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Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/4/2006 9:50:47 PM   
Lashra


Posts: 4900
Joined: 2/9/2006
Status: offline 		Herniated Disc Surgery, has anyone had it? I'm curious because this is what is causing my back problems and my doctor has suggested I have surgery for it. From what I have read its seems pretty nonevasive and recovery sounds pretty quick, but I like to ask around.

~Lashra


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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/4/2006 9:59:48 PM   
MistressTexas


Posts: 425
Joined: 5/30/2006
Status: offline 		In my experience, 100 different people can have the same surgery under the same conditions by the same doctor, and have 100 different opinions on how invasive it was, and what the recovery time was like. My best advice would be to contact a physiotherapist or kinesiologist, and discuss it with them. I've found that they have a wide knowledge  of recovery times, and how a common surgery like this will affect someone with your "stats" like age, weight, fitness, etc.

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/4/2006 10:03:55 PM   
porcelaine


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Joined: 7/24/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lashra

Herniated Disc Surgery, has anyone had it? I'm curious because this is what is causing my back problems and my doctor has suggested I have surgery for it. From what I have read its seems pretty nonevasive and recovery sounds pretty quick, but I like to ask around.

~Lashra



I have not had it Ma'am. I sincerely wish you well and hope the procedure goes smoothly and is successful in removing your physical discomfort. Best of luck to you.

porcelaine

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 8:57:14 AM   
sub4hire


Posts: 6775
Joined: 1/1/2004
Status: offline 		Doug needs it.  He has put it off for year's now because of the mere fact of the unknowns.
I have known several people to have it.
The next day they do get you out of bed.  You cannot wipe your own butt for about 6 month's.  Even though the doctor said 6 weeks.  Out of the hundreds I have spoken to it is a minimum of 6 month's.  You are told not to lift anything over something like ten to thirty pounds for a period of 6 month's. 
For some the recovery took 2 years and they are still not out of pain.  There was not a single day the pain went away.  Though it is more bearable. 
I hear getting around and home from the hospital is near impossible.  Getting out of bed.  Essentially doing anything so expect to be laid up those 6 month's.
Again though I am no expert but I have been talking to people about it the last 6 years.  It really helps the better shape you are in before the surgery for the recovery process.
We have been told by his doctor's the new discs last about ten years then you're back to square one.
Though other's don't share that same info..so not sure about that one.

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 9:34:50 AM   
amativedame


Posts: 331
Joined: 9/23/2005
Status: offline 		Both of my parents have had herniated disk surgery and it really affects each person differently.  You could go through it really easily, or it can be really tough.  It also depends on what kind of surgery you are having.  Are they repairing it?  Are they removing it?  Are they inserting metal, bone or something artificial?

I think your best range of opinions would be a back surgery online group and even more significantly your own doctor's waiting room.  

My mother had to have significant back surgery about a decade ago now.  She had some significant problems the first three weeks but nothing like what sub4hire described... and she literally had the work after problems her doctor had ever seen.  (Not arguing with you nor attacking you sub4hire, I'm sure people have had that happen... just with the hundred of so people I've been exposed to that have had surgery for herniated disks I've never run into someone who's had so much trouble.)  I've never heard the 10 year thing... my mother had hers done over a decade ago and she's never had any problems because its been so long ago.  She's in some pain now because she's overweight and never kept the in shape.. but that has nothing to do with the surgery itself.  I know several people who have had cages put in and have had them for decades.  We've advanced even farther beyond that at this point as well I believe.  If someone told me I'd have to have back surgery in another 10 years I'd be seeking another opinion (just my opinion anyway.)  I've gone through that with my ankles... having it not be worth having surgery because I'm going to end up in the same situation in a few years.  All because the underlying cause isn't something that's fixable.

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 10:40:12 AM   
sub4hire


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quote:

ORIGINAL: amativedame

My mother had to have significant back surgery about a decade ago now.  She had some significant problems the first three weeks but nothing like what sub4hire described... and she literally had the work after problems her doctor had ever seen.  (Not arguing with you nor attacking you sub4hire, I'm sure people have had that happen... just with the hundred of so people I've been exposed to that have had surgery for herniated disks I've never run into someone who's had so much trouble.) 


