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I am contemplating S1-L5 lumbar fusion. Outcomes thoughts

Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 15 10:41am | Replies (47)
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@bebold

Yeah, sorry I wrote that post in terrible pain so i came back and deleted. I'm guessing that being in Germany gives you more options. Pain stuff in the US is SO messed up. Drs just dont show any respect for patients way too often. Esp related to pain. I had a dr want me to.see a pain dr for 4 days of postop pain meds. I mean really, you are supposed to do a rotator cuff on tylenol? Its crazy over here.

I was actually reading today about fusions and skiing. Its much better than I thought! Sorry you read it before I deleted. I shouldn't post in that frame of mind. Best of luck.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | May 27 6:42am

Hi BeBold, and thanks for your comments.

We have to be very selective in choosing Drs and in this case, ortho surgeons. We recently moved and I had to find new Drs. I'm almost 70 and have had two successful knee replacements.

I look for surgeons with good med school and/or residency pedigrees. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are my favorites. Then I look for the surgeon to be in his/her late 30s to late 40s. These Drs are still young, ambitious, and current on surgical/medical practices.

That's how I found my knee surgeon and he then referred me to my spine surgeon and shoulder surgeon. I think all of them are in their mid to late 30s. All of them view surgery as a last resort. And they are skilled so I don't have to worry about pain management. I follow their lead and it has worked.

All the best to those of you looking for answers to your ortho problems. You can find quality help.

Joe

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