Back Issues :: Spinal Cord Stimulator Or Spinal Fusion Surgery?
I had back surgery in March 2013 that left me with mechanical instability, acquired spondylolisthesis and lots of pain.
I have 2 ortho spine surgeons telling me that I need a bi-level spinal fusion surgery to repair the damage, but after the botched first surgery, the thought of another surgery scares me to death. Plus, since surgery is what spine surgeons do, the recommendation seems obvious.
I also started seeing a new pain management doctor (we moved to a new state) and he is suggesting that I consider a spinal cord stimulator trial, with surgical implantation if we find that it helps the pain.
So...I'm left confused. I see the positives and negatives of each, but I'm just not sure if one makes more sense over the other. I think that my spondylolisthesis will worsen over time and could pose a threat of nerve damage, while the spinal cord stimulator is designed to mask pain and does nothing to address the instability.
I'd love to know if anyone else has faced a similar decision...or has thoughts, ideas, comments, suggestions for considering one over the other.
Spinal Cord :: Gabapentin - Loss Of Sensation As A Side Effect
Hi, I have been reading this forum for a very long time. I have been on Gabapentin since October 2011. I injured my neck January 2011. Lost the use of my left arm. Had C6-C7 acdf September 2012, fell 3 weeks later due to ataxia that came on after the surgery. X-ray showed everything in place, Cervical MRI showed C5 disk herniated minimally. For the last couple of months I've been losing sensation feeling in my hands sometimes up to my elbows. It goes to one side and the other or both at the same time. My doctor thinks it's a side effect of Gabapentin and my gut says it's not it. Has anyone heard of this side effect? I have not found this loss of sensation as a side effect in my research.
View 14 RepliesGabapentin - Law - You Can't Drive While Taking It?
I have been recently told that the law has changed regarding Gabapentin and that I should not drive whilst taking it as insurance companies are nullifying policies for those involved in an accident whilst being prescribed Gabapentin.
I'm told Gabapentin has recently been reclassified along with others similar drugs that may cause drowsiness or affect eyesight, Tramadol, and Amitriptyline to name but two.
Can anyone confirm these changes as driving my motorhome around the UK and Europe is the only pleasure I have left.
Taking Gabapentin And Citalopram Together?
Is anyone taking gabapentin and citalopram together cpn is stopping my diazepam 2 mg to put me on gabapentin as she thinks I should still stick to my 30mg of citalopram even tho I'm getting terrible anxiety.
View 2 RepliesMigraine :: Gabapentin - Anyone Else Taking?
I am 20 years old and have suffered with migraines for a few years! I had my worst one a few months back which resulted in me being physically sick a number of times! Anyway I went to my GP as I was worried because my Mum suffered with migraines and she died from a massive stroke when she was only 33, so I was worried, as was my Doctor! So she referred me to a neurologist at Guys Hospital in London and he doesn't seem to think it is related what happened to my Mother but he wants me to have an MRI just to see if anything shows up! Anyway he has put me on Gabapentin as I am diabetic and he didn't know what else to put me on! ...3 a day for a week and then 6 a day for a week and then 9 a day for 6 months! I took my first lot on Saturday and it gave me such a terrible migraine similar to the one I had a few months when I was sick but this time I wasn't physically sick....luckily! I seem to be okay now though!
Anyway, is anyone else taking this?
Gabapentin :: 2 Hours After Taking Antacids?
you state that if taking antacids you should leave at least 2 hrs after taking Gabapentin before taking antacids.
On my Gabapentin leaflet it states that Gabapentin is to to be taken at the earliest two hours after taking an antacid.
Who do I believe? I shall have to consult my chemist?
Spinal Surgery :: Spondylolisthesis Grade 1 L5 S1
I am 40 and have grade 1 l5 s1 spondylolisthesis. When I read forums, all I see is people having to be on painkillers, fusion surgeries that don't work, people who can not work, have children (pregnancy) and so on because of this condition. I am so terrified I will end up in a wheelchair or without a social life. There is so little information about the condition online. Please, please, can someone give me some hope that you can live with this condition, perhaps by doing exercises, yoga, pilates etc? Please tell me I can avoid surgery, have a pregnancy to term without complications from spondy. I feel so alone. I hope all of you are having a good day.
Nerve Pain Around Vulva And Vagina - Taking Gabapentin
I noticed in some other threads that some people have nerve pain and are taking gabapentin. I have nerve pain around my vulva and vaginal opening. I have been given gabapentin. I presume it is some sort of post herpetic neuropathy....
