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Spine fusion for leg pain
I visited a neurosurgeon in February 2023 to consult him about my right side radiculopathy. He wanted to schedule spinal fusion. H/o a bone fragment removed from L5-S1 15 years ago. Had discomfort in my right hip/leg for years after that sx but nothing debilitating. Started having difficulty sleeping five years ago. Taken gabapentin since September 2022 stopped gabapentin (big mistake I would soon realize). I was having terrible GERD symptoms and was trying to alleviate anything in my stomach that may be causing irritation. At the same time became much busier at work. I’m an RN. Census doubled I was on my feet for hours. My pain was so intense I had to be off on leave. Fast forward past PT, one spinal injection. Referred to neuro. He was callous and made the procedure sound gruesome so I hesitated. Big deal to me having spinal fusion. I waited until yesterday to go back and tell him I was ready to get rid of the constant pain and have the procedure. He said I waited too long. Only small chance that it would help me now. He was still very abrupt and I was so disappointed. I certainly don’t want surgery but I was under the impression I needed it to get better. He even told me at the initial visit to have it at 58 y/o was better than 68. I’m still reeling from his complete turn around. Acted as if he’s pissed because I waited six months. Help me!
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As someone who loves to draw, I think your story is so awesome! Your painting is beautiful, and I can imagine how excited you must have been as you made it! I made a celebratory drawing after my surgery, too, and I wasn't even in danger of losing my ability to do art. To say goodbye to that and then get it back... wow, I'm so happy for you.
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1 ReactionThank you! Good to hear you’re well and able to play golf. You have had many more surgeries than I ever hope to have.
@geekygirl9 Thank you. I'm glad you love to draw too! Isn't that wonderful?
It was very emotional for me painting my surgeon after he fixed my spine and I did cry some while I was painting. At that time, I was 11 months post op and getting this done so I could show it to him at my one year follow up appointment. At the time, I could paint for about 2-3 hours max, and then I had to lay down and sleep for a few hours and then try to paint another session for a few hours. It takes a lot of time to rebuild muscle and I had lost muscle in my shoulders because of the spinal cord compression, so I fatigued a lot.
The unveiling was fun too. I hid it behind the curtain in the dressing area of the exam room until we had finished the medical part of the appointment. His nurse had scheduled some extra time for this. You can see some pictures from the unveiling in this discussion "Art for Healing". This Art for Healing discussion is all about how art helps patients reduce stress and be a healing environment. I was using my own artwork for that purpose and for my benefit. If you wish to post some of your drawings or creative works, you may do that in the Art for Healing discussion.
Just Want to Talk - Art for Healing
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/221703/
I also recorded video of myself painting the portrait and you can see that in the link that I will share here. Healing isn't just the physical part. It's also the emotional part of having faced something difficult and finding out that you can call on your inner strength when you need to do that. You don't really know what you've got inside until it is tested.
"A Gift for my Surgeon"
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Hello @gently. You will notice that I have edited the post I am replying to in order to remove the part where you stated that artificial discs have a better success rate than fusions. I did so because the recommendation of which option a neurosurgeon may present to someone should be highly personalized and based on each patient's circumstances with regard to which option will have a better success rate for that person specifically. It is important for patients to seek a personalized evaluation to know what option looks to be the best.
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3 ReactionsAbsolutely get a second and third opinion. There are doctors out there that will explain things to you and not berate you. You deserve that. Spine problems and potential fusion surgery is not to be taken lightly. Put that doctor and the rear view mirror and start over!
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1 Reaction@geekygirl9 I am scheduled for spinal fusion with Dr McClendon in a few weeks and already feel the same way about him as you described! I tried to message you but can’t seem to find that option.
How many vertebrae were in your fusion?
@amandajro
I'm only seeing this a year plus later, but I'm happy to have my posts deleted. I often feel that in replying to one person specifically there may be misinterpretation by another. I'd like all of my old posts removed.
If I recall correctly this poster was considering cervical disc fusion. Success rates in for cervical TDR are the best of all segments meaning Lumbar or Thoracic.
While I disagree with your premise, because a single person's success or failure cannot give you a "rate." I'm fine with a deletion of the post. My suggestion that this particular cervical patient consider TDR is not intended to and could not effect a substitute personalized evaluation.