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After trying some other methods of relief (to no avail) it looks like I'll be heading to the hospital to get "fused" in a couple of weeks. Anybody else out there have this problem - and what did you do about it?
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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have you seen the new YESS proceedure? they showed it on WPMI-TV mobile, al. this one is an outpatient proceeduer. they just go into the blowed out disc with a needle and draw out the insides, which takes the pressure of the nerves. http://www.wpmi.com/experts/story/orthopedics/story.aspx?content_id=FBA7E10B-0985-4178-8C2F-3F9F16CB06E5 you aint that far from mobile, al. i would check this out and tell youre doctor to see if youre able to get this instead of the full cuttin.
[ March 19, 2006, 03:15 AM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sonny, oh hell ya, I didn't have anything to say earlier, but w/OP bringn' in some info, I'd suggest anything to avoid surgery. I have a friend that went thru that fuzing procedure, he could be poster boy for what can go wrong, at this time he's fightn' OC addiction, because of constant pain he's in...with possible side effects such as that, I'd check into anything I heard about to circumvent doing surgery...my 2 cents... Good luck, this problem isn't one to ignore or treat lightly...spend alittle more time researching, for what little I know of it, anythings better than surgery...most doctors are only concerned w/dollars involved anyway...
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
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oh yes i got it also sonny! i have been living with this for about 11 years now and at times it sucks. i stretch everyday:
lie on floor stomach down and push up but keeping pelvis on floor.
hang upside down in this contraption at the gym and hold a 25# weight to strecth spine out.
lay on back cross legs and pull knee towards my hear strecthes it out also...and of course alternate
and i see chiropractor.....i have known a couple of peole that have had surgery and they wanna die now. they said it was great right after but a couple years down the road it comes back and there is no releif this time.
i hope i can keep mine under control until they do come up with a damn good solution, i read about it every now and then and i see nothing new.
i feel your pain
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
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I know folks that have gone both ways....some feel great and function joyiusly and others struggle and repete the surgery. Pain is a drag, and drugs to cover it is probably worse.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6714 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sonny, I fell off of a roof 30 years ago and have suffered with varying amounts of back pain ever since. My xrays and mri's have never shown conclusively what is wrong, so I have avoided any kind of surgery.
I'd get a second opinion, if you haven't already done so, and make sure you really need surgery. Like Rick, I've known people who were really helped by back surgery and some who weren't.
I've had some good results recently with Pro Adjuster chiro treatments. I know what a drag constant pain can be, so I hope you find some relief.
-------------------- Eric Barker Rosewood Design LaGrande,Oregon Posts: 107 | From: La Grande, OR | Registered: May 2002
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I swear by collidial minerals and gelatin. There is a man at our church that has suffered with this problems for a while. I explained what collidial minerals are to his wife, why they work, and what gelatin does. She got him on it and he is back working and coming to church and says that he feels great.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Laura....are you talking about Jell-O therepy? If so, I'm in.
Seriously...explain....I've got some back pain, and if it helps, I'll give it a try.
Went to an Osteo-doctor that does some manipulation...he cracked me up and I felt great for about 5 or 6 weeks...then the pain returned...plus now my neck's hurting.
I think these chiropractors and Doc's that manipulate can cause more damage than good too. In fact, Consumer's Reports did an investigative artical in their Consumer Health section on Chiropractors once...and in general, they say they can help certain injuries.... but cannot heal all kinds of afflictions like most claim....and that there can be a price paid:
Neck adjustments can cause permanent facial paralysis, and does account for few - but it does happen - deaths per year.
I'd like to dig that article back up...it was interesting.
Sonny - - Get more than a second opinion....get a third - talk to people who had the operation done, evaluate the alternatives. But above all, like everyone says - make a very cautious, researched decision that makes the most sense to you in relation to the pain you currently have....and I sincerely hope that all works out great for you.
