So my son is having spine surgery today. A disk replacement a fusion of the 2 vertebrae directly under the new disk (lower back). What I did not know until today, they go in from the front to do this procedure. Anyone else have their surgery done from the front?
TM
I've been going through some procedures recently for L5-S1, but its minimal compared to what your son is taking on. All of them were done from the back. Was his due to general degradation, or other underlying circumstances? In his case I'd imagine its to save and/or avoid nerve bunches when entering.
He was out riding at Beaumont. Had a great day riding. They had just gotten on the highway and traffic came to a stop. Being stopped, and someone behind didn't stop, he saw the vehicle coming and leaned away from the door so he was contorted during the impact. Drivers side rear and side of vehicle. Totaled the Tundra.
Just talked to doc. Also L5 & S1. They actually had to go in from front and back to do everything. We're up here in Beverly Hills. This doc is supposed to be the rock star of spine surgery. He flies all over putting pro rodeo guys back together. Anyway, he was very please with the fix today. Said there was a lot more going on (wrong) than the pics showed.
TM
I hope everything works out for your Son TM. 🙏
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TY. Doc said everything went great! It was about a 5 hour surgery. Apparently when they take all your intestines out, it takes a while for them to start working again so no solid food for several days.
TM
July 1st was 1 year since L4 and L5 fusion they went in both front by belly button and back on both sides to put in screws. Took a specialist to just move all the guts out of the way and put them back.
The therapy to strengthen the muscles is a must do.
I had C5,6 and 7 fused and the neurosurgeon went in through the front of my neck. I also have a titanium plate there and I’m wondering how he got the drill in to tighten the screws.
4 surgeries in 2022. First was C7-T1 disc bulge. Initial surgeon wanted to fuse C5-C7. That sounded aggressive so I consulted the renowned Carroll Clinic in Dallas. The surgeon who managed Tony Romo’s back when he was with the Cowboys performed a laminectomy which did the job. Scary part? The fusing would have 1) been a 3 day hospital stay and 3 month rehab, and 2) would not have fixed the problem. With the laminectomy I walked out of the hospital the same day as the procedure.
I don't know about how long rehab is going to be, they had him walking within hours after surgery. Doc said likely pain free within a month. Also said most pain is day 2&3. Today and tomorrow. Post surgery center is like club med. They rent the 15th floor of a bldg downtown Beverley Hills.
TM
C3, 4, 5. Last year. Still trying to regain upper body strength. What was unexpected is the hardware kinda restricts swallowing food...at least the way it used to be. You know us cave men...stick it in yer mouth, bite till it stops wiggling and swallow. It hasn't slowed me down enough to lose any weight.🙃
I had a screw taken out of my spine last Monday - 2nd one to be removed in the last few years.
Had a op, years ago to get / keep my spine together, but the doctors put in a few screws / bolts / whatever that were 'somewhat' longer than needed, so, some of them have been doing (more) damage to me, for far too long.
Haven't these Blokes ever heard of using a measuring device, and / or, the simple concept of picking the right length 'item' to be inserted?
Out of Hospital that night, to spend the week charging around Sydney, celebrating my 66th Birthday.
I think I was quite a sight - a Bear of a Bloke, in a Bastard of a Back Brace, haring about on Crutches!
I think I overdid it all, I'm absolutely buggered at the moment. I had a shedload of fun though!
That's interesting. After my transplant I had swallowing issues. Nerves didn't behave right. They stick this camera up your nose till they can watch what's happening while they have you eat and drink a variety of foods and liquids. Not the most fun experience. After a few times it's not so bad though. Good times, right?
TM
The first time I had the camera through the nose and into my throat I said F this. I would rather have the cancer. Buy yeah, you get used to it. Having a big nose helps.
I had the same problem. It gets better over time, but it’s not 100%. Pills get stuck in my throat and I have to eat a piece of bread or something to push them down. Sometimes when I’m drinking or eating, I will start coughing like something went down the wrong pipe.
After a few years it definitely got better!
TM
My brother in law has bladder cancer, you know where they stick that camera?
TM
In August 2022 I had 3 procedures on my lower back. S5-L1, same disc issue. First was cortisone injection which I knew would not work. Second was an laminectomy that was too conservative, so a third procedure followed a couple of days later. The lingering effect of 3 general anesthesias was challenging for a few days but I can now stand in one place for around 30 minutes where before my back would start burning after 5.
Lesson learned: if you have access to the best medical care, use it. Don’t press the “easy” button. Had I relied on the local surgeons my long term health would have been vastly different.
Transplant? You mean the Honda adventure bike? Or am I thinking something different?
I don’t like that word. Transplant. Sounds arduous.
Pit Row
How are you doing now as far as mobility? I fractured the base of my skull and my C1 cycling, and am hopeful but unsure if they’ll have to fuse them. I’ll know for sure on the 12th when they take fresh x-rays.
No, not adventure bike. Although I wish that could be the case. Stem Cell Transplant.
TM
Mobility is restricted somewhat. I can only turn my head so much. I have to turn my body a little bit if I’m at a stop sign and need to see oncoming traffic to the right or left. Looking up is restricted somewhat also. Your situation may be completely different depending on location and what procedure is performed. The spine is so complicated. Your surgeon should be able to give you a good idea.
My wife hates that damn plate she got @ C3/C4, makes it hard for her to swallow also.
What necessitated the plate? I’m no radiologist but the bone and discs seem okay. Especially compared to the rice paper separating my vertebrae.
Lol...the disk spacing looks nice because, at least in my case, they removed the damaged disks and packed it full of dead people bone and some sort of growth medium. I had to wear an electric horse collar looking device until the bone putty fused.
I fully admit the surgery completely eliminated my nerve pain but it did come with things I didn't expect or understand beforehand. The swallowing, the range of motion loss, and the fact that the vertebrae above and below the plate now are subject to more stress. I can really feel it if I get too rambunctious.
I likely would have had similar issues. The laminectomy is the domain of neurosurgeons and highly trained orthopedic surgeons. Much less room for error and not viable in all circumstances but much less intrusive than hardware installations.
I wasn't offered anything other than the 3 level fusion. Even with the surprises and limitations I was in constant pain which is now gone.
I understand when I think it was Mickey Mantle that said, "If I'd have known I was gonna live this long...I'd have taken better care of myself".
My left forearm and hand went limp with the disc budge. 4 years later I’m at about 90%. Which I’ll take.
With my lower back I crabwalked everywhere. Sitting was okay; standing was merciless. Even before the disc let go I had lower back issues since my late 20’s. The laminectomy eliminated the pain but lifting anything over 40 lbs is off the table. Again, I’ll take it.
Ever since my L4/L5 fusion when taking a short walk in Walmart it felt like my L hip got pissed. I mentioned it at the follow up and they said don't worry about it.
Unfortunately I am finding out now that is a sign of L3 nerve pinch that is very common after L4/L5 surgery and will mean another fusion eventually.
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