View 2 RepliesGabapentin Causing Chronic Pain - While Taking Or Withdrawal
Any experience with gabapentin causing chronic pain problems when taking or withdrawing? During my taper I developed major issues with sciatica and my hip. I'm also taking forever to heal from a frozen shoulder injury (14 months). I had preexisting issues. My guess is it's from all the couch time necessary to heal. But it feels like it shouldn't be this bad. I'm only 29
View 3 RepliesSpinal Surgery :: 2nd Radiofreq. Ablation Did Not Work
I had two RFA procedures done in 2014. This was after 3 sets of epidural spinal injections done over a year's time throughout 2013. The first RFA worked so well I was nearly pain free for 9 months. I was overjoyed to feel normal again. I have bulging discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1, causing radiculopathy and sciatica. Having had such amazing relief from the 1st RFA, when the pain started to return, I had the 2nd RFA. During the procedure, the doc had a problem at the bottom two burning sites and the pain was so bad I screamed for him to stop. He did... briefly.. but asked me to "hang on" for the 90 seconds and it would be done.
I never got relief from this second procedure...not even for one day. Fast forward to Dec 2015 and the pain is worse than ever. And I just read today that a complication of RFA is "permanent nerve pain", I was never told about this complication! I'm permanently disabled now, on SSDI and walk with a cane. Even after researching for 2 yrs. online, I just found out about this complication TODAY. Very upset. Anyone else have complications from RFA? I feel very alone in this.
Spinal Surgery :: Fractured Facet Joint
8 months after my L1 compression fracture, another doctor (fired the first one) found out that one of the T12 facet joints is fractured (broken off in 2 pieces). I should have been operated on after the fall, but it's too late now.
Could someone tell me what this could cause (what kind of pain)? I have local pain, and severe pain in the iliac area, after being active for a while, or after sitting for a while.
I can sleep at night, but after 5-6hrs, I wake up because of the pain, can't continue to lay down. Very painful.
also, I still can't lay down on my back on a hard surface.
I'm scheduled for a nerve ablation T12-L1, both sides this Friday and Monday. I'm scared because of all what I read...
Spinal Surgery :: Foot Nerve Pain
After a L5-S1 in October, I am left with residual left foot and partial leg nerve pain. In addition to numbness, my leg aches. My MRI looks clean, but neurosurgeon referred me to neurologist for possible nerve root injections. He also suspects the it may be radial sympathetic nerve issue. If nothing else, he's willing to take hardware out to see if that helps. I keep falling with my left foot so "numb," so I am frustrated. Is the device that scrambles pain. (can't think of it now) good for nerve pain? (Pain extends to my left lower back.) Has anyone had nerve blocks for nerve pain? I wouldn't have had surgery if I had known my mobility would have been compromised so much.
View 4 RepliesSpinal Surgery :: Nerve Pain In The Foot
Lisa here...Before my S1-L5 fusion, I had some foot pain caused by waiting two weeks to have a laminectomy/discectomy in my L 4 and 5 discs after a herniation (5 years ago). After my fusion - about 7 weeks ago - I have had terrible burning pain, sensations that feel like I am being bitten on a toe or have tape in between my toes. At night the pain is worse. Walking intensifies the pain and weakens my ankle and leg. I can't wear any of my shoes. Does anyone have any experience with this? I've called my neurosurgeon and he wants an x-ray. Suggestions? Comments?
View 9 RepliesSpinal Surgery :: Post Lumbar Laminectomy
I am a 50 year old female who had lumbar laminectomy at L3/4 eight weeks ago for lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. The surgeon also performed a dynamic stabilisation at this level. As I understand it, this involves the insertion of a flexible and rod and screws, similar to fusion but allowing more flexion at this level while at the same time preventing the vertebra from slipping. Prior to surgery, I was unable to walk or stand for more than 5 - 10 minutes without becoming uncomfortable because of weakness in my legs and a tight cramping sensation in my buttocks. Surgery has relieved me of these symptoms, but I now have aching in my lower back, groins and hips when standing or walking for more than 5 - 10 minutes. I wasn't given any physio follow-up after discharge from hospital, but have had a couple of sessions with a private physiotherapist. She seems to think that these pains are due to the ligaments and muscles having to stretch as my spine as been realigned and my pelvis is now tilted forwards instead of backwards as it was before. Has anyone else experienced similar pains and if so, how long did it take for them to resolve? I am also very stiff first thing in the morning and when getting up from a sitting position. I do not have any pain when sitting or lying down.
View 43 RepliesLaminectomy :: Pain On The Feet And Calves Go Away After Spinal Surgery?
Does nerve pain on the feet and calves go away after spinal surgery? I've been suffering from burning nerve pain since my back surgery. I had a laminectomy and fusion at t22 l1.
What can I do to help. Other imaging?
Spinal Surgery :: Deciding To Have PCDF And ACDF Surgeries
In 2009, I was diagnosed with Thoracic Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, and Fibromyalgia - and in November 2015 diagnosed with Cervical Radiculopathy. As you see, I have dealt with chronic pain for a long time, and I am tired of it – it’s exhausting and limits my day to day activities.
Anyway based on my MRI results and my physical symptoms - the surgeon diagnosed me with Cervical Radiculopathy and *suggested* a Posterior Cervical Decompression (PCDF) as well as an Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion, ( ACDF). No pressure … he told me to just think it over and referred me to Physical Therapy.
