Spinal Fusion
My surgeon has recommended Spinal Fusion. I'm currently taking envinity and have 5 more shots to go. The surgery would take place around April.
For some of you that have gone through this , please let me know how it went.
Thank You for any comments, Joe
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
@gborzewski This discussion has members discussing ablation (burning nerves). Hopefully you'll find some information here useful.
Bones Muscles points- "Ablation in the Back"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ablation-in-the-back/
I live in Freeport, Illinois, 20 miles from Monroe, Wisc. I been wishing that you all would have a clinic close by. All the medical places around here just experiment with me. I'm 70 years old. All my Vitals are perfect, I'm 5'7 260 lbs. but my lower back pain and right leg pain is crazy. My hearing went to crap, went to Monroe clinic doctor and never helped me. I need my cataracts fix'd but don't trust anyone here. I need help. I'm a poor guy that wants to live. I don't trust anyone down here. I need help. Please someone help me. Please. Gregory Borzewski
@gborzewski Gregory, I have heard there are some good spine surgeons in Madison at the University of Wisconsin. There are also good doctors at Froedert in the Milwaukee area. Would those be close enough to you? I do know the Freeport area. What medical specialty are you looking for?
That is called abrasion. You might as well give it a try I had it done for severe stenosis and it didn't do anything but everyone's spine is different. I happen to have severe scoliosis and stenosis and I finally had a decompression surgery that helped somewhat but now I'm having some of my old symptoms recur which are twitching of my legs and if I walk more than 10 minutes I'll be up all night with twitching legs. I know that's not necessarily a great recommendation or ablation but like I said everyone's fine is different so it might work for you I would just try it it won't hurt you.
I had my fusion L4-S1 in 1990 with stainless steel plates and screws. I’ve never had a day of pain free existence since then. I’ve taken over the years almost all the oral pain meds and switched to buprenorphine patch 20mcg/x7 days. It is the first med that has given me functional relief daily. I also have spinal OA, PN, spinal stenosis but I exercise twice a day and walk 2 miles daily. Now that I’m retired my time is spent taking care of my back as my sole job.
Hi Greg, Sounds like you have a lot going on. I am sorry, as you are obviously in a great deal of pain.
For myself, I know, chronic pain can create overwhelming emotions and frustration. Some days more than others.
While I do not know any medical facilities in your area, I know many, very good doctors in the Washington DC area take medicare. Both my back surgeon and my eye surgeon take Medicare.
I just did a google search to research my eye surgeon before setting up an appointment for my cataract surgery. ( I am excited to not have to contend with glasses and contacts) I was happy and comforted to find my eye surgeon has many success stories that people have shared online.
Also, there are many sites that rate doctors and provide information to help you search out the right doctor for you. Maybe someone on this site can refer you to reputable sites for this type of information.
Taking the steps to take care of yourself is empowering. I wish you good luck and peace in this process.
Tamra
Please know you are not alone in your struggle to find good health and relieve your pain!
Thank You for the comments, lots to think about on my end.
My insurance and the Doctor and Hospital that i go to, no longer take my insurance.
Need to find one that does. Joe
@gborzewski @sassytwo Some members here have recommended https://www.castleconnolly.com/ for listings of good surgeons. I also look for their published medical papers to see if they are leading in their field.
Thank you. Do Mayo also have doctors that do Ear hearing.? I been going to an ear doctor from Monroe health center in Monroe Hospital. He's not trying to help me, He has every excuse in the on why my hearing is going away. I told Humana about it & they said to find another doctor, but there's none around Freeport, IL. Can someone help me.? I want to hear again. These hearing aids they gave to me are junk. Plus I'm paying a $1.000 for junk. Please someone help me. Thank you, Gregory Borzewski
@gborzewski I don't have experience with hearing loss, but here is a Mayo page about their audiology center. https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/audiology/sections/overview/ovc-20429056
You may also be able to connect with some knowledgeable members in the Hearing Loss Group.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/hearing-loss/