Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Streater

The Sniper

jlmarta

My child bride recently had an intrathecal morphine pump implanted in her abdomen to deal with chronic back pain. We opted for this because the reports we've heard regarding spinal surgery and/or fusion didn't sound good to us at all. The intrathecal pump was suggested by her Dr. at the pain managent clinic when all of the other options recommended and tried didn't work. The pump gives her little micro-doses of morphine directly into the spinal cord on a computer-controlled time schedule and allows her, with the use of a small remote, to give herself little extra boosts of the morphine should the pain increase. You may want to look into this instead of surgery. It may not be for everyone but it's worth researching. Hope this of some help to ya, Bro.....

The Sniper

jlmarta

I don't know if they have 'smarts' pumps available yet.... Yuk, yuk.

Roberto99

The Sniper

camgfs

jlmarta

mmccartneydc

Well this thread is very close to home for me. I used to be in medical sales and specialized in spine hardware( ie fusions). I am now a chiropractor and help patients avoid surgery. Without lots of texts, I would be happy to field phone calls from any of you. I am definitely not anti-surgery as I currently work with two orthopedic surgeons that perform spine surgery. In our clinic, we try to treat conservatively first and progress to more invasive means of treatments. Feel free to pm me for my phone number and I'll be happy to answer any questions. Back pain is at epidemic proportions so hopefully I can help!

camgfs

Streater

mmccartneydc

Agreed totally! There is also a procedure called Neurostimulation Therapy, where they implant a "neurostimulator" on the spinal cord that blocks pain and can be removed if need be with no permanent effects/damage!

KCW

RBeckom

I also feel your pain. Most of my Lumbar Vertebrae have deteriorated till there's not much left. My disks are all shot. When I was first diagnosed in 1993, I was told I had A fifty fifty chance of walking after surgery. Needless to say I didn't have the surgery. I still manage to hobble around A bit but the pain is unbearable at times. Now with the meds I can at the very least enjoy life somewhat. Hang in there, it's A ruff ride but the way I look at life is this, I ain't dead yet.

Gaetano7890

I have not had any of thses back issues but my father in law has. About ten years ago he had a spinal fusion surgery preformed and from what everyone tells me it has really helped him out alot. About two weeks ago he had it done again. All the parts were taken out and replaced and all scar tissue was removed. He is sore now but is walking around a little, he met us for icecream last night. He was in a car accident 15-18 years ago and I think this surgery was preventtive for later in life since he has jsut turned 50. I can let you know any additional info if needed and or his progress PM if yo have any additional questions.

laker1963

Streater

Direwolf

Dude you take all the time they tell you too.. Don't push it and rehab that back right.

jlmarta

I'll hold good thoughts for you for a successful outcome to this surgery. I sure don't envy anyone having to survive on painkillers. Best of luck, my friend.

laker1963

Good luck. Hope all goes well. Mine has been succesful and I am glad I finally got it done. I hope yours works out as well, and you can be feeling better without the constant pain. The constant pain is what messes with your head.

Roberto99

Yeah, best wishes Streater! Those pain meds suck the life out of a person. Hope you will be pain free after it's all over.

Streater

jgibv

laker1963

scarlin

Streater

Bigshizza

Excellent news!! I had a diskectomy 2 weeks ago and have had pain for 2 plus years. It's a lot better now I tell you. There's a difference in nerve pain vs. muscle/incision pain. I can at least walk better and working muscles that hadnt been used. Good luck!!