Since the diagnosis, I am doing a ton of research and educating myself about my condition and the surgery.
Last week I asked my physical therapist what she thought of the surgery and she said, “I had time to have the surgery later”. (I’m 63 and not clear about what “later” even means This week my primary care doctor said outright, that I do not want this surgery because it may not relieve the numbness and pain, and does nothing for the arthritis in my neck, and there will be issues with scar tissue and that my condition is not that bad – yet. He suggested I get a second opinion. I agreed to get a second opinion.
Cervical Radiculopathy Timeline
January 2015 I developed a pinch nerve in the left side of my neck along with the slow progression of excruciating numbness and/or pain in my arm, fingers and thigh. In June 2015, my primary care doctor diagnosed me with pinch nerve and referred me to PT along with the suggestion that I get a back massage. I had tried PT before for my osteoarthritis and hated it. So, I decided to try yoga instead.
Through yoga, I relieved most of the thigh and neck pain and increased my range of motion. However, the numbness and pain in my fingers and in my arm became worse - along with the loss of grip strength. I informed my primary care Dr. in Oct of 2015, he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon, who of course ordered an MRI.
As I said, based on the test results, the surgeon suggested surgery but wanted me to first try physical therapy, this time I went. I started twice weekly therapy sessions in November 2015 and so far it’s effective. After 6 weeks of passive exercises, my arm pain had diminished significantly and the numbness decreased to a ‘low buzz’.
Because I was progressing so well - the week of Christmas 2015 the therapist changed to more aggressive exercises (10 mins on the treadmill, resistance bands, etc) I felt ok while there. However, by the time I returned home after the session the pain in my neck and back was out of control. I had learned many PT pain intervention techniques and I tried them all but the pain escalated. Numbness increased significantly in my thumb. In addition to that I now not only have pain on the left side of my neck but also the right - along with a considerable decrease in my range of motion on both sides of my neck. My grip strength decreased almost immediately and I am dropping things again. Thought it best to cancel my next appointment, ha-ha! Although I feel better, today I am still in pain - most movements makes it worse. At this point, I’m confused and not sure what to do next. My next PT appointment is on Jan 5th and I see the surgeon on Jan 19 to inform him of my decision.
My questions.
1. Without ongoing physical therapy –(i.e. the rest of my life) will the symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy return? (Anyone have experience with this?)
2. With degenerative disc disease, overtime, will my disc continue to lose height and stack on top of one another causing even more pain? (So far because of this I’ve lost 2” in height.)
3. From the point of being diagnosed with Cervical Radiculopathy what is the longest time anyone has waited in deciding to have the surgery or not to have surgery?
4. Why would waiting for the symptoms to get worse be beneficial to obtaining a positive outcome or to justify the surgery?
5. Finally, why are some medical professionals against having this surgery? Has anyone experienced being discouraged from having the procedure and how did it influence your decision to have or not have the surgery?
I thoroughly understand this is a major surgery with a very rough and long recovery period. To be honest at age 63 – I am more worried about recovering from the anesthesia and if my body can withstand the actual length of the surgery, and those factors are certainly not going to get better as I age.
I also understand that I need to rely on the medical professionals’ opinions however, I have been ‘burnt’ in the past with so-called medical opinions. That is why I am seeking experiences related to this from ‘normal’ folks ---I need a different perspective from people who have dealt with this process.
Spinal Surgery :: MRI - Mild Reversal Of The Cervical Lordosis
can anyone help me understand the medical terminology used in my spine MRI report?
there is mild reversal of the cervical lordosis. at c 3-4 there is small right paracentral disc bulge mildly indenting the thecal sac. the cervical cord appears normal in caliber with no evidence of compression. normal caliber thoracic cord. conus medullaris terminates at the mid L1 level. there are single small T2 hyperintense foci within T1 and T12 vertebral bodies, which are inconspicuous on T1 weighted imaging, isointense to vertebral marrow, consistent with small hemangioma.
at SI joints, there is minor subchondral sclerosis evident on the sacral side, with low grade subchondral bone marrow edema evident anteriorly.
Spinal Surgery :: Solid Rod From Top Of Spine And To Pelvic Bone
I would like to hear from someone who has had one solid rod from top of spine and pelvis where it is attached to pelvic bone...I would like to know how it affects them and what their quality of life is like...I'm not sure if I should have this second surgery or just stay on my crutches for rest of my life...
View 1 RepliesSpinal Surgery :: Nerver Root Injection After Dynesys
I had dynesys done from S1 to L4 back in 2011. A year or so later a screw removal was done to the right side. The original problem was because L5 disc had collapsed. New MRI has shown the L5 and L4 both degenerated and L5 disc is bulging to the right side which is causing alot of pain around to the right hip. In the last 4 weeks u have had a couple of scares and immense pain I am due to see consultant on 23Rd May I think I am gonna possibly just gonna be fobbed off with a nerve root injection I am worried it's not gonna work any advice please does anyone think that this would be the right course of action for me to take??
View 3 Replies