scoliosis. Let her know that my good friend has done work related to the effects of exercise on pre-pubertal females with scoliosis. It is not something that is easily found in the literature, but I would be happy to talk with her about it.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 3:53 pm
Huk, that is so nice. landi reads here, so I am sure she will see your generous note.
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 2:09 pm
landi, all the best to you and to holly. My back is spasming in sympathy (well it was already doing that but.. I understand !)
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 8:43 pm
Source: Adam Healthcare Center Low Back Pain Pain felt in your lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves, or other structures in that region of your back. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries. You may feel a variety of symptoms if you hurt your back. You may have a tingling or burning sensation, a dull aching, or sharp pain. You also may experience weakness in your legs or feet. It won't necessarily be one event that actually causes your pain. You may have been doing many things improperly -- like standing, sitting, or lifting -- for a long time. Then suddenly, one simple movement, like reaching for something in the shower or bending from your waist, leads to the feeling of pain. Alternative Names Backache; Low back pain; Lumbar pain; Pain - back Considerations If you are like most people, you will have at least one backache in your life. While such pain or discomfort can happen anywhere in your back, the most common area affected is your low back. This is because the low back supports most of your body's weight. Low back pain is the #2 reason that Americans see their doctor -- second only to colds and flus. Many back-related injuries happen at work. But you can change that. There are many things you can do to lower your chances of getting back pain. Most back problems will get better on their own. The key is to know when you need to seek medical help and when self-care measures alone will allow you to get better. Low back pain may be acute (short-term), lasting less than one month, or chronic (long-term, continuous, ongoing), lasting longer than three months. While getting acute back pain more than once is common, continuous long-term pain is not. Common Causes You'll usually first feel back pain just after you lift a heavy object, move suddenly, sit in one position for a long time, or have an injury or accident. But prior to that moment in time, the structures in your back may be losing strength or integrity. The specific structure in your back responsible for your pain is hardly ever identified. Whether identified or not, there are several possible sources of low back pain: * Small fractures to the spine from osteoporosis * Muscle spasm (very tense muscles that remain contracted) * Ruptured or herniated disk * Degeneration of the disks * Poor alignment of the vertebrae * Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) * Strain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back * Spine curvatures (like scoliosis or kyphosis) which may be inherited and seen in children or teens * Other medical conditions like fibromyalgia Low back pain from any cause usually involves spasms of the large, supportive muscles alongside the spine. The muscle spasm and stiffness accompanying back pain can feel particularly uncomfortable. You are at particular risk for low back pain if you: * Work in construction or another job requiring heavy lifting, lots of bending and twisting, or whole body vibration (like truck driving or using a sandblaster) * Have bad posture * Are pregnant * Are over age 30 * Smoke, don't exercise, or are overweight * Have arthritis or osteoporosis * Have a low pain threshold * Feel stressed or depressed Back pain from organs in the pelvis or elsewhere include: * Bladder infection * Kidney stone * Endometriosis * Ovarian cancer * Ovarian cysts * Testicular torsion (twisted testicle)
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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Wednesday, October 18, 2006 - 12:04 pm
Since the epidurals did not work, I am going to post here instead. I have an appointment tomorrow with the orthopedic surgeon that I saw last year. I was not in bad pain in my back at that point, although I knew about the severe issues I had. So, I am going to see him tomorrow and bringing my sister with me. I tend to walk out forgetting half of what they said. Sooo, she will be there with me and also she knows good questions to ask.
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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Thursday, October 19, 2006 - 4:36 pm
I definitely need surgery. I have 2 issues going on, one is he thinks I herniated a disc that is pressing on the nerve, if that was the only problem it would be simple surgery, BUT he needs to do major spinal surgery as well, I have a slippage that must be fixed, with rods and screws. It is a 4-5 hour surgery - 5 days in Hospital - and I am extremely depressed. He wants to do it as soon as possible he is afraid of the nerve being badly damaged, I already have weakness in the leg - he is sending me for an additional MRI, and to a neurogolist for an EMG (which I am terrified of) and then the surgery, because of work situation, I cannot do this until January, he is not happy about that, but I can't help it.
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Texannie
Member
07-16-2001
| Thursday, October 19, 2006 - 4:40 pm
(((ginger))) please don't wait any longer than you have to. my dad postponed back surgery and by the time he did finally do it, it was too late to truly fix the problem.
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Twinkie
Member
09-24-2002
| Thursday, October 19, 2006 - 7:44 pm
Damn, Ginger! You really shouldn't wait! This really sucks, hon! I'm so sorry!
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, October 19, 2006 - 9:41 pm
Ginger, you've probably already stated this, but where on your body is the source of the pain? Your neck, thoracic (upper back), or lumbar (lower back)? I'm posting an article that talks about an easier procedure, but only if your problem is thoracic.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, October 19, 2006 - 9:43 pm
Source: Ivanhoe.com Reported August 9, 2006 Better Herniated Disc Surgery LOS ANGELES (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- A thoracic herniated disc can happen because of disease or normal wear and tear. Fixing the problem is often dangerous because surgeons have to operate very close to the spinal cord. But now, new technology is making the procedure safer and more precise. Managing a busy office means Steven Girod spends a lot of his day walking, sitting and bending -- easy tasks now, but they weren't a few months ago. "I had tremors in my legs and hands, and it was just really difficult to even sit at the computer for a period of time," Girod says. And by the end of the day, he couldn't even feel his feet. "I was driving at that time 55 miles to work. And definitely couldn't feel the pedals of the car," he says. Girod had a thoracic herniated disc. It happens when parts of the spine bulge or rupture. Neurosurgeon J. Patrick Johnson, M.D., says surgery to remove the problem spot can be risky. "We don't know whether we're a millimeter or a centimeter away from the spinal cord," Dr. Johnson, of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, tells Ivanhoe. And just one false move can cause paralysis. But now Dr. Johnson is the only surgeon in the United States to use computer-image guidance and endoscopic technology in the operating room. He says, "It allows us precision, accuracy and speed." The computer program creates 3-D pictures that allow Dr. Johnson to see exactly where he needs to drill to remove the bulge. It's accurate within 2 millimeters of the right spot. Before this technology, surgeons had to make an educated guess about where to place their instruments. "I can't imagine not using it, the way that we had to before," Dr. Johnson says. Girod had the procedure six months ago. "I can bend over," he says. "I have no tremors anymore." And he's able to do all the little things he once took for granted. Right now, only Dr. Johnson and one other surgeon in France are performing the procedure that uses these technologies. So far, Dr. Johnson has performed about 50 surgeries this way. He says he hopes to perform cervical and lumbar spine surgeries with the technology in the future. If you would like more information, please contact: Karen Fabac, RN Institute for Spinal Disorders Cedars Sinai Medical Center 444 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 (310) 423-9276 http://www.csmc.edu/spine
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