I'll keep you in my prayers for relief.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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I buy gelatin by the lbs. In fact I have 15 lbs at home right now. Gelatin is full of Chrondrotin Sulfate. This stuff goes in and lubricates the joints. It doesn't fix arthritis or heriated disk or anything like that. Thats what the collidial minerals are for.
I tore my shoulder in a horse accident and had to have 4 cortisone shots over a period of 2 years for the pain. I went on the collodial minerals and gelatin and haven't had to have another since. And that was 6 years ago. I don't stay on the gelatin but whenever my should starts hurting a little I go right back on and in less than 3 days I can tell a difference.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Pain for a lot of people is a state of mind and some handle it better than others. I've learned to live with my pain and after years I've gotten use to it.
I broke my back twelve years ago in a wind tunnel accident and elected to not mess with it. I can feel it when it gets really cold or if I sit in a car for an extended length of time. There comes a point where the pain is there but your mind blocks it out.
I'm not saying you should not try and fix it but I would go under the knife as a last resort. I've known many who came out worse after surgery.
Two years ago when my leg was crushed they put it back together but it still pains me and I've come to the conclusion it will bother me the rest of my life. Oh well. I think all those root canals without any anesthesia must have taught me how to deal with pain
Whatever you decide I hope the results are good for you.
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
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the thing i posted is the LEAST INVASIVE thing ive seen in long time...i also have trashed back from S-1 TO L-5 all discs are blowed out....if i could i would do this YESS proceedure ONLY. my dad was one of the 1st disc removal suguries after WW 2. he had 2 discs removed...they let him lay in one of those rotisery beds for 6 months....after the surgury then sent him home. vertabrate fusion didnt happen till mid 50's. he hada freind of his he was in the hosptial with go get the fusion....and after it the guy couldnt bend over!!! so my dad never had the fusion. so i know back problems. with my own for the last 35 years. been to back cracker, done all the exircises.....now thanks to LORIATABS...i get a good nites sleep....when i take 1/2 a tab.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sonny, I am doing signs now because I had neck surgery 03-19-99, exactly 7 years ago today. My pain is worst than it was before surgery. I thought I had tried everything and the surgeon told me I was and am lucky to be walking. I know how trying living with pain can be. Now I am on patches and pain medicine by mouth. At least, I can get out and about now. After the surgery, for 2 years I didn't. With the help of the pain meds, accupuncture, back adjustments, and massage therapy, I am doing pretty good. I would find a GOOD massage therapist and other alternative medicine specialist and wait at least 3 months longer before you have surgery. If you go to a surgeon he is going to reccomend surgery becasue that is how he knows how to fix things.
Sonny, this is just my 2 cents worth but, PLEASE Sonny wait 3 months and try massage therapy, back adjustments, and accupuncture. I don't think you will be sorry. 80% of all back surgeries end in failure within 2 years. They might help at 1st but after a while the patient ends up in worsr shape.
I hate anyone has back problems because it is not fun.
-------------------- Cynthia Pack 246 Diamondview Loop Galax, Va. 24333 Posts: 659 | From: Galax, Virginia USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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After stupid lifting... herniated disc, after chiropractor," 3 sessions, it's beyond him", many months, see surgeon, "i can fix it now, or you can let it heal... let it heal. 2 years later, SAME STUPID lifting(all of this is not work related, actually, having fun in the woods,) so... time passes, surgeon" well, it's operate now or you're a cripple" (i've been rolling around my shop on a wheeled stool in the afternoons, can't walk)
Operate, 1993, been good ever since, small screwup....carried bid tables in the summer, b ack to the siilar pain of '92 '93, crappy time for 2-3 months, healed.
the operation, as surgeon detailed it, was " i just carved off the prodtuding material, just like abalone,... it was intruding on 2 nerves" Yes, and it was hurting beyond.... walking tilted over like a falling statue.
Be careful how you lift.