He has been on the track of surgery now for year's.  Always chickens out with the horror stories.  Sadly most of our stories came from the patients the doctor's recommended themselves.
Perhap's it is our quality of doctor's here in California?  They really are pathetic and when you find a good one you really have to hold onto them for life.
I think it is because of the sheer volume of patients.  Someone told me a few weeks back if they have less patients you're going to get better care.
Not sure I agree but it may have its merits.
Believe me it is good to hear success stories.  He is going to have the surgery and soon.  So, I really want some success.
A friend of mine has a child that just recently got into a car accident.  He was in ICU for weeks.  In any event he broke his back.  They had to fuse his vertebrae together.  He is currently wearing the back brace for the 6 month period after surgery.  Aside from not being able to bend of lift he is doing remarkably well.  Though it might also be because he is 14  and we all healed faster when we were younger.
I'd like to hope Doug makes it through that easy when the time comes.

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 11:05:51 AM   
amativedame


Posts: 331
Joined: 9/23/2005
Status: offline 		To make it easier... if he isn't already get him to exercise.  The more in shape muscle mass wise his stomach & back is the easier it will be for him to get through it.  Back when I was talking voice lessons, her husband had three disks removed and had cages put in... he was driving the next week.  I think the biggest thing in his favor was that he was in shape.  It should (hopefully) take some a little stress off the injured tissue when they go in.  Even if it doesn't, its something he'll have to work on afterward and it never hurts to be ahead of the game.  If you don't keep your back in shape it doesn't matter how great your surgeon was, you'll still have problems

There are definitely horror stories out there.... but I think there is no matter what kind of surgery you are talking about.

edited because I can't spell


< Message edited by amativedame -- 9/5/2006 11:06:46 AM >

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 1:34:19 PM   
BlueVelvet


Posts: 11
Joined: 9/5/2006
Status: offline 		Hi,

I had a herniated disc a couple of years ago, tried all the usual, saw a chiropracter, even had an epidural to reduce the swelling and see if it would 'pop back'.  I was in intense and constant pain, really dibilitating, and yes, I was scared of having surgery.  However, I was more scared of the permanenet nerve damage that would be done if I didn't have it.

I had a 'microdiscectomy',. and I woke from the surgery pain free from my back, the first time in a loooong time!  My throat was sore as hell from all of the tubes but hey

I was up and walking after an hour of coming round (wasn't prepared to use a bedpan!), and out on the patio a little while later having a ciggie!  For me, the worst part of the 'recovery' was not being able to sit down for 2 weeks afterwards other than to eat meals and use the bathroom.  I left hospital the day after I had the surgery, practically ran down the stairs to prove I was ok to the physiotherapist!

Having said that, the woman in the next room had the same surgery as me and didn't get out of bed all the time I was there.  She went down for her op before me and as I say, didn't get out of bed.

I had a few months of hydrotherapy, just to help strengthen the back muscles, which helped.

Although my back isn't perfect, and I have bad days where standing for long periods is not possible, nor is walking any great distance without stopping for a few moments to take the pressure off my spine, for me, the operation was a huge success!  Personally, I would recommend it to anyone in similar circumstances, as there comes a point when you simply can not live with the pain any longer.

And I can tight lace again without wincing because of my back, which is a huge plus!!

Oh and it's my first post on the boards so hi everyone!

BV

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 3:17:02 PM   
Master96


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Joined: 2/13/2006
Status: offline 		After experience with my father and brother, I highly recomend to leave the surgery as the last option. Keep away from surgery.

Master96,

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 6:57:55 PM   
justheather


Posts: 1532
Joined: 10/4/2005
Status: offline 		My advice: Try everything else you can first. Look into alternative therapies.
Then, if you still have no relief, find the most conservative neurosurgeon you can and get a second opinion.
If that person agrees you need to have it, ask him for the most conservative neurosurgeon he knows and go to her for a third opinion.
If she says you need the surgery, find out if anyone you know knows any NURSES who work with neurosurgeons and ask them who they'd let open them up.
I work in a neuro unit and every one of us has a list of who we want for which procedure and who we'd not let touch us even if it were our last hope of survival. I don't generally tell patients they picked the wrong doc, but if directly asked, I have no problem telling people who's on what list.