John
btw, it WAS NOT FUSING, my Dad wrecked his back with a jackhammmer, talked to "fusing" patients" lifelong aspirin and pain" (this was in thge early '60's
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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Sonny, I found this info on Cervical Endoscopic Discectomy which is an outpatient surgical procedure. Cervical Endoscopic Discectomy There is a video and slide show describing this procedure on this website as well. Seems to be a shorter recovery time. Wishing you a quick and complete recovery! Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Good luck, Sonny. I would suggest trying the accupuncture and massage therapy along with some proper physical therapy to strenghten the muscles around that hold the lower back in place. I herniated a disc back in 74 from lifting (9) 90 lbs cans of sandbased paint(2 45lbs in each box, 9 of them, at a wrong angle onto a skid. I had to be on my back with ice packs and pills with a little 2 year old to take care of somehow. Along with that, I had pulled middle back muscles and had pain for 5 years until I got smart and learned about osteopathic medicine (doctor degreed, does adjustments). He had to give me vitamin b-12 injections with muscle relaxers before I would loosen up to have an adjustment. But, they worked. Still to this day, I have always remembered the advice of my mother who was a great nurse warn me never to have back surgery, ever. Today's medicine has come a long way, though. It sounds as though this injection may be a low-risk type of procedure, and I would maybe try that if none of the natural things worked. Please be wary of surgery, even though it may work in some cases, alternatives are worth trying first. Now, I am debating about rotator cuff surgery, since my healing with PT and low level ionic freeze therapy may not be working, but, it's really driving me nuts to not be able to decide and wait it out.
[ March 20, 2006, 12:38 AM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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The male nurse that slid me off the plank into the hospital bed diagnosed me as an L4-5 fusion. Remedial abdominal corset exercise has worked for me so far, as suggested by the 3 physios I saw. I'm an amateur amongst the long term sufferers but disk touble is debilitating and I hope whichever course you take gives you long term relief. David
-------------------- David Fisher D.A. & P.M. Fisher Services Brisbane Australia da_pmf@yahoo.com Trying out a new tag: "Parents are the bones on which children cut their teeth Peter Ustinov Posts: 1450 | From: Brisbane Queensland Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sonny, Not to add to the cunfusion that you must be getting from all of these replies, but I've had 2 family members in somewhat similar situations.
My oldest brother (45 at the time) herniated 2 adjoining discs due to sports injury. Landed in the hospital, extreme pain, couln't move. The doctor suggested surgery and with his explanation, said the about 60% was "successful".
When my brother asked what that meant, he said 60% are better after surgery and 40% were the same or worse! My brother elected to try traction, physical therapy, and chiropractor. He's now 57 and plays golf 3 days aweek with virtually no back pain.
The other case is my daughter. She had alot of medical issues as an infant and one of them was scoliosis.
When she turned 12, her spine curve went from about 20 degrees to 60 degrees over a period of 3 months.
She had 13 vertibrae fused, 2 titanium bars and 20 screws put in her back. She was in the hospital for a week, never had PT, and was playing High School volley ball 6 months later. I'ts been 7 years since the surgery, and it does not interfere with any activity at all.
If you decide to have the surgery, get other opinions and find the BEST doctors. Make SURE that they are at the top of their field.
My daughter went to Columbia Pres.Children's Hospital in NYC.
Good Luck and I wish you a speedy recovery.
-------------------- Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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Thanks for the replies. According to my doctor, this type of operation has come a long way in only the last few years. They go in thru the front of your neck (I have the cervical herniated discs) and you leave the hospital the next day with a band-aid. The recovery time is 10 days that I can't lift anything, then 5 weeks and I should be good as new.
No bones are taken from your hip, and no neck brace, as in the past. The main reason I'm anxious to get it done is because I'm beginning to lose the nerves in my left arm, and apparently, chiropractic and steroids don't seem to restore them.
Since I've grown rather fond of my left arm over the years, I figured I better go ahead and fix this. Has anyone had this type of surgery RECENTLY?
Thanks again for your responses.
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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