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 7:26:59 PM   
StrongButKind


Posts: 136
Joined: 10/15/2004
Status: offline 		That answer varies signficantly based on the individual patient. Two of the most significant factors are in your control: the surgeon performing the procedure and your health at the time of surgery. Your profile lists you as 5'8", 220, in Baltimore. So go to Johns Hopkins and see an academic surgeon. While there are good surgeons in non-academic practice, your odds are much worse of happening upon one, and if that surgeon needs a consult, the quality of person he or she can find is lower. Risk-adjusted operative morbidity and mortality rates at academic centers are often half that of the national average. Have that surgeon tell you about the most recent literature on your condition and procedure -- he or she should be able to answer without having to get back to you about it. Get a second opinion, ideally from another academic medical center. Ask both surgeons to explain any discrepancy in their plan.
You are in the category of obese. I mean no disrespect by this -- I am, too. Obese people can be in pretty good (though not ideal) health; however, they have much poorer outcomes and recovery from back and joint surgery. If you can do it, and under the care of a phsycian, lose some weight and get in shape before the surgery. I really don't mean this in a negative way at all -- were it me, I would make an effort to drop my excess weight before a surgery like this.
Make a surgeon convince you you need surgery, and get a concurring second opinion, or be very reluctant to have surgery. It is often the right thing, but it is critical to be sure that's true before enduring those risks and irreversible consequences.
Be well and good luck!

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 7:46:09 PM   
justheather


Posts: 1532
Joined: 10/4/2005
Status: offline 		I spent the first thirty years of my life in Baltimore.
Johns Hopkins is one of several fine medical institutions in the city and surrounding area.

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I want the scissors to be sharp
And the table perfectly level
When you cut me out of my life
And paste me in that book you always carry.
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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 8:05:39 PM   
StrongButKind


Posts: 136
Joined: 10/15/2004
Status: offline 		No doubt. I single them out only because I know a lot of docs there now or in the past. And not in specialties relevant to this thread. I meant no slight to other good hospitals in the area with which I am less familiar.

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 8:13:38 PM   
Lashra


Posts: 4900
Joined: 2/9/2006
Status: offline 		Thanks for the replies. No StrongButKind I take no offense, I have lost weight, I used to weight 286lbs so its coming off slowly but it is staying off.

I have tried phyiscal therapy which did nothing, though the massage and the electro treatment felt good, it didnt stop the pain. My doctor suggested trying Predisone, though since I'm diabetic, I am a bit unsure as I've been told it can make your blood glucose numbers go crazy.

Its alot to consider and Ill take my time and think about it.

Thanks,
~Lashra


_____________________________

“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path.”






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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 8:31:53 PM   
dekley


Posts: 56
Joined: 2/22/2004
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Lashra

Herniated Disc Surgery, has anyone had it? I'm curious because this is what is causing my back problems and my doctor has suggested I have surgery for it. From what I have read its seems pretty nonevasive and recovery sounds pretty quick, but I like to ask around.

~Lashra



I had a herniated disc removed almost 25 years ago now. I kept putting it off until I had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance & carried in on a stretcher. After the operation, the doc told me that it was the worst one he'd ever seen. I was able to walk out though, and I haven't had any real problem with it since (knock on wood). I'm just a bit careful when doing any heavy physical work (i.e., lift heavy items using legs... not with back...). I'd imagine they've come a long way with back surgery in the last 25 years. It wasn't noninvasive back then. I've still got about a 6 inch scar back there.

I've known several others who've had the same surgery in the last several years, and they've all been success stories too. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

dekley



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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/5/2006 9:50:27 PM   
Vendaval


Posts: 10297
Joined: 1/15/2005
Status: offline 		Hi Lashra,
 
I recommend getting a second and even a third opinion from
specialists before committing to back surgery.  I have 4 friends
who live with the daily pain from spinal injuries and in some
cases the surgeries have helped and in others made the situation
worse.
 
Kind regards,
 
Vendaval

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/6/2006 1:11:27 AM   
MisPandora


Posts: 2911
Joined: 4/7/2004
From: Philadelphia, PA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: StrongButKind

That answer varies signficantly based on the individual patient. Two of the most significant factors are in your control: the surgeon performing the procedure and your health at the time of surgery. Your profile lists you as 5'8", 220, in Baltimore. So go to Johns Hopkins and see an academic surgeon. While there are good surgeons in non-academic practice, your odds are much worse of happening upon one, and if that surgeon needs a consult, the quality of person he or she can find is lower.

There are some exceptional orthopods who specialize in spinal surgeries at UMD.

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RE: Herniated Disc Surgery - 9/6/2006 3:35:20 AM   
ohioslave4u


Posts: 5
Joined: 2/25/2005
Status: offline 		Lashra, i have personaly have had 2 back surgeries, Both from the best of the best and so far i hurt worse than before the first one, right now they want to do another one and i won,t let them, now i have rods and screws holding me together, i wear a tens unit almost 24/7 and still no relieve, if i had to do it all over again there wouldn,t of been the 2nd one, the 1st one i had no chocie for i could no longer walk, i could write a book on back surgeries and my adise is to put it off as long as you can, if you need any 1st hand imfor just ask, i wish i did         terry

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